The Best Double Strollers Tips To Change Your Life
Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two kids who are close in age, a double stroller could be a great investment. These narrow tandem buggies as well as versatile side-by-side buggies will keep both children in sight while navigating the grocery aisle and parks, as well as whatever else life can throw at you.
Comfort
When you are looking for a double stroller, the comfort is a key consideration. This can include both the seating arrangements and the overall dimensions of the stroller which can impact the convenience and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child expert in child development from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, suggests parents check the stroller's weight and folded dimensions. "They should also consider the recline options for seats and age ranges to ensure a good fit for their family."
A quality double stroller should be robust enough to navigate all surfaces without difficulty, from urban sidewalks to parks trails, and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should also have flexible seating arrangements for children of different age groups and comfort features such as peek-a-boo windows and adjustable canopies to shield children from rain or sun.
For a lot of families, a double stroller will be used from birth until the teen years, so it's essential to think about seating options. Billingsley explains that there are two major categories: in-line which has one seat in front of the other, and side-by-side, with seats next to one another. Some parents prefer the in-line model because of its sleek appearance and versatility. Others prefer a wagon style double stroller to maximize space for bulky or grocery items.
Some products may offer different recline options - with one seat almost flat while the other remains relatively upright--this type of disparity is more prevalent in models that are in-line. Billingsley recommends choosing a product that has a near-flat recline and leg rest adjustment for both seats to ensure the children can both lie back comfortably.
She also suggests that parents search for strollers with storage compartments to allow them to quickly access snacks, personal items, and toys while on the move. She adds that it's also beneficial to choose the stroller that has an organizer or parent console bag that is attached to the handlebars, which can help keep essentials in reach.
A few of the top-rated double strollers can be expanded to allow parents to customize the setup based on their family's needs. The Mockingbird Expandable, for instance is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used from birth using a single seat, and then converted into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) when the child gets older.
Safety
Double strollers need to be able to handle the weight of both passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers must be easy to maneuver and push, particularly on rough terrain or in tight spaces. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to help parents maintain good posture while pushing them. Another nice feature is a no-rethread seat belt harness that makes it easier to adjust the seat belts. Safety features include a sturdy brake system and wheels which slide over any surface.
Some parents opt for an arrangement that is side by side to ensure that both children be together during family outings. This arrangement can prevent siblings fighting over who is allowed to sit in which spot, but it's not foolproof. If the seats are set at different heights, one child could be able to kick or punch the other during walks.
If you have twins or siblings close in age, a tandem stroller is a great option for being able see both children at the same time. However, these can be larger than other double strollers, and they may not be able to be able to pass through all doors in your home. For maximum versatility, consider a stroller that can change from a single to a tandem in different ways, such as the well-known CYBEX Gazelle S. These models are able to accommodate a broad range of configurations and permit you to insert infant car seats or cot attachments, depending on your requirements.
If you are looking for a tandem or side-by-side stroller, ensure that the product is JPMA certified to meet the strictest safety standards. Be aware of the maximum weight limit for each seat. Overstepping these limits can cause frame fatigue and other issues.
While it's easy for us to focus on the many bells and whistles on a new stroller, it's important to remember that a stroller is essentially a baby carrier that will be carried around for long durations of time. It should be comfortable for both passengers and easy to clean and maintain, and ideally, it should offer an intuitive, familiar design that the person pushing it is able to effortlessly maneuver it without having to think twice about how to move forward, turn left or right, or use the brakes.
Ease of Use
A double stroller must be simple to maneuver over various of terrains for families that are constantly moving. Strollers with features such as windows that can be opened and closed, adjustable canopy and sturdy brake systems are vital to ensure the safety of your children. However, there are other factors that make them more convenient to use. For instance, a stroller must be small double stroller enough to fit in the trunk of your car yet provide ample storage space for food items and other things. It is also important to consider thoughtful additions such as a cup holder for one parent, parent consoles and a snack tray for kids--all terrain double stroller things that can make life with two children significantly easier.
During our testing we evaluated each stroller based on its performance on different surfaces and its ability to maneuver in tight spaces. We also assessed how easy it was to fold and unfold and whether or not a specific feature enhanced the overall functionality of the stroller. A stroller with no-rethread straps makes it easy to adjust the seat belts. This can be a big attraction for parents who are always in motion, as it does away with the need to rethread their harness.
The UPPAbaby V2 Double scored highly in this measure because it came with a variety of seating configurations, and additional accessories that accommodated expanding families. The wagon-style double stroller is able to provide a second seat, a bassinet or even a toddler riding board that is perfect for families with active children who plan long, tiring days with multiple children of different ages. It glides easily over cobblestones and pavements and ballfields. It can be folded flat to fit in a trunk or closet. Our tester Kerry loved the simple and intuitive nature of this stroller's design. Its stylish packaging, clearly labeled sections and an informative user guide made putting together this stroller an absolute breeze.
Storage
A double stroller can be able to hold twice as much as a single to Double buggy (images.google.as) stroller, therefore, you should look for plenty of storage space. Ideally, you'll want a stroller that can accommodate the necessities for both kids, including nappies, bottles, snacks and toys, in addition to parents' items such as wallets, phones keys and wallets. Look for under-seat baskets as well as other pockets, and consider a stroller with an expandable cargo area that can hold heavy items such as diaper bags and lunch bags.
A quality double stroller will be able to adapt to the needs of your family. Billingsley states that certain models have a bassinet attachment to accommodate infants. Others have child seats which can expand with the child until they are able to ride on the back. Some double strollers allow for a rider board that allows older children to join in the fun.
There are a variety of double strollers available on the market, ranging from sleek, high-performance models that are able to handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models more suitable for use in the everyday. While shopping, you can read reviews and suggestions from families like yours to get an idea of what you can expect from the double stroller that you select.
Double strollers are available in three different designs: tandem, side-by-side and wagon style. Billingsley says that side-by-side strollers are the most compact double stroller versatile and ideal for twins or children of similar age. Tandem double strollers have two seats that are set in a tandem arrangement, facing opposite directions. This is a great option for children who are the same age or siblings who like to interact with each other. Tandem strollers can be difficult to maneuver through tight spaces, and are less likely to fit through doors than their side-by-side counterparts.
If you're looking for a wagon-style double stroller, check out this top pick from Safety 1st. This affordable model was highly praised by our testers for its many seating options. It can be used with two car seats for infants or one child in a convertible toddler seat. Our experts also praised memory foam seats, canopy with 50+ SPF, and foam-filled wheels that never go flat. When it's time to fold, this model requires only a couple of pulls on the straps of each seat (under where the kids sit) to fold in half.