This Is The History Of Double Strollers In 10 Milestones
Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is a great investment for families with two children with similar age. These compact tandem buggies or flexible side by side buggies will keep both children in sight while you shop and parks, as well as whatever else life can throw at you.
Comfort
When shopping for a double stroller for your child, comfort is a key consideration. This could include the seating arrangement and the overall size, which has an impact on the ease of use and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child expert in child development from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, advises parents to check the stroller's weight and folded dimensions. "They should also look at the seat recline options and age ranges to ensure a good 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 come with a variety of seating options for children of different age groups, and comfort features such as a peek-a-boo window and adjustable canopy that shield kids from the sun or rain.
For many families, a double stroller will be used from birth and into the age of five, so it's crucial to consider the seating options. "There are two main categories--in-line with one seat ahead of the other, and side by side with seats adjacent to each other," Billingsley explains. Some parents prefer the in-line model due to its sleek design and versatility. Others like the wagon style double stroller to make the most space for groceries or bulky items.
In-line models are more likely to have this kind of difference. Certain models may provide 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 as well as leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children lay comfortably.
She also suggests that parents look for strollers with storage compartments so that they can easily access personal items, snacks, and toys while in motion. She also says that it is helpful to find a stroller that comes with a parent console or organizer bag that is attached to the handlebars. This can help parents keep essentials close at hand.
Some 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 that can be used from birth with a single seat, and later converted into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) when the child is older.
Safety
Double strollers should be able to carry the weight of both the passengers as well as any additional cargo. Strollers must also be easy to maneuver and push, especially in tight spots and over challenging terrain. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars and adjustable heights which allow parents to maintain their form when pushing them. Another great feature is a non-rethread seat belt harness that makes it easier to adjust the belts on the seat. Finally, a sturdy brake system and wheels that can glide over any surface are essential safety features.
Some parents prefer an arrangement that allows both children to view each other on family outings. This arrangement can reduce siblings arguing over who sits in which place, but it isn't foolproof. If the seats are set at different heights, one child may be capable of punching or kicking the other during walks.
A tandem-style stroller is ideal option for parents with twins or siblings that are close in age. It lets parents see both children at once. Double strollers can be more spacious, and may not fit through some doors inside. You could consider a single-to-double stroller that can be transformed from a single to double in various ways. The most popular models are the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you are looking for a tandem or side-by-side stroller, ensure that the product is JPMA certified to meet the strictest safety standards. Pay attention to the maximum weight limit for each seat. Overstepping these limits can cause frame fatigue or other issues.
While it's easy for us to focus on all the extra bells and whistles that come with a new stroller, it's crucial to remember that a stroller is essentially a baby carrier that will be transported for long durations of time. It must be comfortable for both parents and children as well as easy to clean and maintain, and ideally it should have an intuitive, familiar design so that the person pushing it can effortlessly maneuver it without having to think twice about how to move forward, turn left or right, or even apply the brakes.
Simple to Use
A double stroller should be easily maneuverable on a variety types of terrains for families constantly on the move. Features like adjustable canopy systems, peek-aboo windows and dependable braking systems are critical to help ensure the safety of your children, but there are many other aspects that affect stroller ease of use. A stroller should be compact enough to fit into the trunk of your vehicle yet have plenty of storage space for groceries or other things. Additionally, you should consider thoughtful features such as a cup holder for one parent, parent consoles and an eating tray for children -- all things that make life on the go with two children significantly simpler.
During our testing, we evaluated each stroller based on how it performed on a variety of terrains, and how easily it maneuvered in tight spaces. We also examined how easy it was to fold and unfold, and whether or not a specific feature enhanced the overall performance of the stroller. A stroller that does not have rethread straps makes it simple to adjust the seat belts. This can be a major benefit for parents who are on the move since it reduces time and eliminates the need to re-thread the harness.
The UPPAbaby v2 amazon double Stroller scored well in this metric as it had a wide variety of seating configurations and additional accessories that accommodated growing families. The wagon-style double stroller expands to allow for a second seat, a bassinet or even a toddler-friendly riding board, which is ideal for families with active children who plan long days on the go with multiple kids of various age groups. It easily glides over cobblestones, pavements, and ball fields. It can also be folded flat to be stored in a trunk or closet. Our test subject Kerry loved the simple and intuitive nature of this stroller's design. Its stylish packaging, clearly labeled sections and an informative user guide made putting together this stroller an absolute breeze.
Stores
Double strollers can hold twice more than one stroller So, make sure to look for 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, in addition to parents' items such as wallets, phones, and keys. Find baskets under the seat and other pockets, and consider a stroller with an expanding cargo space that can carry bulky items like diaper bags and lunch bags.
A quality double running stroller stroller should be able to adjust as your family grows. Billingsley states that certain models come with a bassinet attachment to accommodate infants. Other models come with child seats that grow with the child until they are able to ride on the back. Some double strollers include a rider board that allows older children to join in the fun.
There's a wide selection of double strollers on the market, from sleek, high-performance models that can handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models that are more for everyday use. While shopping, take a look at reviews from other users and the opinions of families like yours to gain an understanding of what you can expect from the double stroller you select.
Double strollers are available in three different styles: side-by-side, tandem, and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers offer most versatility and are ideal for twins or kids similar in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers, on other hand, feature two seats that are arranged next to each other and facing in opposite directions--a great option for children who are the same age or for siblings who love to interact with one another. Tandem strollers may be harder 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 model is affordable and was praised by test participants for its many seating options. It can be used with two infant car seats or one child sitting in a convertible toddler seat. Our testers also loved the soft memory foam seats with a 50+ SPF canopy and foam-filled tires that will never get flat. And when it's time for you to fold, this model needs just a couple of tugs on the straps of each seat (under the seat where kids sit n stand double stroller) to fold it in half.