The Unknown Benefits Of Double Strollers
Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two children who are close in age, a double stroller can be a valuable investment. These narrow tandem buggies as well as flexible side by side buggies will keep both children in the same place when you are navigating the aisles of your grocery store or in parks, or whatever else life can throw at you.
Comfort
When looking for a double stroller, the comfort is an important aspect to take into consideration. This could include the seating arrangement and the overall size, which will 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 should also take a look at the seat recline options and age ranges to ensure a good fit for their family."
A quality double stroller should be able to navigate a variety of surfaces with ease, from suburban sidewalks to park paths and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should also have flexible seating arrangements for children of various age groups and comfort features like windows that peek out and adjustable canopy to protect children from sun or rain.
The seating options are important to many families who utilize a double stroller from birth to the age of. Billingsley says there are two major categories that are in-line, with one seat in-front of the other and side-byside seating with seats next to one another. Some parents prefer the in-line option due to its sleek design and its versatility. Others like a wagon style double stroller to maximize space for grocery or bulky items.
Although some models may have different recline options--with one seat nearly flat while the other one remains upright--this type of disparity is more prevalent in in-line models. Billingsley suggests choosing a model with a near-flat recline and leg rest adjustment for both seats. This will ensure that both children lie down comfortably.
In the end, she suggests looking for strollers with storage compartments that allow parents to easily access snacks, toys, and personal items while out and about. She also suggests that it's beneficial to choose a stroller that has an organizer or parent console bag attached to the handlebars. This will help keep things in reach.
A few of the most highly-rated double strollers are expandable, allowing parents to customize the configuration to meet the needs of their expanding family. The Mockingbird Expandable, for example, is a highly rated double stroller that can be used from birth with a single seat, and later 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 adults, as well as any additional cargo. Strollers must be able to move and push, especially on rough terrain or in tight spaces. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights, making it easier for parents to maintain their form when pushing them. Another great feature is a non-rethread seat belt harness, which allows for a more comfortable adjustment of the seat belts. Safety features include a sturdy brake system, as well as wheels that glide over any surface.
Some parents opt for a side by side design so that both children can meet up during family outings. This arrangement can prevent siblings arguing about who gets to sit in which seat however, it's not 100% secure. If the seats are positioned at different heights, one child could be in a position to punch or kick the other on a walk.
If you have twins or siblings who are close in age, a tandem-style stroller is a great option for being able to see both children at the same time. However, they are more spacious than other Double Prams For Newborn And Toddler strollers, meaning they may not fit through all interior doorways. You could consider a single-to-double stroller that can be transformed from a single and double stroller to a double in many ways. Popular models include the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you're in the market for a tandem or side-by-side stroller, ensure that the product has been JPMA certified to meet stringent safety standards. Be aware of the weight limit that applies to each seat. If you exceed these limits, it could cause frame fatigue or other problems.
While it's easy for us to focus on the many bells and whistles on a new stroller, it's crucial to keep in mind that a stroller is basically a baby carrier that is carried around for long durations of time. It must be comfortable for both the passengers as well as 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 effortlessly maneuver it without having to think twice about how to move forward or turn left or right, or apply the brakes.
Easy of Use
A double stroller should be easily maneuverable on different of terrains for families that are always on the move. Features like adjustable canopies with windows that peek out and dependable braking systems are critical to help ensure the safety of your children but there are other factors that influence stroller comfort of use. For instance, a stroller must be small enough to fit in the trunk of your car but still provide ample storage space for your groceries and other items. It is also important to consider thoughtful additions like a one-parent cup holder, parent consoles and a snack tray for kids--all things that will make life with two children significantly easier.
In our testing We evaluated each stroller based on how it performed on a variety of terrains and how easily it maneuvered in tight spaces. We also examined the ease with which it was possible to fold and unfold, and whether or not a particular feature added to the overall function of the stroller. For instance a stroller with no-rethread harnesses makes adjusting the seat belts easy and quick. This can be a major benefit for parents on the go, as it saves time and removes the need to re-thread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored highly in this metric, as it offers a wide range of seating configurations as well as additional accessories to help accommodate growing families. The wagon-style double-stroller can be expanded to accommodate two seats, a bassinet, or even a toddler-riding board. This is ideal for families that plan to spend long hours 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 easy storage in a closet or trunk. The design of this stroller is easy and easy to use, which was appreciated by our test subject Kerry. Its smart packaging with clearly labeled sections as well as a an informative user guide made putting together this stroller a breeze.
Storage
A double stroller is able 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 accommodate the essentials for both children and parents, such as bottles, toys, snacks, and diapers. Look for baskets that fit under the seat as well as other pockets, and think about a stroller that has an expandable cargo area that can carry heavy items such as diaper bags and lunch bags.
A good double stroller should be able to adapt to the needs of your family. For instance certain models come with a bassinet attachment that can accommodate newborns, while others come with child seats that can be adapted to your children until they're able to ride on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers also include a rider board to allow older siblings to be part of the fun.
There are a variety of double strollers on the market, from sleek, high-performance options that can handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models that are more for everyday use. When you're shopping, read user reviews and recommendations from families like yours to gain an understanding of what to expect from the double stroller you pick.
Double strollers are available in three different designs including tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers offer the most flexibility and are perfect for twins or children who are close in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers on the other hand, have two seats that are arranged adjacent to one another and facing in opposite directions--a good option for kids of the same age or for siblings who enjoy interacting with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through tight spaces, and less likely to fit in doors.
If you're looking for a wagon-style double stroller, take a look at this top choice from Safety 1st. This budget-friendly model was praised by test participants for its various seating configurations. It can be used with two car seats for infants, or one child in a convertible toddler chair. Our experts also appreciated the comfortable memory foam seats and the 50+ SPF canopy, and foam-filled tires that will never get flat. And when it's time for you to fold, this model requires only a couple of pulls on the straps on each seat (under the seats where kids are) to fold in half.