How To Create Successful Double Strollers Tips From Home
Buying Guide For Double Strollers If you have two kids who are similar in age, a double stroller could be a valuable investment. These narrow tandem strollers or flexible side-by-side buggies let you keep an eye on both kids at the same time while braving the grocery aisle as well as the parks and other obstacles life throws at you. Comfort Comfort is a major factor to take into consideration when buying a double-stroller. This includes the seating arrangement and overall size, which can have an impact on the ease of use 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 should also take a look at the options for recline and seat age ranges to ensure a perfect fit for their family.” A well-constructed double stroller will be durable enough to travel on all surfaces without difficulty, 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 of different ages, as well as features that provide comfort, such as a peek-aboo windows and adjustable canopy options that protect children from rain or sun. For many families, a double stroller is likely to be used from birth until the age of five, so it's crucial to think about the seating options. Billingsley states that there are two main categories: in-line, with one seat in-front of the other and side-byside with seats adjacent to one another. “Some parents prefer an in-line model due to its sleek appearance and versatility, whereas others prefer a wagon-style stroller to maximize space for large items or groceries.” While some products may have different recline options – with one seat being almost flat, while the other remains relatively upright—this type of disparity is more common in in-line models. Billingsley suggests choosing a model that has a nearly flat recline and leg rest adjustment for both seats to ensure both children can lie back comfortably. Then, she suggests to look for strollers with storage compartments that allow parents to access their snacks, toys, and personal items while out and about. Get the facts suggests that it's useful to find a stroller that has an organizer or parent console bag that can be attached to the handlebars. This can help keep essentials within reach. Many of the top-rated double strollers can be expanded, allowing parents the flexibility to alter the configuration depending on the needs of their family. For example the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used with a single seat from birth and then transformed into tandem (with the addition of a second seat and bassinet) as the child grows older. Safety Double strollers should be able to handle the weight of both passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers must be simple to maneuver and push, particularly when on rough terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height to help parents maintain good posture when pushing them. A no-rethread harness, which makes adjusting seat belts quicker and easier is another great feature to look out for. A sturdy brake system and wheels that 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 stop siblings fighting over who is allowed to sit where, but it's not foolproof. If the seats are placed at different levels, one child might be in a position to punch or kick the other on a walk. A tandem stroller is a great option for parents with twins or siblings that are close in age. It lets parents see both children at once. Double strollers can be larger, and might not fit through some interior doors. Consider a single-to double stroller that can be transformed from a single stroller to a double in a variety ways. Popular models include the CYBEX gazelle S. If you're in the market for a tandem or side-byside stroller, ensure that the product is JPMA certified to meet strict safety standards. Be aware of the maximum weight limit for each seat. Exceeding these limits could cause frame fatigue and other issues. While it's easy to concentrate on all the extra bells and whistles that come with a new stroller, it's crucial to remember that a stroller is basically a baby carrier that is used for extended periods of time. It should be easy to clean and maintain as well as comfortable for both the passengers. It should also feature a an intuitive, familiar design that allows the person pushing the stroller to maneuver it effortlessly. Easy of Use For families that are on the move, a double stroller needs to be able to navigate various terrains. Features like adjustable canopies windows, peek-aboo windows, and dependable brake systems are crucial to ensure the safety of your children but there are other factors that affect stroller ease of use. For instance the stroller should be small enough to fit into the trunk of your car, yet provide ample storage space for your groceries and other items. Additionally, you should consider thoughtful features such as a cup holder for one parent or console for parents, as well as an eating tray for children — all things that make life with two children significantly easier. In our testing we rated the strollers on how it performed on a variety terrains, and how easily it maneuvered in tight spaces. We also looked at how easy it was to fold the stroller and then unfold it, and if a particular feature improved the overall functionality. For example, 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 on the go since it reduces time and removes the need to re-thread the harness. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored high in this metric, as it offers a wide range of seating options and accessories to help accommodate growing families. The wagon-style double stroller can be expanded to accommodate a second seat as well as a bassinet, or a toddler riding board—perfect for families who are active and planning long days on the go with multiple kids of varying age. It also glides smoothly across pavement, cobblestones and ballfields—and it folds flat to make simple storage in a closet or trunk. Our test subject Kerry loved the simple and easy-to-use nature of the stroller's design. The clever packaging clear sections, well-marked sections and user's manual made it easy to assemble this stroller. Stores A double stroller has the potential to hold twice as much than a single stroller, so make sure you have plenty of storage space. It is important to find a stroller with enough storage space to store the essentials of both parents and children like bottles and snacks, toys, and diapers. Find baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller with an expandable cargo area to accommodate bulky items like diaper bags and lunchbags. A good double stroller must be able to adjust as your family expands. For example certain models come with an attachment for a bassinet that can accommodate infants, while others come with child seats that can expand with your children until they're able to switch to riding on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers allow older children to join in on the fun by riding on riding boards. There are a variety of double strollers on the market. You can choose from models with high-performance features which are suitable for rough terrain, as well as more budget-friendly options that you can use daily. When shopping, take a look at reviews and recommendations of families just like yours to get an idea of what to expect from the double stroller you pick. Double strollers are available in three styles: tandem, side-by-side and wagon style. Billingsley states that side-by-side strollers are the most versatile and suitable for twins or children of similar ages. Tandem double strollers, on other hand, have two seats that are arranged adjacent to one another and facing opposite directions. It's a good option for kids of the same age or for siblings who like 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. If you're looking for a wagon-style double stroller, check out this top pick from Safety 1st. This model is affordable and was highly praised by our testers for its many seating options. It can be used with two infant car seats, or one child in a convertible toddler seat. Our experts also appreciated the soft memory foam seats, 50+ SPF canopy and foam-filled tires that never get flat. And when it's time for you to fold, this model requires just a couple of tugs on the straps of each seat (under where the kids sit) to fold it in half.