Is Double Strollers As Vital As Everyone Says
Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two children who are close in age, a double stroller can be an invaluable investment. These compact tandem buggies or versatile side by side buggies allow you to keep both children within sight while you shop, parks, and whatever else life can throw at you.
Comfort
When you are looking for a double stroller for your child, comfort is a major aspect to take into consideration. This includes both the seating arrangement and the overall size of the stroller, which can impact the accessibility 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 seat recline options and the ages of their children to ensure that it's the perfect fit."
A well-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 also offer versatile seating arrangements for children of various age and comfort features like windows that can be opened and closed to protect children from rain or sun.
The seating options are important to many families that will utilize double strollers from the time of birth until the age of. Billingsley states that there are two primary categories that are in-line with one seat in front of the other, and side-by-side seating with seats next to one another. "Some parents prefer an in-line option for its sleek look and versatility, while others prefer a wagon-style stroller to maximize space for heavy items or groceries."
In-line models are more likely to have this kind of difference. Some models might offer different recline options, with one seat being nearly flat, and the other being more upright. Billingsley suggests choosing a model with a near-flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children can lie down comfortably.
She also suggests that parents search for strollers with storage compartments to allow them to quickly access their snacks, personal items and toys moving about. She also suggests that it is helpful to choose a stroller that includes a parent console or organizer bag attached on the handlebars. This can help parents keep their essentials at hand.
Some of the best-rated Double Pram For Siblings strollers can be enlarged giving parents the ability to alter the configuration based on their family's needs. The Mockingbird Expandable, for example is a highly rated double pram and pushchair stroller which can be used from birth with just one seat, and then converted into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers need to be able to support the weight of both passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers must also be easy to move and push, particularly in tight spots and over challenging terrain. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars and adjustable heights, making it easier for parents to maintain their form when pushing them. Another great feature is a no-rethread belt harness, which makes it easier to adjust the seat belts. A sturdy brake system and wheels that can glide over any surface are crucial safety features.
Some parents opt for the side-by-side design to allow both children to meet up when they go on family outings. This arrangement can help prevent siblings fighting over who is allowed to sit where, but it's not foolproof. If the seats are positioned at different heights, one child may be capable of punching or kicking the other during a walk.
A tandem-style stroller is ideal option for parents with twins or siblings that are close in age. It lets parents observe both children at the same time. Double strollers are typically larger, and might not fit through some doors inside. You could consider a single-to-pushchairs double stroller that can be converted from a single to a double in many ways. Popular models include the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you decide to purchase a side-by-side or tandem-style stroller, be sure the product is certified by JPMA to meet strict safety standards. Pay attention to the weight limit that applies to each seat. Overstepping these limits can cause frame fatigue or other problems.
It's easy to be swept in the sound of bells and whistles, but it's important to remember that strollers are in essence baby carriers that will be used for extended durations. It should be easy to clean and maintain and comfortable for both of the passengers. It should also feature a a familiar, intuitive design that allows the person pushing the stroller to move it easily.
Easy of Use
For families that are on the move, a double buggy from birth stroller needs to be able to maneuver easily over different terrains. Strollers with features such as peek-a-boo windows, adjustable canopies and sturdy brake systems are vital to ensure the safety of your children. But there are other features that make them easier to use. For instance the stroller must be small enough to fit into the trunk of your car, but still provide ample storage space for food items and other things. Additionally, you should consider thoughtful features like a cup holder with a single and double stroller parent as well as a console for parents and an eating tray for children -- all things that make life with two kids significantly simpler.
In our tests, we evaluated each stroller based on how it performed on a variety of surfaces and how well it could maneuver in tight spaces. We also considered how easy it was to fold the stroller in half and then unfold it, and if a particular feature made a difference to the overall performance. For instance a stroller with a harness that does not rethread makes the adjustment of the seat belts easy and quick. This can be a huge selling point for parents who are on the move since it reduces time and eliminates the need to re-thread the harness.
The UPPAbaby V2 Double scored well in this metric as it came with a variety of seating configurations and additional accessories to accommodate families that are growing. The wagon-style double stroller is able to allow for two seats as well as a bassinet or a toddler riding board--perfect for families with active children who plan long trips with multiple children of different age. It easily glides over cobblestones and pavements and ball fields. It can also be folded flat to fit in a trunk or a closet. The design of this stroller is easy and intuitive, which was appreciated by our test subject Kerry. The smart packaging clear sections, well-marked sections and user's manual made it easy to put this stroller together.
Stores
Double strollers can hold twice as much as one single stroller, so make sure you ensure you have plenty of storage space. Ideally, you'll want a stroller that is able to hold the essentials for both kids--nappies bottles, snacks, and toys, along with parents' belongings like phones, wallets keys and wallets. Look for under-seat baskets and other pockets, and consider a stroller that has an expandable cargo area that can hold heavy items such as lunch bags and diaper bags.
A quality double stroller should be able to change as your family grows. For instance certain models have an attachment for a bassinet that can accommodate infants, while others feature child seats that can expand with your children until they're ready to move to the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers include a rider board to allow older siblings to be part of the fun.
There are many double strollers on the market. You can choose from high-performance models which are suitable for rough terrain, as well as affordable options that you can use daily. As you shop, read user reviews and recommendations from families like yours to get an idea of what to expect with the double stroller you pick.
Double strollers are available in three different designs: tandem, side-by-side and wagon style. Billingsley states that side-by-side strollers are the most flexible and ideal for twins as well as children of similar ages. Tandem double strollers on the contrary, have two seats that are placed next to each other and facing opposite directions. It's a good option for kids of the same age or for siblings who enjoy interacting with each other. tandem double stroller strollers are more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and are less likely to fit into doorways.
If you're looking for a wagon-style double stroller, check out this top pick from Safety 1st. This model is affordable and was highly praised by our testers for its many seating options. It can be used with two car seats for infants, or one child in a convertible toddler seat. Our testers also loved the soft memory foam seats and the 50+ SPF canopy, and foam-filled tires that never stop running flat. And when it's time for you to fold, this model requires only a couple of pulls on the straps on each seat (under where the kids sit) to fold in half.