7 Useful Tips For Making The Most Out Of Your Double Strollers

Buying Guide For Double Strollers

A double stroller is a good investment when you have two kids with similar ages. These strollers are narrow and narrow, as well as flexible side-by-side buggies let you keep your eyes on both kids at the same time while braving the grocery aisle or the parks, and whatever else life throws your way.

Comfort

When shopping for a double stroller, the comfort is a key consideration. This includes both the seating arrangements and the overall dimensions of the stroller which affects the accessibility and storage. "Parents should check 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 consider the recline options for seats as well as the age ranges of their children to ensure it's a perfect fit."

A quality double stroller should be able to handle a variety of surfaces easily, from suburban sidewalks to parks, and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should also offer versatile seating options for children of varying ages and comfort features such as windows that can be opened and closed to keep kids shielded from rain or sun.

For a majority of families, a double infant strollers stroller is likely to be utilized from birth until the age of five, so it's crucial to think about seating options. Billingsley says there are two major categories that are in-line which has one seat in front of the other and side-byside with seats adjacent to each other. "Some parents prefer an in-line stroller due to its sleek appearance and versatility, while others prefer a wagon-style stroller to maximize space for heavy items or groceries."

Although some models may have different recline options--with one seat almost flat while the other one remains upright, this type of distinction is more prevalent in models that are in-line. Billingsley suggests selecting a model with both a near flat recline and leg rest adjustment for both seats. This will ensure that both children can lie down comfortably.

She also suggests parents look for strollers that have storage compartments to allow them to easily access their snacks, personal items, and toys while in motion. She also says that it is beneficial to find a stroller that has a parent console, or organizer bag attached on the handlebars. This can help parents keep their essentials to hand.

Some of the top-rated double strollers are expandable which allows parents to alter the configuration to meet the needs of their growing family. For instance, the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly rated double stroller that can be used with a single seat twin pushchair from birth birth and then converted to a tandem (with the addition of a second seat and bassinet) as the child grows older.

Safety

Double strollers must be able to carry the weight of two passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers should be easy to maneuver and push, particularly on rough terrain or in tight spaces. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to ensure that parents maintain a good form when pushing them. Another nice feature is a non-rethread seat belt harness, which allows for a more comfortable adjustment of the belts on the seat. Safety features include a sturdy brake system, as well as wheels that can glide across any surface.

Some parents prefer a side by side design to ensure that both children meet up on family outings. This arrangement can stop siblings fighting over who is allowed to sit in which spot, but it's not foolproof. If the seats are located at different levels, a child might punch or kick another while walking when the seats are on different levels.

For parents of twins or siblings close in age, a tandem stroller is a great option for being able to view both children at the same time. However, these can be more spacious than other double strollers, meaning they may not be able to be able to pass through all doors in your home. Consider a single-to double stroller that can be converted from a single to double in various ways. Popular models include the CYBEX gazelle S.

If you're in the market for a tandem or side-byside stroller, make sure that the stroller has been JPMA certified to meet the strictest safety standards. Pay attention to the maximum weight limit for each seat. If you exceed these limits, it could cause frame fatigue and other issues.

It's easy to be swept up in the bells and whistles, however it's important to remember that strollers are essentially baby carriers that are used for a long period of durations. It should be easy to clean and maintain, and comfortable for both the passengers. It should also have an easy-to-use, familiar design that lets the person pushing it to maneuver it effortlessly.

Easy to Use

For families that are on the move, a double stroller must be able to maneuver easily over various terrains. Strollers that have features like windows that can be opened and closed, adjustable canopy and reliable brake systems are vital to ensure the safety of your children. But there are also other features that make them more convenient to use. A stroller should be small enough to fit into the trunk of your vehicle yet have plenty of storage space for food or other items. It is also important to consider thoughtful additions like a one-parent cup holder, parent consoles and an eating tray for children -- all things that make life on the go with two kids much simpler.

During our testing we evaluated each stroller on the basis of its performance on different surfaces and its ability to maneuver in tight spaces. We also considered 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. For instance, a stroller with a no-rethread harness makes adjusting the seat belts easy and quick. This can be a major selling point for parents who are on the move since it reduces time and eliminates the need to re-thread the harness.

The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored high in this measure, since it offers a wide range of seating configurations and additional accessories to help accommodate growing families. The wagon-style double stroller is able to accommodate two seats as well as a bassinet or a toddler riding board that is perfect for families with active children who plan long, tiring days with multiple children of different ages. It is able to glide effortlessly over cobblestones and pavements and ballfields. It can also be folded flat to be stored in a trunk or a closet. The design of this stroller is easy and easy to use, which was appreciated by our tester Kerry. Its smart packaging clear sections, well-labeled sections and an informative user guide made assembling this stroller a breeze.

Stores

Double strollers can hold twice as much as a single one, so make sure you ensure you have plenty of storage space. You want a stroller with enough storage space to accommodate the essentials for both children and parents, such as bottles as well as snacks, toys and diapers. Look for under-seat baskets as well as other pockets, and think about a stroller with an expanding cargo area that can carry bulky items like diaper bags and lunch bags.

A good double stroller should be able to adjust as your family expands. Billingsley states that certain models come with a bassinet attachment to accommodate newborns. Others have child seats that grow with the child until they are ready to ride on the back. Some double strollers permit older siblings to share in the fun by riding on a rider board.

There are a variety of double strollers on the market, from elegant, high-performance models that are able to handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models more suited for daily use. While shopping, read reviews and suggestions from families like yours to get a better idea of what you can expect from the double stroller that you select.

Double strollers are available in three different designs: side-by-side, tandem, and wagon-style. Billingsley says that side-by-side strollers are the most adaptable and ideal for twins as well as children of similar ages. Tandem double strollers, on other hand, feature two seats set next to each other and facing in opposite directions--a good option for kids who are the same age or for siblings who enjoy interacting with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through tight spaces, and are less likely to be able to fit through doors.

If you prefer a wagon-style Thule double stroller stroller take a look at this top choice from Safety 1st. This model is affordable and was praised by testers for its multiple seating configurations. It can be used with two infant car seats, or one child in a convertible toddler seat. Our testers also loved the soft memory foam seats, 50+ SPF canopy and foam-filled tires that will never stop running flat. When it's time for folding, this model only requires just a few pulls on the straps beneath each seat (under the seat where children sit) in order to fold.