10 Healthy Double Strollers Habits
Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two kids who are close in age A double stroller can be an invaluable investment. These narrow tandem strollers or versatile side-by-side buggies help you keep your eyes on both kids at the same time braving the grocery aisle as well as the parks and other obstacles life throws your way.
Comfort
The comfort factor is one of the most important factors to take into consideration when buying a double-stroller. This includes the seating arrangement as well as the overall size, which will have an impact on the ease of use and storage. "Parents must determine what 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 good fit for their family."
A good double stroller should be able to handle different surfaces easily from suburban sidewalks to park paths, and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should come with a variety of seating options for children at different stages of development, as well as features that provide comfort, such as a peek-aboo windows and adjustable canopy options that protect children from rain or sun.
Seating options are important for many families who will use double strollers from birth to childhood. "There are two main categories - in-line with one seat in front of the other, and side by side with seats adjacent to each other," Billingsley explains. Some parents prefer the in-line option due to its sleek style and flexibility. Others prefer a wagon style double stroller for maximum space for groceries or bulky items.
Although some models may have different recline options, with one seat nearly flat while the other remains relatively upright, this type of distinction is more prevalent in the in-line models. Billingsley suggests choosing a model with a near-flat recline as well as leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children lie down comfortably.
Then, she suggests choosing strollers with storage compartments that allow parents to access their snacks, toys, and personal items while out and about. compact double stroller suggests that it's beneficial to choose the stroller that has a parent console or organizer bag attached to the handlebars, which will allow you to keep your essentials close at hand.
A few of the top-rated double strollers can be enlarged, allowing parents the flexibility to alter the configuration depending on the needs of their family. For instance the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly rated double stroller that can be used with a single seat as early as birth, and later converted to tandem (with a second seat and bassinet) as the child gets older.
Safety
Double strollers have to be able to carry the weight of two adults, as well as any additional cargo. Strollers must also be simple to move and push, particularly in tight spots and on terrain that is difficult to navigate. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height to help parents maintain good form while pushing them. Another great feature is a no-rethread seat belt harness that makes it easier to adjust the seat belts. Also, a strong brake system and wheels that glide across any surface are important safety features.
Some parents opt for side-by-side designs that allow both children to be able to see each other during family outings. This arrangement can prevent sibling fights over which child is allowed to sit where, but it's not foolproof. If the seats are set at different heights, one child could be able to kick or punch the other during a walk.
A tandem-style stroller is ideal option for parents with twins or siblings that are similar in age. It lets parents see both children at once. However, they can be larger than other double strollers, meaning they may not be able to fit through all doorways in the interior. For maximum flexibility, think about a single-to-double stroller which can switch from a single stroller to a tandem in various ways, like the popular CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can be adapted to a wide variety of configurations and allow you to click in infant car seats or cot attachments, depending on your requirements.
If you decide to purchase a side-by-side or tandem-style stroller, be sure the product is certified by JPMA to meet stringent safety standards. Be sure to check the weight limits that apply to each seat, as over-weighting could lead to frame fatigue or other issues.
It's easy to be swept in the sound of bells and whistles, however it's important to remember that strollers are essentially baby carriers that will be used for extended times. It should be comfortable for both parents and children as well as easy to clean and maintain, and ideally it should have an easy-to-use, familiar design so that the person pushing it can easily maneuver it without having to think about how to move forward or turn left or right, or use the brakes.
Easy of Use
A double stroller must be simple to maneuver over a variety terrains for families who are always on the move. Strollers with features such as windows that peek-a-boo, adjustable canopies and reliable brake systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children. But there are other features that make them easier to use. For instance the stroller should be small enough to fit into the trunk of your car yet provide ample storage space for food items and other things. It is also important to consider thoughtful additions like a one-parent cup holder or console for parents, as well as a snack tray for kids--all things that can make life on the go with two kids much simpler.
During our testing We evaluated each stroller based on how it performed on a variety of terrains and how easily it maneuvered in tight spaces. We also assessed how simple it was to fold and unfold and whether or not a specific feature improved the overall function of the stroller. A stroller with no-rethread straps makes it simple to adjust the seat belts. This is a huge selling point for parents who are constantly moving around, since it eliminates the need to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby v2 Double scored well in this metric as it offered a wide range of seating configurations, and additional accessories to accommodate expanding families. The wagon-style double stroller expands to accommodate two seats as well as a bassinet, or a toddler riding board--perfect for active families planning long days on the go with multiple kids of varying ages. It is able to glide effortlessly over cobblestones and pavements and ballfields. It can be folded flat to store in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is simple and easy to use and was a big hit with our tester Kerry. The clever packaging with clearly marked sections as well as a user's manual made it easy to put this stroller together.
Stores
Double strollers can hold twice as much as one single stroller, so make sure you search for ample storage space. Ideally, you want an item that can hold the necessities for both kids, including nappies, bottles, snacks and toys, along with parents' items such as wallets, phones keys, wallets and phones. Look for baskets that fit under the seat as well as other pockets, and look into a stroller with an expandable cargo area that can hold bulky items like diaper bags and lunch bags.
A quality double stroller will be able to expand with your family. Billingsley states that certain models have the option of a bassinet attachment that can accommodate infants. Some models have child seats that grow with the child until they are able to ride on the back. Some double strollers allow older children to share in the fun with the rider board.
You'll find a wide variety of double strollers in the market, from sleek, high-performance options that are able to handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models that are more suited for daily use. When you're shopping, read reviews and suggestions from families just like yours to get an understanding of what to expect from the double stroller you pick.
Double strollers are available in three different designs including tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-by-side strollers are the most adaptable and ideal for twins or children of similar ages. Tandem double strollers, on other hand, feature two seats set adjacent to one another and facing in opposite directions. This is a good option for kids of the same age, or for siblings who love to interact with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and less likely to fit into doors.
Check out this top pick by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon-style double stroller. This model is affordable and was praised by test participants for its various seating configurations. It can be used with two infant car seats or one child sitting in a convertible toddler chair. Our experts also appreciated the soft memory foam seats with a 50+ SPF canopy, and foam-filled tires that never stop running flat. And when it's time for you to fold, this model requires only a few tugs on the straps on each seat (under where the kids sit) to fold in half.