7 Tips To Make The Most Of Your Double Strollers
Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A cheap double buggy stroller is a good investment if you have two children of similar ages. These compact tandem strollers or versatile side-by-side buggies help you keep an eye on both children at the same time while navigating the aisles of the supermarket or the parks, and whatever else life throws your way.
Comfort
The comfort factor is one of the most important factors to think about when purchasing a double-stroller. This can include the seating arrangement and the overall size, which has an impact on ease of use and storage. "Parents should check 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 seat recline options and age ranges to ensure a perfect fit for their family."
A reputable double stroller must be able to navigate a variety of surfaces with ease, from suburban sidewalks to park paths and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should also have flexible seating arrangements for children of varying age and comfort features such as peek-a-boo windows and adjustable canopies to keep kids shielded from sun or rain.
Seating options are crucial for many families that will use double pram and pushchair strollers from the time of birth until childhood. Billingsley states that there are two main categories of in-line seating with one seat in front of the other, and side-by-side, with seats next to each other. "Some parents prefer an in-line option for its sleek look and versatility, whereas others prefer a wagon-style stroller that can be used to store heavy items or grocery bags."
In-line models are more likely to have this kind of difference. Some products may offer different recline options, with one seat being almost flat, while the other remaining relatively upright. Billingsley suggests choosing a model that has a nearly flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children can lay down comfortably.
Finally, she advises choosing strollers with storage compartments that will allow parents to quickly access snacks, toys and personal belongings while on the go. She suggests that it's beneficial to choose a stroller with a parent console or organizer bag that can be attached to the handlebars, which will help keep things in reach.
Some of the top-rated double strollers can be expanded that allows parents to modify the layout to meet the requirements of their growing 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 a tandem (with a second seat and bassinet) as the child gets older.
Safety
Double strollers must be able to handle the weight of both the passengers as well as any additional cargo. Strollers must be simple to maneuver and push, particularly when on rough terrain and in tight spaces. The best lightweight double stroller strollers feature ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights, making it easier for parents to maintain good form when pushing them. Another feature that is great is a no-rethread seat belt harness that makes it easier to adjust the belts for your child. 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 see each other on family outings. This arrangement can help prevent siblings fighting over who is allowed to sit where but it's not a guarantee. If the seats are positioned at different levels, one child might be able to kick or punch the other during the course of a walk.
For parents of twins or siblings who are close in age, a tandem-style stroller offers the benefit of being able to see both children at the same time. Double strollers are typically larger, and might not be able to fit through some doors inside. Consider a single-to double stroller that can be converted from a single to a double in many ways. Popular models include the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you're in the market for a tandem or side-by-side stroller, be sure the product is JPMA certified to meet the strictest safety standards. Be sure to check the weight limits that apply to each seat, as exceeding them could result in frame fatigue or other issues.
It's easy to get caught in the sound of bells and whistles, but it's important to remember that strollers are in essence baby carriers that will be carried for long periods of durations. It should be comfortable for both the passengers, easy to clean and maintain, and in the ideal case it should feature 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 even apply the brakes.
Easy of Use
A double buggy with carrycot stroller must be easy to maneuver on different types of terrains for families constantly moving. Features like adjustable canopy windows, peek-aboo windows, and reliable braking systems are crucial to ensure the safety of your children, but there are many other aspects that influence stroller comfort of use. For example, a stroller must be small enough to fit in the trunk of your car while still offering ample storage space for groceries and other belongings. Also important are thoughtful touches such as a cup holder for one parent or console for parents, as well as snacks for children--all things that make life on the go with two kids much simpler.
During our testing we evaluated each stroller on the basis of its performance on different terrains and its ability to maneuver through tight spaces. We also looked at how simple it was to fold the stroller and then unfold it as well as if a particular feature made a difference to the overall performance. A stroller with no-rethread straps makes it simple to adjust the seat belts. This is a major benefit for parents on the go since it reduces time and reduces the need to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored high in this measure, since it offers a wide range of seating configurations as well as additional accessories to accommodate families that are growing. The wagon-style double stroller expands to provide a second seat as well as a bassinet or a toddler-friendly riding board, which is ideal for families who are active and planning long, tiring days with multiple kids of various ages. It also glides smoothly across cobblestones, ball fields and pavements. It also it folds flat to make easy storage in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is easy and easy to use which was well-loved by our tester Kerry. Its stylish packaging clear sections, well-labeled sections and an informative user guide made putting together this stroller a breeze.
Stores
A double stroller is able to hold twice as much stuff 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 essentials for both parents and children including bottles, toys, snacks, and diapers. Look for baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, consider a stroller with an expandable cargo space to accommodate bulky items such as diaper bags and lunchbags.
A quality double stroller should be able to change as your family expands. For instance, some models include an attachment for a bassinet that can be used for newborns, and others come with child seats that can expand with your children until they're ready to ride on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers allow for a rider board to allow older siblings to be part of the fun.
There's a wide selection of double strollers on 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 shopping, take a look at reviews and recommendations of families similar to yours to get a better idea of what to expect from the best double strollers stroller that you select.
Double strollers are available in three different models: tandem, side by side and wagon style. Side-by-side double strollers offer most versatility and are ideal for twins or children who are close to each other in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers come with two seats arranged in tandem, facing opposite directions. This is a good option for children who are the same age, or siblings who prefer to play with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and are less likely to be able to fit through doorways.
Take a look at this top choice by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon style double buggy for twins (hop over to these guys) stroller. Our testers were impressed by the fact that this low-cost model offers multiple seating configurations as well as the ability to connect two infant car seats or a single child in a convertible toddler seat. Our experts also appreciated the soft memory foam seats with a 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 few tugs on the straps on each seat (under the seats where kids are) to fold in half.