Double Strollers Tips That Can Change Your Life

Buying Guide For Double Strollers If you have two children who are similar in age, a double stroller can be an invaluable investment. These strollers are narrow and narrow, as well as versatile side-by-side buggies help you keep your eyes on both kids at the same time while braving the grocery aisle or the parks, and whatever else life throws at you. Comfort The comfort factor is one of the most important factors to take into consideration when buying a double-stroller. This can include the seating arrangement as well as the overall size, which can have an impact on ease of use and storage. “Parents should check 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 look at the recline options for seats and age ranges to ensure a good fit for their family.” A quality double stroller should be sturdy enough to traverse various surfaces with ease, from urban sidewalks to parks trails, and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should offer a range of seating options for children at different ages, as well as comfort features like peek-a-boo windows and adjustable canopy options that shield kids from rain or sun. Seating options are important for many families who will use a double stroller from the time of birth until childhood. Billingsley says there are two major categories: in-line with one seat in front of the other and side-byside seating with seats next to one another. Some parents prefer the in-line model due to its sleek design and its versatility. Others like the wagon style double stroller to maximize space for groceries or bulky items. In-line models are more likely to have this kind of discordance. Some models might offer different recline options, with one being almost flat and the other remaining relatively upright. Billingsley suggests selecting a model with a near-flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children can lie down comfortably. She also suggests that parents look for strollers with storage compartments so that they can quickly access snacks, personal items, and toys while moving about. She adds that it's also helpful to look for a stroller with an organizer or parent console bag attached to the handlebars, which will allow you to keep your essentials close at hand. Some of the most highly-rated double strollers can be expanded which allows parents to alter the layout to meet the needs of their expanding family. For instance, the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used with just a single seat from birth and then converted to a tandem (with a second seat and bassinet) as the child gets older. Safety Double strollers should be able to handle the weight of two adults, as well as any additional cargo. Strollers should be simple to maneuver and push, particularly when on rough terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height to ensure that parents maintain a good posture when pushing them. Another great feature is a non-rethread seat belt harness, which makes it easier to adjust the seat belts. Finally, a sturdy brake system and wheels that can glide over any surface are important safety features. Some parents choose a side-by-side design that allows both children to see each other on family outings. This arrangement can help prevent sibling rivalries over who gets to sit where but it's not a guarantee. If the seats are at different heights, a child may kick or punch another while walking when the seats are on different levels. If you have twins or siblings of similar age, a tandem stroller can be beneficial in being able see both kids at once. These double strollers can be more spacious, and may not fit through certain interior doors. Think about a stroller that is single-to-double that can be converted from a single to a double in many ways. Popular models include the CYBEX gazelle S. If you're looking for a tandem or side-by-side stroller, be sure the product has been JPMA certified to meet stringent safety standards. Be sure to check the maximum weight limits for each seat, since exceeding them could result in frame fatigue or other issues. It's easy to get caught in the sound of bells and whistles, however it's important to keep in mind that strollers are basically baby carriers that will be carried for long periods of durations. It should be comfortable for both parents and children, easy to clean and maintain, and most importantly it should have an intuitive, familiar design so that the person pushing it can effortlessly maneuver it without having to think about how to move forward and turn left or right, or even apply the brakes. User-Friendliness For families who are constantly on the move, a double stroller needs to be easy to maneuver over various terrains. Features like adjustable canopy systems with windows that peek out and reliable braking systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children but there are many other aspects that contribute to stroller ease of use. For side by side double stroller must be small enough to fit into the trunk of your car yet provide ample storage space for your groceries and other items. It's also essential to add thoughtful features, like a cup holder for one parent as well as consoles for parents and a snack tray. These are able to make traveling with two kids much more enjoyable. In our testing We evaluated each stroller on how well it performed on a variety of terrains, and how easily it could maneuver in tight spaces. We also assessed how easy it was to fold and unfold and whether or not a particular feature improved the overall function of the stroller. For example, a stroller with a no-rethread harness makes adjusting the seat belts simple and easy. This can be a major benefit for parents on the go, as it saves time and eliminates the need to re-thread the harness. The UPPAbaby v2 Double was a top performer in this test because it came with a variety of seating configurations, and additional accessories to accommodate growing families. The wagon-style double stroller is able to accommodate 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 varying age groups. It also glides smoothly across cobblestones, ball fields and pavements. It also folds flat for easy storage in a trunk or closet. Our tester Kerry was impressed by the simple and easy-to-use nature of the stroller's design. The smart packaging with clearly marked sections as well as a user's manual made it easy to put this stroller together. Storage A double stroller has the potential to hold twice as much as a single stroller so look for ample storage space. You want a stroller with enough storage space to hold the essentials of both parents and children like bottles as well as snacks, toys and diapers. Look for baskets that fit under the seat and other pockets, and look into a stroller that has an expandable cargo space that can carry bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags. A quality double stroller should be able to change as your family grows. Billingsley says that some models have the option of a bassinet attachment that can accommodate newborns. Other models come with child seats that can be able to grow with your child until they are ready to ride on the back. Some double strollers even permit a rider's board to allow older siblings to be part of the fun. There are many different double strollers on the market. You can pick from high-performance models that are ideal for rough terrain, to affordable options that you can use every day. When you're shopping, read reviews and suggestions from families just like yours to get a better sense of what to expect from the double stroller you select. Double strollers are available in three different designs such as tandem, side-byside, and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers offer the most versatility and are ideal for twins or kids close in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers on the other hand, feature two seats that are placed adjacent to one another and facing in opposite directions—a great option for children of the same age or for siblings who love to interact with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and are less likely to fit through doorways than their side-by-side counterparts. Check out this top pick by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon style double stroller. The testers loved that this budget model comes with a variety of seating options, including the ability to snap in two infant car seats or a single child in a convertible toddler seat. Our reviewers also praised the memory foam seats as well as the canopy, which has 50+ SPF, and foam-filled wheels that never flatten. When it's time to fold, this model needs only a couple of pulls on straps on each seat (under the seat where kids sit) to fold in half.