Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two kids who are similar in age, a double stroller can be an invaluable investment. These compact tandem strollers or versatile side-by-side buggies help you keep an eye on both kids at the same time while taking on the grocery store or the parks, and whatever else life throws at you.
Comfort
When you are looking for a double stroller, comfort is an important factor to consider. This includes both the seating arrangement as well as the overall size of the stroller, which impacts convenience and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child expert in development from the Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, suggests parents examine the stroller's weight as well as folded dimensions. "They should also consider the options for recline of the seat, as well as the ages of their children to ensure it's a perfect fit."
A quality double stroller should be robust enough to navigate various surfaces with ease, from suburban sidewalks to park trails and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should have a variety of seating options for children of different ages, as well as features that provide comfort, such as a peek-aboo window and adjustable canopy that shield kids from the sun or rain.
Seating options are important for many families who will use double strollers from the time of birth until the age of. "There are two main categories - in-line with one seat in front of the other, and side by side with seats adjacent to each other," Billingsley explains. "Some parents prefer an in-line option for its sleek appearance and versatility, whereas others like a wagon-style double stroller to make the most space for bulky items or grocery bags."
While www.pushchairsandprams.uk may have different recline options, with one seat being almost flat, while the other one remains upright--this type of disparity is more prevalent in models that are in-line. Billingsley recommends selecting a product with both a near flat recline and leg rest adjustment for both seats. This will ensure that both children can lay comfortably.
Finally, she advises looking for strollers that have storage compartments that will allow parents to access their snacks, toys, and personal items while on the move. She also says that it is helpful to find a stroller which includes a parent console or organizer bag attached on the handlebars. This can help parents keep essentials close in their reach.
Some of the top-rated double strollers can be expanded, allowing parents to customize the layout to meet the requirements of their growing family. For example the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used with a single seat from birth and later converted to tandem (with an additional seat and bassinet) as the child gets older.
Safety
Double strollers need to be able to carry the weight of two passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers should be able to move and push, particularly on difficult terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights, making it easier for parents to maintain their form when pushing them. A harness that does not need to be rethread which makes the adjustment of seat belts faster and easier, is another nice feature to look out for. A sturdy brake system and wheels that glide over any surface are crucial safety features.
Some parents prefer an arrangement that allows both children to see each other during family outings. This arrangement can help prevent sibling rivalries about who gets to sit in which spot, but it isn't foolproof. If the seats are placed at different heights, one child could be in a position to punch or kick the other during the course of a walk.
If you have twins or siblings who are close in age, a tandem stroller offers the benefit of being able to see both children at the same time. Double strollers are typically larger, and might not fit through some interior doors. To maximize versatility, you should consider a single-to-double stroller which can switch from a single to a tandem in different ways, such as the renowned CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can be adapted to a wide range of configurations, and permit you to insert infant car seats or cot attachments according to your requirements.
If you decide to purchase a side-by-side or tandem stroller, make sure that the stroller is JPMA-certified 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 get caught in the sound of bells and whistles, but it's important to keep in mind that strollers are essentially baby carriers that are carried for long periods of time. It must be easy to clean and maintain as well as comfortable for both of the passengers. It should also have an intuitive, familiar design that allows the person pushing it to easily maneuver it.
User-Friendliness
A double stroller must be easy to maneuver on various types of terrains for families always on the move. Features like adjustable canopy, peek-aboo windows and dependable braking systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children but there are other factors that influence stroller comfort of use. For instance the stroller should be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your car while still offering ample storage space for food items and other things. It is also essential to include thoughtful touches, such as the cup holder for one parent as well as consoles for parents and an eating tray. These will make traveling with two kids much easier.
During our testing we evaluated each stroller on the basis of its performance on different terrains and its ability to maneuver through tight spaces. We also assessed the ease with which it was possible to fold and unfold, and whether or not a particular feature improved the overall performance of the stroller. A stroller with no-rethread straps makes it simple to adjust the seat belts. This is a major benefit for parents who are on the move because it cuts down on time and reduces the need to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby v2 Double was a top performer in this test because it offered a wide range of seating configurations and other accessories that could accommodate growing families. The wagon-style double stroller expands to allow for an additional seat, a bassinet or even a toddler-friendly riding board, which is ideal for families who are active and planning long days on the go with multiple kids of varying ages. It easily glides over cobblestones and pavements and ball fields. It can also be folded flat to store in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is easy and intuitive and was a big hit with our test subject Kerry. Its stylish packaging, clearly labeled sections and an informative user guide made putting together this stroller a breeze.
Stores
A double stroller has the potential to hold twice as much as a single stroller, so make sure you have plenty of storage space. You want a stroller with enough storage space to accommodate the essentials of both parents and children including bottles, toys, snacks, and diapers. Look for baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, consider a stroller that has an expandable cargo space to take in bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags.
A good double stroller will be able to expand with your family. Billingsley states that certain models come with the option of a bassinet attachment that can accommodate infants. Some models have child seats that be able to grow with your child until they are ready to ride on the back. Some double strollers allow older children to share in the fun by riding on a rider board.
There are many different double strollers available. You can choose from models with high-performance features that are great for rough terrain, to more budget-friendly options that you can use daily. As you shop, read reviews from other users and the opinions of families just like yours to get an understanding of what you can expect from the double stroller you pick.
Double strollers come in three different design formats: side-by-side, tandem, and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-by-side strollers are the most flexible and ideal for twins or children of similar ages. Tandem double strollers have two seats that are set in a tandem arrangement, facing opposite directions. This is a great option for children who are similar age or siblings who like to interact with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through tight spaces, and less likely to be able to fit through doorways.
Take a look at this top choice by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon-style double stroller. This model is affordable and was praised by testers for its various seating configurations. It can be used with two infant car seats, or one child in a convertible toddler seat. Our experts also appreciated the comfortable memory foam seats, 50+ SPF canopy, and foam-filled tires that will never stop running flat. When it's time for folding, this model only requires a few tugs on the straps underneath each seat (under the seat where children sit) in order to fold.