10 Unexpected Double Strollers Tips

Buying Guide For Double Strollers A double stroller is an excellent investment if you have two children with similar age. These compact tandem strollers or versatile side-by-side buggies help you keep your eyes on both kids at the same time while braving the grocery aisle, parks and anything else life throws your way. Comfort Comfort is a major factor to think about when purchasing a double-stroller. This could include the seating arrangement as well as the overall size, which can have an impact on ease of use and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child expert in development from the Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, advises parents to be aware of the stroller's weight and folded dimensions. “They should also take a look at the seat recline options and age ranges to ensure a perfect fit for their family.” A quality double stroller should be durable enough to travel on different surfaces smoothly—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 stages of development, as well as comfort features like peek-a-boo windows and adjustable canopy options which protect children from the sun or rain. For twin buggy from birth of families, a double stroller is likely to be utilized from birth until the age of five, so it's crucial to consider the seating options. “There are two main categories: in-line with one seat in front of the other, and side-byside with seats that are next to each other,” Billingsley explains. Some parents prefer the inline option due to its sleek style and its versatility. Others prefer a wagon style double stroller to maximize space for groceries or bulky items. Although some models may have different recline options, with one seat nearly flat while the other remains relatively upright, this kind of difference is more prevalent in the in-line models. Billingsley suggests choosing a model with a near-flat recline as well as leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children lie down comfortably. Finally, she advises to look for strollers with storage compartments that will allow parents to easily access snacks, toys and personal items while on the move. She suggests that it's helpful to look for the stroller that has a parent console or organizer bag that is attached to the handlebars, which can help keep essentials in reach. A few of the top-rated double strollers can be expanded that allows parents to modify the set-up based on the needs of their growing family. The Mockingbird Expandable, for instance is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used from birth with just one seat, and later converted into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) as the child grows older. Safety Double strollers must be able to support the weight of two people, plus any additional cargo. Strollers should also be easy to push and maneuver, especially in tight spaces and on terrain that is difficult to navigate. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights which allow parents to maintain their form when pushing them. A no-rethread harness that makes the adjustment of seat belts quicker and easier is another great feature to look for. A sturdy brake system and wheels that glide across any surface are important safety features. Some parents opt for an arrangement that is side by side so that both children can be together on family outings. This arrangement can stop sibling rivalries over who is allowed to sit in which spot but it's not a guarantee. If the seats are set at different levels, one child might be in a position to punch or kick the other on the course of a walk. A tandem stroller is a ideal option for parents with twins or siblings who are close in age. It lets them observe both children at the same time. These double strollers can be more spacious, and may not fit through certain interior doors. You could consider a single-to-double stroller that can be transformed from a single stroller to a double in a variety ways. The most popular models are the CYBEX gazelle S. 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. If you exceed these limits, it could cause frame fatigue and other issues. While it's easy to concentrate on the many bells and whistles of a new stroller, it's crucial to be aware that a stroller essentially a baby carrier that will be transported for long periods of time. It must be comfortable for both the passengers as well as easy to clean and maintain, and in the ideal case it should feature an intuitive, familiar design that the person pushing it can effortlessly move it around without having to think twice about how to move forward, turn left or right, or apply the brakes. Ease of Use For families that are on the move, a double stroller needs to be easy to maneuver over a variety of terrains. Features like adjustable canopies windows, peek-aboo windows, and reliable braking systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children, but there are other factors that contribute to stroller ease of use. For example the stroller must be small enough to fit in the trunk of your car while still offering ample storage space for food items and other things. Also important are thoughtful touches such as a cup holder for one parent or console for parents, as well as snacks for children—all things that make life on the go with two kids significantly easier. In our tests, we assessed each stroller on the basis of its performance 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 as well as if a particular feature improved the overall functionality. For example a stroller with no-rethread harnesses makes adjusting the seat belts easy and quick. This is a huge selling point for parents who are always moving around, since it does away with the requirement to rethread the harness. The UPPAbaby v2 Double was a top performer in this measure because it came with a variety of seating configurations and additional accessories that accommodated expanding families. The double-stroller that looks like a wagon can be expanded to accommodate an additional seat, a bassinet or even a toddler's riding board. This is ideal for families that plan to spend long hours in the car with a variety of children of various ages. It easily glides over cobblestones, pavements, and ballfields. It can be folded flat to fit in a trunk or closet. Our test subject Kerry appreciated the straightforward, intuitive nature of this stroller's design. Its smart packaging with clearly labeled sections as well as a helpful user guide made assembling this stroller a breeze. Storage A double stroller is able to hold twice as much stuff as a single stroller, so look for ample storage space. Ideally, you want a stroller that can accommodate the basic necessities for both kids: nappies bottles, snacks, and toys, as well as parents' belongings such as phones, wallets, and keys. Find baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, consider a stroller with an expandable cargo area to accommodate bulky items like diaper bags and lunchbags. A quality double stroller will be able to grow with your family. For instance, some models include the bassinet attachment, which can be used for newborns, and others have child seats that can be adapted to your children until they're able to switch to riding on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers also include a rider board that allows older children to be part of the fun. There are many double strollers on the market. You can pick from models with high-performance features that are ideal for rough terrain, or more budget-friendly options that can use daily. While shopping, you can read reviews and opinions of families just like yours to get an idea of what to expect from the double stroller that you choose. Double strollers are available in three different styles: tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-by-side strollers are the most adaptable and suitable for twins or children of similar ages. Tandem double strollers, on the other hand, have two seats that are arranged next to each other and facing opposite directions. It's a ideal choice for children of the same age or for siblings who love to interact with one another. Tandem strollers may be harder to maneuver through tight spaces and are less likely to pass through doorways than their side-by-side counterparts. Check out this top selection by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon-style double stroller. This model is affordable and was praised by test participants for its many seating options. It can be used with two car seats for infants, or one child in a convertible toddler chair. Our reviewers also praised the memory foam seats as well as the canopy, which has 50+ SPF and foam-filled wheels that never flatten. And when it's time for you to fold, this model requires just a couple of tugs on straps on each seat (under the seat where kids sit) to fold it in half.