5 Double Strollers-Related Lessons From The Professionals
Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two children who are similar in age, a double stroller could be an invaluable investment. These narrow tandem buggies as well as versatile side by side buggies allow you to keep both children in the same place when you are navigating the aisles of your grocery store or in parks, or whatever else life throws at you.
Comfort
The comfort factor is one of the most important factors to take into consideration when buying a double-stroller. double pram pushchair could include both seating arrangements and the overall dimensions of the stroller which affects the ease of use and storage. "Parents must determine what the stroller weighs and its folded dimensions," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also look at the seat recline options and age ranges to ensure a perfect fit for their family."
A reputable double stroller must be able to handle a variety of surfaces with ease, from suburban sidewalks to parks and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should also have flexible seating options for children of varying age groups and comfort features like windows that peek out and adjustable canopy to shield children from sun or rain.
The seating options are important to many families who use a double stroller from birth to the age of. Billingsley says there are two major categories that are in-line which has one seat in front of the other and side-byside, with seats next to each other. "Some parents prefer an in-line model due to its sleek design and versatility, while others prefer a wagon-style double stroller to maximize space for large items or grocery bags."
Some products may offer different recline options--with one seat nearly flat while the other remains relatively upright, this kind of difference is more prevalent in in-line models. Billingsley suggests choosing a model that has an almost flat recline as well as leg rest adjustments for both seats, so that the children can both lie back comfortably.
In the end, she suggests to look for strollers with storage compartments that enable parents to access their snacks, toys and other personal items while out and about. She also says that it is helpful to choose a stroller that includes a parent console or organizer bag, that can be attached to the handlebars. This will aid parents in keeping their essentials at hand.
Some of the top-rated double strollers are expandable which allows parents to alter the layout to meet the needs of their growing family. For example the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly rated double stroller that can be used with just a single seat from birth and then converted to a tandem (with the addition of a second seat and bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers should be able to support the weight of two passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers need to be able to move and push, particularly on rough terrain or in tight spaces. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height to allow parents to maintain their good form when pushing them. A harness that does not need to be rethread that makes the adjustment of seat belts faster and easier is another great feature to look out for. Also, a strong brake system and wheels that glide over any surface are important safety features.
Some parents opt for a side-by-side design that allows both children to be able to see each other on family outings. This arrangement can prevent siblings fighting over who is allowed to sit where but it's not a guarantee. If the seats are positioned at different heights, one child could be capable of punching or kicking the other during a walk.
A tandem stroller is a excellent option for parents with twins or siblings who are similar in age. It lets parents see both children at once. Double strollers are typically more spacious, and may not be able to fit through some interior doors. For maximum flexibility, think about a single-to-double stroller which can switch from a single stroller to a tandem in a variety of ways, such as the renowned CYBEX Gazelle S. pushchair twin can be adapted to a wide variety of configurations and let you click in infant car seats or cot attachments depending on your requirements.
If you're looking for a tandem or side-byside stroller, make sure that the stroller has been JPMA certified to meet the strictest safety standards. Pay attention to the maximum weight limit for each seat. Exceeding these limits could cause frame fatigue and other issues.
While it's easy to concentrate on the additional bells and whistles on the latest stroller, it's crucial to remember that a stroller is basically a baby carrier that is used for extended durations of time. 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 easy-to-use, familiar design so that the person pushing it is able to effortlessly maneuver it without having to think about how to move forward, turn left or right, or apply the brakes.
Easy of Use
For families on the go, a double stroller needs to be able to maneuver easily over different terrains. Features like adjustable canopy, peek-aboo windows and dependable braking systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children, but there are many other aspects that contribute to stroller ease of use. For instance, a stroller must be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your car, yet provide ample storage space for food items and other things. Additionally, you should consider thoughtful features such as a cup holder for one parent or console for parents, as well as snacks for children--all things that make life with two children significantly easier.
In our tests we rated each stroller on how well it did on a variety of terrains, and how easily it maneuvered 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 made a difference to the overall performance. For example a stroller with no-rethread harnesses makes adjusting the seat belts easy and quick. This is a major benefit for parents who are always in motion, as it eliminates the need to rethread their harness.
The UPPAbaby 2 Double was a top performer in this metric as it had a wide variety of seating configurations, and other accessories that could accommodate families that are growing. The wagon-style double stroller is able to allow for two seats, a bassinet or even a toddler-friendly riding board, which is ideal for active families planning long days on the go with multiple kids of various age groups. It also glides effortlessly over cobblestones, ball fields and pavements. It also it folds flat to make easy storage in a closet or trunk. The design of this stroller is simple and easy to use which was well-loved by our tester Kerry. Its smart packaging clear sections, well-labeled sections and an informative user guide made assembling this stroller an absolute breeze.
Storage
Double strollers can carry twice as much as one single stroller So, make sure to search for ample storage space. Ideally, you'll want a stroller that can accommodate the essentials for both kids--nappies, bottles, snacks and toys, in addition to parents' belongings such as wallets, phones 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 like lunch bags and diaper bags.
A good double stroller must be able to change as your family expands. Billingsley states that certain models have an attachment for a bassinet to accommodate infants. Other models come with child seats that grow with the child until they are old enough to ride on the back. Some double strollers permit a rider's board that allows older children to be part of the fun.
There's a wide selection of double strollers on the market, ranging from sleek, high-performance models that are able to handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models more for everyday use. While shopping, take a look at reviews and suggestions from families like yours to gain an understanding of what to expect from the double stroller you pick.
Double strollers are available in three different design formats including tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-by-side strollers are the most flexible and suitable for twins or children of similar age. Tandem double strollers have two seats set up in a tandem configuration with the opposite direction facing. This is a great option for children who are similar age or siblings who want to be social with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through tight spaces, and are less likely to fit in doors.
Take a look at this top choice by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon-style double stroller. This affordable model was highly praised by our testers for its many seating options. It can be used with two car seats for infants or one child sitting in a convertible toddler chair. Our experts also praised the memory foam seats, canopy with 50+ SPF, and foam-filled wheels that never go flat. When it's time to fold this model requires only just a few pulls on the straps underneath each seat (under where kids sit) in order to fold.