Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is a good investment for families with two children with similar ages. These narrow tandem buggies or flexible side by side buggies let you keep both children within sight when you are navigating the aisles of your grocery store, parks, and whatever else life can throw at you.
Comfort
Comfort is an important factor to think about when purchasing a double-stroller. This includes both the seating arrangements and the overall dimensions of the stroller which affects the convenience and storage. "Parents must determine what the stroller weighs and its dimensions folded," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also consider the recline options for seats and the age ranges of their children to ensure that it's the perfect fit."
A good double stroller will be robust enough to navigate all surfaces without difficulty, from urban sidewalks to parks trails and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should come with a variety of seating options for children at different ages, as well as comfort features such as a peek-a-boo windows and adjustable canopy options which protect children from the sun or rain.
Seating options are crucial for many families who utilize a double stroller from birth to childhood. "There are two main categories: in-line with one seat behind the other, and side-by-side with seats that are next to each other," Billingsley explains. Some parents prefer the in-line model due to its sleek style and flexibility. Others prefer a wagon style double stroller to make the most space for bulky or grocery items.
Although www.pushchairsandprams.uk may have different recline options, with one seat almost flat while the other remains relatively upright, this type of distinction is more prevalent in models that are in-line. Billingsley suggests choosing a model that has a near-flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats, so that the children can both lie back 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 also suggests that it is helpful to find a stroller which comes with a parent console or organizer bag attached on the handlebars. This will help parents keep essentials close at hand.
A few of the top-rated double strollers can be expanded giving parents the ability to modify the layout based on their family's needs. The Mockingbird Expandable, for instance 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 support the weight of two adults, as well as any additional cargo. Strollers must be simple to maneuver and push, particularly on rough terrain or in tight spaces. The best strollers have 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 adjusting seat belts faster and easier is another great feature to look for. A sturdy brake system and wheels that glide over any surface are important safety features.
Some parents choose an arrangement that allows both children to view each other during family outings. This arrangement can stop sibling rivalries over who is allowed to sit where however it's not foolproof. If the seats are placed at different heights, one child could be in a position to punch or kick the other during walks.
For parents of twins or siblings of similar age, a tandem stroller can be beneficial in being able to see both kids at once. These double strollers can be wider, and may not be able to fit through some interior doors. Think about a stroller that is single-to-double that can be transformed from a single stroller to double in various ways. Popular models include the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you are looking for a tandem or a side-by-side stroller, make sure that the product is JPMA certified to meet the strictest safety standards. Also pay attention to the weight limits that apply to each seat, since exceeding them could result in frame fatigue or other issues.
While it's easy for us to focus on all the extra bells and whistles that come with a new stroller, it's crucial to keep in mind that a stroller is essentially a baby carrier that will be used for extended periods of time. It should be comfortable for both the passengers and easy to clean and maintain, and ideally it should have an easy-to-use, familiar design so that the person pushing it is able to easily maneuver it without having to think about how to move forward or turn left or right, or even apply the brakes.
User-Friendliness
A double stroller must be simple to maneuver over different of terrains for families that are constantly on the move. Features like adjustable canopy systems with windows that peek out and dependable braking systems are essential to ensure your children's safety, but there are many other aspects that contribute to stroller ease of use. For example the stroller should be compact enough to fit into the trunk of your car yet provide ample storage space for your groceries and other items. Additionally, you should consider thoughtful features like a cup holder with a single parent or console for parents, as well as an eating tray for children -- all things that make life with two children significantly simpler.
During our testing, we evaluated each stroller based on its ability to perform on different terrains and its ability to maneuver in tight spaces. We also assessed how simple it was to fold and unfold, and whether or not a particular feature enhanced the overall performance of the stroller. A stroller without rethread straps makes it easy to adjust the seat belts. This is a major selling point for parents on the go because it cuts down on time and reduces the need to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored highly in this measure, since it came with a variety of seating configurations as well as additional accessories to accommodate growing families. The wagon-style double stroller can be expanded to allow for a second seat, a bassinet or even a toddler riding board--perfect for families who are active and planning long, tiring days with multiple children of different age. It also glides effortlessly over cobblestones, balls and pavements. It folds flat for easy storage in a closet or trunk. The design of this stroller is easy and intuitive which was well-loved by our tester Kerry. The sleek packaging with clearly marked sections as well as a user's manual made it easy to put this stroller together.
Stores
A double stroller has the potential to hold twice as much stuff than a single stroller, therefore, you should look for plenty of storage space. Ideally, you'll want an item that can hold the basic necessities for both kids: nappies bottles, snacks, and toys, along with parents' belongings such as phones, wallets keys and wallets. Look for pockets and baskets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller that has an expandable cargo space that can accommodate bulky items such as lunch bags and diaper bags.
A quality double stroller will be able to adapt to the needs of your family. For example certain models have the bassinet attachment, which can be used for newborns, and others come with child seats that can grow with your children until they're ready to ride on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers also include a rider board to let older siblings be part of the fun.
There are many double strollers on the market. You can choose from high-performance models that are ideal for rough terrain, or affordable options that you can use every day. When you're shopping, read reviews and suggestions from families just like yours to get an understanding of what to expect with the double stroller you choose.
Double strollers are available in three styles: tandem, side-by-side and wagon style. Side-by-side double strollers provide the most versatility and are ideal for twins or kids similar to each other in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers, on the other hand, have two seats that are arranged next to each other and facing opposite directions. It's a good option for kids who are the same age or for siblings who love to interact with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces, and less likely to be able to fit through doors.
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 has multiple seating options and the option to click in two infant car seats or a single child riding in an convertible toddler seat. Our experts also praised memory foam seats and canopy that has 50+ SPF, and foam-filled wheels that never flatten. And when it's time to fold, this model needs only a couple of pulls on straps on each seat (under the seat where kids sit) to fold it in half.