8 Tips To Enhance Your Double Strollers Game
Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is a good investment for families with two children of similar ages. 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 can throw at you.
Comfort
Comfort is an important factor to consider when shopping for a double-stroller. This could include the seating arrangement as well as the overall size, which can have an impact on ease of use and storage. "Parents must determine what the stroller weighs and its dimensions folded," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also think about the recline options for seats as well as the age ranges of their children to ensure that it's a perfect fit."
A quality double stroller should be sturdy enough to traverse various surfaces with ease, from urban sidewalks to parks trails, and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should have a variety of seating options for children of different stages of development, as well as features that provide comfort, such as a peek-aboo windows and adjustable canopy options that protect children from the sun or rain.
Seating options are important for many families who will use double strollers from the time of birth until childhood. "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 an in-line stroller due to its sleek look and versatility, whereas others like a wagon-style double stroller to make the most space for bulky items or groceries."
Although some models may have different recline options - with one seat almost flat while the other is upright, this kind of difference is more prevalent in the in-line models. Billingsley suggests selecting a product that offers both an almost flat recline as well as leg rests that can be adjusted for both seats, so that each child can sleep comfortably.
She also suggests that parents look for strollers with storage compartments so that they can easily access snacks, personal items and toys when in motion. She also recommends that it is beneficial to choose a stroller that includes a parent console or organizer bag attached on the handlebars. This will help parents keep essentials close in their reach.
A few of the most highly-rated double stroller s can be expanded, allowing parents to customize the set-up based on the needs of their growing family. The Mockingbird Expandable, for example is a highly rated double stroller that can be used from birth with just one seat, then transformed into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) when the child is older.
Safety
Double strollers should be able to support the weight of two adults, as well as any additional cargo. Strollers need to be able to move and push, especially when on rough terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights which allow parents to maintain their form when pushing them. Another great feature is a non-rethread seat belt harness, which allows for a more comfortable adjustment of the belts on the seat. A sturdy brake system and wheels that glide over any surface are important safety features.
Some parents prefer side-by-side designs that allow both children to see one another during family outings. This arrangement can help prevent siblings arguing over who sits in which spot however it's not foolproof. If the seats are at different levels, a child might kick or punch another while walking in the event that the seats are at different levels.
If you have twins or siblings who are close in age, a tandem-style stroller offers the benefit of being able to view both kids at once. These double strollers can be larger, and might not fit through certain doors inside. Think about a stroller that is single-to-double that can be transformed from a single stroller to a double in many ways. Popular models include the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you are looking for a tandem or side-by-side stroller, ensure that the stroller has been JPMA certified to meet stringent safety standards. Pay attention to the maximum weight limit for each seat. Exceeding these limits could cause frame fatigue or other issues.
While it's easy to concentrate on all the extra bells and whistles on a new stroller, it is crucial to keep in mind that a stroller is an infant carrier that is used for extended durations of time. It must be comfortable for both the passengers, easy to clean and maintain, and in the ideal case it should feature an intuitive, familiar design so that the person pushing it can effortlessly move it around without having to think twice about how to move forward, turn left or right, or even apply the brakes.
Simple to Use
A double stroller must be easy to maneuver on different terrains for families who are constantly moving. Strollers that have features like peek-a-boo windows, adjustable canopies and sturdy brake systems are vital to ensure the safety of your children. But there are other factors that make them easier to use. For example the stroller must be small enough to fit in the trunk of your car, but still provide ample storage space for groceries and other belongings. Also important are thoughtful touches such as a cup holder for one parent as well as a console for parents and a snack tray for kids--all things that can make life with two kids much simpler.
In our tests, we evaluated each stroller based on how it performed on a variety surfaces and how well it could maneuver in tight spaces. We also considered how easy it was to fold the stroller and unfold it as well as if a particular feature made a difference to the overall performance. For instance a stroller with no-rethread harnesses makes adjusting the seat belts simple and easy. This is a huge attraction for parents who are constantly in motion, as it does away with the need to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored high in this metric, as it came with a variety of seating configurations as well as additional accessories to help accommodate growing families. The double-stroller that looks like a wagon expands so that it can accommodate an additional seat, a bassinet, or even a toddler-riding board. This is ideal for families that plan to spend long days on the road with multiple children of various age groups. It also glides smoothly across cobblestones, balls and pavements. It it folds flat to make easy storage in a closet or trunk. The design of this stroller is simple and intuitive, which was appreciated by our tester Kerry. The smart packaging clear sections, well-marked sections and user guide made it easy to assemble this stroller.
Storage
Double strollers can carry twice as much as one single stroller, so make sure you ensure you have plenty of storage space. Ideally, you want a stroller that is able to hold the necessities for both kids, including nappies, bottles, snacks and toys, as well as parents' belongings like wallets, phones keys, wallets and phones. Find baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller that has an expandable cargo area to accommodate bulky items like diaper bags and lunchbags.
A good double stroller must have the ability to adapt as your family expands. Billingsley says that some models come with an attachment for a bassinet to accommodate newborns. Others have child seats that be able to grow with your child until they are ready to ride on the back. Some double strollers permit older siblings to join in on the fun by riding on the rider board.
There are a variety of double strollers on the market. You can pick from models with high-performance features which are suitable for rough terrain, or more budget-friendly options that can use every day. While shopping, read reviews and opinions of families similar to yours to get a better idea of what to expect from the double stroller you select.
Double strollers are available in three different styles: side-by-side, tandem, and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-by-side strollers are the most adaptable and ideal for twins as well as children of a similar age. Tandem double strollers have two seats that are set in tandem, facing opposite directions. This is a great option for children of similar age or siblings who want to play with one another. Tandem strollers can be difficult 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. This budget-friendly model was praised by testers for its many seating options. It can be used with two car seats for infants or one child sitting in a convertible toddler chair. Our experts also praised the memory foam seats as well as the canopy, which has 50+ SPF and foam-filled wheels that never go flat. And when it's time to fold, this model requires only a couple of pulls on the straps on each seat (under where the kids sit) to fold in half.