Why Double Strollers Is Your Next Big Obsession
Buying Guide For Double Strollers If you have two kids that are in the same age group, a double stroller could be a great investment. These narrow tandem strollers or versatile side-by-side buggies help you keep your eyes on both kids at the same time while navigating the aisles of the supermarket as well as the parks and other obstacles life throws at you. Comfort Comfort is an important factor to think about when purchasing a double-stroller. This can include the seating arrangement as well as the overall size, which has an impact on ease of use and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, suggests parents examine the stroller's weight as well as folded dimensions. “They should also think about the options for recline of the seat, as well as the age ranges of their children to ensure it is a perfect fit.” A quality 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 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 canopy which protect children from rain or sun. The seating options are important to many families who will 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 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 groceries or bulky items. In-line models are more likely to show this kind of difference. Some products may offer different recline options, with one being almost flat and the other remaining relatively upright. Billingsley suggests selecting a product that offers both a nearly flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats to ensure each child can sleep comfortably. She also suggests that parents look for strollers with storage compartments so that they can easily access their snacks, personal items and toys in motion. She adds that it's also beneficial to choose a stroller with a parent console or organizer bag attached to the handlebars. This can help keep essentials within reach. Some of the most highly-rated double strollers can be expanded which allows parents to alter the configuration to meet the needs of their growing family. For instance, the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used with a single seat from birth and later converted to a tandem (with the addition of a second seat and bassinet) as the child grows older. Safety Double strollers have to be able to support the weight of two adults, as well as any additional cargo. Strollers must also be simple to move and push, particularly in tight areas and over challenging terrain. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height to ensure that parents maintain a good posture while pushing them. A harness that does not need to be rethread which makes the adjustment of seat belts quicker and easier is another great feature to look out for. Safety features include a robust brake system and wheels that glide over any surface. Some parents choose an arrangement that is side by side so that both children can see each other during family outings. This arrangement can help prevent siblings fighting over who is allowed to sit in which spot, but it's not foolproof. If the seats are located at different heights, a child could punch or kick another during a walk in the event that the seats are at different levels. A tandem stroller is a great option for parents with twins or siblings that are close in age. It lets parents be able to see both children simultaneously. However, they are more spacious than other double strollers, meaning they might not be able to pass through all doors in your home. Consider a single-to double stroller 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 opt for a side-byside or tandem-style stroller, be sure that the stroller is JPMA-certified to meet stringent safety standards. Be sure to check the maximum weight limits for each seat, as exceeding them could result in frame fatigue or other issues. While it's easy for us to focus on the additional bells and whistles of the latest 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 must be comfortable for both passengers and easy to clean and maintain, and in the ideal case it should have 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 apply the brakes. Easy of Use For families who are constantly on the move, a double stroller must be able to maneuver easily over different terrains. Features like adjustable canopies with windows that peek out and reliable braking systems are critical to help ensure the safety of your children but there are many other aspects that affect stroller ease of use. A stroller must be compact enough to fit into the trunk of your vehicle yet have plenty of storage space for groceries or other items. Additionally, you should consider thoughtful features like a one-parent cup holder as well as a console for parents and a snack tray for kids—all things that will make life with two kids significantly more manageable. During our testing we evaluated each stroller based on its performance on different surfaces and its ability to maneuver in tight spaces. We also examined how easy it was to fold and unfold and whether or not a specific feature improved the overall performance of the stroller. For instance a stroller with no-rethread harnesses makes adjusting the seat belts simple and easy. This is a major selling point for parents who are on the move, as it saves time and removes 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 as well as additional accessories to accommodate growing families. cheap double pushchair -style double stroller can be expanded to allow for a second seat as well as a bassinet or a toddler-friendly riding board, which is ideal for families with active children who plan long days on the go with multiple children of different ages. It also glides effortlessly over pavement, cobblestones and ballfields—and can be folded flat for easy storage in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is easy and intuitive which was well-loved by our test participant Kerry. The smart packaging with clearly marked sections as well as a user guide made it easy to put this stroller together. Stores A double stroller can be able to hold twice as much as a single stroller so make sure you have plenty of storage space. Ideally, you want a stroller that is able to hold the necessities for both kids, including nappies, bottles, snacks and toys, in addition to parents' belongings such as wallets, phones keys, wallets and phones. Look for baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller that has an expandable cargo area to accommodate bulky items such as diaper bags and lunchbags. A good double stroller must have the ability to adapt as your family grows. Billingsley states that certain models have an attachment for a bassinet to accommodate newborns. Some models have child seats that can expand with the child until they are old enough to ride on the back. Some double strollers allow older siblings to join in on the fun by riding on a rider board. There are many double strollers on the market. You can choose from models with high-performance features that are ideal for rough terrain, or affordable options that you can use every day. While shopping, read reviews and suggestions from families like yours to get a better idea of what to expect from the double stroller that you choose. Double strollers are available in three different design formats such as tandem, side-byside, and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-byside strollers are the most versatile and ideal for twins as well as children of similar ages. Tandem double strollers on the other hand, have two seats set adjacent to one another and facing in opposite directions. This is a good option for kids of the same age or for siblings who like to interact with each other. Tandem strollers may be harder to maneuver through tight spaces, and are less likely to pass 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. This model is affordable and was highly praised by our testers for its many seating options. It can be used with two infant car seats or one child in a convertible toddler seat. Our testers also loved the comfortable memory foam seats, 50+ SPF canopy and foam-filled tires that never stop running flat. When it's time to fold, this model only requires just a few nudges on the straps underneath each seat (under the seats where kids sit) to fold.