What's The Fuss About Double Strollers?

Buying Guide For Double Strollers If you have two children that are in the same age group A double stroller can be a valuable investment. These narrow tandem strollers or versatile side-by-side buggies help you keep an eye on both children at the same time while taking on the grocery store as well as the parks and other obstacles life throws your way. Comfort Comfort is a major factor to consider when shopping for a double-stroller. This includes both the seating arrangement and the overall size of the stroller which impacts convenience and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, advises parents to examine the stroller's weight as well as folded dimensions. “They should also consider the seat recline options, as well as the age ranges of their children to ensure that it's a perfect fit.” double pram and pushchair -constructed double stroller will be durable enough to travel on different surfaces smoothly—from suburban sidewalks to park trails and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should come with a variety of seating options for children at different stages of development, as well as comfort features such as a peek-a-boo window and adjustable canopies that protect children from the sun or rain. The seating options are important to many families who utilize double strollers from birth to childhood. “There are two main categories: in-line with one seat in front of the other, and side-by-side with seats that are next to each other,” Billingsley explains. “Some parents prefer an in-line model due to its sleek design and versatility, while others prefer a wagon-style stroller to maximize space for bulky items or groceries.” Although some models may have different recline options – with one seat almost flat while the other remains relatively upright, this kind of difference is more prevalent in in-line models. Billingsley suggests selecting a model with a near-flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children lay down comfortably. She also suggests parents look for strollers with storage compartments to allow them to easily access snacks, personal items, and toys while in motion. She also recommends that it is beneficial to find a stroller which comes with a parent console or organizer bag, that can be attached to the handlebars. This will help parents keep essentials close at hand. Some of the top-rated double strollers are expandable, allowing parents to customize the set-up based on the needs of their expanding family. The Mockingbird Expandable, for instance is a highly rated double stroller which can be used from birth using a single seat, and then converted into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) when the child gets older. Safety Double strollers should be able to support the weight of both the passengers as well as any additional cargo. Strollers need to be easy to maneuver and push, especially when on rough terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to ensure that parents maintain a good form while pushing them. A harness that does not need to be rethread which makes the adjustment of seat belts more quickly and easily to do, is a nice feature to look for. Safety features include a durable brake system and wheels that can glide across any surface. Some parents choose an arrangement that is side by side to ensure that both children be together during family outings. This arrangement can help prevent sibling rivalries over who is allowed to sit where but it's not a guarantee. If the seats are set at different heights, one child could be capable of punching or kicking the other during a walk. For parents with twins or siblings close in age, a tandem stroller is a great option for being able to view both children at the same time. These double strollers can be more spacious, and may not fit through some doors inside. You could consider a single-to-double stroller that can be transformed from a single to double in various ways. Popular models include the CYBEX gazelle S. If you are looking for a tandem or side-by-side stroller, be sure the product has been JPMA certified to meet stringent safety standards. Be sure to check the maximum weight limits for each seat, since over-weighting could lead to frame fatigue or other issues. While it's easy for us to focus on the many bells and whistles of a new stroller, it is crucial to keep in mind that a stroller is essentially a baby carrier that is transported for long durations of time. It must be comfortable for both the passengers, easy to clean and maintain, and ideally, it should offer an easy-to-use, familiar design so that the person pushing it can effortlessly move it around without having to think about how to move forward and turn left or right, or apply the brakes. Ease of Use A double stroller must be easy to maneuver on a variety terrains for families who are constantly moving. Strollers with features like peek-a-boo windows, adjustable canopies and sturdy brake systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children. However, there are other factors that make them easier to use. For instance the stroller should be compact enough to fit into the trunk of your car yet provide ample storage space for food items and other things. It is also important to consider thoughtful additions like a one-parent cup holder, parent consoles and a snack tray for kids—all things that make life on the go with two children significantly more manageable. During our testing we evaluated each stroller on the basis of its performance on various surfaces and its ability to maneuver through tight spaces. We also assessed the ease with which it was possible to fold and unfold, and whether or not a particular feature added to the overall performance of the stroller. For instance, a stroller with a harness that does not rethread makes the adjustment of the seat belts simple and easy. This is a major benefit for parents who are on the move since it reduces time and removes the need to re-thread the harness. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored highly in this metric, as it came with a variety of seating configurations and additional accessories to help accommodate growing families. The wagon-style double-stroller can be expanded to accommodate two seats, a bassinet, or even a toddler-riding board. This is perfect for families who want to spend a lot of time in the car with a variety of children of different age groups. It also glides effortlessly over pavement, cobblestones and ballfields—and folds flat for simple storage in a closet or trunk. The design of this stroller is easy and intuitive and was a big hit with our test participant Kerry. The sleek packaging clear sections, well-marked sections and the user's guide made it simple to assemble this stroller. Stores A double stroller can be able to hold twice as much than a single stroller, therefore, you should look for plenty of storage space. It is important to find a stroller with enough storage space to accommodate the necessities of children and parents like bottles, toys, snacks, and diapers. Find baskets under the seat as well as other pockets, and look into a stroller with an expanding cargo area that can hold heavy items such as diaper bags and lunch bags. A good double stroller must be able to adjust as your family expands. For example, some models include an attachment for a bassinet that can be used for newborns, and others feature child seats that can grow with your kids until they're ready to switch to riding on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers permit older siblings to join in the fun by riding on riding boards. There's a wide selection of double strollers on the market, ranging from sleek, high-performance models that excel on rough terrain to budget-friendly models that are more for everyday use. When shopping, take a look at reviews and suggestions from families just like yours to get an idea of what to expect from the double stroller that you select. Double strollers come in three different styles: side-by-side, tandem, and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-byside strollers are the most flexible and ideal for twins or children of a similar age. Tandem double strollers, on the contrary, have two seats set adjacent to one another and facing opposite directions. It's a ideal choice for children who are the same age or for siblings who like to interact with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and are less likely to fit in doors. 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, including the ability to snap in two infant car seats or a single child riding in a convertible toddler seat. Our reviewers also praised the memory foam seats, canopy with 50+ SPF, and foam-filled wheels that will never wear out. When it's time to fold this model needs only a few tugs on the straps underneath each seat (under where kids sit) for folding.