15 Double Strollers Benefits Everybody Must Be Able To
Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is a good investment when you have two kids with similar age. These compact tandem strollers or flexible side-by-side buggies let you keep your eyes on both kids at the same time taking on the grocery store or the parks, and whatever else life throws at you.
Comfort
Comfort is a major factor to take into consideration when buying a double-stroller. This could include the seating arrangement and overall size, which can have an impact on the ease of use and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child expert in child development from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, says parents should be aware of the stroller's weight and folded dimensions. "They should also look at the seat recline options and age ranges to ensure a perfect fit for their family."
A quality double stroller should be sturdy enough to traverse all surfaces without difficulty, from suburban sidewalks to park trails, and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should also have flexible seating arrangements for children of varying age and comfort features such as windows that peek out and adjustable canopy to shield children from rain or sun.
For a majority of families, a double stroller is likely to be used from birth until the teen years, so it's essential to think about the seating options. "There are two main categories: in-line with one seat behind the other, and side by side with seats adjacent to each other," Billingsley explains. Some parents prefer the inline option because of its sleek appearance and its versatility. Others prefer the wagon style double stroller to make the most space for grocery or bulky items.
tandem double stroller may offer different recline options--with one seat almost flat while the other one remains upright, this kind of difference is more prevalent in models that are in-line. Billingsley suggests choosing a model that has a nearly flat recline as well as leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children lay down comfortably.
In the end, she suggests choosing a stroller that includes storage compartments that will allow parents to quickly access snacks, toys and personal belongings while on the go. She suggests that it's useful to find a stroller that has an organizer or parent console bag that can be attached to the handlebars. This will help keep things within reach.
Many of the top-rated double strollers can be expanded giving parents the ability to alter the configuration according to their family's requirements. The Mockingbird Expandable, for instance, is a highly rated double stroller which can be used from birth using a single seat, then transformed into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) when the child is older.
Safety
Double strollers need to be able to handle the weight of both the passengers as well as any additional cargo. Strollers must also be simple to push and maneuver, especially in tight areas and over challenging terrain. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height to ensure that parents maintain a good form when pushing them. A harness that does not need to be rethread which makes the adjustment of seat belts more quickly and easily to do, is a nice feature to look for. Safety features include a durable brake system and wheels that can glide across any surface.
Some parents choose a side-by-side design that allows both children to see each other on family outings. This arrangement can help prevent sibling squabbles over who gets to sit in which spot however, it's not 100% secure. If the seats are positioned at different levels, one child might be able to kick or punch the other on walks.
A tandem-style stroller is a great option for parents with twins or siblings who are close in age. It lets them see both children at once. Double strollers can be wider, and may not be able to fit through some interior doors. Consider a single-to double stroller that can be converted from a single to a double in a variety ways. The most popular models are the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you decide to purchase a side-by-side or tandem stroller, make sure the product is JPMA-certified to meet strict safety standards. Be sure to check the maximum weight limits for each seat, since over-weighting could lead to frame fatigue or other issues.
While it's easy to concentrate on the many bells and whistles that come with the latest stroller, it's important to keep in mind that a stroller is essentially a baby carrier that is used for extended periods of time. It should be comfortable for both the passengers as well as easy to clean and maintain, and in the ideal case it should have an intuitive, familiar design that the person pushing it is able to effortlessly move it around without having to think twice about how to move forward or turn left or right, or apply the brakes.
User-Friendliness
A double stroller should be easy to maneuver on various types of terrains for families constantly on the move. Features like adjustable canopy systems, peek-aboo windows and dependable brake systems are crucial to ensure the safety of your children however, there are other elements that affect stroller ease of use. A stroller should be small enough to fit into the trunk of your car yet have plenty of storage space for groceries and other items. It is also essential to include thoughtful details, such as the cup holder for one parent, consoles for parents and an eating tray. These will help make traveling with two children significantly easier.
In our tests, we assessed each stroller based on its ability to perform on different terrains and its ability to maneuver through tight spaces. We also looked at how simple it was to fold the stroller and then unfold it as well as if a particular feature enhanced the overall functionality. For example a stroller that has a harness that does not rethread makes the adjustment of the seat belts easy and quick. This can be a huge selling point for parents on the go because it cuts down on time and removes the need to re-thread the harness.
The UPPAbaby v2 Double scored well in this test because it had a wide variety of seating configurations and additional accessories to accommodate expanding families. The wagon-style double stroller expands to provide two seats as well as a bassinet or a toddler riding board that is perfect for active families planning long days on the go with multiple kids of varying age. It also glides smoothly across cobblestones, ball fields and pavements. It also can be folded flat for easy storage in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is simple and intuitive and was a big hit with our test participant Kerry. The clever packaging, clearly marked sections and the user's guide made it simple to put together this stroller.
Storage
Double strollers can carry twice more than one single stroller, so make sure you search for ample storage space. It is ideal to have a stroller that can accommodate the essentials for both kids--nappies bottles, snacks, and toys, as well as parents' belongings like wallets, phones keys and wallets. Look for pockets and baskets under the seats. Also, consider a stroller that has an expandable cargo space that can take in bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags.
A good double stroller should be able to expand with your family. For instance certain models come with the bassinet attachment, which can accommodate infants, while others feature child seats that can grow with your children until they're able to ride on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers even allow for a rider board to allow older siblings to join in the fun.
There are many different double strollers on the market. You can choose from models with high-performance features that are great for rough terrain, or affordable options that you can use every day. As you shop, read user reviews and recommendations from families like yours to get an idea of what to expect with the double stroller you pick.
Double strollers come in three different designs such as tandem, side-byside, and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-byside strollers are the most versatile and ideal for twins as well as children of similar ages. Tandem double strollers, on the other hand, have two seats set next to each other and facing opposite directions. It's a great option for children of the same age, or for siblings who enjoy interacting with each other. Tandem strollers may be harder to maneuver through tight spaces and are less likely to pass through doorways than their side-by-side counterparts.
Check out this top selection by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon-style double stroller. Our testers were impressed by the fact that this low-cost model comes with a variety of seating options as well as the ability to connect two infant car seats or a single child riding in a convertible toddler seat. Our experts also praised the memory foam seats and canopy that has 50+ SPF, and foam-filled wheels that never go flat. When it's time to fold, this model only requires a few tugs on the straps under each seat (under the seat where children sit) to fold.