5 Double Strollers Leçons From The Pros
Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is a great investment if you have two children with similar age. These compact tandem strollers or flexible side-by-side buggies let you keep an eye on both kids at the same time while navigating the aisles of the supermarket or the parks, and whatever else life throws your way.
Comfort
When you are looking for a double stroller, comfort is a key consideration. This could include both seating arrangement as well as the overall size of the stroller which impacts accessibility and storage. "Parents should determine how much the stroller weighs and its dimensions when folded," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also think about the seat recline options, as well as the age ranges of their children to ensure that it's the perfect fit."
A well-constructed double stroller will be sturdy enough to traverse different surfaces smoothly--from parks trails to suburban sidewalks, and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should come with a variety of seating options for children of different stages of development, as well as comfort features like peek-a-boo window and adjustable canopy which protect children twin pushchair from birth rain or double infant strollers (articlescad.com) sun.
Seating options are important for many families who will use a double stroller from birth to the age of. Billingsley explains that there are two major categories that are in-line, with one seat in-front of the other and side-byside, with seats next to each other. Some parents prefer the in-line model because of its sleek appearance and flexibility. Others prefer the wagon style double stroller to maximize space for bulky or grocery items.
In-line models are more likely to show this kind of difference. Some products may offer different recline options, with one seat being almost flat and the other one remaining fairly upright. Billingsley suggests selecting a model with both a near flat recline as well as leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children lie down comfortably.
Finally, she advises choosing strollers with storage compartments that will allow parents to easily access snacks, toys, and personal belongings while on the go. She also says that it is helpful to find a stroller that has a parent console, or organizer bag attached on the handlebars. This can help parents keep essentials close at hand.
A few of the top-rated double strollers are expandable that allows parents to modify the layout to meet the needs of their growing family. The Mockingbird Expandable, for example is a highly-rated double stroller which can be used from birth with a single seat, and then converted 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 both passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers should be able to move and push, especially when on rough terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights which make it easier for parents to maintain a good posture when pushing them. A harness that does not need to be rethread which makes the adjustment of seat belts faster and easier is another great feature to look for. Finally, a sturdy brake system and wheels that glide across any surface are essential safety features.
Some parents choose an arrangement that is side by side to ensure that both children be together on family outings. This arrangement can stop siblings fighting over who gets to sit where but it's not a guarantee. If the seats are placed at different heights, one child may be capable of punching or kicking the other on the course of a walk.
For parents with twins or siblings of similar age, a tandem stroller is a great option for being able to see both kids at once. However, these can be wider than other double strollers, and they might not fit through all interior doorways. To maximize versatility, you should consider a single-to-double to single twin buggy from birth (Continuing) stroller which can switch from a single to double buggy to a tandem in different ways, like the well-known CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can be adapted to a wide variety of configurations and let you click in infant car seats or cot attachments, depending on your needs.
If you decide to purchase a side-by-side or tandem-style stroller, make sure the product is certified by JPMA to meet stringent safety standards. Be aware of the weight limits that apply to each seat, as over-weighting could lead to frame fatigue or other issues.
While it's easy for us to focus on the additional bells and whistles on the latest stroller, it is crucial to be aware that a stroller basically a baby carrier that will be used for extended durations of time. It must be easy to clean and maintain as well as comfortable for both of the passengers. It should also have a an easy-to-use, familiar design that lets the person pushing it to move it easily.
Easy to Use
For families on the go, a double stroller should be able to navigate different terrains. Features like adjustable canopies, peek-aboo windows and dependable brake systems are crucial to ensure your children's safety, but there are many other aspects that contribute to stroller ease 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 food items and other things. It is also important to consider thoughtful additions like a one-parent cup holder or console for parents, as well as an eating tray for children -- all things that will make life with two kids significantly more manageable.
During our testing We evaluated each stroller on how well it performed on a variety terrains, and how easily it maneuvered in tight spaces. We also considered how easy it was to fold the stroller and unfold it as well as if a particular feature improved the overall functionality. A stroller without rethread straps is easy to adjust the seat belts. This can be a major benefit for parents who are on the move, as it saves time and eliminates the need to re-thread the harness.
The UPPAbaby V2 Double was a top performer in this metric as it had a wide variety of seating configurations, and other accessories that could accommodate growing families. The double-stroller that looks like a wagon expands so that it can accommodate two seats, a bassinet, or even a toddler-riding board. This is ideal for families who plan to spend a lot of time in the car with a variety of children of various ages. It also glides smoothly across cobblestones, balls and pavements. It can be folded flat for simple storage in a closet or trunk. Our test subject Kerry loved the simple and intuitive nature of this stroller's design. Its clever packaging clear sections, well-labeled sections and an informative user guide made assembling this stroller an absolute breeze.
Stores
A double stroller is able to hold twice as much stuff than 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 of both children and parents including bottles, toys, snacks, and diapers. Look for pockets and baskets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller that has an expandable cargo area to take in bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags.
A quality double stroller should be able to change as your family grows. Billingsley states that certain models have the option of a bassinet attachment that can accommodate infants. Some models have child seats that can grow with the child until they are able 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 many different double strollers on the market. You can choose from high-performance models that are ideal for rough terrain, to more budget-friendly options that can use daily. 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 models: tandem, side by side and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-by-side strollers are the most adaptable and ideal for twins as well as children of similar ages. Tandem double strollers, on contrary, have two seats set close to each other and facing in opposite directions--a good option for kids of the same age or for siblings who love to interact with each other. Tandem strollers may be harder to maneuver through tight spaces, and are less likely to pass through doorways than their side-byside counterparts.
If you prefer a wagon-style double stroller, take a look at this top choice from Safety 1st. This model is affordable and was praised by testers for its various seating configurations. It can be used with two infant car seats or one child sitting in a convertible toddler seat. Our experts also appreciated the comfy memory foam seats and the 50+ SPF canopy and foam-filled tires that will never stop running flat. And when it's time to fold, this model needs just a couple of tugs on straps on each seat (under the seat where kids sit) to fold in half.