Why Double Strollers Should Be Your Next Big Obsession
Buying Guide For double buggy that converts to single Strollers
If you have two kids who are similar in age A double stroller can be a valuable investment. These narrow tandem buggies or flexible side by side buggies will keep both children within sight when you are navigating the aisles of your grocery store and parks, as well as whatever else life throws at you.
Comfort
When shopping for a double stroller, comfort is an important consideration. This could include both seating arrangement as well as the overall dimensions of the twin umbrella stroller which affects the convenience and storage. "Parents should determine how much the twin umbrella stroller weighs as well as its dimensions folded," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also consider the seat recline options and age ranges to ensure a good fit for their family."
A reputable double stroller must be able to handle a variety of surfaces with ease from suburban sidewalks to park paths and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should have a variety of seating options for children at different stages of development, as well as comfort features like peek-a-boo window and adjustable canopies that shield kids from the sun or rain.
For many families, a double stroller will be used from birth and into childhood, so it's important to think about seating options. Billingsley states that there are two primary categories that are in-line with one seat in front of the other and side-byside seating with seats next to each other. "Some parents prefer an in-line option for its sleek design and versatility, whereas others like a wagon-style double stroller to maximize space for large items or groceries."
While some products may have different recline options - with one seat nearly flat while the other is upright, this type of distinction is more prevalent in the in-line models. Billingsley suggests choosing a model with both a near flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children can lie down comfortably.
She also suggests parents search for strollers with storage compartments to allow them to quickly access personal items, snacks, and toys while on the move. She also says that it's helpful to choose a stroller that has a parent console, or organizer bag, that can be attached to the handlebars. This will help parents keep their essentials to hand.
A few of the top-rated double stroller lightweight strollers can be expanded, allowing parents the flexibility to alter the configuration depending on the needs of their family. The Mockingbird Expandable, for instance, is a highly rated double stroller which can be used from birth with just one seat, then transformed into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) when the child is older.
Safety
Double strollers should be able to handle the weight of two people, plus any additional cargo. Strollers should also be easy to push and maneuver, especially in tight spots and over challenging terrain. The best lightweight double stroller strollers come with ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to help parents maintain good posture while pushing them. Another great feature is a no-rethread seat belt harness, which makes it easier to adjust the seat belts. Finally, a sturdy brake system and wheels that glide across any surface are important safety features.
Some parents prefer side-by-side designs that allow both children to be able to see each other on family outings. This arrangement can stop sibling fights over which child gets to sit where, but it's not foolproof. If the seats are set at different heights, one child may be in a position to punch or kick the other on a walk.
A tandem-style stroller is excellent option for parents with twins or siblings who are similar in age. It lets them be able to see both children simultaneously. However, these can be more spacious than other double strollers, so they may not fit through all interior doorways. For maximum versatility, consider a stroller that can change from a single stroller to a tandem in various ways, such as the well-known CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can accommodate a wide variety of configurations and allow you to click in infant car seats or cot attachments depending on your requirements.
Whether you choose a side-by-side or tandem stroller, make sure that the stroller is JPMA-certified to meet stringent safety standards. Be aware of 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, however it's important to remember that strollers are in essence baby carriers that will be carried for long periods of time. It must 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 move it easily.
Easy of Use
A double stroller should be easy to maneuver on various terrains for families who are constantly moving. Strollers with features such as windows that can be opened and closed, adjustable canopy and reliable brake systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children. But there are also other features that make them easier to use. A stroller should be small enough to fit in the trunk of your vehicle yet have plenty of storage space for food or other things. It's also essential to add thoughtful details, such as a cup holder for one parent, consoles for parents and an eating tray. These can help make traveling with two children much easier.
In our tests we rated each stroller based on how it did on a variety of terrains and how easily it maneuvered in tight spaces. We also looked at how easy it was to fold the stroller in half and then unfold it, and if a particular feature made a difference to the overall performance. A stroller without rethread straps makes it simple to adjust the seat belts. This is a huge attraction for parents who are always on the move, as it eliminates the requirement to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby 2 Double scored well in this measure because it had a wide variety of seating configurations and other accessories that could accommodate families that are growing. The wagon-style double-stroller expands to accommodate a second seat, bassinet, or even a toddler-riding board. This is perfect for families who plan to spend long days in the car with a variety of children of different ages. It glides easily over cobblestones and pavements and ballfields. It can be folded flat to store in a trunk or closet. Our tester Kerry was impressed by the simple, intuitive nature of this stroller's design. The smart packaging clear sections, well-marked sections and user guide made it easy to put together this stroller.
Storage
A double stroller has the potential to hold twice as much stuff than a single stroller, therefore, you should look for plenty of storage space. Ideally, you'll want a stroller that can accommodate the essentials for both kids--nappies bottles, snacks, and toys, in addition to parents' belongings like wallets, phones keys and wallets. Look for baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, consider a stroller with an expandable cargo space that can accommodate bulky items such as diaper bags and lunchbags.
A good double stroller should be able to grow with your family. For example certain models have an attachment for a bassinet that can accommodate infants, while others have child seats that can be adapted to your children until they're able to switch to riding on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers allow older children to join in the fun by riding on the rider board.
There's a wide selection of double strollers on the market, ranging from elegant, high-performance models that can 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 like yours to get a better idea of what to expect from the double stroller you choose.
Double strollers are available in three different designs including tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Billingsley says that side-by-side strollers are the most flexible and ideal for twins or children of similar ages. Tandem double strollers, on other hand, have two seats that are placed next to each other and facing opposite directions. It's a ideal choice for children of the same age or for siblings who enjoy interacting with one another. Tandem strollers can be difficult to maneuver through tight spaces, and are less likely to fit through doors than their side-by-side counterparts.
If you're looking for a wagon-style double stroller, take a look at this top choice from Safety 1st. 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 the convertible toddler seat. Our experts 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 for folding this model needs only just a few nudges on the straps beneath each seat (under the seats where kids sit) to fold.