What Is Double Strollers? To Utilize It
Buying Guide For Double Strollers A double stroller is a good investment when you have two kids of similar age. These narrow tandem buggies as well as versatile side-by-side buggies will keep both children within sight while you shop and parks, as well as whatever else life can throw 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 dimensions of the stroller which affects the convenience and storage. “Parents should determine how much the stroller weighs as well as its folded dimensions,” 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 should be able to navigate a variety of surfaces easily from suburban sidewalks to parks, and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should have a variety of seating options for children of different age groups, and comfort features such as a peek-a-boo windows and adjustable canopy options which protect children from rain or sun. For many families, a double stroller is likely to be used from birth and into the teen years, so it's essential to think about the seating options. “There are two main categories: in-line with one seat behind the other, and side-byside with seats adjacent to each other,” Billingsley explains. “Some parents prefer an in-line model due to its sleek appearance and versatility, while others prefer a wagon-style stroller to make the most space for heavy items or groceries.” In-line models are more likely to have this kind of difference. Certain models may provide different recline options, with one being almost flat and the other remaining relatively upright. Billingsley recommends selecting a product that has a nearly flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children can lie down comfortably. She also suggests parents search for strollers with storage compartments so that they can quickly access their snacks, personal items and toys in motion. She also suggests that it's helpful to find a stroller that has a parent console, or organizer bag attached on the handlebars. This will help parents keep their essentials in their reach. Some of the top-rated double strollers are expandable, allowing parents to customize the configuration to meet the requirements of their growing family. The Mockingbird Expandable, for instance is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used from birth using a single seat, and then converted into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) when the child is older. Safety Double strollers need to be able to handle the weight of both passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers must also be simple to maneuver and push, especially in tight areas and on difficult terrain. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height which make it easier for parents to maintain good form when pushing them. A harness that does not need to be rethread that makes the adjustment of seat belts quicker and easier to do, is a nice feature to look out for. Safety features include a durable brake system and wheels that glide over any surface. Some parents prefer a side-by-side design that allows both children to see one another during family outings. This arrangement can prevent siblings fighting over who gets to sit where but it's not a guarantee. If the seats are positioned at different heights, one child may be in a position to punch or kick the other during walks. A tandem-style stroller is a great option for parents with twins or siblings that are close in age. It lets parents see both children at once. These double strollers can be larger, and might not fit through some interior doors. For maximum versatility, consider a single-to-double stroller which can switch from a single stroller to a tandem in different ways, such as the popular 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 according to your requirements. If you opt for a side-byside or tandem-style stroller, be sure the product is certified by JPMA to meet stringent safety standards. Be aware of the maximum weight limit for each seat. Exceeding these limits could cause frame fatigue and other issues. It's easy to get caught in the jingles and whistles, however it's important to remember that strollers are in essence baby carriers that are used for a long period of times. It must be comfortable for both the passengers as well as easy to clean and maintain, and most importantly it should feature an intuitive, familiar design that the person pushing it can effortlessly move it around without having to think about how to move forward or turn left or right, or apply the brakes. Easy to Use For families on the go, a double stroller must be able to navigate different terrains. Strollers with features such as windows that peek-a-boo, adjustable canopies and sturdy brake systems are vital to ensure the safety of your children. However, there are other factors that make them easier to use. For example the stroller should be small enough to fit in the trunk of your car, yet provide ample storage space for your groceries and other items. It is also important to consider thoughtful additions like a cup holder with a single parent as well as a console for parents and snacks for children—all things that make life on the go with two kids much more manageable. In our tests, we evaluated each stroller based on how it performed on a variety of terrains and how easily it could maneuver in tight spaces. We also looked at how simple it was to fold the stroller and then unfold it as well as if a particular feature improved the overall functionality. A stroller with no-rethread straps makes it easy to adjust the seat belts. This is a major benefit for parents on the go, as it saves time and reduces the need to rethread the harness. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double was a top performer in this measure, since it came with a variety of seating configurations and additional accessories to help accommodate growing families. The wagon-style double-stroller expands so that it can accommodate two seats, a bassinet, or even a toddler-riding board. This is perfect for families who want to spend long days traveling with several children of different ages. It also glides smoothly over pavement, cobblestones and ballfields—and folds flat for simple storage in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is easy and intuitive and was a big hit with our tester Kerry. The clever packaging clear sections, well-marked sections and user's manual made it easy to assemble this stroller. Storage Double strollers can carry twice as much as a single one So, make sure to search for ample storage space. Ideally, you want an item that can hold the essentials for both kids—nappies, bottles, snacks and toys, along with parents' belongings like wallets, phones, and keys. Find baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller with an expandable cargo space to accommodate bulky items such as lunch bags and diaper bags. A good double stroller must be able to change as your family expands. For example certain models have the bassinet attachment, which can be used for newborns, and others come with child seats that can expand with your children until they're able to move to the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers even allow for a rider board that allows older children to join in the fun. There's a wide selection of double strollers on the market, ranging from elegant, high-performance models that excel on rough terrain to budget-friendly models more for everyday use. While shopping, you can read reviews and suggestions from families just like yours to get an idea of what to expect from the double stroller that you select. Double strollers come in three different designs: side-by-side, tandem, and wagon-style. Pushchairs And Prams says that side-by-side strollers are the most adaptable and ideal for twins as well as children of similar age. Tandem double strollers come with two seats that are set in tandem facing in opposite directions. This is a good option for children of the same age, or siblings who like to interact with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces, and less likely to fit into doors. If you prefer a wagon-style double stroller, take a look at this top choice from Safety 1st. The testers loved that this budget model offers multiple seating configurations, including the ability to click in two infant car seats or a single child in an convertible toddler seat. Our testers also loved the comfortable memory foam seats, 50+ SPF canopy and foam-filled tires that never stop running flat. And when it's time for you to fold, this model needs only a couple of pulls on straps on each seat (under the seat where kids sit) to fold in half.