How Double Strollers Impacted My Life The Better
Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two children who are close in age A cheap double buggy stroller can be a great investment. These narrow tandem buggies or versatile side-by-side buggies allow you to keep both children in sight when you are navigating the aisles of your grocery store, parks, and whatever else life throws at you.
Comfort
When looking for a double stroller for your child, comfort is a key aspect to take into consideration. This includes both the seating arrangements and the overall size of the stroller which can impact the convenience and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child expert in development from the Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, says parents should check the stroller's weight and folded dimensions. "They should also consider the recline options for seats and the ages of their children to ensure that it's the perfect fit."
A quality double stroller should be durable enough to travel on various surfaces with ease, from urban sidewalks to parks trails, and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should have a variety of seating options for children at different ages, as well as comfort features like peek-a-boo windows and adjustable canopy options which protect children from the sun or rain.
Seating options are important for many families who will use double strollers from the time of birth until childhood. "There are two main categories: in-line with one seat behind the other, and side-by-side with seats that are next to each other," Billingsley explains. Some parents prefer the inline option due to its sleek style and versatility. Others prefer a wagon style double stroller to maximize space for bulky or grocery items.
In-line models are more likely to show this type of discrepancy. Some products may offer different recline options, with one seat being almost flat and the other one remaining fairly upright. Billingsley recommends selecting a product that has a nearly flat recline as well as leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children lay comfortably.
She also suggests that parents search for strollers with storage compartments so that they can quickly access their snacks, personal items and toys when on the move. She also suggests that it's beneficial to choose a stroller that has an organizer or parent console bag attached to the handlebars, which will allow you to keep your essentials within reach.
Some of the top-rated double strollers are expandable which allows parents to alter the layout to meet the requirements of their growing family. For instance the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used with just a single seat as early as birth, and later converted to tandem double stroller (with an additional seat and bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers must be able to support the weight of two passengers--plus any additional cargo. Strollers must be simple to maneuver and push, especially on difficult terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to ensure that parents maintain a good posture when pushing them. Another feature that is great is a no-rethread belt harness that makes it easier to adjust the belts on the seat. Safety features include a sturdy brake system, as well as wheels that can glide across any surface.
Some parents prefer an arrangement that allows both children to view each other during family outings. This arrangement can reduce siblings arguing over who sits in which spot however it's not foolproof. If the seats are different levels, a child might kick or punch one another during a walk, in the event that the seats are at different levels.
For parents with twins or siblings close in age, a tandem twin stroller side by side can be beneficial in being able to see both kids at once. Double strollers are typically larger, and might not fit through some doors inside. For maximum flexibility, think about a stroller that can change from a single stroller to a tandem in various ways, like the well-known CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can accommodate a wide variety of configurations and permit you to insert infant car seats or cot attachments according to your requirements.
If you opt for a side-byside or tandem-style stroller, be sure the product is certified by JPMA to meet strict safety standards. Be sure to check the weight limits that apply to each seat, since exceeding them could result in frame fatigue or other issues.
While it's easy to concentrate on all the extra bells and whistles on the latest stroller, it's crucial to keep in mind that a stroller is essentially a baby carrier that will be transported for long periods of time. It must be easy to clean and maintain as well as comfortable for both of the passengers. It should also have a a familiar, intuitive design that allows the person pushing the stroller to move it easily.
Easy to Use
For families on the go, a double twin stroller should be able to maneuver easily over various terrains. Strollers with features such as peek-a-boo windows, adjustable canopies and sturdy brake systems are vital to ensure the safety of your children. But there are other features that make them more convenient to use. A stroller should be compact twin stroller enough to fit into the trunk of your car, but still have plenty of storage space for groceries or other items. Additionally, you should consider thoughtful features such as a cup holder for one parent or console for parents, as well as an eating tray for children -- all things that make life with two children significantly easier.
In our tests we rated each stroller based on how it did on a variety of surfaces and how well it could maneuver in tight spaces. We also looked at how easy it was to fold the stroller and unfold it, and if a particular feature improved 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 selling point for parents on the go, as it saves time and reduces the need to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored highly in this metric, as it offers a wide range of seating configurations as well as additional accessories to accommodate growing families. The double-stroller in the wagon style expands to accommodate a second seat, bassinet, or even a toddler-riding board. This is perfect for families who plan to spend long days traveling with several children of different ages. It easily glides over cobblestones and pavements and ball fields. It can fold flat to store in a trunk or a closet. The design of this stroller is simple and easy to use which was well-loved by our test participant Kerry. The clever packaging, clearly marked sections and user guide made it easy to put together this stroller.
Stores
Double strollers can hold twice as much as one stroller, so make sure you ensure you have plenty of storage space. Ideally, you want an item that can hold the essentials for both kids--nappies bottles, snacks, and toys, along with parents' belongings like phones, wallets keys, wallets and phones. Look for baskets that fit under the seat as well as other pockets, and consider a stroller with an expandable cargo space that can carry heavy items such as lunch bags and diaper bags.
A quality double stroller should be able to adjust as your family expands. For example certain models come with the bassinet attachment, which can be used for newborns, and others have child seats that can be adapted to your children until they're able to ride on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers allow older children to share in the fun by riding on a rider board.
There's a wide selection of double strollers double on the market, ranging from elegant, high-performance models that can handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models that are more suited for daily use. While shopping, take a look at reviews and suggestions from families just like yours to get an idea of what you can expect from the double stroller you select.
Double strollers are available in three models: tandem, side by side and wagon style. Side-by-side double strollers offer most flexibility and are perfect for twins or children who are who are close in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers, on the other hand, feature two seats that are arranged close to each other and facing in opposite directions--a great option for children who are the same age or for siblings who like to interact with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces, and less likely to fit into doors.
Take a look at this top choice by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon style double stroller. This model is affordable and was praised by testers for its many seating options. It can be used with two car seats for infants or one child in a convertible toddler chair. Our experts also praised the memory foam seats as well as the canopy, which has 50+ SPF and foam-filled wheels that never flatten. And when it's time for you to fold, this model requires just a couple of tugs on straps on each seat (under the seat where kids sit) to fold it in half.