How Double Strollers Changed My Life For The Better
Buying Guide For Double Strollers A double stroller is a great investment for families with two children with similar age. These narrow tandem buggies or versatile side by side buggies let you keep both children within sight while navigating the grocery aisle, parks, and whatever else life can throw at you. Comfort Comfort is an important factor to take into consideration when buying a double-stroller. This could include both seating arrangement as well as the overall size of the stroller which impacts convenience and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child expert in child development from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, suggests parents examine the stroller's weight as well as folded dimensions. “They should also consider the seat recline options and age ranges to ensure a perfect fit for their family.” A good double stroller should be able to handle different surfaces with ease from suburban sidewalks to parks and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should also provide flexible seating arrangements for children of varying age groups and comfort features like windows that peek out and adjustable canopy to shield children from rain or sun. For a majority of families, a double stroller will be used from birth until childhood, so it's important to think about seating options. Billingsley explains that there are two main categories: in-line with one seat in front of the other and side-byside, with seats next to one another. Some parents prefer the in-line option due to its sleek style and flexibility. Others prefer the wagon style double stroller to maximize space for bulky or grocery items. In-line models are more likely to have this kind of discordance. Certain models may provide different recline options, with one being almost flat, while the other being more upright. Billingsley suggests selecting a product that offers both an almost flat recline as well as leg rests that can be adjusted for both seats to ensure each child can sleep comfortably. Finally, she advises to look for strollers with storage compartments that enable parents to easily access snacks, toys and other personal items while out and about. She also suggests that it's helpful to look for the stroller that has an organizer or parent console bag attached to the handlebars. This can help keep essentials within reach. Many of the top-rated double strollers can be enlarged to allow parents to modify the layout based on their family's needs. 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 should be able to support the weight of two people, plus any additional cargo. Strollers must also be simple to move and push, particularly in tight areas and over challenging terrain. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height to allow parents to maintain their good form while pushing them. A no-rethread harness which makes the adjustment of seat belts quicker and easier to do, is a nice feature to look out for. Safety features include a robust brake system, as well as wheels that can glide across any surface. Some parents opt for a side-by-side design that allows both children to see each other during family outings. This arrangement can prevent sibling squabbles about who gets to sit in which place, but it isn't foolproof. If the seats are at different levels, a child might kick or punch another while walking if the seats are at different levels. For parents with twins or siblings who are close in age, a tandem-style stroller is a great option for being able to see both kids at once. However, these can be larger than other double strollers, so they may not be able to be able to pass through all doors in your home. Think about a stroller that is single-to-double that can be transformed from a single to a double in a variety ways. The most popular models are the CYBEX gazelle S. If you're looking for a tandem or side-by-side stroller, be sure the stroller has been JPMA certified to meet strict safety standards. Be aware of the weight limits that apply to each seat, as exceeding them can lead to frame fatigue or other issues. It's easy to get caught in the sound of bells and whistles, however it's important to keep in mind that strollers are basically baby carriers that will be used for extended durations. It must be comfortable for both parents and children and easy to clean and maintain, and in the ideal case it should feature an intuitive, familiar design so that the person pushing it can effortlessly maneuver it without having to think twice about how to move forward, turn left or right, or use the brakes. Ease of Use A double stroller should be easy to maneuver on various types of terrains for families constantly on the move. Features like adjustable canopies windows, peek-aboo windows, and dependable braking systems are crucial to ensure the safety of your children but there are many other aspects that contribute to stroller ease of use. A stroller must be compact enough to fit into the trunk of your car, but still have plenty of storage space for groceries and other items. Also important are thoughtful touches like a cup holder with a single parent, parent consoles and a snack tray for kids—all things that make life with two children significantly easier. In our tests we rated each stroller on how well it performed on a variety terrains, and how easily it could maneuver in tight spaces. We also considered how easy it was to fold the stroller in half and then unfold it in a timely manner, and if a specific feature improved the overall functionality. For instance, a stroller with a harness that does not rethread makes the adjustment of the seat belts quick and simple. This can be a huge selling point for parents on the go because it cuts down on time and eliminates the need to re-thread the harness. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored high in this metric, as it came with a variety of seating configurations and additional accessories to accommodate families that are growing. The wagon-style double-stroller expands so that it can accommodate a second seat, bassinet or even a toddler's riding board. This is perfect for families who plan to spend long hours traveling with several children of various ages. It is able to glide effortlessly over cobblestones, pavements, and ballfields. It can be folded flat to store in a trunk or a closet. The design of this stroller is simple and intuitive, which was appreciated by our test subject Kerry. The clever packaging with clearly marked sections as well as a user's manual made it easy to put together this stroller. Stores Double strollers can carry twice more than a single one so be sure to look for plenty of storage space. You want a stroller with enough storage space to store the essentials for both children and parents like bottles, toys, snacks, and diapers. Look for baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, consider a stroller with an expandable cargo space that can accommodate bulky items like diaper bags and lunchbags. A good double stroller should be able to expand with your family. For example certain models have a bassinet attachment that can be used for newborns, and others feature child seats that can be adapted to your children until they're ready to move to the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers permit older siblings to join in on the fun by riding on a rider board. There are double pushchair sale . You can pick from high-performance models that are ideal for rough terrain, or affordable options that you can use every day. While shopping, take a look at reviews and suggestions from families like yours to get a better sense of what to expect with the double stroller you select. Double strollers are available in three different design formats including tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers provide the most flexibility and are perfect for twins or children similar to each other in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers feature two seats arranged in tandem, facing opposite directions. This is a great option for children of similar age or siblings who prefer to interact with each other. Tandem strollers may be harder to maneuver in tight spaces, and are less likely to fit through doors than their side-by-side counterparts. 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 connect two infant car seats or a single child riding in a convertible toddler seat. Our experts also appreciated the comfortable memory foam seats and the 50+ SPF canopy, and foam-filled tires that never get flat. When it's time for folding, this model only requires just a few nudges on the straps underneath each seat (under where kids sit) to fold.