Double Strollers Tips From The Most Successful In The Industry
Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is a good investment if you have two children with similar ages. These compact tandem strollers or flexible side-by-side buggies let you keep an eye on both children at the same time navigating the aisles of the supermarket, parks and anything else life throws your way.
Comfort
The comfort factor is one of the most important factors to think about when purchasing a double-stroller. This includes the seating arrangement and overall size, which can have an impact on the ease of use and storage. "Parents should determine how much the stroller weighs as well as its folded dimensions," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also take a look at the seat recline options and age ranges to ensure a good fit for their family."
A good double stroller should be able to handle different surfaces with ease including suburban sidewalks, parks, and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should also have flexible seating options for children of various age groups and comfort features like windows that can be opened and closed to protect children from rain or sun.
For a lot of families, a double stroller is likely to be used from birth and into the teen years, so it's essential to consider the seating options. Billingsley says there are two main categories that are in-line which has one seat in front of the other, and side-by-side seating with seats next to one another. Some parents prefer the in-line option due to its sleek style and flexibility. Others like a wagon-style double stroller to make the most space for grocery or bulky items.
Although some models may have different recline options - with one seat nearly flat while the other remains relatively upright--this type of disparity is more prevalent in the in-line models. Billingsley suggests choosing a model with a near-flat recline as well as leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children lay comfortably.
She also suggests that parents look for strollers with storage compartments to allow them to quickly access snacks, personal items and toys when in motion. She adds that it's also useful to find a stroller with an organizer console for parents or a parent bag attached to the handlebars. This will allow you to keep your essentials in reach.
Some of the most highly-rated double strollers can be expanded which allows parents to alter the layout to meet the requirements of their growing family. For example the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used with a single seat from birth and then converted to a tandem (with a second seat and bassinet) as the child gets older.
Safety
Double strollers have to be able to support the weight of two adults, as well as any additional cargo. Strollers should also be easy to maneuver and push, especially in tight spaces and on terrain that is difficult to navigate. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height to allow parents to maintain their good form when pushing them. A harness that is not rethread, which makes adjusting seat belts quicker and easier is another great feature to look out for. Safety features include a robust brake system and wheels which can glide across any surface.
Some parents opt for an arrangement that is side by side so that both children can meet up on family outings. This arrangement can help prevent siblings arguing about who gets to sit in which spot, but it isn't foolproof. If the seats are different heights, a child could punch or kick another during a walk in the event that the seats are at different levels.
For parents of twins or siblings close in age, a tandem-style stroller can be beneficial in being able see both children at the same time. These double strollers can be larger, and might not fit through certain doors inside. For maximum versatility, consider a stroller that can change from a single stroller to a tandem in various ways, such as the renowned CYBEX Gazelle S. These models are able to accommodate a broad variety of configurations and permit you to insert infant car seats or cot attachments depending on your requirements.
If you are looking for a tandem or a side-by-side stroller, ensure that the product has been JPMA certified to meet stringent safety standards. Pay attention to the maximum weight limit for each seat. Exceeding these limits could cause frame fatigue or other problems.
It's easy to get caught in the sound of bells and whistles, but it's important to remember that strollers are basically baby carriers that will be carried for long periods of times. It must be comfortable for both passengers as well as easy to clean and maintain, and in the ideal case, it should offer an intuitive, familiar design that the person pushing it is able to easily maneuver it without having to think about how to move forward and turn left or right, or use the brakes.
Simple to Use
A double stroller must be simple to maneuver over various terrains for families who are constantly on the move. Strollers that have features like windows that can be opened and closed, adjustable canopy and sturdy brake systems are crucial to ensure the safety of your children. But there are also other factors that make them easier to use. For example the stroller should be small enough to fit in the trunk of your car, yet provide ample storage space for groceries and other belongings. It's also important to include thoughtful features, like cups holder for one parent, consoles for parents and a snack tray. These will 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 easy it was to fold the stroller in half and then unfold it, and if a particular feature improved the overall functionality. cheap double buggy that does not have rethread straps makes it easy to adjust the seat belts. This can be a huge selling point for parents on the go because it cuts down on time and eliminates the need to re-thread the harness.
The UPPAbaby 2 Double scored highly in this measure because it had a wide variety of seating options, as well as additional accessories that accommodated expanding families. The double-stroller that looks like a wagon expands to accommodate an additional seat, a bassinet or even a toddler's 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 age groups. It also glides effortlessly over cobblestones, ball fields and pavements. It also folds flat for simple storage in a closet or trunk. The design of this stroller is easy and easy to use and was a big hit with our test subject Kerry. Its clever packaging clear sections, well-labeled sections and helpful user guides made assembling this stroller a breeze.
Storage
A double stroller has the potential to hold twice as much as a single stroller therefore, you should look for plenty of storage space. Ideally, you'll want a stroller that is able to hold the essentials for both kids--nappies, bottles, snacks and toys, in addition to parents' items such as wallets, phones, and keys. Find baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, consider a stroller with an expandable cargo space that can accommodate bulky items such as lunch bags and diaper bags.
A quality double stroller should be able to adjust as your family expands. For example certain models have the bassinet attachment, which can be used for newborns, and others come with child seats that can expand with your kids until they're ready to switch to riding on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers even include a rider board to let older siblings take part in the fun.
There's a wide selection of double strollers available on the market, ranging from sleek, high-performance options that can handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models that are more suited for daily use. While shopping, you can read reviews and recommendations of families like yours to get an idea of what to expect from the double stroller that you choose.
Double strollers are available in three different styles: tandem, side-by-side and wagon style. Billingsley states that side-by-side strollers are the most adaptable and ideal for twins or children of similar ages. Tandem double strollers on the contrary, have two seats that are arranged close to each other and facing opposite directions. It's a ideal choice for children of the same age, or for siblings who love to interact with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through tight spaces, and are less likely to be able to fit through doorways.
If you prefer a wagon-style double stroller, check out this top model from Safety 1st. Our testers were impressed by the fact that this low-cost model comes with a variety of seating options and the option to connect two infant car seats or a single child riding in an convertible toddler seat. Our testers also loved the soft memory foam seats with a 50+ SPF canopy and foam-filled tires that will never go flat. When it's time for folding this model requires only just a few pulls on the straps beneath each seat (under where kids sit) to fold.