The Not So Well-Known Benefits Of Double Strollers
Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two kids who are similar in age, a double stroller can be a great investment. These compact tandem strollers or flexible side-by-side buggies allow you to keep your eyes on both kids at the same time while taking on the grocery store as well as the parks and other obstacles life throws your way.
Comfort
Comfort is an important factor to consider when shopping for a double-stroller. This could include both seating arrangement and the overall size of the stroller, which can impact the convenience and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, says parents should examine the stroller's weight as well as folded dimensions. "They should also consider the seat recline options as well as the ages of their children to ensure it's a perfect fit."
A well-constructed double stroller will be durable enough to travel on different surfaces smoothly--from suburban sidewalks to park trails and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should also provide flexible seating arrangements for children of various age and comfort features like windows that peek out and adjustable canopy to shield children from sun or rain.
Seating options are important for many families that will utilize double strollers from birth to childhood. Billingsley states that there are two major categories: in-line with one seat in front of the other and side-byside seating with seats next to one another. Some parents prefer the inline option because of its sleek appearance and versatility. Others like a wagon style double stroller for maximum space for grocery or bulky items.
In-line models are more likely to have this kind of discordance. Some models might offer different recline options, with one being nearly flat, and the other remaining relatively upright. Billingsley suggests selecting a model with both a near flat recline as well as leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children can lay down comfortably.
She also suggests parents look for strollers with storage compartments to allow them to easily access personal items, snacks, and toys while in motion. She adds that it's also beneficial to choose a stroller that has an organizer or parent console bag that can be attached to the handlebars, which can help keep essentials close at hand.
Some of the best-rated double strollers can be enlarged to allow parents to customize the setup depending on the needs of their family. The Mockingbird Expandable, for example, is a highly rated double stroller that can be used from birth with just one seat, then transformed into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers must be able to carry the weight of two people, plus any additional cargo. Strollers should also be easy to maneuver and push, especially in tight areas and over challenging terrain. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height which make it easier for parents to maintain a good posture when pushing them. Another feature that is great is a no-rethread belt harness, which makes it easier to adjust the seat belts. A sturdy brake system and wheels that can glide over any surface are important safety features.
Some parents choose an arrangement that allows both children to be able to see one another during family outings. This arrangement can help prevent siblings arguing about who gets to sit in which seat however, it's not 100% secure. If the seats are set at different heights, one child could be able to kick or punch the other during a walk.
For parents with twins or siblings close in age, a tandem-style stroller is a great option for being able see both kids at once. However, they are larger than other double strollers, so they may not fit through all interior doorways. For maximum versatility, consider a single-to-double stroller which can switch from a single stroller to a tandem in a variety of ways, such as the popular CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can be adapted to a wide variety of configurations and permit you to insert infant car seats or cot attachments, depending on your needs.
Whether you choose a side-by-side or tandem-style stroller, make sure the product is certified by JPMA to meet stringent safety standards. Be aware of the maximum weight limits for each seat, as exceeding them can lead to frame fatigue or other issues.
While it's easy to concentrate on the many bells and whistles on the latest stroller, it's important to keep in mind that a stroller is an infant carrier that is transported for long periods of time. It should be comfortable for both passengers, easy to clean and maintain, and most importantly it should feature an easy-to-use, familiar design so that the person pushing it is able to easily maneuver it without having to think twice about how to move forward and turn left or right, or apply the brakes.
User-Friendliness
A double stroller should be easy to maneuver on various of terrains for families that are constantly on the move. Strollers that have features like windows that peek-a-boo, adjustable canopies and sturdy brake systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children. However, there are other factors that make them simpler to use. For example the stroller should be small enough to fit into the trunk of your car, but still provide ample storage space for your groceries and other items. It is also important to consider thoughtful additions like a cup holder with a single parent or console for parents, as well as an eating tray for children -- all things that will make life on the go with two kids much more manageable.
In our tests, we evaluated each stroller on how well it performed on a variety of terrains and how easily it could maneuver in tight spaces. We also considered how easy it was to fold the stroller and unfold it as well as if a particular feature improved the overall functionality. A stroller with no-rethread straps is easy to adjust the seat belts. This is a major benefit for parents who are on the move, as it saves time and removes the need to re-thread the harness.
The UPPAbaby 2 Double scored highly in this metric as it came with a variety of seating configurations and other accessories that could accommodate expanding families. The wagon-style cheap double pushchair stroller is able to provide an additional seat as well as a bassinet, or a toddler riding board--perfect for active families planning long days on the go with multiple kids of varying age groups. It also glides smoothly over cobblestones, balls and pavements. It folds flat for easy storage in a closet or trunk. Our test subject Kerry loved the simple and easy-to-use nature of the stroller's design. Its stylish packaging with clearly labeled sections as well as a helpful user guides made assembling this stroller a breeze.
Storage
double pushchair with car seat strollers can hold twice more than a single one So, make sure to look for plenty of storage space. Ideally, you want a stroller that can accommodate the basic necessities for both kids: nappies bottles, snacks, and toys, in addition to parents' belongings like phones, wallets, and keys. Look for baskets that fit under the seat as well as other pockets, and consider a stroller with an expanding cargo area that can carry heavy items such as lunch bags and diaper bags.
A good double stroller must have the ability to adapt as your family grows. For example certain models come with the bassinet attachment, which can accommodate newborns, while others feature 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 permit older siblings to share in the fun with the rider board.
You'll find a wide variety of double strollers in the market, from elegant, high-performance models that can handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models more suitable for use in the everyday. While shopping, read reviews and recommendations of families just like yours to get a better idea of what you can expect from the double stroller you select.
Double strollers come in three different designs: side-by-side, tandem, and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-byside strollers are the most flexible and ideal for twins as well as children of similar ages. tandem double stroller double strollers, on the other hand, feature two seats that are arranged next to each other and facing in opposite directions. This is a great option for children of the same age or for siblings who love to interact with each other. Tandem strollers may be harder to maneuver through tight spaces and are less likely to pass through doors than their side-by-side counterparts.
Take a look at this top choice by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon style double stroller. Testers loved how this affordable model comes with a variety of seating options, including the ability to click in two infant car seats or a single child riding in the convertible toddler seat. Our reviewers also praised the comfy memory foam seats, 50+ SPF canopy and foam-filled tires that will never stop running flat. When it's time to fold, this model needs just a couple of tugs on the straps on each seat (under the seats where kids are) to fold it in half.