Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two children that are in the same age group, a double stroller can be a valuable investment. These strollers are narrow and narrow, as well as flexible side-by-side buggies let you keep your eyes on both kids at the same time while braving the grocery aisle, parks and anything else life throws at you.
Comfort
Comfort is an important factor to consider when shopping for a double-stroller. This could include the seating arrangement and the overall size, which can have an impact on ease of use and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, advises parents to examine the stroller's weight as well as folded dimensions. "They should also consider the recline options for seats and the age ranges of their children to ensure that it's a perfect fit."
A quality double stroller should be durable enough to travel on different surfaces smoothly--from urban sidewalks to parks trails and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should also offer versatile seating options for children of varying age and comfort features like windows that can be opened and closed to shield children from sun or rain.
The seating options are important to many families who utilize a double stroller from birth to the age of. Billingsley says there are two major categories of in-line seating which has 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, whereas others prefer a wagon-style stroller that can be used to store large items or groceries."
In-line models tend to have this kind of discordance. Certain models may provide different recline options, with one seat being almost flat, while the other one remaining fairly upright. Billingsley suggests choosing a model that has a near-flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats to ensure both children can lie back comfortably.
Finally, she advises to look for strollers that have storage compartments that allow parents to quickly access snacks, toys and other personal items while on the move. She also says that it is beneficial to find a stroller which has a parent console, or organizer bag, that can be attached to the handlebars. This will help parents keep essentials close at hand.
Some of the most highly-rated double strollers are expandable which allows parents to alter the configuration to meet the needs of their growing family. The Mockingbird Expandable, for example 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 must be able to carry the weight of both the passengers as well as any additional cargo. Strollers need to be easy to maneuver and push, especially on rough terrain or in tight spaces. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height which make it easier for parents to maintain a good posture when pushing them. Another nice feature is a no-rethread belt harness, which allows for a more comfortable adjustment of the belts on the seat. Safety features include a durable brake system, as well as wheels that glide over any surface.
Some parents opt for a side-by-side design that allows both children to view each other during family outings. This arrangement can reduce siblings arguing over who gets to sit in which seat however it's not foolproof. If the seats are set at different levels, one child might be capable of punching or kicking the other on the course of a walk.
A tandem-style stroller is a ideal option for parents with twins or siblings who are similar in age. It lets them see both children at once. However, they can be larger than other double strollers, so they may not be able to pass through all doors in your home. To maximize versatility, you should consider a stroller that can change from a single to a tandem in a variety of ways, such as the popular CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can accommodate a wide range of configurations, and let you click in infant car seats or cot attachments, depending on your needs.
Whether you choose a side-by-side or tandem-style stroller, make sure the product is JPMA-certified to meet strict safety standards. Pay attention to the maximum weight limit for each seat. Overstepping these limits can cause frame fatigue or other problems.
While it's easy to focus on the additional bells and whistles on a new stroller, it's crucial to be aware that a stroller basically a baby carrier that is carried around for long durations of time. It must be easy to clean and maintain as well as comfortable for both the passengers. It should also have a an easy-to-use, familiar design that lets the person pushing the stroller to easily maneuver it.
User-Friendliness
A double stroller must be easy to maneuver on various of terrains for families that are always on the move. Features like adjustable canopy, peek-aboo windows and dependable braking systems are critical to help ensure the safety of your children however, there are other elements that affect stroller ease of use. For example the stroller must be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your car but still provide ample storage space for your groceries and other items. Also important are thoughtful touches such as a cup holder for one parent, parent consoles and an eating tray for children -- all things that will make life with two kids significantly simpler.
In our tests we rated each stroller on how well it performed on a variety of surfaces and how well it could maneuver in tight spaces. We also examined how simple it was to fold and unfold, and whether or not a specific feature enhanced the overall performance of the stroller. For instance a stroller with a harness that does not rethread makes the adjustment of the seat belts quick and simple. This can be a major benefit for parents on the go because it cuts down on time and eliminates the need to re-thread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored high in this metric, as it offered an impressive range of seating options and accessories to accommodate growing families. The double-stroller in the wagon style expands to accommodate a second seat, bassinet, or even a toddler-riding board. This is ideal for families who want to spend a lot of time traveling with several children of various ages. It glides easily over pavements, cobblestones, and ball fields. It can fold flat to store in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is simple and intuitive, which was appreciated by our tester Kerry. Its clever packaging, clearly labeled sections and helpful user guides made assembling this stroller an absolute breeze.
Storage
Double strollers can hold twice as much as a single one, so make sure you look for plenty of storage space. Ideally, you want an item that can hold the basic necessities for both kids: nappies bottles, snacks, and toys, as well as parents' belongings like wallets, phones keys, wallets and phones. Find baskets under the seat and other pockets, and look into a stroller with an expandable cargo area that can carry bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags.
A quality double stroller will be able to adapt to the needs of your family. For example, some models include an attachment for a bassinet that can accommodate infants, while others have child seats that can be adapted to your kids until they're ready to switch to riding on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers even permit a rider's board that allows older children to be part of the fun.
There are a variety of double strollers available on the market, ranging from sleek, high-performance options that can handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models that are more suited for daily use. When shopping, take a look at reviews and opinions of families like yours to get a better idea of what you can expect from the double stroller you choose.
Double strollers are available in three different styles including tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers offer most flexibility and are perfect for twins or kids close in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers come with two seats set up in a tandem arrangement, facing opposite directions. This is a good option for children of the same age, or siblings who like to be social with one another. Tandem strollers may be harder to maneuver in tight spaces and are less likely to pass through doorways than their side-byside counterparts.
If you prefer a wagon-style double stroller, check out this top pick from Safety 1st. double pram pushchair loved how this affordable model offers multiple seating configurations and the option to snap in two infant car seats or a single child in the convertible toddler seat. Our experts also appreciated the soft memory foam seats with a 50+ SPF canopy, and foam-filled tires that never get flat. When it's time to fold this model needs only just a few pulls on the straps beneath each seat (under where kids sit) for folding.