A Step-By-Step Guide To Double Strollers From Start To Finish
Buying Guide For Double Strollers A double stroller is an excellent investment when you have two kids of similar age. These narrow tandem buggies or flexible side by side buggies will keep both children within sight when you are navigating the aisles of your grocery store, parks, and whatever else life can throw at you. Comfort When shopping for a double stroller, comfort is an important factor to consider. This could include the seating arrangement and the overall size, which will have an impact on ease of use and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, advises parents to check the stroller's weight and folded dimensions. “They should also consider the recline options for seats and the ages of their children to ensure that it's a perfect fit.” A well-constructed double stroller will be durable enough to travel on various surfaces with ease, from parks trails to suburban sidewalks, and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should also have flexible seating options for children of varying age and comfort features such as peek-a-boo windows and adjustable canopies to protect children from rain or sun. For a majority of families, a double stroller is likely to be utilized from birth until childhood, so it's important to think about the seating options. Billingsley explains that there are two primary categories that are in-line, with one seat in-front of the other and side-byside, with seats next to each other. Some parents prefer the inline option because of its sleek appearance and flexibility. Others prefer a wagon-style double stroller to make the most space for bulky or grocery items. In-line models are more likely to show this kind of discordance. Some models might offer different recline options, with one being almost flat, while the other one remaining fairly upright. Billingsley suggests selecting a product that offers both an almost flat recline as well as leg rest adjustment for both seats to ensure each child can sleep comfortably. Finally, she advises looking for a stroller that includes storage compartments that enable parents to access their snacks, toys and personal items while out and about. She also suggests that it's helpful to choose a stroller that has a parent console, or organizer bag attached on the handlebars. This can help parents keep essentials close to hand. A few of the top-rated double strollers are expandable which allows parents to alter the set-up based on the needs of their expanding family. For example the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used with a single seat from birth and then transformed into tandem (with the addition of a second seat and bassinet) as the child grows older. Safety Double strollers have to be able to handle the weight of two people, plus any additional cargo. Strollers must also be easy to maneuver and push, especially in tight spaces and over challenging terrain. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights, making it easier for parents to maintain their form when pushing them. Another nice feature is a no-rethread seat belt harness, which makes it easier to adjust the seat belts. Finally, a sturdy brake system and wheels that glide over any surface are important safety features. Some parents prefer a side by side design so that both children can be together on family outings. This arrangement can stop sibling rivalries over who gets to sit where but it's not a guarantee. If the seats are at different heights, a child may punch or kick another while walking if the seats are at different levels. For parents of twins or siblings who are close in age, a tandem stroller can be beneficial in being able to see both kids at once. However, these can be more spacious than other double strollers, meaning they may not fit through all interior doorways. Consider a single-to double stroller that can be transformed from a single to a double in many ways. Popular models include the CYBEX gazelle S. If you are looking for a tandem or a side-by-side stroller, be sure the product has been JPMA certified to meet the strictest safety standards. Be aware of the weight limit that applies to each seat. Exceeding these limits could cause frame fatigue or other issues. It's easy to be swept in the jingles and whistles, but it's important to keep in mind that strollers are essentially baby carriers that are used for a long period of time. It should be easy to clean and maintain as well as comfortable for both the passengers. It should also have a familiar, intuitive design that lets the person pushing the stroller to maneuver it effortlessly. Easy of Use For families who are constantly on the move, a double stroller needs to be able to maneuver easily over various terrains. Features like adjustable canopy systems with windows that peek out and dependable brake systems are crucial to ensure the safety of your children however, there are other elements that influence stroller comfort of use. For instance the stroller must be small enough to fit in the trunk of your car, yet provide ample storage space for food items and other things. Also important are thoughtful touches such as a cup holder for one parent as well as a console for parents and a snack tray for kids—all things that can make life on the go with two children significantly more manageable. In our tests, we assessed each stroller according to its ability to perform on different terrains and its ability to maneuver in tight spaces. We also looked at how easy it was to fold the stroller in half and then unfold it in a timely manner, and if a specific feature improved the overall functionality. A stroller without rethread straps is easy to adjust the seat belts. This is a huge attraction for parents who are constantly moving around, since it eliminates the need to rethread their harness. The UPPAbaby v2 Double scored highly 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 expands to accommodate a second seat as well as a bassinet or a toddler riding board—perfect for families with active children who plan long days on the go with multiple kids of various age. It also glides smoothly over pavement, cobblestones and ballfields—and can be folded flat for easy storage in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is easy and intuitive, which was appreciated by our test participant Kerry. Its smart packaging clear sections, well-labeled sections and helpful user guides made putting together this stroller an absolute breeze. Storage A double stroller is able to hold twice as much as a single stroller therefore, you should look for plenty of storage space. It is important to find a stroller with enough storage space to accommodate the essentials of both children and parents like bottles, toys, snacks, and diapers. Find baskets under the seat and other pockets, and look into a stroller that has an expandable 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 grows. For instance certain models have a bassinet attachment that can be used for newborns, and others come with child seats that can be adapted to 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 to let older siblings join in the fun. There are twin buggy of double strollers in the market, from elegant, high-performance models that are able to handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models more suitable for use in the everyday. While shopping, take a look at reviews and suggestions from families like yours to gain a better sense of what you can expect from the double stroller you pick. Double strollers are available in three different design formats such as tandem, side-byside, and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers provide the most flexibility and are perfect for twins or kids who are close in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers feature two seats arranged in a tandem configuration, facing opposite directions. This is a good option for children of similar age, or siblings who want to interact with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces, and are less likely to fit into doorways. If you're looking for a wagon-style double stroller, check out this top model from Safety 1st. The testers loved that this budget model comes with a variety of seating options and the option to connect two infant car seats or a single child riding in an convertible toddler seat. Our experts also appreciated the soft memory foam seats and the 50+ SPF canopy, and foam-filled tires that will never stop running flat. When it's time to fold, this model needs only a couple of pulls on the straps of each seat (under the seats where kids are) to fold it in half.