10 Double Strollers Hacks All Experts Recommend
Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two children who are close in age A double stroller can be a valuable investment. These narrow tandem buggies or flexible side by side buggies allow you to keep both children within sight when you are navigating the aisles of your grocery store and parks, as well as whatever else life throws at you.
Comfort
Comfort is a major factor to consider when shopping for a double-stroller. This includes both the seating arrangement and the overall size of the stroller which can impact the convenience and storage. "Parents should determine how much the stroller weighs and its dimensions when folded," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They must also take into consideration the options for recline of the seat, as well as the ages of their children to ensure that it's a perfect fit."
A good double stroller should be able to handle a variety of surfaces easily from suburban sidewalks to parks and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should also provide flexible seating options for children of varying age and comfort features such as windows that can be opened and closed to shield children from sun or rain.
Seating options are important for many families who utilize a double stroller from the time of birth until the age of. Billingsley states that there are two primary categories that are in-line which has one seat in front of the other and side-byside with seats adjacent to one another. Some parents prefer the inline option due to its sleek design and versatility. Others prefer a wagon style double stroller to maximize space for grocery or bulky items.
In-line models tend to have this kind of discordance. Some models might offer different recline options, with one being almost flat and the other one remaining fairly upright. 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 can lay comfortably.
She also suggests parents look for strollers with storage compartments to allow them to quickly access snacks, personal items, and toys while in motion. She also recommends that it is beneficial to choose a stroller that comes with a parent console or organizer bag attached on the handlebars. This will help parents keep their essentials to hand.
Some of the most highly-rated double strollers are expandable that allows parents to modify the set-up based on the needs of their growing 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 an additional seat and bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers need to be able to carry the weight of two passengers and 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 that can be adjusted in height to help parents maintain good posture when pushing them. Another feature that is great is a no-rethread belt harness, which makes it easier to adjust the belts on the seat. Safety features include a durable brake system and wheels which can glide across any surface.
Some parents choose an arrangement that allows both children to see one another during family outings. This arrangement can reduce siblings arguing about who gets to sit in which place, but it isn't foolproof. If the seats are set at different levels, one child might be in a position to punch or kick the other during walks.
A tandem-style stroller is a excellent option for parents with twins or siblings who are similar in age. It lets them see both children at once. These double strollers can be more spacious, and may not fit through some interior doors. You could consider a single-to-double stroller that can be converted from a single to a double in a variety ways. The most popular models are the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you're in the market for a tandem or side-by-side stroller, be sure the stroller has been JPMA certified to meet stringent safety standards. Also pay double buggy sale to the weight limits that apply to each seat, since over-weighting could lead to frame fatigue or other issues.
It's easy to be swept in the jingles and whistles, however it's important to keep in mind that strollers are essentially baby carriers that are used for a long period of durations. It must be comfortable for both parents and children as well as easy to clean and maintain, and most importantly it should have an intuitive, familiar design that the person pushing it is able to easily maneuver it without having to think twice about how to move forward or turn left or right, or apply the brakes.
User-Friendliness
For families that are on the move, a double stroller needs to be able to navigate a variety of terrains. Strollers with features like windows that peek-a-boo, adjustable canopies and reliable brake systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children. However, there are other factors that make them easier to use. A stroller should be small enough to fit into the trunk of your car and still provide plenty of storage space for food or other items. It's also important to include thoughtful details, such as the cup holder for one parent as well as consoles for parents and an eating tray. These will make traveling with two children much easier.
During our testing we evaluated each stroller on the basis of its ability to perform on different terrains, as well as its ability to maneuver through tight spaces. We also considered how easy it was to fold the stroller and then unfold it in a timely manner, and if a specific feature improved the overall functionality. A stroller without rethread straps makes it easy to adjust the seat belts. This can be a huge selling point for parents who are on the move since it reduces time and removes the need to re-thread the harness.
The UPPAbaby 2 Double was a top performer in this test because it offered a wide range of seating options, as well as additional accessories to accommodate expanding families. The double-stroller that looks like a wagon expands so that it can accommodate an additional seat, a bassinet, or even a toddler-riding board. This is perfect for families that plan to spend long days traveling with several children of various age groups. It also glides smoothly over pavement, cobblestones and ballfields--and it folds flat to make easy storage in a closet or trunk. The design of this stroller is easy and easy to use which was well-loved by our tester Kerry. Its clever packaging with clearly labeled sections as well as a helpful user guide made putting together this stroller an absolute breeze.
Storage
Double strollers can hold twice more than one stroller So, make sure to search for ample storage space. Ideally, you want an item that can hold the basic necessities for both kids: nappies bottles, snacks, and toys, along with parents' belongings like phones, wallets, and keys. Look for baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, consider a stroller with an expandable cargo area to accommodate bulky items such as lunch bags and diaper bags.
A good double stroller should be able to adjust as your family grows. For instance, some models include a bassinet attachment that can accommodate infants, while 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 permit a rider's board to let older siblings be part of the fun.
You'll find a wide variety of double strollers available on the market, from sleek, high-performance options that excel on rough terrain to budget-friendly models more for everyday use. When you're shopping, read user reviews and recommendations from families just like yours to get a better sense of what to expect with the double stroller you choose.
Double strollers are available in three different styles such as tandem, side-byside, and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers offer most versatility and are ideal for twins or children who are who are close in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers on the contrary, have two seats that are placed next to each other and facing opposite directions. It's a ideal choice for children who are the same age or for siblings who like 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 various seating configurations. It can be used with two car seats for infants, or one child in a convertible toddler seat. Our experts also appreciated the soft memory foam seats and the 50+ SPF canopy, and foam-filled tires that never go flat. And when it's time for you to fold, this model needs only a couple of pulls on straps on each seat (under where the kids sit) to fold in half.