Are Double Strollers Really As Vital As Everyone Says
Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is an excellent investment if you have two children of similar ages. These narrow tandem buggies or versatile side by side buggies let you keep both children in sight while you shop, parks, and whatever else life can throw at you.
Comfort
Comfort is an important factor to think about when purchasing a double-stroller. This can include the seating arrangement and the overall size, which has an impact on the ease of use and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, suggests parents check the stroller's weight and folded dimensions. "They must also take into consideration the recline options for seats as well as the age ranges of their children to ensure it's a perfect fit."
A good double stroller should be able to handle different surfaces easily from suburban sidewalks to parks, and twin pushchair from birth toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should offer a range of seating options for children at different stages of development, as well as comfort features such as a peek-a-boo window and adjustable canopies that shield kids from the sun or rain.
For a majority of families, a double stroller is likely to be used from birth and into the teen years, so it's essential to think about the seating options. Billingsley explains that there are two major categories that are in-line which has one seat in front of the other, and side-by-side seating with seats next to one another. Some parents prefer the in-line model due to its sleek style and versatility. Others prefer a wagon-style double buggy stroller to make the most space for bulky or grocery items.
In-line models are more likely to show this kind of difference. Certain models may provide different recline options, with one seat being nearly flat, and the other one remaining fairly upright. Billingsley suggests choosing a model with a near-flat recline and leg rest adjustment for both seats. This will ensure that both children can lay comfortably.
Finally, she advises looking for a stroller that includes storage compartments that allow parents to easily access snacks, toys and other personal items while on the move. She also suggests that it's helpful to find a compact twin stroller which has a parent console, or organizer bag that is attached to the handlebars. This will help parents keep essentials close in their reach.
Many of the top-rated double strollers can be extended giving parents the ability to alter the configuration according to their family's requirements. The Mockingbird Expandable, for instance, is a highly rated double stroller which can be used from birth using a single double stroller seat, then transformed into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers should be able to carry the weight of two passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers must be easy to maneuver and push, especially on difficult terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights which make it easier for parents to maintain a good posture when pushing them. Another great feature is a no-rethread seat belt harness that allows for a more comfortable adjustment of the belts for your child. Also, a strong brake system and wheels that glide across any surface are essential safety features.
Some parents choose a side-by-side design that allows both children to view each other during family outings. This arrangement can help prevent sibling squabbles over who sits in which seat, but it isn't foolproof. If the seats are different heights, a child may kick or punch one another during a walk, if the seats are at different levels.
For parents with twins or siblings of similar age, a tandem stroller can be beneficial in being able to view both kids at once. Double strollers can be more spacious, and may not fit through certain doors inside. You could consider a single-to-double stroller that can be transformed from a single stroller to a double in a variety ways. Popular models include the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you decide to purchase a side-by-side or tandem-style stroller, be sure the product is certified by JPMA to meet the strictest safety standards. Pay attention to the weight limit that applies to each seat. Exceeding these limits could cause frame fatigue or other problems.
While it's easy to focus on the additional bells and whistles of a new stroller, it's crucial to remember that a stroller is essentially a baby carrier that will be carried around for long periods of time. It should be easy to clean and maintain and comfortable for both the passengers. It should also feature a an intuitive, familiar design that allows the person pushing it to move it easily.
User-Friendliness
For families on the go, a double stroller must be able to maneuver easily over various terrains. Strollers that have features like peek-a-boo windows, adjustable canopies and reliable brake systems are crucial to ensure the safety of your children. But there are other features that make them more convenient to use. A stroller must be compact double stroller enough to fit into the trunk of your vehicle and still provide plenty of storage space for groceries and other items. Also important are thoughtful touches such as a cup holder for one parent as well as a console for parents and snacks for children--all things that will make life with two kids significantly easier.
In our tests, we assessed each stroller based on its performance on different terrains and its ability to maneuver in tight spaces. We also looked at how simple it was to fold the stroller and unfold it in a timely manner, and if a specific feature improved the overall functionality. For instance a stroller with a harness that does not rethread makes the adjustment of the seat belts simple and easy. This can be a huge selling point for parents on the go since it reduces time and eliminates the need to re-thread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double was a top performer in this metric, as it offers a wide range of seating configurations as well as additional accessories to help accommodate growing families. The wagon-style double stroller expands to provide an additional seat as well as a bassinet or a toddler riding board that is perfect for families who are active and planning long trips with multiple kids of various age groups. It also glides effortlessly over cobblestones, ball fields and pavements. It also can be folded flat for simple storage in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is simple and easy to use which was well-loved by our tester Kerry. The smart packaging clear sections, well-marked sections and user guide made it easy to assemble this stroller.
Storage
A double stroller can be able to hold twice as much than a single stroller, so look for ample storage space. You want a stroller with enough storage space to hold the necessities of children and parents including bottles as well as snacks, toys and diapers. Look for under-seat baskets as well as other pockets, and think about a stroller with an expanding cargo area that can hold bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags.
A good double stroller should be able to expand with your family. Billingsley states that certain models come with an attachment for a bassinet to accommodate newborns. Others have child seats which can expand with the child until they are ready to ride on the back. Some double buggy With carrycot strollers allow older children to join in on the fun by riding on riding boards.
There are a variety of double strollers available on the market, from elegant, high-performance models that excel on rough terrain to budget-friendly models that are more suitable for use in the everyday. While shopping, take a look at reviews and suggestions from families like yours to gain an understanding of what you can expect from the double stroller you pick.
Double strollers come in three different designs such as tandem, side-byside, and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-byside strollers are the most versatile and ideal for twins as well as children of a similar age. Tandem double strollers have two seats set up in tandem with the opposite direction facing. This is a great option for children of similar age or siblings who prefer to be social with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and less likely to fit in doors.
Check out this top pick by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon style double stroller. Our testers were impressed by the fact that this low-cost model offers multiple seating configurations, including the ability to snap in two infant car seats or a single child riding in a convertible toddler seat. Our reviewers also praised the soft memory foam seats, 50+ SPF canopy and foam-filled tires that never get flat. When it's time for folding, this model only requires just a few nudges on the straps underneath each seat (under the seats where kids sit) to fold.