Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two kids who are similar in age, a double stroller could be a great investment. These strollers are narrow and narrow, as well as versatile side-by-side buggies help you keep an eye on both children at the same time braving the grocery aisle, parks and anything else life throws at you.
Comfort
When shopping for a double stroller for your child, comfort is a key factor to consider. This can include both the seating arrangements and the overall dimensions of the stroller which can impact the convenience and storage. "Parents should check how much the stroller weighs and its folded dimensions," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They must also take into consideration the recline options for seats and the ages of their children to ensure it's the perfect fit."
double pram pushchair should be able to handle different surfaces with ease from suburban sidewalks to park paths and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should offer a range of seating options for children of different stages of development, as well as comfort features such as a peek-a-boo window and adjustable canopies that protect children from rain or sun.
For a lot of families double strollers will be used from birth until the age of five, so it's crucial to consider the seating options. Billingsley explains that there are two main categories that are in-line, with one seat in-front of the other and side-byside seating 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 to maximize space for grocery or bulky items.
Some products may offer different recline options--with one seat being almost flat, while the other is upright, this type of distinction is more prevalent in models that are in-line. Billingsley suggests choosing a model with both a near flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children 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 while in motion. She also recommends that it is helpful to find a stroller that has a parent console, or organizer bag attached on the handlebars. This will aid parents in keeping their essentials at hand.
Some of the best-rated double strollers can be extended, allowing parents the flexibility to alter the configuration based on their family's needs. 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 tandem (with an additional seat and bassinet) as the child gets older.
Safety
Double strollers need to be able to handle the weight of two passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers must also be easy to move and push, particularly in tight areas and over challenging terrain. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height to help parents maintain good form when pushing them. Another feature that is great is a no-rethread seat belt harness, which makes it easier to adjust the seat belts. Safety features include a sturdy brake system and wheels which can glide across any surface.
Some parents prefer an arrangement that is side by side so that both children can meet up on family outings. This arrangement can prevent siblings fighting over who is allowed to sit where but it's not a guarantee. If the seats are different heights, a child may kick or punch another during a walk if the seats are at different levels.
For parents with twins or siblings of similar age, a tandem stroller offers the benefit of being able to view both children at the same time. Double strollers are typically wider, and may not be able to fit through some interior doors. Consider a single-to double stroller that can be converted from a single to a double in a variety ways. Popular models include the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you're in the market for a tandem or a side-by-side stroller, ensure that the product has been JPMA certified to meet the strictest safety standards. Be aware of the weight limits that apply to each seat, as over-weighting could lead to frame fatigue or other issues.
While it's easy to concentrate on the additional bells and whistles of a new stroller, it's important to keep in mind that a stroller is essentially a baby carrier that is used for extended durations of time. It must be easy to clean and maintain as well as comfortable for both the passengers. It should also feature a an intuitive, familiar design that allows the person pushing the stroller to easily maneuver it.
Ease of Use
A double stroller should be simple to maneuver over different types of terrains for families constantly moving. Features like adjustable canopies with windows that peek out and dependable brake systems are crucial to ensure your children's safety, however, there are other elements that influence stroller comfort of use. For instance, a stroller must be compact enough to fit into the trunk of your car, but still provide ample storage space for groceries and other belongings. Additionally, you should consider thoughtful features like a one-parent cup holder or console for parents, as well as snacks for children--all things that will make life with two kids much more manageable.
During our testing we rated the strollers on how it performed on a variety terrains, and how easily it could maneuver in tight spaces. We also looked at how simple it was to fold the stroller and unfold it in a timely manner, and if a specific feature made a difference to the overall performance. A stroller that does not have rethread straps makes it easy to adjust the seat belts. This is a huge benefit for parents who are always in motion, as it eliminates the need to rethread their harness.
The UPPAbaby V2 Double scored well in this metric as it came with a variety of seating options, as well as additional accessories that accommodated families that are growing. The wagon-style double stroller is able to allow for an additional seat as well as a bassinet, or a toddler riding board--perfect for families with active children who plan long, tiring days with multiple kids of various age groups. It glides easily over pavements, cobblestones, and ballfields. It can also be folded flat to be stored in a trunk or a closet. The design of this stroller is easy and intuitive and was a big hit with our test subject Kerry. Its smart packaging clear sections, well-labeled sections and an informative user guide made putting together this stroller a breeze.
Storage
A double stroller can be able to hold twice as much stuff as a single stroller so make sure you have plenty of storage space. It is ideal to have an item that can hold the essentials for both kids--nappies bottles, snacks, and toys, along with parents' belongings such as phones, wallets keys, wallets and phones. Find baskets under the seat as well as other pockets, and think about a stroller with an expanding cargo space that can carry heavy items such as lunch bags and diaper bags.
A quality double stroller should be able to change as your family expands. For instance certain models come with the bassinet attachment, which can be used for newborns, and others come with child seats that can grow with your kids until they're ready to switch to riding on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers also include a rider board to let older siblings take part in the fun.
You'll find a wide variety of double strollers available on the market, from sleek, high-performance models that are able to handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models that are more for everyday use. While shopping, take a look at reviews from other users and the opinions of families like yours to gain an idea of what to expect with the double stroller you choose.
Double strollers come in three different designs such as tandem, side-byside, and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers offer the most versatility and are suitable for twins or children who are close to each other in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers have two seats arranged in a tandem configuration facing in opposite directions. This is a good option for children who are similar age or siblings who prefer to play with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and less likely to fit into doorways.
Check out this top selection by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon-style double stroller. This affordable model was praised by testers for its many seating options. It can be used with two infant car seats or one child in a convertible toddler chair. Our testers also loved the comfy memory foam seats and the 50+ SPF canopy and foam-filled tires that will never get flat. When it's time to fold this model requires only just a few pulls on the straps beneath each seat (under the seat where children sit) to fold.