Why Double Strollers Is Your Next Big Obsession
Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is a great investment when you have two kids of similar age. These strollers are narrow and narrow, as well as versatile side-by-side buggies help you keep your eyes on both kids at the same time while navigating the aisles of the supermarket, parks and anything else life throws at you.
Comfort
Comfort is a major factor to think about when purchasing 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 should check how much the stroller weighs as well as its dimensions when folded," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also look at the options for recline and seat age ranges to ensure a perfect fit for their family."
A quality double stroller should be able to handle a variety of surfaces easily, from suburban sidewalks to park paths, and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should offer a range of seating options for children of different age groups, and features that provide comfort, such as a peek-aboo windows and adjustable canopy options which protect children from rain or sun.
For a lot of families double strollers will be utilized from birth until childhood, so it's important to think about seating options. "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 due to its sleek style and versatility. Others prefer the wagon style double stroller to make the most space for grocery or bulky items.
Although some models may have different recline options--with one seat nearly flat while the other one remains upright, this kind of difference is more prevalent in the in-line models. Billingsley suggests choosing a model with a nearly flat recline and leg rests that can be adjusted for both seats, so that both children can lie back comfortably.
She also suggests parents look for strollers that have storage compartments so that they can quickly access snacks, personal items and toys in motion. She also suggests that it is beneficial to find a stroller which includes a parent console or organizer bag, that can be attached to the handlebars. This can help parents keep essentials close in their reach.
Some of the most highly-rated double strollers can be expanded which allows parents to alter the set-up based on the requirements of their growing family. For example the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly rated double stroller that can be used with just a single seat as early as birth, and then transformed into a tandem (with a second seat and bassinet) as the child gets older.
Safety
Double strollers need to be able to support the weight of both passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers must also be simple to push and maneuver, especially in tight spots and on terrain that is difficult to navigate. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights which allow parents to maintain a good posture when pushing them. Another great feature is a no-rethread belt harness that makes it easier to adjust the belts for your child. Safety features include a durable brake system and wheels which glide over any surface.
Some parents choose a side-by-side design that allows both children to see one another during family outings. This arrangement can reduce sibling squabbles over who sits in which place however it's not foolproof. If the seats are at different levels, a child might punch or kick one another during a walk, if the seats are at different levels.
A tandem stroller is a excellent option for parents with twins or siblings who are similar in age. It lets them be able to see both children simultaneously. These double running stroller strollers can be more spacious, and may not fit through certain doors inside. 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 accommodate a wide range of configurations and permit you to insert infant car seats or cot attachments, depending on your requirements.
If you're looking for a tandem or a side-by-side stroller, ensure that the stroller has been JPMA certified to meet the strictest safety standards. Also pay attention to the maximum weight limits for each seat, since exceeding them could result in frame fatigue or other issues.
It's easy to be swept in the jingles and whistles, but it's important to keep in mind that strollers are essentially baby carriers that will be carried for long periods of time. It must be comfortable for both the passengers as well as easy to clean and maintain, and most importantly it should have an intuitive, familiar design 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 use the brakes.
Easy of Use
For families that are on the move, a double stroller needs to be able to maneuver easily over different terrains. Strollers that have features like peek-a-boo windows, adjustable canopies and reliable brake systems are crucial to ensure the safety of your children. However, 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, while still offering ample storage space for groceries and other belongings. It's also important to include thoughtful features, like a cup holder for one parent or consoles for parents, as well as a snack tray. These are able to make traveling with two children much 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 particular feature added to the overall functionality of the stroller. For instance, a stroller with a harness that does not rethread makes the adjustment of the seat belts quick and simple. This is a huge benefit for parents who are always on the move, as it does away with the requirement to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby v2 Double scored highly in this test because it had a wide variety of seating configurations and other accessories that could accommodate families that are growing. The wagon-style double stroller is able to provide two seats as well as a bassinet or a toddler-friendly riding board, which is ideal for active families planning long trips with multiple kids of varying ages. It also glides smoothly across pavement, cobblestones and ballfields--and it folds flat to make easy storage in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is easy and intuitive, which was appreciated by our test subject Kerry. The sleek packaging with clearly marked sections as well as a user's manual made it easy to assemble this stroller.
Storage
Double strollers can carry twice as much as one stroller So, make sure to look for plenty of storage space. You want a stroller with enough storage space to accommodate the essentials of both parents and children like bottles as well as snacks, toys and diapers. Find baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller with an expandable cargo area to accommodate bulky items such as lunch bags and diaper bags.
A good double stroller should have the ability to adapt as your family expands. Billingsley states that certain models come with a bassinet attachment to accommodate infants. Some models have child seats that expand with the child until they are ready to ride on the back. Some double pushchair strollers permit older siblings to join in the fun by riding on the rider board.
There are many double strollers on the market. You can pick from models with high-performance features which are suitable for rough terrain, to more budget-friendly options that can use daily. When you're shopping, read reviews from other users and the opinions of families just like yours to get a better sense of what to expect from the double stroller with car seat stroller you select.
Double strollers are available in three different designs such as tandem, side-byside, and wagon-style. Billingsley says that side-by-side strollers are the most adaptable and ideal for twins as well as children of similar age. tandem Double Stroller double strollers, on the contrary, have two seats that are placed adjacent to one another and facing opposite directions. It's a ideal choice for children of the same age, or for siblings who enjoy interacting with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and are less likely to fit through doorways than their side-byside counterparts.
If you prefer a wagon-style compact double stroller stroller, take a look at this top choice from Safety 1st. This affordable model was highly praised by our testers for its many seating options. It can be used with two infant car seats or one child in a convertible toddler chair. Our testers also loved the comfortable memory foam seats, 50+ SPF canopy, and foam-filled tires that will never go flat. And when it's time to fold, this model needs only a couple of pulls on straps on each seat (under where the kids sit) to fold it in half.