Are Double Strollers As Crucial As Everyone Says?
Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two kids that are in the same age group A double stroller can be a valuable investment. These compact tandem strollers or versatile side-by-side buggies help you keep your eyes on both kids at the same time braving the grocery aisle or the parks, and whatever else life throws your way.
Comfort
When shopping for a double stroller for your child, comfort is an important consideration. This can include both the seating arrangements and the overall dimensions of the stroller which can impact the ease of use and storage. "Parents must determine what the stroller weighs as well as its dimensions folded," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also consider the options for recline and seat age ranges to ensure the best fit for their family."
A good double stroller will be sturdy enough to traverse various surfaces with ease, from suburban sidewalks to park trails and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should also offer versatile seating options for children of varying age and comfort features like windows that can be opened and closed to keep kids shielded from sun or rain.
For a lot of families, a double stroller is likely to be utilized from birth until the teen years, so it's essential to think about the seating options. Billingsley says there are two major categories: in-line which has one seat in front of the other, and side-by-side, with seats next to each other. Some parents prefer the inline option due to its sleek design and flexibility. Others like a wagon-style double stroller for maximum space for groceries or bulky items.
Although some models may have different recline options, with one seat nearly flat while the other one remains upright, this type of distinction is more common in the in-line models. Billingsley suggests choosing a model with a near-flat recline as well as leg rest adjustments for both seats. double single pushchair will ensure that both children can lie down comfortably.
In the end, she suggests to look for a stroller that includes storage compartments that enable parents to quickly access snacks, toys and other personal items while on the move. She adds that it's also helpful to look for the stroller that has a parent console or organizer bag that is attached to the handlebars, which will allow you to keep your essentials within reach.
Some of the most highly-rated double strollers are expandable, allowing parents to customize the set-up based on the requirements 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 an additional seat and bassinet) as the child gets older.
Safety
Double strollers should be able to carry the weight of two people, plus any additional cargo. Strollers need to be able to move and push, particularly on difficult terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to allow parents to maintain their good posture when pushing them. A no-rethread harness which makes the adjustment of seat belts quicker and easier is another great feature to look for. Safety features include a sturdy brake system, as well as wheels that slide over any surface.
Some parents choose a side by side design to ensure that both children see each other during family outings. This arrangement can reduce sibling squabbles about who gets to sit in which spot however it's not foolproof. If the seats are different levels, a child might kick or punch another while walking in the event that the seats are at different levels.
A tandem-style stroller is a excellent option for parents with twins or siblings that are close in age. It lets them be able to see both children simultaneously. Double strollers can be more spacious, and may not fit through some interior doors. For maximum versatility, consider a single-to-double stroller that transitions from a single to a tandem in different ways, like the renowned CYBEX Gazelle S. These models are able to accommodate a broad range of configurations, and let you click in infant car seats or cot attachments, depending on your needs.
If you opt for a side-byside or tandem-style stroller, be sure that the stroller is JPMA-certified to meet strict safety standards. Be sure to check the maximum weight limits for each seat, since exceeding them could result in frame fatigue or other issues.
It's easy to get caught in the sound of bells and whistles, but it's important to keep in mind that strollers are basically baby carriers that are used for a long period of times. It should be comfortable for both passengers as well as easy to clean and maintain, and ideally it should have an intuitive, familiar design that the person pushing it is able to effortlessly maneuver it without having to think twice about how to move forward or turn left or right, or even apply the brakes.
Easy to Use
For families who are constantly on the move, a double stroller needs to be able to navigate different terrains. Strollers with features like windows that peek-a-boo, adjustable canopies and reliable brake systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children. But there are also other features that make them simpler to use. A stroller should be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your car and still provide plenty of storage space for groceries or other things. It is also essential to include thoughtful touches, such as the cup holder for one parent, consoles for parents and an eating tray. These can help make traveling with two children much more enjoyable.
During our testing We evaluated each stroller on how well it performed on a variety terrains and how easily it maneuvered in tight spaces. We also considered how easy it was to fold the stroller and unfold it in a timely manner, and if a specific feature enhanced the overall functionality. For instance a stroller with no-rethread harnesses makes adjusting the seat belts simple and easy. This can be a major benefit for parents who are on the move because it cuts down on time and eliminates the need to re-thread 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 help accommodate growing families. The double-stroller that looks like a wagon expands so that it can accommodate an additional seat, a bassinet or even a toddler's riding board. This is perfect for families that plan to spend a lot of time on the road with multiple children of various age groups. It also glides smoothly across pavement, cobblestones and ballfields--and folds flat for simple storage in a trunk or closet. Our test subject Kerry loved the simple and intuitive nature of this stroller's design. Its smart packaging clear sections, well-labeled sections and helpful user guide made assembling this stroller a breeze.
Storage
Double strollers can carry twice more than a single one So, make sure to ensure you have plenty of storage space. You'll want a stroller that has enough storage space to accommodate the essentials of both children and parents including bottles and snacks, toys, and diapers. Find baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller with an expandable cargo space to take in bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags.
A good double stroller should be able to grow with your family. Billingsley states that certain models come with an attachment for a bassinet to accommodate infants. Some models have child seats that expand with the child until they are able to ride on the back. Some double strollers allow older siblings to join in on the fun with a rider board.
There are many double strollers available. You can pick from models with high-performance features that are ideal for rough terrain, to affordable options that you can use on a daily basis. When shopping, take a look at reviews and recommendations of families similar to yours to get an idea of what you can expect from the double stroller that you pick.
Double strollers are available in three designs: tandem, side-by-side and wagon style. Side-by-side double strollers offer the most flexibility and are perfect for twins or kids similar to their age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers feature two seats arranged in tandem facing in opposite directions. This is a great option for children who are similar age, or siblings who want to interact with each other. Tandem strollers can be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and are less likely to pass through doorways than their side-byside counterparts.
If you prefer a wagon-style double stroller, check out this top pick from Safety 1st. This budget-friendly model was praised by test participants for its many seating options. It can be used with two infant car seats, or one child in a convertible toddler chair. Our experts also praised memory foam seats as well as the canopy, which has 50+ SPF, and foam-filled wheels that will never wear out. When it's time for folding this model needs only just a few pulls on the straps beneath each seat (under where kids sit) to fold.