It's Time To Expand Your Double Strollers Options

Buying Guide For Double Strollers If you have two kids that are in the same age group 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 while taking on the grocery store or the parks, and whatever else life throws at you. 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. Katie Billingsley, a child expert in child development from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, says parents should check the stroller's weight and folded dimensions. “They should also consider the options for recline of the seat, as well as the ages of their children to ensure it's the perfect fit.” A well-constructed double stroller will be durable enough to travel on different surfaces smoothly—from suburban sidewalks to park trails and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should offer a range of seating options for children at different ages, as well as features that provide comfort, such as a peek-aboo window and adjustable canopy that protect children from rain or sun. For many families, a double stroller is likely to be used from birth and into childhood, so it's important to consider the seating options. “There are Get the facts —in-line with one seat behind the other, and side-by-side with seats adjacent to each other,” Billingsley explains. Some parents prefer the inline option due to its sleek design and flexibility. Others like a wagon-style double stroller to maximize space for grocery or bulky items. In-line models tend to have this kind of discordance. Certain models may provide different recline options, with one seat being almost flat, while the other being more upright. Billingsley suggests choosing a model that offers both a nearly flat recline and leg rest adjustment for both seats, so that the children can both lie back comfortably. She also suggests that parents look for strollers with storage compartments so that they can easily access personal items, snacks and toys when in motion. She also recommends that it is helpful to choose a stroller that has a parent console, or organizer bag attached on the handlebars. This will help parents keep their essentials in their reach. A few of the top-rated double strollers are expandable which allows parents to alter the layout to meet the requirements of their growing family. The Mockingbird Expandable, for instance is a highly-rated double stroller which can be used from birth using a single seat, then transformed into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) as the child grows older. Safety Double strollers should be able to support the weight of both passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers need to be simple to maneuver and push, especially on rough terrain or in tight spaces. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to ensure that parents maintain a good posture while pushing them. Another great feature is a non-rethread seat belt harness, which makes it easier to adjust the belts for your child. Also, a strong brake system and wheels that can glide over any surface are important safety features. Some parents prefer the side-by-side design to ensure that both children meet up during family outings. This arrangement can stop sibling rivalries over who gets to sit where however it's not foolproof. If the seats are at different heights, a child may punch or kick another while walking when the seats are on different levels. If you have twins or siblings close in age, a tandem-style stroller is a great option for being able to see both kids at once. Double strollers are typically larger, and might not be able to fit through some doors inside. You could 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. Whether you choose a side-by-side or tandem stroller, make sure that the stroller is JPMA-certified to meet the strictest safety standards. Also pay attention to the weight limits that apply to each seat, as exceeding them could result in frame fatigue or other issues. While it's easy for us to focus on all the extra bells and whistles on the latest stroller, it's important to remember that a stroller is basically a baby carrier that will be transported for long periods of time. It should be easy to clean and maintain, and comfortable for both the passengers. It should also feature a an intuitive, familiar design that allows the person pushing the stroller to maneuver it effortlessly. Easy of Use For families that are on the move, a double stroller should be able to maneuver easily over various terrains. Strollers with features such as peek-a-boo windows, adjustable canopies and sturdy brake systems are crucial to ensure the safety of your children. However, there are other factors that make them more convenient to use. For instance the stroller should be small enough to fit into the trunk of your car, yet provide ample storage space for groceries and other belongings. It's also important to include thoughtful features, like cups holder for one parent or consoles for parents, as well as snacks on trays. These will help make traveling with two children much easier. During our testing we evaluated each stroller based on its performance on different surfaces and its ability to maneuver in tight spaces. We also looked at how simple it was to fold and unfold and whether or not a particular feature added to the overall function of the stroller. For instance a stroller with no-rethread harnesses makes adjusting the seat belts quick and simple. This can be a major selling point for parents who are on the move, as it saves time and removes the need to re-thread the harness. The UPPAbaby v2 Double scored highly in this metric as it offered a wide range of seating configurations, and additional accessories to accommodate expanding families. The double-stroller that looks like a wagon expands to accommodate two seats, a bassinet or even a toddler's riding board. This is perfect for families who want to spend long days traveling with several children of different ages. It also glides effortlessly over cobblestones, balls and pavements. It it folds flat to make simple storage in a closet or trunk. The design of this stroller is easy and easy to use, which was appreciated by our tester Kerry. Its smart packaging, clearly labeled sections and helpful user guides made putting together this stroller an absolute breeze. Storage Double strollers can carry twice as much as one single stroller so be sure to look for plenty of storage space. Ideally, you want a stroller that is able to hold the basic necessities for both kids: nappies, bottles, snacks and toys, as well as parents' belongings such as phones, wallets keys and wallets. Look for under-seat baskets as well as other pockets, and think about a stroller with an expandable cargo area that can hold bulky items like diaper bags and lunch bags. A good double stroller will be able to expand with your family. Billingsley states that certain models come with an attachment for a bassinet to accommodate newborns. Some models have child seats that can grow with the child until they are able to ride on the back. Some double strollers include a rider board to allow older siblings to take part in the fun. There's a wide selection of double strollers on the market, from elegant, high-performance models that excel on rough terrain to budget-friendly models more for everyday use. While shopping, take a look at user reviews and recommendations from families like yours to gain an idea of what to expect with the double stroller you choose. Double strollers come in three different styles: side-by-side, tandem, and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-by-side strollers are the most adaptable and suitable for twins or children of a similar age. Tandem double strollers come with two seats arranged in a tandem configuration facing in opposite directions. This is a great option for children of the same age or siblings who like to interact with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through tight spaces, and are less likely to fit through doors than their side-by-side counterparts. Take a look at this top choice by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon-style double stroller. This affordable model was praised by testers for its multiple seating configurations. It can be used with two car seats for infants or one child in a convertible toddler chair. Our experts also praised memory foam seats as well as the canopy, which has 50+ SPF, and foam-filled wheels that never go flat. When it's time for folding, this model only requires a few tugs on the straps beneath each seat (under where kids sit) in order to fold.