It's The Complete List Of Double Strollers Dos And Don'ts
Buying Guide For Double Strollers If you have two kids who are similar in age A double stroller can be a great investment. These compact tandem buggies or versatile side-by-side buggies let you keep both children in sight while navigating the grocery aisle, parks, and whatever else life throws at you. Comfort When you are looking for a double stroller for your child, comfort is an important aspect to take into consideration. This could include both seating arrangements and the overall size of the stroller which impacts ease of use and storage. “Parents should check how much the stroller weighs as well as its dimensions folded,” says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. “They should also take a look at the recline options for seats and age ranges to ensure the best fit for their family.” A quality double stroller should be able to handle a variety of surfaces easily, from suburban sidewalks to parks and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should offer a range of seating options for children of different age groups, and comfort features such as a peek-a-boo window and adjustable canopies which protect children from the sun or rain. For many families, a double stroller is likely to be used from birth until the teen years, so it's essential to consider the seating options. Billingsley explains that there are two main categories of in-line seating with one seat in front of the other, and side-by-side, with seats next to one another. Some parents prefer the inline option because of its sleek appearance and versatility. Others prefer a wagon-style double stroller to maximize space for bulky or grocery items. In-line models tend to have this kind of discordance. Some products may offer different recline options, with one being almost flat and the other remaining relatively upright. Billingsley recommends selecting a product with a near-flat recline and leg rest adjustment for both seats. visit the next page will ensure that both children can lay comfortably. Finally, she advises looking for strollers that have storage compartments that allow parents to easily access snacks, toys, and personal items while out and about. She adds that it's also useful to find a stroller that has an organizer or parent console bag attached to the handlebars, which will help keep things in reach. Some of the best-rated double strollers can be enlarged to allow parents to modify the layout according to their family's requirements. The Mockingbird Expandable, for instance is a highly rated double stroller which can be used from birth using a single seat, then transformed into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) as the child grows older. Safety Double strollers should be able to carry the weight of two passengers—plus any additional cargo. Strollers need to be simple to maneuver and push, particularly when on rough terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height which make it easier for parents to maintain a good posture when pushing them. A harness that is not rethread which makes the adjustment of seat belts faster and easier, is another nice feature to look out for. Safety features include a sturdy brake system and wheels which can glide across any surface. Some parents opt for a side by side design to ensure that both children be together during family outings. This arrangement can help prevent siblings arguing over who sits in which spot, but it isn't foolproof. If the seats are different heights, a child may punch or kick one another during a walk, when the seats are on different levels. If you have twins or siblings close in age, a tandem-style stroller offers the benefit of being able see both children at the same time. However, they are wider than other double strollers, and they may not fit through all interior doorways. You could consider a single-to-double stroller that can be transformed from a single to a double in many ways. The most popular models are the CYBEX gazelle S. If you opt for a side-byside or tandem stroller, make sure the product is certified by JPMA to meet stringent safety standards. Be aware of the maximum weight limit for each seat. If you exceed these limits, it could cause frame fatigue and other issues. While it's easy to concentrate on the additional bells and whistles on a new stroller, it is crucial to keep in mind that a stroller is basically a baby carrier that is transported for long periods of time. It should be easy to clean and maintain, and comfortable for both of the passengers. It should also feature a a familiar, intuitive design that allows the person pushing the stroller to move it easily. Easy of Use For families who are constantly on the move, a double stroller must be easy to maneuver over a variety of terrains. Features like adjustable canopy, peek-aboo windows and reliable braking systems are crucial to ensure the safety of your children however, there are other elements that contribute to stroller ease of use. A stroller should be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your vehicle, but still have plenty of storage space for food or other items. It is also important to consider thoughtful additions like a one-parent cup holder or console for parents, as well as an eating tray for children — all things that can make life on the go with two kids much more manageable. During our testing, we evaluated each stroller based on its ability to perform on different surfaces and its ability to maneuver through tight spaces. We also considered how easy it was to fold the stroller and unfold it in a timely manner, and if a specific 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 major selling point for parents on the go since it reduces time and removes the need to re-thread the harness. The UPPAbaby v2 Double scored highly in this metric as it came with a variety of seating configurations and additional accessories that accommodated growing families. The wagon-style double stroller expands to accommodate a second seat as well as a bassinet or a toddler riding board that is perfect for families who are active and planning long days on the go with multiple kids of various ages. It also glides effortlessly over cobblestones, ball fields and pavements. It also it folds flat to make easy storage in a closet or trunk. The design of this stroller is easy and easy to use which was well-loved by our test participant Kerry. The sleek packaging with clearly marked sections as well as a user guide made it easy to put this stroller together. Stores Double strollers can hold twice more than one stroller, so make sure you search for ample storage space. Ideally, you want an item that can hold the necessities for both kids, including nappies, bottles, snacks and toys, along with parents' belongings such as wallets, phones keys and wallets. Look for baskets that fit under the seat and other pockets, and consider a stroller with an expandable cargo area that can carry heavy items such as lunch bags and diaper bags. A good double stroller will be able to expand with your family. For instance certain models have a bassinet attachment that can be used for newborns, and others have child seats that can grow with your children until they're able to move to the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers allow older siblings to join in on the fun by riding on riding boards. There's a wide selection of double strollers on the market, ranging from elegant, high-performance models that are able to handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models that are more for everyday use. As you shop, read reviews and suggestions from families like yours to gain an idea of what to expect from the double stroller you choose. Double strollers are available in three different styles: tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers offer most flexibility and are perfect for twins or children close to each other in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers have two seats arranged in tandem with the opposite direction facing. This is a good option for children of similar age or siblings who like to interact with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and less likely to fit into doorways. Take a look at this top choice by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon-style double stroller. Our testers were impressed by the fact that this low-cost model comes with a variety of seating options as well as the ability to snap in two infant car seats or a single child in an convertible toddler seat. Our experts also appreciated the soft memory foam seats with a 50+ SPF canopy, and foam-filled tires that never stop running flat. When it's time for folding this model requires only a few tugs on the straps beneath each seat (under the seats where kids sit) to fold.