5 Double Strollers Lessons Learned From The Professionals
Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two children who are close in age, a double stroller can be a great investment. These narrow tandem buggies as well as versatile side by side buggies let you keep both children within sight while navigating the grocery aisle and parks, as well as whatever else life throws at you.
Comfort
The comfort factor is one of the most important factors to think about when purchasing a double-stroller. This could include both seating arrangement and the overall size of the stroller which can impact the ease of use and storage. "Parents must determine what the stroller weighs as well as its dimensions folded," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also consider the recline options for seats as well as the ages of their children to ensure it's a perfect fit."
A quality double stroller should be able to navigate a variety of surfaces with ease including suburban sidewalks, 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 comfort features like peek-a-boo window and adjustable canopy that shield kids from rain or sun.
For a majority of families, a double stroller will be used from birth until the age of five, so it's crucial to think about seating options. Billingsley says there are two main categories of in-line seating, with one seat in-front of the other and side-byside seating with seats next to each other. "Some parents prefer an in-line stroller due to its sleek appearance and versatility, whereas others prefer a wagon-style double stroller that can be used to store heavy items or groceries."
In-line models tend to have this kind of discordance. Some products may offer different recline options, with one seat being almost flat and the other one remaining fairly upright. Billingsley recommends choosing a product that offers both a near-flat recline and leg rests that can be adjusted for both seats to ensure both children can lie back comfortably.
Finally, she advises choosing a stroller that includes storage compartments that will allow parents to quickly access snacks, toys and personal items while on the move. She also recommends that it is beneficial to find a stroller that includes a parent console or organizer bag, that can be attached to the handlebars. This will help parents keep essentials close to hand.
Some of the top-rated double strollers can be expanded which allows parents to alter the layout to meet the needs 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) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers must be able to support the weight of two adults, as well as any additional cargo. Strollers need to be simple to maneuver and push, particularly when on rough terrain and in tight spaces. The best travel double stroller strollers have ergonomic handlebars and adjustable heights which make it easier for parents to maintain good form when pushing them. Another great feature is a no-rethread seat belt harness, which allows for a more comfortable adjustment of the belts on the seat. Safety features include a durable brake system and wheels that slide over any surface.
Some parents prefer a side by side design to ensure that both children meet up when they go on family outings. This arrangement can prevent sibling rivalries over who is allowed to sit where, but it's not foolproof. If the seats are placed at different heights, one child may be capable of punching or kicking the other during walks.
A tandem-style stroller is a excellent option for parents with twins or siblings that are close in age. It allows them to see both children at once. These double strollers can be larger, and might not fit through certain doors inside. You could consider a single to double stroller-to-double stroller that can be transformed from a single stroller to a double buggy with carrycot in many ways. The most popular models are the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you're in the market for a tandem or side-byside stroller, ensure that the stroller has been JPMA certified to meet strict safety standards. Be aware of the weight limits that apply to each seat, since exceeding them could result in frame fatigue or other issues.
It's easy to get caught in the jingles and whistles, however it's important to keep in mind that strollers are in essence baby carriers that are used for a long period of times. It must be comfortable for both the passengers as well as easy to clean and maintain, and ideally, it should offer an intuitive, familiar design so that the person pushing it can effortlessly maneuver it without having to think about how to move forward, turn left or right, or use the brakes.
Easy of Use
For families that are on the move, a Amazon double stroller (www.play56.net) stroller should be easy to maneuver over a variety of terrains. 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. However, there are other features that make them more convenient to use. A stroller should be compact enough to fit into the trunk of your vehicle, but still have plenty of storage space for groceries and other items. It is also essential to include thoughtful touches, such as cups holder for one parent as well as consoles for parents and snacks on trays. These will make traveling with two children much more enjoyable.
In our tests we rated the strollers on how it performed on a variety surfaces and how well it maneuvered in tight spaces. We also looked at how easy it was to fold and unfold and whether or not a specific feature enhanced the overall performance of the stroller. A stroller with no-rethread straps makes it easy to adjust the seat belts. This can be a huge benefit for parents on the go because it cuts down on time and removes the need to re-thread the harness.
The UPPAbaby v2 Double scored highly in this measure because it had a wide variety of seating configurations, and other accessories that could accommodate growing families. The wagon-style double stroller expands to allow for two seats, a bassinet or even a toddler riding board that is perfect for active families planning long trips with multiple children of different age groups. It also glides smoothly across cobblestones, balls and pavements. It folds flat for easy storage in a closet or trunk. Our tester Kerry appreciated the straightforward and easy-to-use nature of the stroller's design. Its clever packaging with clearly labeled sections as well as a an informative user guide made putting together this stroller a breeze.
Storage
A double stroller can be able to hold twice as much stuff as a single stroller therefore, you should look for plenty of storage space. It is important to find a stroller with enough storage space to accommodate the essentials of both children and parents, such as bottles, toys, snacks, and diapers. Look for baskets that fit under the seat and other pockets, and think about a stroller that has an expandable cargo area that can carry heavy items such as lunch bags and diaper bags.
A quality double stroller should be able to change as your family grows. For example certain models come with the bassinet attachment, which can accommodate infants, while others feature child seats that can grow with your children until they're ready to ride on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers allow older siblings to join in on the fun with the rider board.
You'll find a wide variety of double strollers on the market, from sleek, high-performance models that are able to handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models more suited for daily use. As you shop, read reviews from other users and the opinions of families like yours to get a better sense of what to expect with the double buggy converts to single stroller you pick.
Double strollers are available in three different styles including tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Billingsley says that side-by-side strollers are the most flexible and suitable for twins or children of similar ages. Tandem double strollers feature two seats that are set in a tandem arrangement with the opposite direction facing. This is a good option for children of the same age or siblings who like to play with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through tight spaces, and less likely to fit into doorways.
If you're looking for a wagon-style double stroller check out this top pick from Safety 1st. Our testers were impressed by the fact that this low-cost model offers multiple seating configurations and the option to snap in two infant car seats or a single and double stroller child riding in an convertible toddler seat. Our experts also praised memory foam seats as well as the canopy, which has 50+ SPF and foam-filled wheels that never go flat. When it's time to fold, this model requires only a couple of pulls on straps on each seat (under where the kids sit) to fold in half.