15 Startling Facts About Double Strollers You've Never Heard Of
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 compact tandem strollers or flexible side-by-side buggies allow you to keep your eyes on both kids at the same time navigating the aisles of the supermarket or the parks, and whatever else life throws at you.
Comfort
The comfort factor is one of the most important factors to think about when purchasing a double-stroller. This includes both the seating arrangements and the overall size of the stroller, which impacts convenience and storage. "Parents should check how much the stroller weighs and its dimensions folded," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also think about the options for recline of the seat and the ages of their children to ensure it is a perfect fit."
A good double stroller will be robust enough to navigate all surfaces without difficulty, from parks trails to suburban sidewalks, and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should have a variety of seating options for children at different age groups, and comfort features such as a peek-a-boo window and adjustable canopies which protect children from rain or sun.
Seating options are important for many families that will use a double stroller from the time of birth until childhood. Billingsley states that there are two primary categories of in-line seating which has one seat in front of the other and side-byside, with seats next to each other. "Some parents prefer an in-line stroller due to its sleek appearance and versatility, while others prefer a wagon-style stroller to make the most space for large items or groceries."
In-line models are more likely to show this kind of difference. Some products may offer different recline options, with one being nearly flat, and the other one remaining fairly upright. Billingsley suggests selecting a model that has a nearly flat recline and leg rest adjustment for both seats. This will ensure that both children can lay comfortably.
She also suggests that parents search for strollers with storage compartments so that they can quickly access personal items, snacks and toys when on the move. She suggests that it's useful to find the stroller that has an organizer or parent console bag that is attached to the handlebars. This will help keep things within reach.
A few of the top-rated double strollers can be expanded that allows parents to modify the configuration to meet the needs of their expanding family. The Mockingbird Expandable, for instance, is a highly rated double stroller that can be used from birth using a single seat, and later converted into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers must be able to carry the weight of both passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers should be simple to maneuver and push, particularly on rough terrain or in tight spaces. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars and adjustable heights which make it easier for parents to maintain good form when pushing them. Another nice feature is a no-rethread belt harness, which allows for a more comfortable adjustment of the belts for your child. Safety features include a durable brake system, as well as wheels that slide over any surface.
Some parents opt for an arrangement that is side by side to ensure that both children be together on family outings. This arrangement can stop siblings fighting over who gets to sit where, but it's not foolproof. If the seats are different heights, a child could kick or punch another during a walk in the event that the seats are at different levels.
A tandem-style stroller is ideal option for parents with twins or siblings that are close in age. It lets parents see both children at once. Double strollers are typically more spacious, and may not fit through some doors inside. To maximize versatility, you should consider a stroller that can change from a single stroller to a tandem in a variety of ways, such as the renowned CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can be adapted to a wide variety of configurations and let you click in infant car seats or cot attachments, depending on your needs.
If you're looking for a tandem or a side-by-side stroller, ensure that the stroller has been JPMA certified to meet stringent safety standards. Pay attention to the maximum weight limit for each seat. If you exceed these limits, it could cause frame fatigue and other issues.
While it's easy to focus on the additional bells and whistles that come with a new stroller, it's important to keep in mind that a stroller is an infant carrier that will be carried around for long periods of time. It should be comfortable for both the passengers and easy to clean and maintain, and most importantly it should have an intuitive, 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.
Easy of Use
For families that are on the move, a double stroller needs to be easy to maneuver over different terrains. Features like adjustable canopies, peek-aboo windows and dependable braking systems are crucial to ensure the safety of your children however, there are other elements that contribute to stroller ease of use. For instance the stroller should be small enough to fit into the trunk of your car, while still offering ample storage space for food items and other things. Also important are thoughtful touches like a one-parent cup holder as well as a console for parents and snacks for children--all things that can make life with two children significantly easier.
During our testing, we evaluated each stroller based on its performance on different surfaces and its ability to maneuver through tight spaces. We also looked at how easy it was to fold the stroller and unfold it, and if a particular feature enhanced the overall functionality. For example a stroller that has a harness that does not rethread makes the adjustment of the seat belts simple and easy. This is a huge attraction for parents who are constantly moving around, since it eliminates the requirement to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored high in this measure, since it offers a wide range of seating configurations and additional accessories to accommodate families that are growing. The wagon-style double stroller is able to allow for a second seat as well as a bassinet or a toddler riding board that is perfect for families with active children who plan long days on the go with multiple children of different age. It also glides effortlessly over cobblestones, ball fields and pavements. It also can be folded flat for simple storage in a closet or trunk. The design of this stroller is simple and intuitive, which was appreciated by our test subject Kerry. The smart packaging with clearly marked sections as well as a user guide made it easy to put this stroller together.
Stores
Double strollers can hold twice more than one stroller So, make sure to ensure you have plenty of storage space. Ideally, you want a stroller that can accommodate the essentials for both kids--nappies bottles, snacks, and toys, as well as parents' belongings such as phones, wallets keys, wallets and phones. Look for pockets and baskets under the seats. Also, consider a stroller that has an expandable cargo space to accommodate bulky items such as lunch bags and diaper bags.
A good double stroller will be able to expand with your family. For example certain models come with a bassinet attachment that can accommodate newborns, while 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 permit older siblings to join in the fun by riding on a rider board.
You'll find a wide variety of double strollers available on the market, from elegant, high-performance models that are able to handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models that are more suitable for use in the everyday. While shopping, read reviews and recommendations of families similar to yours to get a better idea of what you can expect from the double stroller that you select.
Double strollers are available in three styles: tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. double stroller with bassinet pushchairsandprams -by-side double strollers offer most flexibility and are perfect for twins or children close in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers, on other hand, have two seats that are placed adjacent to one another and facing in opposite directions--a good option for kids of the same age or for siblings who love to interact with one another. Tandem strollers may be harder to maneuver in tight spaces and are less likely to fit through doorways than their side-by-side counterparts.
Check out this top selection 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, 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 soft 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 a few tugs on the straps underneath each seat (under the seats where kids sit) in order to fold.