7 Effective Tips To Make The Most Of Your Double Strollers
Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two kids who are similar in age, a double stroller can be an invaluable investment. These narrow tandem buggies as well as versatile side-by-side buggies let you keep both children within sight while you shop, parks, and whatever else life throws at you.
Comfort
When looking for a double stroller for your child, comfort is a key factor to consider. This includes the seating arrangement and overall size, which will have an impact on ease of use 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 of the seat and the ages of their children to ensure that it is a perfect fit."
A well-constructed double stroller will be sturdy enough to traverse different surfaces smoothly--from urban sidewalks to parks trails, and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should also offer versatile seating arrangements for children of varying age groups and comfort features like windows that peek out and adjustable canopy to keep kids shielded from sun or rain.
For many families, a double stroller is likely to be used from birth and into childhood, so it's important to consider the seating options. Billingsley states that there are two primary categories that are in-line with one seat in front of the other and side-byside with seats adjacent to each other. Some parents prefer the in-line model because of its sleek appearance and flexibility. Others prefer a wagon-style double infant stroller stroller to make the most space for bulky or grocery items.
In-line models are more likely to show this type of discrepancy. Some models might offer different recline options, with one seat being almost flat and the other one remaining fairly upright. Billingsley suggests choosing a model with a near-flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats, so that both children can lie back comfortably.
In the end, she suggests to look for a stroller that includes storage compartments that enable parents to easily access snacks, toys and other personal belongings while on the go. She also suggests that it is beneficial to find a stroller that has a parent console, or organizer bag that is attached to the handlebars. This can help parents keep essentials close to hand.
A few of the top-rated double strollers can be enlarged, 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 as early as birth, and then transformed into a tandem (with an additional seat and bassinet) as the child gets older.
Safety
Double strollers should be able to carry the weight of two passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers should be easy to maneuver and push, especially on difficult terrain and in tight spaces. The best double strollers strollers have ergonomic handlebars and adjustable heights, making 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 faster and easier to do, is a nice feature to look for. Safety features include a sturdy brake system and wheels that can glide across any surface.
Some parents opt for the side-by-side design so that both children can see each other on family outings. This arrangement can reduce siblings arguing about who gets to sit and stand double stroller in which place, but it isn't foolproof. If the seats are at different levels, a child might punch or kick another while walking if the seats are at different levels.
For parents with twins or siblings of similar age, a tandem-style stroller is a great option for being able see both kids at once. However, they can be more spacious than other double strollers, and they may not be able to fit through all interior doorways. For maximum flexibility, think about a single-to-Double stroller rain Cover stroller that transitions from a single to a tandem in different ways, like the renowned CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can accommodate a wide range of configurations and let you click in infant car seats or cot attachments according to your requirements.
Whether you choose a side-by-side or tandem-style stroller, make sure the product is JPMA-certified to meet stringent safety standards. Also pay attention to the maximum weight limits for each seat, since over-weighting could lead to frame fatigue or other issues.
While it's easy for us to focus on all the extra bells and whistles on a new stroller, it's crucial to be aware that a stroller essentially a baby carrier that will be transported for long durations of time. It must be easy to clean and maintain, and comfortable for both of the passengers. It should also have a familiar, intuitive design that allows the person pushing it to easily maneuver it.
Simple to Use
A double stroller should be easy to maneuver on a variety of terrains for families that are constantly moving. Strollers that have features like windows that peek-a-boo, adjustable canopies and reliable brake systems are crucial to ensure the safety of your children. However, there are other features that make them easier to use. For instance the stroller must be small enough to fit into the trunk of your car but still 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, parent consoles and an eating tray for children -- all things that can make life on the go with two kids much more manageable.
During our testing we rated each stroller based on how it did on a variety of surfaces and how well it maneuvered in tight spaces. We also looked at how easy it was to fold the stroller and then unfold it as well as if a particular feature made a difference to the overall performance. For instance, a stroller with a no-rethread harness makes adjusting the seat belts easy and quick. This is a major selling point for parents who are on the move because it cuts down on time and removes the need to re-thread the harness.
The UPPAbaby 2 Double scored highly in this measure because it had a wide variety of seating options, as well as additional accessories that accommodated growing families. The wagon-style double seat stroller stroller expands to allow for two seats as well as a bassinet or a toddler-friendly riding board, which is ideal for families with active children who plan long trips with multiple kids of various age. It also glides effortlessly over pavement, cobblestones and ballfields--and it folds flat to make easy storage in a trunk or closet. Our test subject Kerry was impressed by the simple and easy-to-use nature of the stroller's design. The clever packaging with clearly marked sections as well as a user's manual made it easy to put together this stroller.
Storage
A double stroller is able to hold twice as much as a single stroller so make sure you have plenty of storage space. You'll want a stroller that has enough storage space to hold the necessities of children and parents like bottles, toys, snacks, and diapers. Look for baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller that has an expandable cargo space to accommodate bulky items like diaper bags and lunchbags.
A good double stroller should be able to adapt to the needs of your family. Billingsley states that certain models come with a bassinet attachment to accommodate infants. Others have child seats that grow with the child until they are old enough to ride on the back. Some double strollers permit older siblings to share in the fun by riding on the rider board.
There are many double strollers on the market. You can pick from high-performance models which are suitable for rough terrain, as well as affordable options that you can use every day. While shopping, read reviews and opinions of families similar to yours to get a better idea of what you can expect from the double stroller that you select.
Double strollers come in three different styles such as tandem, side-byside, and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-byside strollers are the most versatile and ideal for twins or children of a similar age. Tandem double strollers, on other hand, feature two seats set adjacent to one another and facing opposite directions. It's a good option for kids of the same age or for siblings who love to interact with each other. Tandem strollers may be harder to maneuver in tight spaces and are less likely to pass through doorways than their side-by-side counterparts.
Check out this top pick by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon-style double stroller. Our testers were impressed by the fact that this low-cost model comes with a variety of seating options as well as the ability to connect two infant car seats or a single child in an convertible toddler seat. Our experts also appreciated the comfy memory foam seats, 50+ SPF canopy, and foam-filled tires that will never stop running flat. And when it's time for you to fold, this model needs only a couple of pulls on the straps of each seat (under the seat where kids sit) to fold in half.