Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two children who are similar in age, a double stroller can be a valuable investment. These strollers are narrow and narrow, as well as versatile side-by-side buggies help you keep your eyes on both kids at the same time while braving the grocery aisle, parks and anything else life throws at you.
Comfort
Comfort is an important factor to take into consideration when buying a double-stroller. This can include the seating arrangement and overall size, which has an impact on ease of use and storage. "Parents should determine how much the stroller weighs and its folded dimensions," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also think about the seat recline options, as well as the ages of their children to ensure it's a perfect fit."
A quality double stroller should be able to handle different surfaces easily, from suburban sidewalks to parks and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should also offer versatile seating options for children of varying age groups and comfort features such as peek-a-boo windows and adjustable canopies to shield children from sun or rain.
Seating options are important for many families that will utilize a double stroller from birth to childhood. "There are two main categories--in-line with one seat behind the other, and side-byside with seats that are next to each other," Billingsley explains. Some parents prefer the inline option due to its sleek style and flexibility. Others prefer a wagon style double stroller to maximize space for groceries or bulky items.
While some products may have different recline options, with one seat nearly flat while the other is upright, this kind of difference is more prevalent in the in-line models. Billingsley suggests selecting a product with a near-flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats to ensure the children can both lie back comfortably.
She also suggests parents look for strollers that have storage compartments so that they can easily access snacks, personal items and toys in motion. She also suggests that it is helpful to find a stroller that has a parent console, or organizer bag that is attached to the handlebars. This will help parents keep essentials close at hand.
A few of the top-rated double strollers can be extended giving parents the ability to alter the configuration based on their family's needs. For instance the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly rated double stroller that can be used with just a single seat from birth and then converted to a tandem (with an additional seat and bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers must be able to support the weight of both passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers should also be easy to maneuver and push, especially in tight areas and on difficult terrain. best lightweight double stroller feature ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height to allow parents to maintain their good posture when pushing them. A harness that is not rethread, which makes adjusting seat belts quicker and easier is another great feature to look for. A sturdy brake system and wheels that can glide over any surface are crucial safety features.
Some parents prefer an arrangement that is side by side so that both children can be together on family outings. This arrangement can help prevent sibling fights over which child is allowed to sit in which spot but it's not a guarantee. If the seats are different levels, a child might punch or kick another during a walk if the seats are at different levels.
A tandem-style stroller is a excellent option for parents with twins or siblings who are close in age. It lets parents be able to see both children simultaneously. However, these can be larger than other double strollers, so they may not fit through all doorways in the interior. You could consider a single-to-double stroller that can be converted from a single to double in various ways. Popular models include the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you're in the market for a tandem or side-by-side stroller, make sure that the stroller has been JPMA certified to meet stringent safety standards. Be sure to check the weight limits that apply to each seat, since exceeding them can lead to frame fatigue or other issues.
It's easy to be swept in the jingles and whistles, but it's important to keep in mind that strollers are in essence baby carriers that will be carried for long periods of durations. It must be comfortable for both passengers, easy to clean and maintain, and ideally, it should offer an intuitive, familiar design that the person pushing it can effortlessly move it around without having to think twice about how to move forward or turn left or right, or apply the brakes.
Easy of Use
For families that are on the move, a double stroller should be able to maneuver easily over various terrains. Features like adjustable canopy with windows that peek out and dependable brake systems are crucial to ensure the safety of your children but there are other factors that influence stroller comfort of use. A stroller should be small enough to fit into the trunk of your vehicle yet have plenty of storage space for groceries or other things. It's also important to include thoughtful details, such as the cup holder for one parent or consoles for parents, as well as a snack tray. These can make traveling with two kids significantly easier.
During our testing We evaluated each stroller based on how it did on a variety of surfaces and how well it maneuvered in tight spaces. We also considered how easy it was to fold the stroller and then unfold it, and if a particular feature made a difference to the overall performance. A stroller that does not have rethread straps makes it simple to adjust the seat belts. This is a huge benefit for parents who are constantly moving around, since it eliminates the requirement to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored high in this metric, as it came with a variety of seating configurations as well as additional accessories to accommodate growing families. The wagon-style double stroller is able to provide a second seat as well as a bassinet, or a toddler-friendly riding board, which is ideal for families who are active and planning long days on the go with multiple children of different age groups. It easily glides over cobblestones and pavements and ball fields. It can also be folded flat to be stored in a trunk or a closet. Our test subject Kerry appreciated the straightforward, intuitive nature of this stroller's design. The sleek packaging, clearly marked sections and the user's guide made it simple to put this stroller together.
Stores
A double stroller can be able to hold twice as much as a single stroller therefore, you should look for plenty of storage space. You'll want a stroller that has enough storage space to store the essentials of both parents and children, such as bottles and snacks, toys, and diapers. Look for baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, consider a stroller with an expandable cargo space that can take in bulky items like diaper bags and lunchbags.
A good double stroller will be able to adapt to the needs of your family. Billingsley says that some models come with a bassinet attachment to accommodate infants. Other models come with child seats which can expand with the child until they are old enough to ride on the back. Some double strollers allow older children to join in the fun with riding boards.
There are a variety of double strollers on the market, from sleek, high-performance models that excel on rough terrain to budget-friendly models more suitable for use in the everyday. While shopping, you can read reviews and suggestions from families similar to yours to get a better idea of what to expect from the double stroller that you choose.
Double strollers are available in three different designs such as tandem, side-byside, and wagon-style. Billingsley says that side-by-side strollers are the most adaptable and ideal for twins or children of similar ages. Tandem double strollers have two seats arranged in a tandem arrangement, facing opposite directions. This is a good option for children of the same age, or siblings who like 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 has multiple seating options, including the ability to click in two infant car seats or a single child in a convertible toddler seat. Our experts also praised the memory foam seats as well as the canopy, which has 50+ SPF, and foam-filled wheels that will never wear out. And when it's time for you to fold, this model requires only a few tugs on straps on each seat (under the seats where kids are) to fold in half.