10 Healthy Double Strollers Habits
Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is an excellent investment if you have two children with similar age. These strollers are narrow and narrow, as well as flexible side-by-side buggies let you keep an eye on both kids at the same time while braving the grocery aisle or the parks, and whatever else life throws at you.
Comfort
When shopping for a double stroller, comfort is an important aspect to take into consideration. This could include the seating arrangement and the overall size, which will have an impact on ease of use and storage. "Parents should determine how much the stroller weighs as well as its folded dimensions," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also look at the options for recline and seat age ranges to ensure the best fit for their family."
A quality double stroller should be sturdy enough to traverse various surfaces with ease, from parks trails to suburban sidewalks and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should also provide flexible seating options for children of varying age groups and comfort features such as peek-a-boo windows and adjustable canopies to protect children from sun or rain.
For a lot of families, a double stroller is likely to be utilized from birth until the teen years, so it's essential to think about the seating options. Billingsley says there are two primary categories that are in-line which has one seat in front of the other, and side-by-side, with seats next to one another. "Some parents prefer an in-line stroller due to its sleek design and versatility, whereas others prefer a wagon-style double stroller to maximize space for heavy items or grocery bags."
In-line models are more likely to have this kind of difference. Some models might offer different recline options, with one seat being nearly flat, and the other remaining relatively upright. Billingsley recommends selecting a product that has a nearly flat recline and leg rest adjustment for both seats. This will ensure that both children can lay down comfortably.
She also suggests parents look for strollers that have storage compartments to allow them to easily access personal items, snacks and toys moving about. She also suggests that it's helpful to look for a stroller with an organizer or parent console bag attached to the handlebars. This will allow you to keep your essentials close at hand.
A few of the top-rated double strollers are expandable that allows parents to modify the set-up based on the needs of their expanding 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 grows older.
Safety
Double strollers must be able to carry the weight of two passengers--plus any additional cargo. Strollers should be easy to maneuver and push, especially on difficult terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height to allow parents to maintain their good posture while pushing them. Another great feature is a non-rethread seat belt harness, which makes it easier to adjust the belts on the seat. 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 be able to see each other on family outings. This arrangement can reduce sibling squabbles over who gets to sit in which spot, but it isn't foolproof. If the seats are different levels, a child might kick or punch another during a walk in the event that the seats are at different levels.
A tandem stroller is a great option for parents with twins or siblings that are close in age. It allows them to be able to see both children simultaneously. Double strollers can be wider, and may not fit through certain doors inside. Think about a stroller that is single-to-double that can be transformed from a single to double in various ways. The most popular models are the CYBEX gazelle S.
Whether you choose a side-by-side or tandem-style stroller, make sure that the stroller 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 jingles and whistles, however it's important to remember that strollers are basically baby carriers that will be used for extended durations. It should be easy to clean and maintain as well as comfortable for both the passengers. It should also have a familiar, intuitive design that lets the person pushing the stroller to maneuver it effortlessly.
Ease of Use
A double stroller must be easy to maneuver on different of terrains for families that are constantly on the move. Strollers that have features like windows that can be opened and closed, adjustable canopy and sturdy brake systems are crucial to ensure the safety of your children. However, there are other factors that make them simpler to use. For instance the stroller must be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your car, but still provide ample storage space for your groceries and other items. It is also important to consider thoughtful additions like a cup holder with a single parent, parent consoles and an eating tray for children -- all things that can make life with two kids much more manageable.
During our testing we evaluated each stroller according to its performance on various surfaces and its ability to maneuver through tight spaces. We also looked at how simple it was to fold the stroller and then unfold it in a timely manner, and if a specific feature enhanced the overall functionality. A stroller without rethread straps makes it easy to adjust the seat belts. This can be a huge benefit for parents who are on the move, as it saves time and reduces the need to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby v2 Double scored well in this test because it offered a wide range of seating configurations, and additional accessories to accommodate expanding families. The double-stroller that looks like a wagon can be expanded to accommodate two seats, a bassinet or even a toddler's riding board. This is ideal for families that plan to spend long hours on the road with multiple children of various ages. It also glides smoothly over cobblestones, balls and pavements. It folds flat for easy storage in a closet or trunk. The design of this stroller is easy and intuitive which was well-loved by our tester Kerry. The smart packaging with clearly marked sections as well as a the user's guide made it simple to assemble this stroller.
Storage
A double stroller is able to hold twice as much as a single stroller, so make sure you have plenty of storage space. It is ideal to have a stroller that is able to hold the necessities for both kids, including nappies bottles, snacks, and toys, along with parents' belongings like wallets, phones, and keys. Look for cheap double buggy and baskets under the seats. Also, consider a stroller that has an expandable cargo area to accommodate bulky items such as diaper bags and lunchbags.
A quality double stroller will be able to expand with your family. Billingsley says that some models come with the option of a bassinet attachment that can accommodate newborns. Some models have child seats that be able to grow with your child until they are able to ride on the back. Some double strollers also allow for a rider board to let older siblings join in the fun.
There's a wide selection of double strollers on the market, ranging from sleek, high-performance models that excel on rough terrain to budget-friendly models more suitable for use in the everyday. While shopping, you can read reviews and recommendations of families similar to yours to get a better idea of what you can expect from the double stroller you select.
Double strollers are available in three different designs such as tandem, side-byside, and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers provide the most versatility and are ideal for twins or kids who are close to their age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers, on the other hand, have two seats set adjacent to one another and facing in opposite directions. great post to read is a ideal choice for children who are the same age or for siblings who like to interact with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces, and less likely to be able to fit through doors.
If you're looking for a wagon-style double stroller check out this top model from Safety 1st. This model is affordable and was highly praised by our testers for its multiple seating configurations. It can be used with two infant car seats or one child sitting in a convertible toddler seat. Our reviewers also praised the memory foam seats as well as the canopy, which has 50+ SPF, and foam-filled wheels that will never wear out. When it's time to fold, this model needs only a couple of pulls on the straps of each seat (under where the kids sit) to fold in half.