A Step-By'-Step Guide To Picking The Right Double Strollers
Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is a great investment for families with two children with similar ages. These narrow tandem buggies as well as versatile side by side buggies will keep both children in sight while you shop or in parks, or whatever else life throws at you.
Comfort
Comfort is a major factor to take into consideration when buying a double-stroller. This includes the seating arrangement and the overall size, which can have an impact on ease of use and storage. "Parents must determine what the stroller weighs as well as its folded dimensions," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They must also take into consideration the options for recline of the seat, as well as the age ranges of their children to ensure that it is 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 have a variety of seating options for children at different stages of development, as well as comfort features like peek-a-boo window and adjustable canopy which protect children from rain or sun.
Seating options are important for many families that will utilize double strollers from birth to the age of. "There are two main categories--in-line with one seat behind the other, and side by side with seats adjacent to each other," Billingsley explains. Some parents prefer the inline option due to its sleek design and versatility. Others like a wagon style double stroller to maximize space for bulky or grocery items.
Although some models may have different recline options--with one seat being almost flat, while the other is upright, this kind of difference is more prevalent in the in-line models. Billingsley suggests selecting a model with a near-flat recline and leg rest adjustment for both seats. This will ensure that both children can lie down comfortably.
Then, she suggests choosing strollers that have storage compartments that enable parents to quickly access snacks, toys and other personal items while out and about. She suggests that it's useful to find a stroller with an organizer or parent console bag attached to the handlebars. This can help keep essentials close at hand.
Some of the best-rated double strollers can be expanded giving parents the ability to modify the layout based on their family's needs. The Mockingbird Expandable, for example is a highly-rated double stroller which can be used from birth with just one seat, and then converted into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers have to be able to handle the weight of two passengers--plus any additional cargo. Strollers must be able to move and push, particularly on rough terrain or in tight spaces. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to help parents maintain good posture when pushing them. Another feature that is great is a no-rethread seat belt harness that allows for a more comfortable adjustment of the seat belts. Safety features include a durable brake system and wheels which glide over any surface.
Some parents choose an arrangement that is side by side to ensure that both children meet up during family outings. This arrangement can stop sibling fights over which child gets to sit where, but it's not foolproof. If the seats are placed at different heights, one child may be in a position to punch or kick the other on the course of a walk.
A tandem-style stroller is a excellent option for parents with twins or siblings who are close in age. It allows them to 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-to-double stroller that can be converted from a single to a double in many ways. The most popular models are the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you are looking for a tandem or side-byside stroller, make sure that the product has been JPMA certified to meet stringent safety standards. Also pay attention to the weight limits that apply to each seat, as exceeding them can lead to frame fatigue or other issues.
It's easy to get caught in the jingles and whistles, but it's important to remember that strollers are in essence baby carriers that are carried for long periods of times. It must be comfortable for both passengers and easy to clean and maintain, and ideally it should feature an easy-to-use, familiar design so that the person pushing it is able to effortlessly maneuver it without having to think about how to move forward and turn left or right, or use the brakes.
Simple to Use
For families who are constantly on the move, a double stroller must be able to navigate a variety of terrains. Features like adjustable canopy with windows that peek out and dependable brake systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children but there are other factors that influence stroller comfort of use. For instance, a stroller must be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your car, yet provide ample storage space for food items and other things. It is also important to consider thoughtful additions such as a cup holder for one parent as well as a console for parents and a snack tray for kids--all things that make life on the go with two kids significantly easier.
During our testing We evaluated the strollers on how it did on a variety of surfaces and how well it maneuvered in tight spaces. We also examined how simple it was to fold and unfold and whether or not a particular feature added to the overall function of the stroller. A stroller with no-rethread straps makes it simple to adjust the seat belts. This can be a huge selling point for parents who are on the move since it reduces time and removes the need to re-thread the harness.
The UPPAbaby 2 Double scored well in this test because it offered a wide range of seating options, as well as additional accessories to accommodate expanding families. The wagon-style double-stroller expands so that it can accommodate an additional seat, a bassinet, or even a toddler-riding board. This is perfect for families who plan to spend a lot of time in the car with a variety of children of various ages. It is able to glide effortlessly over pavements, cobblestones, and ball fields. It can also be folded flat to be stored in a trunk or a closet. The design of this stroller is easy and intuitive and was a big hit with our test participant Kerry. Its clever packaging clear sections, well-labeled sections and helpful user guides made putting together this stroller a breeze.
Storage
Double strollers can hold twice as much as one single stroller so be sure to look for plenty of storage space. Ideally, you'll want a stroller that can accommodate the necessities for both kids, including nappies bottles, snacks, and toys, as well as parents' belongings such as phones, wallets keys, wallets and phones. Find baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller with an expandable cargo space to accommodate bulky items such as diaper bags and lunchbags.
A good double stroller must be able to change as your family grows. For example certain models come with the bassinet attachment, which can accommodate infants, while others feature child seats that can grow with your children until they're ready to ride on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers permit older siblings to join in the fun with a rider board.
There are a variety of double strollers available. You can pick from models with high-performance features that are ideal for rough terrain, to affordable options that you can use on a daily basis. While shopping, read reviews and recommendations of families similar to yours to get a better idea of what you can expect from the double stroller that you pick.
Double strollers are available in three different styles including tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers provide the most versatility and are suitable for twins or kids who are close in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers on the other hand, have two seats that are placed next to each other and facing in opposite directions--a ideal choice 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 less likely to fit in doors.
If you prefer a wagon-style double stroller check out this top pick from Safety 1st. This model is affordable and was highly praised by our testers for its many seating options. best double stroller Push Chairs And Prams can be used with two car seats for infants, or one child in a convertible toddler chair. Our experts also praised memory foam seats and canopy that has 50+ SPF, and foam-filled wheels that never flatten. When it's time for folding, this model only requires just a few nudges on the straps beneath each seat (under the seat where children sit) to fold.