What To Look For To Determine If You're Ready For Double Strollers
Buying Guide For Double Strollers If you have two children who are close in age, a double stroller could be an invaluable investment. These compact tandem strollers or flexible side-by-side buggies let you keep an eye on both children at the same time while taking on the grocery store, parks and anything else life throws at you. Comfort Comfort is an important factor to consider when shopping for a double-stroller. This includes both the seating arrangement and the overall size of the stroller which impacts convenience and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, advises parents to check the stroller's weight and folded dimensions. “They should also consider the options for recline and seat age ranges to ensure the best fit for their family.” A good double stroller should be able to handle different surfaces easily from suburban sidewalks to park paths and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should come with a variety of seating options for children at different age groups, and comfort features like peek-a-boo windows and adjustable canopy options which protect children from rain or sun. For a lot of families double strollers will be used from birth and into childhood, so it's important to consider the seating options. Billingsley states that there are two major categories of in-line seating with 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 because of its sleek appearance and versatility. Others prefer a wagon-style double stroller to make the most space for bulky or grocery items. In-line models tend to have this type of discrepancy. Some models might offer different recline options, with one being almost flat and the other remaining relatively 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 lay comfortably. Finally, she advises to look for strollers with storage compartments that will allow parents to easily access snacks, toys, and personal items while on the move. She adds that it's also beneficial to choose a stroller that has a parent console or organizer bag that is attached to the handlebars, which will allow you to keep your essentials within reach. A few of the top-rated double strollers can be expanded giving parents the ability to customize the setup based on their family's needs. For example the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used with a single seat from birth and later converted to a tandem (with a second seat and bassinet) as the child gets older. Safety Double strollers should be able to support the weight of both the passengers as well as any additional cargo. Strollers must be easy to maneuver and push, especially on rough terrain or in tight spaces. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to help parents maintain good posture when pushing them. A no-rethread harness, which makes adjusting seat belts more quickly and easily is another great feature to look for. Also, a strong brake system and wheels that can glide over any surface are crucial safety features. Some parents choose a side-by-side design that allows both children to see each other during family outings. This arrangement can prevent siblings arguing over who sits in which spot however, it's not 100% secure. If the seats are set at different heights, one child may be able to kick or punch the other on the course of a walk. A tandem-style stroller is ideal option for parents with twins or siblings who are close in age. It allows them to be able to see both children simultaneously. However, these can be larger than other double strollers, and they may not be able to fit through all doorways in the interior. To maximize versatility, you should consider a single-to-double stroller which can switch from a single to a tandem in various ways, like the well-known CYBEX Gazelle S. These models are able to accommodate a broad range of configurations and permit you to insert infant car seats or cot attachments depending on your requirements. If you're in the market for a tandem or a side-by-side stroller, be sure the product is JPMA certified to meet strict safety standards. Pay attention to the weight limit that applies to each seat. Exceeding these limits could cause frame fatigue and other issues. While it's easy to focus on the many bells and whistles that come with a new stroller, it's important to be aware that a stroller essentially a baby carrier that will be carried around for long periods of time. It should be comfortable for both parents and children, easy to clean and maintain, and ideally, it should offer an easy-to-use, 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 apply the brakes. Ease of Use For families who are constantly on the move, a double stroller needs to be able to navigate a variety of terrains. Strollers with features such as windows that can be opened and closed, adjustable canopy and sturdy brake systems are vital to ensure the safety of your children. But there are other factors that make them simpler to use. For example the stroller should be small enough to fit in the trunk of your car while still offering ample storage space for food items and other things. It's also essential to add thoughtful details, such as the cup holder for one parent or consoles for parents, as well as snacks on trays. These can make traveling with two kids significantly easier. In our tests We evaluated each stroller based on how it performed on a variety of surfaces and how well it could maneuver in tight spaces. We also looked at how easy it was to fold the stroller in half and then unfold it as well as if a particular feature made a difference to the overall performance. A stroller 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, as it saves time and removes the need to re-thread the harness. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored high in this metric, as it offered an impressive range of seating configurations and additional accessories to accommodate growing families. double car seat stroller -style double stroller expands to allow for an additional seat, a bassinet or even a toddler-friendly riding board, which is ideal for families with active children who plan long days on the go with multiple kids of various ages. It also glides effortlessly over cobblestones, balls and pavements. It folds flat for easy storage in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is easy and easy to use and was a big hit with our test participant Kerry. The sleek packaging, clearly marked sections and user's manual made it easy to assemble this stroller. Stores A double stroller has the potential to hold twice as much stuff than a single stroller, so look for ample storage space. You want a stroller with enough storage space to hold the essentials of both parents and children like bottles, toys, snacks, and diapers. Look for baskets that fit under the seat as well as other pockets, and think about a stroller with an expanding cargo area that can hold heavy items such as lunch bags and diaper bags. A good double stroller should be able to change as your family expands. For example certain models have an attachment for a bassinet that can be used for newborns, and others feature child seats that can be adapted to your children until they're able to switch to riding on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers permit older siblings to share in the fun with the rider board. There are many different double strollers on the market. You can choose from high-performance models which are suitable for rough terrain, or more budget-friendly options that can use every day. When you're shopping, read user reviews and recommendations from families like yours to get a better sense of what to expect with the double stroller you choose. Double strollers are available in three different designs: tandem, side-by-side 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 come with two seats set up in a tandem arrangement with the opposite direction facing. This is a great option for children of similar age or siblings who like to interact with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through tight spaces, and are less likely to fit through doorways than their side-byside counterparts. Check out this top selection by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon-style double stroller. Our testers were impressed by the fact that this low-cost model offers multiple seating configurations as well as the ability to snap in two infant car seats or a single child riding in an convertible toddler seat. Our reviewers also praised the memory foam seats, canopy with 50+ SPF and foam-filled wheels that never go flat. When it's time to fold, this model only requires just a few pulls on the straps underneath each seat (under the seat where children sit) to fold.