5 Reasons Double Strollers Is Actually A Positive Thing
Buying Guide For double seat stroller Strollers
A double stroller is a great investment if you have two children of similar ages. These narrow tandem strollers or flexible side-by-side buggies allow you to keep your eyes on both kids at the same time navigating the aisles of the supermarket as well as the parks and other obstacles life throws your way.
Comfort
When shopping for a double stroller for your child, comfort is a key factor to consider. This could include both seating arrangements and the overall size of the stroller which impacts accessibility and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, says parents should be aware of the stroller's weight and folded dimensions. "They should also consider the options for recline of the seat, as well as the ages of their children to ensure it's a perfect fit."
A good double stroller will 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 also provide flexible seating options for children of various age and comfort features such as windows that can be opened and closed to protect children from sun or rain.
Seating options are crucial for many families who will use double strollers from the time of birth until childhood. Billingsley explains that there are two primary categories: in-line, with one seat in-front of the other and side-byside, with seats next to one another. "Some parents prefer an in-line stroller due to its sleek design and versatility, while others like a wagon-style double stroller that can be used to store bulky items or grocery bags."
Some products may offer different recline options - with one seat being almost flat, while the other one remains upright, this kind of difference is more prevalent in models that are in-line. Billingsley suggests selecting a product that has a nearly flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats, so that the children can both lie back comfortably.
Then, she suggests choosing a stroller that includes storage compartments that enable parents to easily access snacks, toys, and personal items while on the move. She adds that it's also useful to find the stroller that has an organizer or parent console bag attached to the handlebars. This will allow you to keep your essentials close at hand.
Some of the best-rated double buggy that converts to single - Full Posting - strollers can be extended to allow parents to modify the layout based on their family's needs. The Mockingbird Expandable, for instance is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used from birth with a single seat, and later converted into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) when the child gets older.
Safety
Double strollers should be able to support the weight of two adults, as well as any additional cargo. Strollers must also be simple to move and push, particularly in tight spaces and over challenging terrain. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to help parents maintain good form while pushing them. A harness that is not rethread that makes the adjustment of seat belts faster and easier to do, is a nice feature to look out for. Safety features include a sturdy brake system, as well as wheels that slide over any surface.
Some parents prefer side-by-side designs that allow both children to be able to see one another during family outings. This arrangement can prevent sibling rivalries over who sits in which spot, but it isn't foolproof. If the seats are different levels, a child might kick or punch another during a walk when the seats are on different levels.
For parents of twins or siblings who are close in age, a tandem-style stroller offers the benefit of being able see both kids at once. However, these can be larger than other double strollers, so they may not be able to fit through all interior doorways. For maximum versatility, consider a single-to-double stroller that transitions from a single stroller to a tandem in a variety of ways, such as the popular CYBEX Gazelle S. These models are able to accommodate a broad range of configurations and let you click in infant car seats or cot attachments, depending on your needs.
If you opt for a side-byside or tandem double buggy stroller, make sure the product is JPMA-certified to meet stringent safety standards. Pay attention to the maximum weight limit for each seat. If you exceed these limits, it could cause 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 in essence baby carriers that are used for a long period of time. It should be easy to clean and maintain as well as comfortable for both passengers. It should also have a a familiar, intuitive design that allows the person pushing it to maneuver it effortlessly.
User-Friendliness
For families who are constantly on the move, a double stroller should be able to maneuver easily over a variety of terrains. Features like adjustable canopies, peek-aboo windows and dependable braking systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children, but there are other factors that influence stroller comfort of use. A stroller should be small enough to fit in the trunk of your vehicle yet have plenty of storage space for groceries or other things. Additionally, you should consider thoughtful features such as a cup holder for one parent, parent consoles and a snack tray for kids--all things that can make life on the go with two kids significantly more manageable.
In our testing We evaluated the strollers on how it performed 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 in half and then unfold it as well as if a particular feature made a difference to the overall performance. For instance, a stroller with a harness that does not rethread makes the adjustment of the seat belts easy and quick. This can be 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 Vista v2 Double scored highly in this metric, as it offers a wide range of seating options and accessories to help accommodate growing families. The double-stroller in the wagon style can be expanded to accommodate two seats, a bassinet or even a toddler's riding board. This is ideal for families who want to spend long hours on the road with multiple children of different age groups. It also glides smoothly across cobblestones, ball fields and pavements. It also folds flat for easy storage in a closet or trunk. The design of this stroller is easy and intuitive which was well-loved by our test participant Kerry. The sleek packaging, clearly marked sections and user's manual made it easy to put together this stroller.
Stores
A double stroller has the potential to hold twice as much as a single stroller so make sure you have plenty of storage space. It is ideal to have a stroller that can accommodate the basic necessities for both kids: nappies, bottles, snacks and toys, along with parents' belongings such as phones, wallets keys and wallets. Look for baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, consider a stroller that has an expandable cargo area to accommodate bulky items such as lunch bags and diaper bags.
A good double stroller will be able to grow with your family. Billingsley states that certain models have an attachment for a bassinet to accommodate infants. Some models have child seats which can expand with the child until they are ready to ride on the back. Some double strollers permit older siblings to join in on the fun by riding on a rider board.
There are many double strollers available. You can pick from high-performance models which are suitable for rough terrain, or affordable options that you can use every day. While shopping, take a look at user reviews and recommendations from families just like yours to get an understanding of what to expect with the double stroller 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 suitable for twins or children of similar ages. Tandem double strollers on the contrary, have two seats that are placed close to each other and facing in opposite directions--a ideal choice for children who are 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-byside counterparts.
Check out this top pick by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon-style double stroller. This budget-friendly model was praised by testers for its multiple seating configurations. It can be used with two car seats for infants or one child in a convertible toddler seat. Our testers also loved the soft 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 straps on each seat (under where the kids sit) to fold it in half.