Double Strollers Tips That Will Transform Your Life
Buying Guide For Double Strollers A double stroller is a good investment for families with two children of similar age. These narrow tandem buggies or versatile side-by-side buggies let you keep both children in the same place when you are navigating the aisles of your grocery store or in parks, or whatever else life can throw at you. Comfort When looking for a double stroller for your child, comfort is a major factor to consider. This includes the seating arrangement and the overall size, which can have an impact on the ease of use and storage. “Parents should check how much the stroller weighs and its folded dimensions,” says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. “They should also take a look at the seat recline options and age ranges to ensure a good fit for their family.” A reputable double stroller must be able to navigate a variety of surfaces with ease including suburban sidewalks, parks, and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should also have flexible seating options for children of different ages and comfort features like peek-a-boo windows and adjustable canopies to keep kids shielded from sun or rain. For a majority of families double strollers will be used from birth and into the age of five, so it's crucial to think about seating options. Billingsley says there are two primary categories that are in-line which has one seat in front of the other and side-byside, with seats next to each other. “Some parents prefer an in-line option for its sleek design and versatility, whereas others prefer a wagon-style double stroller that can be used to store bulky items or groceries.” In-line models are more likely to have this type of discrepancy. Some products may offer different recline options, with one being almost flat and the other one remaining fairly upright. Billingsley suggests selecting a product that has a nearly flat recline and leg rest adjustment for both seats to ensure both children can lie back comfortably. In the end, she suggests choosing a stroller that includes storage compartments that allow parents to quickly access snacks, toys and other personal items while out and about. She also says that it is helpful to find a stroller which has a parent console, or organizer bag, that can be attached to the handlebars. This will help parents keep essentials close to hand. Many of the top-rated double strollers can be expanded, allowing parents the flexibility to modify the layout according to their family's requirements. The Mockingbird Expandable, for example, 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 is older. Safety Double strollers must be able to carry the weight of both the passengers as well as any additional cargo. Strollers must be simple to maneuver and push, particularly when on rough terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height to help parents maintain good form when pushing them. A no-rethread harness, which makes adjusting seat belts more quickly and easily, is another nice feature to look out for. Safety features include a durable brake system and wheels which can glide across any surface. Some parents opt for an arrangement that is side by side so that both children can be together when they go on family outings. This arrangement can stop sibling fights over which child is allowed to sit where, but it's not foolproof. If the seats are positioned at different heights, one child could be capable of punching or kicking the other during the course of a walk. If you have twins or siblings close in age, a tandem stroller offers the benefit of being able see both kids at once. However, they can be more spacious than other double strollers, and they might not fit through all interior doorways. For maximum versatility, consider a single-to-double stroller that transitions from a single to a tandem in various ways, like the popular CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can be adapted to a wide range of configurations, and let you click in infant car seats or cot attachments according to your requirements. If you opt for a side-byside or tandem-style stroller, be sure the product is JPMA-certified to meet the strictest safety standards. Be aware of the maximum weight limits for each seat, since exceeding them could result in frame fatigue or other issues. While it's easy to concentrate on the additional bells and whistles that come with a new stroller, it's crucial to be aware that a stroller essentially a baby carrier that will be used for extended durations of time. It must be comfortable for both passengers, easy to clean and maintain, and in the ideal case, 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 or turn left or right, or apply the brakes. Easy of Use A double stroller should be easy to maneuver on various types of terrains for families constantly on the move. Strollers with features like windows that peek-a-boo, adjustable canopies and reliable brake systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children. But there are other factors that make them simpler to use. For instance the stroller should be small enough to fit into the trunk of your car, but still provide ample storage space for your groceries and other items. double push chair is also important to consider thoughtful additions like a one-parent cup holder as well as a console for parents and an eating tray for children — all things that will make life with two children significantly easier. In our testing we rated each stroller on how well it performed on a variety of terrains and how easily it could maneuver in tight spaces. We also looked at how simple it was to fold the stroller and then unfold it in a timely manner, and if a specific feature improved the overall functionality. A stroller that does not have rethread straps makes it simple to adjust the seat belts. This can be a major benefit for parents who are on the move since it reduces time and removes the need to re-thread the harness. The UPPAbaby 2 Double was a top performer in this metric as it had a wide variety of seating configurations and additional accessories to accommodate families that are growing. The wagon-style double-stroller expands so that it can accommodate two seats, a bassinet or even a toddler's riding board. This is perfect for families that plan to spend long days in the car with a variety of children of various ages. It is able to glide effortlessly over cobblestones, pavements, and ballfields. It can be folded flat to fit in a trunk or closet. Our test subject Kerry appreciated the straightforward and intuitive nature of this stroller's design. Its smart packaging clear sections, well-labeled sections and helpful user guide made assembling this stroller an absolute breeze. Stores Double strollers can carry twice as much as a single one, so make sure you ensure you have plenty of storage space. You want a stroller with enough storage space to store the essentials of both parents and children like bottles and snacks, toys, and diapers. Look for pockets and baskets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller with an expandable cargo space that can take in bulky items like diaper bags and lunchbags. A good double stroller will be able to grow with your family. For example certain models come with the bassinet attachment, which can be used for newborns, and others feature child seats that can be adapted to your children until they're ready to switch to riding on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers allow for a rider board to allow older siblings to take part in the fun. You'll find a wide variety of double strollers on the market, from sleek, high-performance models that are able to handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models more for everyday use. When shopping, take a look at reviews and opinions of families similar to yours to get a better idea of what you can expect from the double stroller that you pick. Double strollers are available in three different designs: tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers offer most flexibility and are perfect for twins or children who are who are close to their age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers feature two seats arranged in a tandem configuration facing in opposite directions. This is a good option for children of the same age, or siblings who like to interact with each other. Tandem strollers may be harder to maneuver in tight spaces, and are less likely to fit through doorways than their side-byside counterparts. Take a look at this top choice by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon-style double stroller. The testers loved that this budget 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 an convertible toddler seat. Our reviewers also praised the soft memory foam seats, 50+ SPF canopy, and foam-filled tires that will never go flat. And when it's time for you to fold, this model needs only a few tugs on the straps on each seat (under the seat where kids sit) to fold in half.