Is Double Strollers Just As Important As Everyone Says?

Buying Guide For Double Strollers

If you have two children who are close in age, a double stroller can be an invaluable investment. These narrow tandem buggies or flexible side by side buggies will keep both children in sight while navigating the grocery aisle or in parks, or whatever else life throws at you.

Comfort

When shopping for a double stroller, the comfort is an important consideration. This includes both the seating arrangement and the overall dimensions of the stroller which impacts accessibility and storage. "Parents should determine how much the stroller weighs and its dimensions folded," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also take a look at the seat recline options and age ranges to ensure a good fit for their family."

A good double stroller should be able to handle different surfaces easily from suburban sidewalks to parks, and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should offer a range of seating options for children at different stages of development, as well as comfort features such as a peek-a-boo window and adjustable canopy that shield kids from the sun or rain.

For a majority of families, a double stroller will be used from birth until childhood, so it's important to think about the seating options. "There are two main categories - in-line with one seat ahead of the other, and side by side with seats adjacent to each other," Billingsley explains. "Some parents prefer an in-line option for its sleek look and versatility, while others like a wagon-style double stroller that can be used to store heavy items or groceries."

Although some models may have different recline options--with one seat nearly flat while the other is upright, this type of distinction is more prevalent in the in-line models. Billingsley recommends choosing a product that offers both a near-flat recline and leg rest adjustment for both seats to ensure each child can sleep comfortably.

Then, she suggests looking for strollers that have storage compartments that will allow parents to easily access snacks, toys and personal items while out and about. She suggests that it's helpful to look for a stroller with an organizer console for parents or a parent bag that can be attached to the handlebars. This can help keep essentials within reach.

Many of the top-rated double strollers can be extended to allow parents to alter the configuration based on their family's needs. The Mockingbird Expandable, for instance is a highly rated double stroller which can be used from birth with a single seat, and later converted into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) as the child grows older.

Safety

Double strollers need to be able to handle the weight of two passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers must also be easy to maneuver and push, especially in tight spaces and on terrain that is difficult to navigate. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height, making it easier for parents to maintain a good posture when pushing them.  just click the next article  that is great is a no-rethread seat belt harness that makes it easier to adjust the seat belts. A sturdy brake system and wheels that glide across any surface are crucial safety features.

Some parents opt for an arrangement that allows both children to be able to see one another during family outings. This arrangement can reduce sibling rivalries over who sits in which spot however, it's not 100% secure. If the seats are at different levels, a child might punch or kick another during a walk when the seats are on different levels.

For parents with twins or siblings who are close in age, a tandem-style stroller can be beneficial in being able see both children at the same time. Double strollers can be more spacious, and may not be able to fit through some doors inside. 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 well-known CYBEX Gazelle S.  double pram and pushchair  are able to accommodate a broad range of configurations and let you click in infant car seats or cot attachments, depending on your requirements.

Whether you choose a side-by-side or tandem-style stroller, be sure that the stroller is JPMA-certified to meet strict safety standards. Be aware of the maximum weight limits for each seat, as exceeding them could result in frame fatigue or other issues.

While it's easy to focus on all the extra bells and whistles on the latest stroller, it's important to remember that a stroller is an infant carrier that is carried around for long durations of time. It should be comfortable for both parents and children, easy to clean and maintain, and most importantly it should have an intuitive, familiar design that the person pushing it can effortlessly maneuver it without having to think about how to move forward or turn left or right, or use the brakes.

User-Friendliness

For families who are constantly on the move, a double stroller needs to be able to maneuver easily over various terrains. Features like adjustable canopies, peek-aboo windows and dependable braking systems are critical to help ensure the safety of your children however, there are other elements that contribute to stroller ease of use. A stroller should be small enough to fit into the trunk of your car, but still have plenty of storage space for groceries and other items. It's also essential to add thoughtful details, such as a cup holder for one parent or consoles for parents, as well as an eating tray. These can make traveling with two children much more enjoyable.

During our testing, we evaluated each stroller based on how it did on a variety of terrains and how easily it could maneuver in tight spaces.  twin pushchairs  looked at the ease with which it was possible to fold and unfold, and whether or not a specific feature added to the overall function of the stroller. For example a stroller that has a no-rethread harness makes adjusting the seat belts simple and easy. This is a huge benefit for parents who are constantly on the move, as it does away with the need to rethread their harness.

The UPPAbaby V2 Double scored well in this measure because it offered a wide range of seating options, as well as additional accessories that accommodated families that are growing. The wagon-style double-stroller can be expanded to accommodate a second seat, bassinet or even a toddler's riding board. This is perfect for families who want to spend long hours traveling with several children of various age groups. It is able to glide effortlessly over pavements, cobblestones, and ball fields. It can also be folded flat to fit in a trunk or a closet. Our tester Kerry appreciated the straightforward, intuitive nature of this stroller's design. The smart packaging with clearly marked sections as well as a the user's guide made it simple to put together this stroller.

Storage

A double stroller is able to hold twice as much stuff than a single stroller, therefore, you should look for plenty of storage space. You want a stroller with enough storage space to store the essentials for both parents and children including bottles and snacks, toys, and diapers. Find baskets under the seat and other pockets, and consider a stroller that has an expandable cargo area that can hold heavy items such as diaper bags and lunch bags.

A good double stroller must be able to change as your family grows. Billingsley states that certain models come with an attachment for a bassinet to accommodate infants. Some models have child seats that expand with the child until they are ready to ride on the back. Some double strollers also permit a rider's board to let older siblings join in the fun.

There are a 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 suited for daily use. When you're shopping, read reviews from other users and the opinions of 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: tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers offer most versatility and are suitable for twins or children who are similar to their age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers come with two seats set up in a tandem arrangement facing in opposite directions. This is a great option for children of similar age or siblings who want to interact with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and are less likely to pass through doors than their side-by-side counterparts.

If you're looking for a wagon-style double stroller check out this top pick from Safety 1st. Our testers were impressed by the fact that this low-cost model offers multiple seating configurations, including the ability to snap in two infant car seats or a single child riding in a convertible toddler seat. Our experts also praised memory foam seats and canopy that has 50+ SPF and foam-filled wheels that never flatten. When it's time to fold, this model only requires just a few nudges on the straps underneath each seat (under the seats where kids sit) to fold.