Why All The Fuss? Double Strollers?
Buying Guide For Double Strollers If you have two children that are in the same age group A double stroller can be an invaluable investment. These compact tandem buggies or versatile side by side buggies allow you to keep both children within sight while you shop or in parks, or whatever else life can throw at you. Comfort Comfort is a major factor to take into consideration when buying a double-stroller. This can include both the seating arrangement and the overall size of the stroller which can impact the accessibility and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child expert in child development from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, advises parents to examine the stroller's weight as well as folded dimensions. “They must also take into consideration the seat recline options as well as the ages of their children to ensure that it is a perfect fit.” A reputable double stroller must 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 options for children of varying age groups and comfort features such as peek-a-boo windows and adjustable canopies to shield children from rain or sun. The seating options are important to many families who utilize a double stroller from the time of birth until childhood. “There are two main categories – in-line with one seat ahead of the other, and side-byside with seats adjacent to each other,” Billingsley explains. Some parents prefer the in-line option due to its sleek style and flexibility. Others like a wagon-style double stroller to maximize space for bulky or grocery items. In-line models are more likely to have this type of discrepancy. Some models might offer different recline options, with one seat being almost flat and the other one remaining fairly upright. Billingsley suggests choosing a model that offers both a nearly flat recline and leg rests that can be adjusted for both seats to ensure both children can lie back comfortably. She also suggests that parents look for strollers with storage compartments so that they can easily access their snacks, personal items and toys when on the move. She suggests that it's beneficial to choose the stroller that has an organizer or parent console bag that can be attached to the handlebars, which can help keep essentials in reach. A few of the top-rated double strollers can be expanded which allows parents to alter the configuration to meet the needs of their expanding family. The Mockingbird Expandable, for instance, is a highly rated double stroller which can be used from birth with just one seat, and then converted into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) as the child grows older. Safety Double strollers must be able to support the weight of two passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers should be simple to maneuver and push, especially on rough terrain or in tight spaces. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights, making it easier for parents to maintain a good posture when pushing them. A no-rethread harness, which makes adjusting seat belts faster and easier, is another nice feature to look out for. A sturdy brake system and wheels that can glide over any surface are essential safety features. Some parents prefer an arrangement that allows both children to see each other on family outings. This arrangement can prevent sibling squabbles over who gets to sit in which seat however, it's not 100% secure. If the seats are set at different heights, one child could be capable of punching or kicking the other on a walk. If you have twins or siblings close in age, a tandem stroller can be beneficial in being able see both kids at once. double strollers Pushchairs & Prams UK can be larger, and might not fit through certain interior doors. For maximum versatility, consider a single-to-double stroller which can switch from a single stroller to a tandem in different ways, like the well-known CYBEX Gazelle S. These models are able to accommodate a broad variety of configurations and allow you to click in infant car seats or cot attachments, depending on your requirements. If you decide to purchase a side-by-side or tandem-style stroller, be sure that the stroller is JPMA-certified to meet the strictest safety standards. Be aware of the weight limit that applies to each seat. Exceeding these limits could cause frame fatigue and other issues. It's easy to be swept in the jingles and whistles, however it's important to remember that strollers are essentially baby carriers that will be used for extended times. It should be easy to clean and maintain and comfortable for both passengers. It should also feature a an intuitive, familiar design that allows the person pushing the stroller to move it easily. User-Friendliness A double stroller must be simple to maneuver over various types of terrains for families constantly moving. Strollers that have features like peek-a-boo windows, adjustable canopies and sturdy brake systems are crucial to ensure the safety of your children. However, there are other features that make them easier to use. For instance the stroller must be compact enough to fit into the trunk of your car, yet provide ample storage space for groceries and other belongings. It's also important to include thoughtful touches, such as the cup holder for one parent as well as consoles for parents and an eating tray. These are able to help make traveling with two children significantly easier. During our testing we evaluated each stroller on the basis of its performance on different surfaces and its ability to maneuver in tight spaces. We also assessed how easy it was to fold and unfold, and whether or not a specific feature added to the overall functionality of the stroller. A stroller with no-rethread straps is easy to adjust the seat belts. This can be a huge selling point for parents who are on the move, as it saves time and eliminates the need to re-thread the harness. The UPPAbaby V2 Double scored well in this measure because it came with a variety of seating configurations and other accessories that could accommodate growing families. The double-stroller that looks like a wagon can be expanded to accommodate an additional seat, a bassinet or even a toddler's riding board. This is ideal for families that plan to spend long days on the road with multiple children of various ages. It also glides smoothly over cobblestones, ball fields and pavements. It also folds flat for easy storage in a closet or trunk. Our test subject Kerry was impressed by the simple, intuitive nature of this stroller's design. Its stylish packaging, clearly labeled sections and helpful user guides made putting together this stroller a breeze. Stores A double stroller can be able to hold twice as much stuff as a single stroller, so make sure you have plenty of storage space. It is important to find a stroller with enough storage space to accommodate the essentials for both parents and children like bottles as well as snacks, toys and diapers. Find baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, consider a stroller that has an expandable cargo area to take in bulky items like diaper bags and lunchbags. A good double stroller must have the ability to adapt as your family expands. For instance, some models include the bassinet attachment, which can accommodate newborns, while others feature 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 allow older children to share in the fun by riding on riding boards. You'll find a wide variety of double strollers in the market, ranging from sleek, high-performance models that can handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models more suited for daily use. While shopping, you can read reviews and opinions of families like yours to get an idea of what you can expect from the double stroller you select. Double strollers are available in three different models: tandem, side by side and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-byside strollers are the most adaptable and ideal for twins as well as children of similar age. Tandem double strollers on the contrary, have two seats set close to each other and facing in opposite directions. This is a good option for kids of the same age, or for siblings who like to interact with one another. Tandem strollers may be harder to maneuver through tight spaces, and are less likely to pass through doorways than their side-by-side counterparts. If you're looking for a wagon-style double stroller, check out this top model from Safety 1st. The testers loved that this budget model has multiple seating options, including the ability to connect two infant car seats or a single 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 never go flat. And when it's time for you to fold, this model requires only a few tugs on the straps of each seat (under the seat where kids sit) to fold it in half.