Is Double Strollers Really As Vital As Everyone Says?
Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is an excellent investment for families with two children with similar ages. These compact tandem buggies or versatile side by side buggies will keep both children in the same place while you shop and parks, as well as whatever else life throws at you.
Comfort
Comfort is an important factor to take into consideration when buying a double-stroller. This can include the seating arrangement and the overall size, which will have an impact on the ease of use and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child expert in development from the Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, advises parents to be aware of the stroller's weight and folded dimensions. "They should also think about the recline options for seats as well as the ages of their children to ensure that it's the perfect fit."
A well-constructed double stroller will be sturdy enough to traverse all surfaces without difficulty, from urban sidewalks to parks trails and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should also provide flexible seating options for children of varying age and comfort features like windows that peek out and adjustable canopy to shield children from rain or sun.
Seating options are crucial for many families who will utilize double strollers from the time of birth until childhood. Billingsley explains that there are two primary categories: in-line which has one seat in front of the other and side-byside with seats adjacent to each other. "Some parents prefer an in-line stroller due to its sleek design and versatility, while others prefer a wagon-style stroller to maximize space for bulky items or grocery bags."
Although some models may have different recline options, with one seat nearly flat while the other remains relatively upright, this type of distinction is more common in in-line models. Billingsley recommends selecting a product with a near-flat recline and leg rest adjustment for both seats. This will ensure that both children lay down comfortably.
She also suggests parents search for strollers with storage compartments so that they can easily access their snacks, personal items and toys when moving about. She also says that it's helpful to choose a stroller that includes a parent console or organizer bag that is attached to the handlebars. This can aid parents in keeping their essentials at hand.
Many of the top-rated double strollers can be extended giving parents the ability to alter the configuration according to their family's requirements. For example, the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly rated double stroller that can be used with just a single seat from birth and then transformed into a tandem (with a second seat and bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers should be able to carry the weight of two passengers--plus any additional cargo. Strollers must be easy to maneuver and push, especially when on rough terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height which allow parents to maintain a good posture when pushing them. A no-rethread harness which makes the adjustment of seat belts quicker and easier is another great feature to look out for. Also, a strong brake system and wheels that glide across any surface are essential safety features.
Some parents choose a side by side design to ensure that both children meet up when they go on family outings. This arrangement can prevent sibling fights over which child gets to sit where but it's not a guarantee. If the seats are set at different heights, one child could be in a position to punch or kick the other during the course of a walk.
For parents of twins or siblings of similar age, a tandem stroller is a great option for being able to see both children at the same time. However, they can be wider than other double strollers, so they might not fit through all doorways in the interior. Think about a stroller that is single-to-double that can be transformed from a single stroller to a double in many ways. The most popular models are the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you decide to purchase a side-by-side or tandem-style stroller, be sure that the stroller is JPMA-certified to meet strict safety standards. Be sure to check the maximum weight limits for each seat, since over-weighting could lead to frame fatigue or other issues.
It's easy to get caught in the jingles 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 times. It should be comfortable for both parents and children as well as easy to clean and maintain, and in the ideal case it should feature an intuitive, familiar design that the person pushing it is able to effortlessly move it around without having to think twice about how to move forward or turn left or right, or apply the brakes.
Easy of Use
For families that are on the move, a double stroller should be easy to maneuver over a variety of terrains. Strollers with features such as windows that can be opened and closed, adjustable canopy and reliable brake systems are vital to ensure the safety of your children. But there are also other factors that make them simpler to use. A stroller should be small enough to fit into the trunk of your vehicle and still provide plenty of storage space for groceries and other items. Additionally, you should consider thoughtful features like a cup holder with a single parent, parent consoles and snacks for children--all things that make life on the go with two kids much more manageable.
During twin pushchair , we evaluated each stroller based on its performance on various terrains and its ability to maneuver through tight spaces. We also considered how easy it was to fold the stroller and unfold it, and if a particular feature made a difference to the overall performance. A stroller with no-rethread straps makes it easy to adjust the seat belts. This can be a huge benefit for parents on the go because it cuts down on time and reduces the need to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby 2 Double scored highly in this measure because it offered a wide range of seating options, as well as additional accessories that accommodated families that are growing. The double-stroller in the wagon style expands to accommodate two seats, a bassinet or even a toddler's riding board. This is perfect for families that plan to spend a lot of time on the road with multiple children of various ages. It easily glides over pavements, cobblestones, and ballfields. It can fold flat to be stored in a trunk or closet. Our tester Kerry appreciated the straightforward and easy-to-use nature of the stroller's design. Its clever packaging clear sections, well-labeled sections and helpful user guides made assembling this stroller an absolute breeze.
Storage
A double stroller has the potential to hold twice as much as a single stroller, therefore, you should look for plenty of storage space. Ideally, you want a stroller that is able to hold the basic necessities for both kids: nappies bottles, snacks, and toys, as well as parents' belongings such as phones, wallets keys, wallets and phones. Look for baskets that fit under the seat and other pockets, and look into a stroller that has an expandable cargo space that can carry heavy items such as lunch bags and diaper bags.
A quality double stroller will be able to adapt to the needs of your family. Billingsley states that certain models have a bassinet attachment to accommodate newborns. Others have child seats that can grow with the child until they are ready to ride on the back. Some double strollers allow older children to join in the fun with the rider board.
There are many different double strollers available. You can pick from models with high-performance features which are suitable for rough terrain, to affordable options that you can use every day. While shopping, read reviews and opinions of families just like yours to get a better idea of what to expect from the double stroller you pick.
Double strollers come in three different designs such as tandem, side-byside, and wagon-style. Billingsley says that side-by-side strollers are the most flexible and ideal for twins as well as children of similar age. Tandem double strollers come with two seats arranged in a tandem arrangement facing in opposite directions. 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 in doorways.
If you prefer a wagon-style double stroller check out this top model from Safety 1st. Testers loved how this affordable model offers multiple seating configurations as well as the ability to connect two infant car seats or a single child in a convertible toddler seat. Our testers also loved the comfortable memory foam seats and the 50+ SPF canopy, and foam-filled tires that never go flat. When it's time for folding this model requires only just a few nudges on the straps underneath each seat (under the seats where kids sit) to fold.