How To Find Out If You're Ready To Double Strollers

Buying Guide For Double Strollers A double stroller is an excellent investment when you have two kids with similar ages. These compact tandem strollers or versatile side-by-side buggies help you keep an eye on both kids at the same time while navigating the aisles of the supermarket as well as the parks and other obstacles life throws at you. Comfort Comfort is a major factor to think about when purchasing a double-stroller. This could include the seating arrangement and overall size, which can have an impact on the ease of use and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, advises parents to examine the stroller's weight as well as folded dimensions. “They should also consider the seat recline options and age ranges to ensure a good fit for their family.” A good double stroller will be robust enough to navigate all surfaces without difficulty, from parks trails to suburban sidewalks, and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should also have flexible seating options for children of varying ages and comfort features such as peek-a-boo windows and adjustable canopies to shield children from sun or rain. For a lot of families double strollers will be used from birth and into the age of five, so it's crucial to think about seating options. “There are double buggy travel system – in-line with one seat in front of the other, and side-byside with seats next to each other,” Billingsley explains. “Some parents prefer an in-line model due to its sleek design and versatility, whereas others like a wagon-style double stroller to maximize space for heavy items or groceries.” While some products may have different recline options – with one seat nearly flat while the other one remains upright—this type of disparity is more prevalent in the in-line models. Billingsley suggests choosing a model that has a nearly flat recline and leg rest adjustment for both seats, so that the children can both lie back comfortably. Then, she suggests choosing strollers with storage compartments that will allow parents to access their snacks, toys and personal items while on the move. She also recommends that it is beneficial to choose a stroller that comes with a parent console or organizer bag that is attached to the handlebars. This can help parents keep their essentials in their reach. Some of the best-rated double strollers can be expanded giving parents the ability to customize the setup according to their family's requirements. For instance the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly rated double stroller that can be used with just a single seat as early as birth, and later converted to tandem (with a second seat and bassinet) as the child grows older. Safety Double strollers must be able to carry the weight of two adults, as well as any additional cargo. Strollers should also be easy to push and maneuver, especially in tight areas and on terrain that is difficult to navigate. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to ensure that parents maintain a good form when pushing them. Another great feature is a no-rethread belt harness that makes it easier to adjust the belts on the seat. Safety features include a sturdy brake system, as well as wheels that glide over any surface. Some parents choose an arrangement that is side by side to ensure that both children be together on family outings. This arrangement can reduce sibling rivalries over who gets to sit in which spot however, it's not 100% secure. If the seats are set at different heights, one child could be able to kick or punch the other on a walk. For parents with twins or siblings who are close in age, a tandem stroller is a great option for being able to see both children at the same time. Double strollers are typically more spacious, and may not fit through some interior doors. To maximize versatility, you should consider a single-to-double stroller which can switch from a single stroller to a tandem in various ways, such as the popular CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can accommodate a wide range of configurations and permit you to insert infant car seats or cot attachments, depending on your needs. If you're looking for a tandem or a side-by-side stroller, make sure that the product is JPMA certified to meet strict safety standards. Pay attention to the weight limit that applies to each seat. Overstepping these limits can cause frame fatigue or other issues. While it's easy for us to focus on the additional bells and whistles that come with a new stroller, it's crucial to remember that a stroller is essentially a baby carrier that will be used for extended durations of time. It should be comfortable for both the passengers as well as easy to clean and maintain, and ideally, it should offer an intuitive, familiar design so that the person pushing it is able to effortlessly move it around without having to think twice about how to move forward, turn left or right, or even apply the brakes. Easy to Use A double stroller must be easy to maneuver on a variety types of terrains for families always on the move. Strollers with features like windows that can be opened and closed, adjustable canopy and reliable brake systems are vital to ensure the safety of your children. However, there are other factors that make them easier to use. A stroller should be compact enough to fit into the trunk of your car, but still have plenty of storage space for food or other items. It's also essential to add thoughtful touches, such as a cup holder for one parent as well as consoles for parents and a snack tray. These will make traveling with two kids much more enjoyable. During our testing we evaluated each stroller according to its ability to perform on different surfaces and its ability to maneuver through tight spaces. We also looked at how easy it was to fold and unfold and whether or not a specific feature enhanced the overall function of the stroller. For instance a stroller with no-rethread harnesses makes adjusting 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 V2 Double was a top performer in this test 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 expands to accommodate a second seat, a bassinet or even a toddler riding board—perfect for families who are active and planning long trips with multiple kids of various age. It glides easily over pavements, cobblestones, and ball fields. It can fold flat to fit in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is easy and intuitive and was a big hit with our test participant Kerry. The clever packaging with clearly marked sections as well as a user guide made it easy to put this stroller together. Stores A double stroller has the potential to hold twice as much than a single stroller, therefore, you should look for plenty of storage space. You want a stroller with enough storage space to accommodate the essentials for both parents and children including bottles, toys, snacks, and diapers. Find baskets under the seat and other pockets, and look into a stroller that has an expandable cargo area that can carry bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags. A good double stroller should be able to change as your family grows. For example certain models come with the bassinet attachment, which can accommodate infants, while others feature child seats that can be adapted to your kids until they're ready to ride on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers allow older siblings to join in on the fun by riding on riding boards. There are many double strollers on the market. You can choose from models with high-performance features that are great for rough terrain, to affordable options that you can use daily. While shopping, you can read reviews and opinions of families similar to yours to get an idea of what to expect from the double stroller that you choose. Double strollers are available in three models: tandem, side by side and wagon style. Side-by-side double strollers offer most versatility and are ideal for twins or kids close to their age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers have two seats that are set in a tandem configuration facing in opposite directions. This is a great option for children who are similar age or siblings who want to play with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces, and less likely to fit into doorways. Check out this top selection 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 sitting in a convertible toddler seat. Our reviewers also praised the memory foam seats, canopy with 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 beneath each seat (under the seats where kids sit) in order to fold.