The Unknown Benefits Of Double Strollers
Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is a great investment if you have two children of similar ages. These narrow tandem buggies as well as versatile side by side buggies allow you to 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
The comfort factor is one of the most important factors to consider when shopping for a double-stroller. This can include the seating arrangement and overall size, which will have an impact on the ease of use and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child expert in child development from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, advises parents to be aware of the stroller's weight and folded dimensions. "They should also consider the options for recline and seat age ranges to ensure a perfect fit for their family."
A quality double pushchair with car seat 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 stages of development, as well as comfort features such as a peek-a-boo window and adjustable canopy that protect children from the sun or rain.
The seating options are important to many families who use a double stroller from the time of birth until the age of. Billingsley states that there are two main categories of in-line seating which has one seat in front of the other and side-byside seating with seats next to one another. Some parents prefer the in-line option because of its sleek appearance and versatility. Others like a wagon-style double stroller to make the most space for bulky or grocery items.
In-line models are more likely to have this kind of discordance. Certain models may provide different recline options, with one being almost flat and the other being more upright. Billingsley recommends selecting a product 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 when on the move. She also suggests that it's useful to find a stroller that has an organizer console for parents or a parent bag that is attached to the handlebars, which can help keep essentials close at hand.
A few of the top-rated double strollers can be enlarged, allowing parents the flexibility to modify the layout according to their family's requirements. The Mockingbird Expandable, for instance is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used from birth using a single seat, then transformed into a Tandem double stroller (with two seats and a bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers should be able to handle the weight of two people, plus any additional cargo. Strollers should also be easy to maneuver and push, especially in tight spaces and on terrain that is difficult to navigate. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars and adjustable heights which make it easier for parents to maintain good form when pushing them. Another feature that is great 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 across any surface are important safety features.
Some parents choose a side-by-side design that allows both children to view each other on family outings. This arrangement can prevent sibling rivalries over who gets to sit in which place, but it isn't 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-style stroller is great option for parents with twins or siblings that are similar in age. It allows them to be able to see both children simultaneously. However, these can be wider than other small double stroller strollers, so they may not be able to fit through all interior doorways. You could consider a single-to-double stroller that can be transformed from a single to a double in many ways. Popular models include the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you opt for a side-byside or tandem-style stroller, make sure the product is certified by JPMA to meet stringent safety standards. Also pay attention to the maximum weight limits for each seat, as over-weighting could lead to frame fatigue or other issues.
While it's easy to concentrate on the many bells and whistles that come with a new stroller, it's important to remember that a stroller is an infant carrier that is carried around for long 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 intuitive, familiar design that lets the person pushing the stroller to easily maneuver it.
Simple to Use
For families on the go, a double stroller must be able to navigate various terrains. Features like adjustable canopies with windows that peek out and dependable braking systems are crucial to ensure your children's safety, but there are many other aspects that affect stroller ease of use. For example the stroller must be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your car, but still provide ample storage space for groceries and other belongings. It's also essential to add thoughtful touches, such as a cup holder for one parent as well as consoles for parents and snacks on trays. These are able to make traveling with two kids much easier.
In our tests we rated each stroller on how well it performed on a variety terrains, and how easily it maneuvered in tight spaces. We also looked at how easy it was to fold the stroller in half and then unfold it, and if a particular feature enhanced the overall functionality. For instance a stroller with a harness that does not rethread makes the adjustment of the seat belts quick and simple. This can be a huge benefit for parents who are on the move, as it saves time and reduces the need to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double was a top performer in this measure, since it came with a variety of seating options and accessories to 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's riding board. This is perfect for families who want to spend long days traveling with several children of various age groups. It also glides smoothly across cobblestones, balls and pavements. It can be folded flat for easy storage in a closet or trunk. The design of this stroller is easy and intuitive and was a big hit with our tester Kerry. Its stylish packaging with clearly labeled sections as well as a helpful user guide made putting together this stroller a breeze.
Stores
Double strollers can hold twice as much as one stroller, so make sure you search for ample storage space. Ideally, you'll want a stroller that can accommodate the necessities for both kids, including nappies bottles, snacks, and toys, in addition to parents' belongings like wallets, phones keys, wallets and phones. Look for baskets that fit under the seat as well as other pockets, and look into a stroller that has an expandable cargo area that can carry heavy items such as diaper bags and lunch bags.
A good double stroller should be able to expand with your family. For instance, some models include the bassinet attachment, which can accommodate infants, while others come with child seats that can be adapted to your kids until they're ready to move to the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers permit a rider's board that allows older children to take part in the fun.
There are many double strollers available. You can choose from models with high-performance features that are great for rough terrain, to affordable options that you can use on a daily basis. When shopping, take a look at reviews and suggestions from families similar to yours to get a better idea of what you can expect from the double stroller that you select.
Double strollers are available in three different styles including tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers offer the most flexibility and are perfect for twins or kids similar to each other in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers, on other hand, have two seats that are arranged adjacent to one another and facing opposite directions. It's a ideal choice for children who are the same age or for siblings who enjoy interacting with one another. Tandem strollers may be harder to maneuver in tight spaces and are less likely to fit through doors than their side-by-side counterparts.
If you're looking for a wagon-style double stroller, take a look at this top choice from Safety 1st. This budget-friendly model was praised by test participants for its many seating options. It can be used with two infant car seats, or one child in a convertible toddler chair. Our experts also appreciated the comfy memory foam seats with a 50+ SPF canopy, and foam-filled tires that never go flat. And Best compact double stroller when it's time for you to fold, this model needs only a few tugs on straps on each seat (under the seat where kids sit) to fold it in half.