5. Double Strollers Projects For Any Budget
Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two children who are similar in age, a double stroller could be a great investment. These narrow tandem strollers or versatile side-by-side buggies help you keep an eye on both kids at the same time braving the grocery aisle, parks and anything 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 includes the seating arrangement as well as the overall size, which has an impact on ease of use and storage. "Parents should determine how much the stroller weighs and its dimensions folded," 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 is a perfect fit."
A quality double stroller should be able to handle different surfaces with ease, from suburban sidewalks to parks, and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should also provide flexible seating arrangements for children of various age and comfort features such as windows that peek out and adjustable canopy to keep kids shielded from rain or sun.
double infant stroller seating options are important to many families that will use double strollers from the time of birth until the age of. Billingsley explains that there are two major categories: in-line, with one seat in-front of the other and side-byside, with seats next to one another. "Some parents prefer an in-line option for its sleek appearance and versatility, while others prefer a wagon-style stroller to maximize space for large items or grocery bags."
In-line models are more likely to show this kind of difference. Some products may offer different recline options, with one seat being almost flat and the other one remaining fairly upright. Billingsley recommends choosing a product that has an almost flat recline as well as leg rest adjustment for both seats, so that each child can sleep comfortably.
She also suggests that parents search for strollers with storage compartments so that they can quickly access snacks, personal items and toys when on the move. She suggests that it's useful to find a stroller that has a parent console or organizer bag that is attached to the handlebars. This can help keep essentials in reach.
Some of the best-rated double strollers can be enlarged, allowing parents the flexibility to customize the setup based on their family's needs. The Mockingbird Expandable, for instance, is a highly rated double stroller that can be used from birth with just one seat, then transformed into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) when the child gets older.
Safety
Double strollers must be able to carry the weight of both passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers should be easy to maneuver and push, particularly when on rough terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars and adjustable heights which allow parents to maintain good form when pushing them. Another nice feature is a no-rethread seat belt harness, which allows for a more comfortable adjustment of the belts on the seat. Safety features include a durable brake system and wheels which slide over any surface.
Some parents prefer an arrangement that allows both children to see one another during family outings. This arrangement can stop sibling rivalries over who is allowed to sit in which spot but it's not a guarantee. If the seats are at different heights, a child may punch or kick another while walking in the event that the seats are at different levels.
A tandem-style stroller is ideal option for parents with twins or siblings who are similar in age. It allows them to see both children at once. However, these can be more spacious than other double strollers, so they might not fit through all doorways in the interior. For maximum versatility, consider a stroller that can change from a single to a tandem in a variety of ways, like the renowned CYBEX Gazelle S. These models are able to accommodate a broad range of configurations and let you click in infant car seats or cot attachments according to your requirements.
If you opt for a side-byside or tandem-style stroller, be sure the product is certified by JPMA to meet the strictest safety standards. Be sure to check the maximum weight limits for each seat, since over-weighting could lead to frame fatigue or other issues.
It's easy to be swept up in the bells and whistles, however it's important to keep in mind that strollers are in essence baby carriers that will be used for a long period of times. It must be easy to clean and maintain and comfortable for both passengers. It should also have an easy-to-use, familiar design that lets the person pushing it to maneuver it effortlessly.
Easy of Use
For families on the go, a double stroller must be able to maneuver easily over a variety of terrains. Strollers with features like windows that can be opened and closed, adjustable canopy and reliable brake systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children. However, there are other factors that make them simpler to use. For example the stroller must be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your car, but still provide ample storage space for groceries and other belongings. It is also important to consider thoughtful additions such as a cup holder for one parent as well as a console for parents and an eating tray for children -- all things that will make life on the go with two kids much easier.
During our testing we evaluated each stroller on the basis of its performance on various terrains, as well as its ability to maneuver in tight spaces. We also assessed the ease with which it was possible to fold and unfold, and whether or not a specific feature added to the overall performance of the stroller. For double infant strollers , a stroller with a harness that does not rethread makes the adjustment of the seat belts quick and simple. This can be a major benefit for parents on the go, as it saves 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 so that it can accommodate an additional seat, 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 different age groups. It glides easily over pavements, cobblestones, and ball fields. It can also be folded flat to be stored in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is simple and intuitive which was well-loved by our test participant Kerry. The clever packaging clear sections, well-marked sections and the user's guide made it simple to put this stroller together.
Storage
A double stroller can be able to hold twice as much than a single stroller, therefore, you should look for plenty of storage space. Ideally, you want an item that can hold the basic necessities for both kids: nappies bottles, snacks, and toys, as well as parents' belongings such as wallets, phones keys and wallets. Look for pockets and baskets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller that has an expandable cargo space that can accommodate bulky items such as diaper bags and lunchbags.
A quality double stroller should have the ability to adapt as your family grows. For example certain models have an attachment for a bassinet that can accommodate infants, while others have child seats that can grow with your children until they're able to move to the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers permit a rider's board to let older siblings be part of the fun.
There are a variety of double strollers available. You can choose from high-performance models which are suitable for rough terrain, or more budget-friendly options that you can use on a daily basis. While shopping, you can read reviews and recommendations of families similar to yours to get a better idea of what to expect from the double stroller that you choose.
Double strollers are available in three different styles: tandem, side-by-side and wagon style. Billingsley states that side-byside strollers are the most adaptable and suitable for twins or children of a similar age. Tandem double strollers, on the other hand, have two seats that are arranged adjacent to one another and facing opposite directions. It's a great option 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 pass through doorways than their side-by-side counterparts.
If you're looking for a wagon-style double stroller check out this top model from Safety 1st. This budget-friendly model 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 chair. Our reviewers also praised the comfortable memory foam seats with a 50+ SPF canopy and foam-filled tires that will never go flat. When it's time to fold, this model requires only a few tugs on the straps of each seat (under the seats where kids are) to fold it in half.