Double Strollers: The Good And Bad About Double Strollers
Buying Guide For Double Strollers If you have two children who are similar in age, a double stroller could be a great investment. These strollers are narrow and narrow, as well as flexible side-by-side buggies let you keep an eye on both children at the same time while braving the grocery aisle or the parks, and whatever else life throws your way. Comfort When looking for a double stroller, the comfort is a major aspect to take into consideration. This includes the seating arrangement as well as the overall size, which can have an impact on the ease of use and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, suggests parents be aware of the stroller's weight and folded dimensions. “They must also take into consideration the options for recline of the seat, as well as the ages of their children to ensure that it's a perfect fit.” A good double stroller will be robust enough to navigate various surfaces with ease, from parks trails to suburban sidewalks and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should offer a range of seating options for children at different stages of development, as well as features that provide comfort, such as a peek-aboo windows and adjustable canopy options that shield kids from the sun or rain. For a lot of families, a double stroller will be used from birth until the teen years, so it's essential to think about seating options. Billingsley says there are two primary categories of in-line seating, with one seat in-front of the other and side-byside with seats adjacent to each other. “Some parents prefer an in-line option for its sleek design and versatility, whereas others like a wagon-style double stroller to make the most space for bulky items or grocery bags.” In-line models are more likely to show this kind of discordance. Some products may offer different recline options, with one being almost flat and the other one remaining fairly upright. Billingsley recommends selecting a product with a near-flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children can lay comfortably. In the end, she suggests to look for strollers with storage compartments that allow parents to quickly access snacks, toys and personal belongings while on the go. She adds that it's also beneficial to choose a stroller with a parent console or organizer bag that can be attached to the handlebars. This can help keep essentials close at hand. Some of the best-rated double strollers can be enlarged giving parents the ability to alter the configuration depending on the needs of their family. The Mockingbird Expandable, for example is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used from birth using a single seat, and then converted 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 passengers—plus any additional cargo. Strollers must also be easy to maneuver and push, especially in tight areas and over challenging terrain. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars and adjustable heights which allow parents to maintain their form when pushing them. A harness that does not need to be rethread that makes the adjustment of seat belts quicker and easier, is another nice feature to look out for. A sturdy brake system and wheels that glide over any surface are crucial safety features. Some parents choose the side-by-side design to ensure that both children see each other when they go on family outings. This arrangement can help prevent sibling rivalries over who gets to sit in which spot however it's not foolproof. If the seats are positioned at different heights, one child could be capable of punching or kicking the other during walks. A tandem stroller is a excellent option for parents with twins or siblings that are similar in age. It lets them be able to see both children simultaneously. However, they are wider than other double strollers, meaning they might not fit through all interior doorways. To maximize versatility, you should consider a single-to-double stroller that transitions from a single to a tandem in various ways, such as the well-known CYBEX Gazelle S. These models are able to accommodate a broad variety of configurations and allow you to click in infant car seats or cot attachments, depending on your needs. If you decide to purchase a side-by-side or tandem-style stroller, make sure the product is certified by JPMA to meet strict safety standards. Be aware of the maximum weight limits for each seat, since exceeding them could result in frame fatigue or other issues. It's easy to be swept in the jingles and whistles, however it's important to keep in mind that strollers are essentially baby carriers that are used for extended time. It must be comfortable for both the passengers and easy to clean and maintain, and in the ideal case it should have an intuitive, familiar design so that the person pushing it is able to easily maneuver it without having to think twice about how to move forward, turn left or right, or apply the brakes. Easy of Use For families that are on the move, a double stroller needs to be easy to maneuver over a variety of terrains. Strollers with features such as windows that can be opened and closed, adjustable canopy and reliable brake systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children. However, 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, yet provide ample storage space for food items and other things. It's also important to include thoughtful touches, such as a cup holder for one parent or consoles for parents, as well as a snack tray. These are able to help make traveling with two children significantly easier. During our testing we evaluated each stroller based on its performance on different terrains and its ability to maneuver in tight spaces. We also looked at how simple it was to fold the stroller in half and then unfold it, and if a particular feature enhanced the overall functionality. For example a stroller with no-rethread harnesses makes adjusting the seat belts easy and quick. This is a major selling point for parents who are always in motion, as it does away with the requirement to rethread the harness. The UPPAbaby V2 Double scored highly in this measure because it offered a wide range of seating configurations, and other accessories that could accommodate families that are growing. The wagon-style double stroller can be expanded to provide two seats as well as a bassinet or a toddler riding board—perfect for active families planning long trips with multiple kids of varying ages. It also glides smoothly over cobblestones, ball fields and pavements. It also can be folded flat for simple storage in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is simple and easy to use and was a big hit with our test participant Kerry. Its smart packaging with clearly labeled sections as well as a an informative user guide made assembling this stroller a breeze. Stores Double strollers can carry twice more than one single stroller so be sure to ensure you have plenty of storage space. double travel stroller is important to find a stroller with enough storage space to store the essentials for both children and parents like bottles and snacks, toys, and diapers. Look for pockets and baskets under the seats. Also, consider a stroller with an expandable cargo space to accommodate bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags. A good double stroller should be able to change as your family grows. Billingsley says that some models come with a bassinet attachment to accommodate infants. Other models come with child seats that can be able to grow with your child until they are able to ride on the back. Some double strollers include a rider board to let older siblings join in the fun. There are many different double strollers available. You can choose from models with high-performance features which are suitable for rough terrain, or more budget-friendly options that can use on a daily basis. While shopping, you can read reviews and opinions of families like yours to get a better idea of what you can expect from the double stroller that you select. Double strollers are available in three different designs including tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers offer most flexibility and are perfect for twins or children who are similar in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers, on the contrary, have two seats that are arranged close to each other and facing opposite directions. It's a good option for kids of the same age, or for siblings who like to interact with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and are less likely to fit in doors. If you prefer a wagon-style double stroller take a look at this top choice from Safety 1st. The testers loved that this budget model comes with a variety of seating options as well as the ability to snap in two infant car seats or a single child riding in a convertible toddler seat. lightweight double stroller praised the comfy memory foam seats, 50+ SPF canopy and foam-filled tires that will never go flat. When it's time for folding this model needs only just a few nudges on the straps beneath each seat (under the seats where kids sit) to fold.