The Most Successful Double Strollers Gurus Can Do Three Things

Buying Guide For Double Strollers If you have two children who are similar in age, a double stroller could be an invaluable investment. These compact tandem strollers or flexible side-by-side buggies let you keep your eyes on both kids at the same time taking on the grocery store or the parks, and whatever else life throws at you. Comfort Comfort is an important factor to take into consideration when buying a double-stroller. This includes the seating arrangement and overall size, which will have an impact on ease of use and storage. “Parents must determine what the stroller weighs and its dimensions folded,” says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. “They should also think about the seat recline options, as well as the ages of their children to ensure that it is a perfect fit.” A good double stroller will 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 also provide flexible seating arrangements for children of varying age and comfort features such as windows that peek out and adjustable canopy to protect children from sun or rain. For many families, a double stroller is likely to be utilized from birth until the teen years, so it's essential to think about the seating options. “There are two main categories – in-line with one seat behind the other, and side-byside with seats that are next to each other,” Billingsley explains. “Some parents prefer an in-line model due to its sleek design and versatility, while others prefer a wagon-style stroller to make the most space for heavy items or groceries.” While some products may have different recline options—with one seat nearly flat while the other one remains upright, this type of distinction is more prevalent in models that are in-line. Billingsley suggests selecting a model that has a nearly flat recline as well as leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children lie down comfortably. She also suggests parents look for strollers that have storage compartments so that they can easily access their snacks, personal items and toys when in motion. She also recommends that it is helpful to find a stroller which comes with a parent console or organizer bag, that can be attached to the handlebars. This can aid parents in keeping their essentials in their reach. A few of the top-rated double strollers are expandable that allows parents to modify the layout to meet the needs of their growing family. For example the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly rated double stroller that can be used with just a single seat as early as birth, and then converted to tandem (with an additional seat and bassinet) as the child gets older. Safety Double strollers must be able to support the weight of two adults, as well as any additional cargo. Strollers must also be simple to maneuver and push, especially in tight spaces and on difficult terrain. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to help parents maintain good posture while pushing them. Another nice feature is a non-rethread seat belt harness, which makes it easier to adjust the belts for your child. Safety features include a sturdy brake system and wheels which slide over any surface. Some parents choose a side by side design so that both children can see each other during family outings. best compact double stroller Push Chairs And Prams can prevent sibling squabbles over who sits in which place, but it isn't foolproof. If the seats are located at different levels, a child might kick or punch another during a walk when the seats are on different levels. A tandem-style stroller is a excellent option for parents with twins or siblings who are similar in age. It lets them observe both children at the same time. Double strollers are typically wider, and may not be able to fit through some doors inside. To maximize versatility, you should consider a single-to-double stroller which can switch from a single to a tandem in different ways, like the popular CYBEX Gazelle S. These models are able to accommodate a broad variety of configurations and let you click in infant car seats or cot attachments depending on your requirements. If you opt for a side-byside or tandem-style stroller, make sure that the stroller is JPMA-certified to meet the strictest 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. It's easy to get caught in the jingles and whistles, however it's important to remember that strollers are in essence baby carriers that are carried for long periods of durations. It should be easy to clean and maintain, and comfortable for both passengers. It should also have a an intuitive, familiar design that allows the person pushing it to easily maneuver it. Simple to Use For families that are on the move, a double stroller must be easy to maneuver over various terrains. Features like adjustable canopy windows, peek-aboo windows, and dependable braking systems are crucial to ensure the safety of your children but there are other factors that influence stroller comfort of use. A stroller should be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your car and still provide plenty of storage space for groceries or other things. It is also important to consider thoughtful additions like a cup holder with a single parent as well as a console for parents and an eating tray for children — all things that will make life with two kids much more manageable. In our tests, we assessed each stroller based on its performance on different surfaces and its ability to maneuver in 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 enhanced the overall functionality. A stroller that does not have rethread straps makes it easy to adjust the seat belts. This can be a huge benefit for parents who are on the move 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 came with a variety of seating configurations and additional accessories to help accommodate growing families. The double-stroller that looks like a wagon expands to accommodate two seats, a bassinet, or even a toddler-riding board. This is ideal for families who want to spend long hours in the car with a variety of children of different age groups. It also glides effortlessly over cobblestones, balls and pavements. It folds flat for simple storage in a trunk or closet. Our tester Kerry was impressed by the simple and easy-to-use nature of the stroller's design. Its clever packaging, clearly labeled sections and helpful user guide made putting together this stroller a breeze. Stores A double stroller has the potential to hold twice as much as a single stroller, therefore, you should look for plenty of storage space. It is important to find a stroller with enough storage space to store the necessities of parents and children including bottles as well as snacks, toys and diapers. Find 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 expands. For example, some models include an attachment for a bassinet that can accommodate newborns, while others feature child seats that can expand with your kids until they're ready to switch to riding on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers permit older siblings to join in on the fun with riding boards. You'll find a wide variety of double strollers in the market, ranging from sleek, high-performance models that are able to handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models that are more suitable for use in the everyday. While shopping, read reviews and opinions of families just like yours to get an idea of what you can expect from the double stroller you pick. Double strollers come in three different designs including tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers offer most versatility and are suitable for twins or kids who are close in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers, on the other hand, feature two seats set next to each other and facing opposite directions. It's a ideal choice for children who are the same age or for siblings who love to interact with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and are less likely to be able to fit through doorways. 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 has multiple 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 praised memory foam seats and canopy that has 50+ SPF, and foam-filled wheels that will never wear out. When it's time for folding this model needs only a few tugs on the straps beneath each seat (under where kids sit) in order to fold.