Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two kids who are close in age, a double stroller can be a valuable investment. These narrow tandem buggies as well as flexible side by side buggies allow you to keep both children in the same place while navigating the grocery aisle and parks, as well as whatever else life throws at you.
Comfort
When shopping for a double stroller for your child, comfort is a major factor to consider. This could include the seating arrangement as well as the overall size, which has an impact on the ease of use and storage. "Parents should determine how much the stroller weighs as well as its dimensions when folded," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They must also take into consideration the seat recline options as well as the age ranges of their children to ensure that it is a perfect fit."
A good double stroller should be able to navigate a variety of surfaces with ease, from suburban sidewalks to park paths, and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should also provide flexible seating arrangements for children of varying age groups and comfort features like windows that peek out and adjustable canopy to shield children from rain or sun.
Seating options are crucial for many families that will utilize double strollers from birth to the age of. Billingsley explains that there are two main categories of in-line seating which has one seat in front of the other and side-byside, with seats next to each other. Some parents prefer the in-line model due to its sleek style and its versatility. Others prefer a wagon-style double stroller for maximum space for bulky or grocery items.
In-line models tend to have this kind of difference. Certain models may provide different recline options, with one being almost flat and the other one remaining fairly upright. Billingsley suggests selecting a model with both a near flat recline and leg rest adjustment for both seats. This will ensure that both children lie down comfortably.
She also suggests that parents look for strollers that have storage compartments to allow them to easily access snacks, personal items, and toys while moving about. She suggests that it's useful to find the stroller that has a parent console or organizer bag that is attached to the handlebars, which can help keep essentials close at hand.
A few of the most highly-rated double strollers are expandable which allows parents to alter the layout to meet the requirements of their growing family. The Mockingbird Expandable, for instance, is a highly rated double stroller which can be used from birth with a single seat, then transformed into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers have to be able to support the weight of two people, plus any additional cargo. Strollers need to be easy to maneuver and push, especially when on rough terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights, making it easier for parents to maintain good form when pushing them. A harness that is not rethread that makes the adjustment of seat belts faster and easier is another great feature to look out for. Safety features include a durable brake system, as well as wheels that can glide across any surface.
Some parents prefer a side by side design so that both children can meet up on family outings. This arrangement can stop sibling fights over which child gets to sit where but it's not a guarantee. If the seats are positioned at different levels, one child might be in a position to punch or kick the other during walks.
If you have twins or siblings of similar age, a tandem-style stroller offers the benefit of being able to view both kids at once. Double strollers can be larger, and might not be able to fit through some interior doors. You could consider a single-to-double stroller that can be transformed from a single to a double in many ways. The most popular models are 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 the strictest safety standards. Also pay double pram pushchair to 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 up in the bells and whistles, but it's important to remember that strollers are in essence baby carriers that are used for a long period of times. It should be comfortable for both passengers and easy to clean and maintain, and most importantly, it should offer an intuitive, familiar design so that the person pushing it is able to easily maneuver it without having to think about how to move forward or turn left or right, or even apply the brakes.
Easy of Use
A double stroller must be easy to maneuver on various terrains for families who are constantly moving. Strollers with features like windows that peek-a-boo, adjustable canopies and sturdy brake systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children. But there are other features that make them easier to use. For example, a stroller must be small enough to fit into the trunk of your car, while still offering ample storage space for food items and other things. It's also essential to add thoughtful features, like a cup holder for one parent, consoles for parents and an eating tray. These are able to make traveling with two kids much more enjoyable.
In our tests, we evaluated the strollers on how it performed on a variety of surfaces and how well it could maneuver in tight spaces. We also considered how easy it was to fold the stroller and then unfold it, and if a particular feature improved the overall functionality. For instance, a stroller with a no-rethread harness makes adjusting the seat belts simple and easy. This is a major benefit for parents who are constantly on the move, as it does away with the requirement to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored highly in this measure, since it offered an impressive range of seating configurations and additional accessories to accommodate families that are growing. The wagon-style double stroller is able to allow for a second seat, a bassinet or even a toddler riding board that is perfect for families with active children who plan long, tiring days with multiple kids of varying age groups. It also glides smoothly across pavement, cobblestones and ballfields--and it folds flat to make simple storage in a trunk or closet. Our test subject Kerry appreciated the straightforward, intuitive nature of this stroller's design. Its smart packaging clear sections, well-labeled sections and helpful user guide made putting together this stroller an absolute breeze.
double pushchair is able to hold twice as much as a single stroller, so make sure you have plenty of storage space. You want a stroller with enough storage space to store the essentials for both parents and children, such as bottles, toys, snacks, and diapers. Find baskets under the seat as well as other pockets, and look into a stroller that has an expandable cargo space that can carry heavy items such as lunch bags and diaper bags.
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 newborns. Some models have child seats which can grow with the child until they are old enough to ride on the back. Some double strollers allow older siblings to share in the fun by riding on the rider board.
There are many double strollers available. You can pick from high-performance models which are suitable for rough terrain, or affordable options that you can use every day. While shopping, you can read reviews and opinions of families just like yours to get a better idea of what to expect from the double stroller you select.
Double strollers come in three different design formats: side-by-side, tandem, and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers offer most versatility and are ideal for twins or kids similar to their age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers feature two seats arranged in a tandem configuration facing in opposite directions. This is a great option for children of similar age or siblings who want to be social with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through tight spaces, and are less likely to pass through doorways than their side-by-side counterparts.
Check out this top selection by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon style double stroller. This affordable model was praised by test participants for its multiple seating configurations. It can be used with two infant car seats, or one child in a convertible toddler seat. Our testers also loved the soft memory foam seats and the 50+ SPF canopy, and foam-filled tires that never go flat. When it's time for folding this model needs only just a few nudges on the straps underneath each seat (under the seats where kids sit) for folding.