The Time Has Come To Expand Your Double Strollers Options
Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two kids who are similar in age, a double stroller can be a valuable investment. These compact tandem buggies or flexible side by side buggies let you keep both children within sight when you are navigating the aisles of your grocery store, parks, and whatever else life can throw at you.
Comfort
Comfort is an important factor to take into consideration when buying a double-stroller. This could include both seating arrangements and the overall size of the stroller which can impact the accessibility and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child expert in child development from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, suggests parents be aware of the stroller's weight and folded dimensions. "They should also look at the recline options for seats and age ranges to ensure a perfect fit for their family."
A good double stroller should be able to navigate a variety of surfaces with ease from suburban sidewalks to parks and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should have a variety of seating options for children of different stages of development, as well as features that provide comfort, such as a peek-aboo window and adjustable canopies that protect children from rain or sun.
Seating options are crucial for many families that will use double strollers from birth to childhood. Billingsley states that there are two major categories that are in-line, with one seat in-front of the other, and side-by-side, with seats next to each other. "Some parents prefer an in-line stroller due to its sleek appearance and versatility, while others prefer a wagon-style double stroller to make the most space for large items or groceries."
In-line models are more likely to have this kind of discordance. Some models might offer different recline options, with one being almost flat, while the other one remaining fairly upright. Billingsley recommends selecting a product with both a near flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children lie down comfortably.
She also suggests parents look for strollers that have storage compartments to allow them to easily access personal items, snacks and toys when on the move. She also recommends that it is helpful to find a stroller which comes with a parent console or organizer bag that is attached to the handlebars. This can help parents keep their essentials in their reach.
A few of the top-rated double strollers can be expanded giving parents the ability to alter the configuration depending on the needs of their family. For example, the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly rated double stroller that can be used with a single double stroller seat from birth and then transformed into tandem (with the addition of a second seat and bassinet) as the child gets older.
Safety
Double strollers must be able to handle the weight of two adults, as well as any additional cargo. Strollers must be simple to maneuver and push, especially on difficult terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers double come with ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height to ensure that parents maintain a good posture when pushing them. A harness that is not rethread that makes the adjustment of seat belts more quickly and easily, is another nice feature to look for. Safety features include a sturdy brake system and wheels that slide over any surface.
Some parents choose the side-by-side design to allow both children to meet up during family outings. This arrangement can help prevent sibling rivalries about who gets to sit in which seat however, it's not 100% secure. If the seats are placed at different heights, one child may be able to kick or punch the other during the course of a walk.
A tandem-style stroller is ideal option for parents with twins or siblings who are similar in age. It lets them see both children at once. These double strollers can be wider, and may not be able to fit through some doors inside. You could consider a Single Double stroller-to-double stroller that can be transformed from a single stroller to a double in a variety ways. The most popular models are the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you're looking for a tandem or side-byside stroller, ensure that the stroller has been JPMA certified to meet stringent safety standards. Pay attention to the maximum weight limit for each seat. If you exceed these limits, it could cause frame fatigue or other problems.
It's easy to get caught up in the bells and whistles, however it's important to keep in mind that strollers are essentially baby carriers that will be used for a long period of time. It must be easy to clean and maintain as well as comfortable for both of the passengers. It should also have a familiar, intuitive design that allows the person pushing the stroller to move it easily.
Ease of Use
For families on the go, a double stroller should be able to navigate different terrains. Strollers with features like windows that can be opened and closed, adjustable canopy and sturdy brake systems are vital to ensure the safety of your children. However, there are other factors that make them more convenient to use. For example the stroller must be small enough to fit in the trunk of your car yet provide ample storage space for your groceries and other items. It's also important to include thoughtful details, such as the cup holder for one parent or consoles for parents, as well as an eating tray. These are able to help make traveling with two children much easier.
In our tests, we assessed each stroller according to its performance on different surfaces and its ability to maneuver through tight spaces. We also looked at how easy it was to fold the stroller and unfold it as well as if a particular feature made a difference to the overall performance. For example a stroller with a harness that does not rethread makes the adjustment of the seat belts quick and simple. This is a major attraction for parents who are always on the move, as it does away with the requirement to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby 2 Double scored well in this measure because it had a wide variety of seating options, as well as additional accessories to accommodate families that are growing. The double-stroller in the wagon style expands so that it can accommodate an additional seat, a bassinet, or even a toddler-riding board. This is ideal for families who want to spend long days traveling with several children of various age groups. It easily glides over pavements, cobblestones, and ball fields. It can fold flat to be stored in a trunk or a closet. The design of this stroller is simple and intuitive which was well-loved by our test participant Kerry. The smart packaging clear sections, well-marked sections and user's manual made it easy to put together this stroller.
Stores
Double strollers can carry twice as much as one stroller So, make sure to search for ample storage space. It is ideal to have an item that can hold the necessities for both kids, including nappies, bottles, snacks and toys, as well as parents' belongings like wallets, phones keys and wallets. Look for baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, consider a stroller with an expandable cargo area to take in bulky items like diaper bags and lunchbags.
A quality double seat stroller stroller will be able to adapt to the needs of your family. For example, some models include an attachment for a bassinet that can be used for newborns, and others come with child seats that can grow with your children until they're able to switch to riding on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers also allow for a rider board to allow older siblings to be part of the fun.
There's a wide selection of double strollers on the market, from sleek, high-performance options that can handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models more suitable for use in the everyday. While shopping, take a look at reviews from other users and the opinions of families like yours to get an understanding of what to expect from the double lightweight twin stroller you pick.
Double strollers are available in three different designs including tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers offer the most versatility and are ideal for twins or children who are close in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers on the other hand, feature two seats that are arranged next to each other and facing in opposite directions--a great option for children of the same age, or for siblings who enjoy interacting with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and are less likely to fit in doors.
If you're looking for 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 has multiple seating options, including the ability to connect two infant car seats or a single child in a 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 flatten. And when it's time to fold, this model requires only a couple of pulls on straps on each seat (under the seat where kids sit) to fold it in half.