Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is a good investment when you have two kids of similar age. These narrow tandem buggies or versatile side-by-side buggies will keep both children in sight when you are navigating the aisles of your grocery store or in parks, or whatever else life throws at you.
Comfort
Comfort is a major factor to think about when purchasing a double-stroller. This could include both seating arrangement and the overall size of the stroller, which impacts accessibility and storage. "Parents must determine what the stroller weighs as well as its folded dimensions," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also take a look at the recline options for seats and age ranges to ensure a perfect fit for their family."
A good double stroller should be able to handle a variety of surfaces easily including suburban sidewalks, parks, and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should also offer versatile seating arrangements for children of various age and comfort features such as windows that peek out and adjustable canopy to shield children from rain or sun.
The seating options are important to many families who utilize a double stroller from the time of birth until the age of. "There are two main categories - in-line with one seat behind the other, and side-by-side with seats next to each other," Billingsley explains. Some parents prefer the in-line model because of its sleek appearance and versatility. Others prefer a wagon-style double stroller to make the most space for bulky or grocery items.
Some products may offer different recline options - with one seat nearly flat while the other is upright--this type of disparity is more prevalent in in-line models. Billingsley suggests selecting a model that has a nearly flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children can lay comfortably.
She also suggests parents search for strollers with storage compartments so that they can quickly access their snacks, personal items and toys when on the move. She suggests that it's useful to find a stroller that has an organizer or parent console bag attached to the handlebars. This will help keep things in reach.
A few of the top-rated double strollers can be expanded which allows parents to alter the configuration to meet the needs of their expanding family. The Mockingbird Expandable, for example, is a highly rated double stroller that can be used from birth using a single seat, and later converted into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) when the child is older.
Safety
Double strollers need to be able to carry the weight of both the passengers as well as any additional cargo. Strollers should also be easy to move and push, particularly in tight spaces and on difficult terrain. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars and adjustable heights which allow parents to maintain good form when pushing them. Another nice feature is a no-rethread seat belt harness that makes it easier to adjust the belts for your child. A sturdy brake system and wheels that can glide over any surface are essential safety features.
Some parents opt for an arrangement that allows both children to view each other on family outings. This arrangement can prevent siblings fighting over who is allowed to sit where but it's not a guarantee. If the seats are placed at different levels, one child might be in a position to punch or kick the other on the course of a walk.
If you have twins or siblings of similar age, a tandem stroller is a great option for being able to see both children at the same time. Double strollers can be more spacious, and may not fit through certain interior doors. To maximize double running buggy , you should consider a single-to-double stroller that transitions from a single stroller to a tandem in various ways, like the renowned CYBEX Gazelle S. These models are able to accommodate a broad variety of configurations and permit you to insert infant car seats or cot attachments, according to your requirements.
If you decide to purchase a side-by-side or tandem-style stroller, make sure the product is certified by JPMA to meet the strictest safety standards. Pay attention to the maximum weight limit for each seat. Exceeding these limits could cause frame fatigue or other problems.
It's easy to get caught in the jingles and whistles, however it's important to remember that strollers are basically baby carriers that will be used for extended time. It must be comfortable for both passengers as well as easy to clean and maintain, and most importantly it should have an easy-to-use, familiar design so that the person pushing it can effortlessly maneuver it without having to think twice about how to move forward and turn left or right, or apply the brakes.
Easy to Use
A double stroller must be easy to maneuver on various terrains for families who are constantly on the move. Features like adjustable canopy with windows that peek out and reliable braking systems are crucial to ensure the safety of your children, however, there are other elements that influence stroller comfort of use. For instance, a stroller must be small enough to fit in the trunk of your car while still offering ample storage space for groceries and other belongings. It is also important to consider thoughtful additions like a one-parent cup holder, parent consoles and an eating tray for children -- all things that can make life with two children significantly easier.
In our tests, we assessed each stroller based on its performance on various terrains and its ability to maneuver in 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 instance, a stroller with a no-rethread harness makes adjusting the seat belts simple and easy. This is a major benefit for parents who are on the move since it reduces time and reduces the need to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby V2 Double scored well in this test because it offered a wide range of seating configurations, and additional accessories to accommodate expanding families. The wagon-style double stroller expands to accommodate an additional seat as well as a bassinet, or a toddler riding board--perfect for families who are active and planning long trips with multiple children of different ages. It easily glides over cobblestones, pavements, and ball fields. It can also be folded flat to store in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is easy and easy to use, which was appreciated by our test subject Kerry. Its smart packaging clear sections, well-labeled sections and helpful user guides made assembling this stroller an absolute breeze.
Stores
A double stroller can be able to hold twice as much as a single stroller so make sure you have plenty of 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 such as phones, wallets, and keys. Find baskets under the seat as well as other pockets, and think about a stroller that has an expandable cargo space that can carry heavy items such as lunch bags and diaper bags.
A good double stroller should be able to adapt to the needs of your family. For instance certain models have a bassinet attachment that can be used for newborns, and others have child seats that can be adapted to your children until they're ready to ride on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers allow older siblings to join in the fun by riding on a rider board.
There are a variety of double strollers available on the market, from elegant, high-performance models that excel on rough terrain to budget-friendly models more for everyday use. While shopping, you can read reviews and recommendations of families just like yours to get a better idea of what to expect from the double stroller that you pick.
Double strollers are available in three styles: tandem, side-by-side and wagon style. Billingsley states that side-byside strollers are the most versatile and ideal for twins as well as children of a similar age. Tandem double strollers have two seats set up in a tandem arrangement facing in opposite directions. This is a great option for children of the same age, or siblings who like to be social with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces, and are less likely to fit in doorways.
If you prefer a wagon-style double stroller check out this top pick from Safety 1st. Our testers were impressed by the fact that this low-cost model has multiple seating options, including the ability to snap in two infant car seats or a single child in the convertible toddler seat. Our experts also praised the memory foam seats as well as the canopy, which has 50+ SPF and foam-filled wheels that will never wear out. And when it's time to fold, this model requires only a few tugs on the straps of each seat (under where the kids sit) to fold in half.