Why All The Fuss About Double Strollers?
Buying Guide For Double Strollers If you have two children who are close in age A double stroller can be an invaluable investment. These narrow tandem buggies as well as flexible side by side buggies let you keep both children in the same place while navigating the grocery aisle and parks, as well as whatever else life throws at you. Comfort Comfort is an important factor to take into consideration when buying a double-stroller. This can include the seating arrangement and the overall size, which has an impact on ease of use and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, advises parents to check the stroller's weight and folded dimensions. “They should also consider the seat recline options and age ranges to ensure the best fit for their family.” A quality double stroller should be able to handle a variety of surfaces easily from suburban sidewalks to parks, and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should also have flexible seating arrangements for children of different age groups and comfort features such as windows that can be opened and closed to protect children from rain or sun. Seating options are crucial for many families that will utilize double strollers from birth to childhood. “There are two main categories – in-line with one seat behind the other, and side-byside with seats adjacent to each other,” Billingsley explains. Some parents prefer the inline option because of its sleek appearance and versatility. Others like a wagon-style double stroller for maximum space for groceries or bulky items. In-line models are more likely to show this type of discrepancy. Certain models may provide different recline options, with one seat being almost flat and the other being more upright. Billingsley suggests selecting a model with both a near flat recline and leg rest adjustment for both seats. This will ensure that both children can lie down comfortably. She also suggests parents look for strollers with storage compartments to allow them to quickly access their snacks, personal items and toys in motion. She also suggests that it's helpful to look for a stroller that has an organizer or parent console bag that can be attached to the handlebars. This can help keep essentials close at hand. A few of the most highly-rated double strollers are expandable, allowing parents to customize the set-up based on the requirements of their growing family. The Mockingbird Expandable, for example, is a highly rated double stroller that 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 adults, as well as any additional cargo. Strollers need to be able to move and push, particularly on difficult terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to allow parents to maintain their good posture while pushing them. A no-rethread harness that makes the adjustment of seat belts quicker and easier, is another nice feature to look for. Also, a strong brake system and wheels that can glide over any surface are essential safety features. Some parents opt for a side-by-side design that allows both children to be able to see each other during family outings. This arrangement can prevent sibling squabbles about who gets to sit in which seat however it's not foolproof. If the seats are set at different heights, one child could be capable of punching or kicking the other on a walk. If you have twins or siblings who are close in age, a tandem stroller offers the benefit of being able to see both children at the same time. Double strollers can be more spacious, and may not be able to fit through some doors inside. You could consider a single-to-double stroller that can be transformed from a single stroller to a double in many ways. The most popular models are the CYBEX gazelle S. Whether double pram and pushchair choose a side-by-side or tandem-style stroller, make sure the product is JPMA-certified to meet stringent safety standards. Be sure to check the weight limits that apply to each seat, since exceeding them can lead to frame fatigue or other issues. While it's easy for us to focus on the many bells and whistles that come with a new stroller, it's important to be aware that a stroller essentially a baby carrier that is carried around for long periods of time. It must be easy to clean and maintain and comfortable for both of the passengers. It should also feature a an easy-to-use, familiar design that allows the person pushing the stroller to maneuver it effortlessly. Simple to Use A double stroller must be easy to maneuver on different of terrains for families that are constantly on the move. Strollers with features like windows that can be opened and closed, adjustable canopy and sturdy brake systems are crucial to ensure the safety of your children. But there are also other features that make them easier to use. For example the stroller must be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your car, while still offering ample storage space for your groceries and other items. It is also important to consider thoughtful additions such as a cup holder for one parent or console for parents, as well as snacks for children—all things that can make life with two children significantly simpler. During our testing, we evaluated each stroller according to its ability to perform on different terrains, as well as its ability to maneuver through tight spaces. We also looked at how simple it was to fold the stroller and unfold it as well as if a particular feature improved the overall functionality. For example a stroller that has no-rethread harnesses makes adjusting the seat belts easy and quick. This is a major selling point for parents who are always in motion, as it eliminates the need to rethread their harness. The UPPAbaby V2 Double was a top performer in this metric as it came with a variety of seating configurations and additional accessories that accommodated growing families. The wagon-style double stroller can be expanded 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 age groups. It easily glides over pavements, cobblestones, and ball fields. It can be folded flat to store in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is simple and intuitive, which was appreciated by our test participant Kerry. Its clever packaging clear sections, well-labeled sections and helpful user guide made putting together this stroller an absolute breeze. Storage A double stroller is able to hold twice as much stuff as a single stroller so make sure you have plenty of storage space. You'll want a stroller that has enough storage space to hold the necessities of parents and children including bottles and snacks, toys, and diapers. Find baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, consider a stroller that has an expandable cargo space to take in bulky items like diaper bags and lunchbags. A quality double stroller will be able to adapt to the needs of your family. For instance, some models include a bassinet attachment that can accommodate infants, while others feature 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 even include a rider board to let older siblings be part of the fun. You'll find a wide variety of double strollers in the market, from elegant, high-performance models that excel on rough terrain to budget-friendly models more suited for daily use. While shopping, read reviews and recommendations of families like yours to get an idea of what to expect from the double stroller that you pick. Double strollers are available in three different design formats including tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers offer the most flexibility and are perfect for twins or children who are close in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers on the contrary, have two seats that are placed adjacent to one another and facing in opposite directions. This is a ideal choice for children of the same age or for siblings who like to interact with each other. Tandem strollers may be harder to maneuver through tight spaces, and are less likely to fit through doorways than their side-byside counterparts. If you prefer a wagon-style double stroller, check out this top model from Safety 1st. Our testers were impressed by the fact that this low-cost model comes with a variety of seating options and the option to click in two infant car seats or a single child in a convertible toddler seat. Our experts also praised the memory foam seats as well as the canopy, which has 50+ SPF and foam-filled wheels that will never wear out. When it's time for folding this model needs only just a few nudges on the straps beneath each seat (under the seat where children sit) for folding.