7 Useful Tips For Making The Most Of Your Double Strollers
Buying Guide For Double Strollers A double stroller is an excellent investment for families with two children of similar age. These narrow tandem strollers or flexible side-by-side buggies let you keep an eye on both kids at the same time while braving the grocery aisle as well as the parks and other obstacles life throws your way. Comfort When you are looking for a double stroller for your child, comfort is a major aspect to take into consideration. This includes both the seating arrangement as well as the overall size of the stroller, which impacts convenience and storage. “Parents must determine what the stroller weighs and its dimensions when folded,” says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. “They should also consider the seat recline options and age ranges to ensure a perfect 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 provide flexible seating arrangements for children of varying ages and comfort features such as windows that can be opened and closed to keep kids shielded from rain or sun. For a lot of families double strollers will be utilized from birth until the age of five, so it's crucial to think about the seating options. Billingsley says there are two major categories of in-line seating, with one seat in-front of the other and side-byside with seats adjacent to one another. “Some parents prefer an in-line option for its sleek look and versatility, whereas others like a wagon-style double stroller that can be used to store heavy items or grocery bags.” While some products may have different recline options – with one seat being almost flat, while the other is upright—this type of disparity is more prevalent in the in-line models. Billingsley suggests selecting a product with a nearly flat recline and leg rest adjustment for both seats, so that each child can sleep comfortably. Finally, she advises to look for strollers that have storage compartments that allow parents to easily access snacks, toys and other personal belongings while on the go. She also suggests that it's helpful to look for a stroller that has an organizer console for parents or a parent bag that is attached to the handlebars. This will help keep things within reach. Some of the top-rated double strollers are expandable which allows parents to alter the set-up based on the needs of their growing family. The Mockingbird Expandable, for example, 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) when the child gets older. Safety Double strollers must be able to handle the weight of both the passengers as well as any additional cargo. Strollers must also be easy to move and push, particularly in tight spaces and on difficult terrain. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height to allow parents to maintain their good posture while pushing them. Another feature that is great is a no-rethread seat belt harness, which makes it easier to adjust the belts on the seat. A sturdy brake system and wheels that glide over any surface are crucial safety features. Some parents prefer the side-by-side design so that both children can be together when they go on family outings. This arrangement can prevent sibling fights over which child is allowed to sit in which spot, but it's not foolproof. If the seats are placed at different heights, one child could be able to kick or punch the other during a walk. If you have twins or siblings of similar age, a tandem-style stroller offers the benefit of being able to view both children at the same time. However, best double buggy can be wider than other double strollers, so they may not fit through all doorways in the interior. Think about a stroller that is single-to-double that can be transformed from a single to double in various ways. The most popular models are the CYBEX gazelle S. If you are looking for a tandem or side-byside stroller, be sure the stroller has been JPMA certified to meet the strictest safety standards. Be aware of the weight limit that applies to each seat. Overstepping these limits can cause frame fatigue or other issues. It's easy to get caught up in the bells and whistles, however it's important to keep in mind that strollers are in essence baby carriers that will be used for a long period of time. It must be easy to clean and maintain and comfortable for both the passengers. It should also have a familiar, intuitive design that lets the person pushing it to maneuver it effortlessly. Easy to Use For families that are on the move, a double stroller needs to be able to navigate various terrains. Features like adjustable canopies, peek-aboo windows and reliable braking systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children, but there are many other aspects that influence stroller comfort of use. A stroller should be small enough to fit in the trunk of your car and still provide plenty of storage space for groceries or other things. Also important are thoughtful touches like a cup holder with a single parent as well as a console for parents and an eating tray for children — all things that make life with two children significantly more manageable. During our testing we evaluated each stroller based on its performance on various terrains, as well as its ability to maneuver through tight spaces. We also assessed how simple it was to fold and unfold and whether or not a specific feature added to the overall functionality of the stroller. A stroller that does not have rethread straps makes it easy to adjust the seat belts. This can be a major selling point for parents on the go, as it saves time and reduces the need to rethread the harness. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double was a top performer in this metric, as it offered an impressive range of seating configurations and additional accessories to accommodate growing families. The double-stroller in the wagon style expands so that it can accommodate a second seat, bassinet or even a toddler's riding board. This is perfect for families who plan to spend long days traveling with several children of different age groups. It is able to glide effortlessly over cobblestones, pavements, and ball fields. It can fold flat to store in a trunk or closet. Our tester Kerry loved the simple and intuitive nature of this stroller's design. Its smart packaging, clearly labeled sections and an informative user guide made assembling this stroller an absolute breeze. Stores Double strollers can carry twice as much as one single stroller so be sure to look for plenty of storage space. You want a stroller with enough storage space to store the essentials of both parents and children, such as bottles as well as 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 such as diaper bags and lunchbags. A good double stroller will be able to adapt to the needs of your family. Billingsley states that certain models come with an attachment for a bassinet to accommodate newborns. Other models come with child seats that grow with the child until they are able to ride on the back. Some double strollers also allow for a rider board that allows older children to be part of the fun. There's a wide selection of double strollers in the market, from elegant, high-performance models that excel on rough terrain to budget-friendly models that are more for everyday use. While shopping, read reviews and suggestions from families like yours to get an idea of what you can expect from the double stroller that you pick. Double strollers are available in three styles: tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers offer the most versatility and are ideal for twins or children who are close in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers feature two seats set up in tandem with the opposite direction facing. This is a good option for children who are the same age, or siblings who prefer to interact with each other. Tandem strollers may be harder to maneuver through tight spaces and are less likely to fit through doorways than their side-by-side counterparts. If you're looking for a wagon-style double stroller take a look at this top choice from Safety 1st. This model is affordable and was highly praised by our testers for its many seating options. It can be used with two infant car seats or one child in a convertible toddler seat. Our experts also praised the memory foam seats and canopy that has 50+ SPF and foam-filled wheels that will never wear out. When it's time for folding this model requires only just a few nudges on the straps under each seat (under where kids sit) to fold.