How Double Strollers Has Transformed My Life The Better
Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two kids that are in the same age group A double stroller can be a valuable investment. These narrow tandem buggies as well as versatile side-by-side buggies let you keep both children in the same place while navigating the grocery aisle or in parks, or whatever else life can throw at you.
Comfort
When shopping for a double stroller, the comfort is a major consideration. This can include the seating arrangement and overall size, which will have an impact on the ease of use and storage. "Parents must determine what the stroller weighs and its folded dimensions," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also consider the recline options for seats and age ranges to ensure a perfect fit for their family."
A quality double stroller should be able to navigate 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 window and adjustable canopy which protect children from rain or sun.
For a majority of families, a double stroller will be utilized from birth until childhood, so it's important to consider the seating options. "There are two main categories - in-line with one seat behind the other, and side by side with seats that are next to each other," Billingsley explains. "Some parents prefer an in-line stroller due to its sleek appearance and versatility, whereas others like a wagon-style double stroller to maximize space for large items or grocery bags."
While some products may have different recline options--with one seat nearly flat while the other is upright--this type of disparity is more common in the in-line models. Billingsley suggests choosing a model that has a nearly flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children can lay down comfortably.
She also suggests parents look for strollers that have storage compartments so that they can quickly access snacks, personal items, and toys while in motion. She also suggests that it's beneficial to choose a stroller with a parent console or organizer bag that is attached to the handlebars. This will allow you to keep your essentials within reach.
Some of the top-rated double strollers can be expanded that allows parents to modify the set-up based on the needs of their expanding family. The Mockingbird Expandable, for example is a highly rated double stroller which can be used from birth using a single seat, then transformed into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) when the child gets older.
Safety
Double strollers must be able to handle the weight of two passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers need to be easy to maneuver and push, especially when on rough terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height which allow parents to maintain their form when pushing them. Another great feature is a no-rethread seat belt harness that makes it easier to adjust the belts for your child. Safety features include a sturdy brake system, as well as wheels that can glide across any surface.
Some parents choose the side-by-side design to ensure that both children meet up when they go on family outings. This arrangement can help prevent sibling squabbles over who sits in which spot, but it isn't foolproof. If the seats are located at different levels, a child might punch or kick another while walking if the seats are at different levels.
A tandem stroller is a great option for parents with twins or siblings that are similar in age. It lets them observe both children at the same time. However, they are more spacious than other double strollers, meaning they may not be able to fit through all interior doorways. Think about a stroller that is single-to-double that can be transformed from a single stroller to a double in a variety ways. Popular models include the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you opt for a side-byside or tandem-style stroller, be sure that the stroller is JPMA-certified to meet the strictest safety standards. Be aware of the weight limit that applies to each seat. Exceeding these limits could cause frame fatigue and other issues.
While it's easy to focus on the additional bells and whistles of the latest stroller, it's crucial to be aware that a stroller an infant carrier that is transported for long durations of time. It should be comfortable for both the passengers, easy to clean and maintain, and most importantly it should have an intuitive, familiar design that the person pushing it is able to effortlessly maneuver it without having to think about how to move forward, turn left or right, or apply the brakes.
Easy of Use
For families who are constantly on the move, a double stroller must be able to navigate different terrains. Strollers with features such as windows that peek-a-boo, adjustable canopies and reliable brake systems are vital to ensure the safety of your children. But there are other factors that make them simpler to use. double stroller with bassinet must be compact enough to fit into the trunk of your car yet have plenty of storage space for groceries or other items. It's also essential to add thoughtful touches, such as the cup holder for one parent, consoles for parents and snacks on trays. These can help make traveling with two children significantly easier.
During our testing, we evaluated the strollers on how it performed on a variety of surfaces and how well it could maneuver in tight spaces. We also examined how easy it was to fold and unfold, and whether or not a specific 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 simple and easy. This is a huge benefit for parents who are constantly moving around, since it removes the requirement to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double was a top performer in this metric, as it offered an impressive range of seating configurations and additional accessories to accommodate growing families. The double-stroller that looks like a wagon can be expanded to accommodate two seats, a bassinet, or even a toddler-riding board. This is ideal for families who want to spend a lot of time traveling with several children of various age groups. It is able to glide effortlessly over pavements, cobblestones, and ball fields. It can also be folded flat to store in a trunk or a closet. Our test subject Kerry loved the simple and intuitive nature of this stroller's design. Its clever packaging, clearly labeled sections and helpful user guides made assembling this stroller an absolute breeze.
Storage
A double stroller has the potential to hold twice as much stuff as a single stroller so make sure you have plenty of storage space. It is important to find a stroller with enough storage space to accommodate the essentials for both parents and children like bottles as well as snacks, toys and diapers. Find baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, consider a stroller with an expandable cargo space to accommodate bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags.
A quality double stroller should be able to change as your family grows. For instance certain models come with a bassinet attachment that can be used for newborns, and others come with child seats that can expand with your children until they're able to switch to riding on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers permit older siblings to join in on the fun by riding on the rider board.
You'll find a wide variety of double strollers on the market, from sleek, high-performance options that can handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models more for everyday use. While shopping, take a look at user reviews and recommendations from families like yours to gain an understanding of what to expect from the double stroller you pick.
Double strollers are available in three models: tandem, side by side and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers offer most versatility and are ideal for twins or kids close to each other in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers have two seats set up in a tandem configuration facing in opposite directions. This is a good option for children who are the same age, or siblings who want to play with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through tight spaces, and less likely to fit into doorways.
Take all terrain double buggy at this top choice by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon-style double stroller. This model is affordable and was praised by test participants for its many seating options. It can be used with two car seats for infants or one child in a convertible toddler chair. Our experts also appreciated the soft memory foam seats, 50+ SPF canopy and foam-filled tires that never go flat. When it's time to fold, this model requires just a couple of tugs on straps on each seat (under the seat where kids sit) to fold it in half.