10 Things You Learned In Kindergarden To Help You Get Started With Double Stroller
What to Look For in a Double Stroller The best double strollers are built to grow with families and have innovative features that keep kids happy and comfortable. The best double strollers come with adjustable footrests and smooth riding over old sidewalks, gravel and trails. Kerry was pleased that the stroller was packaged in multiple boxes, but everything was clearly labeled and easy for her to open. She also appreciated that the stroller can be used with two infant car seats and can be combined with a riding board for older children. Seating Options Seating arrangements are a key factor in determining whether or the family will buy a double stroller. You'll need to consider the age of your children, their relative sizes of them and the seating configurations you prefer. Alli Cavasino is a senior editor of Consumer Reports. She says that if you're planning to buy a tandem stroller, you should look at one that has child seats attached together. This model doesn't require car seat adapters. These double strollers are usually wider than other double strollers. They may not be able to fit through standard doors in your home. If you're experiencing an age gap between your children you should consider a stroller with two seats that can change to a stand-and ride model with an elevated or small bench seat in the back for children who wants to casually ride with or observe their sibling. These strollers are equipped to accommodate infant car seats if necessary and are suitable for children aged 3-5 years apart. You should also consider the type of seat material, according to Billingsley. Certain fabrics are more breathable than others, and are easier to clean. You should also think about how easy it will be to fold your stroller to store it or for transportation to and from your vehicle. “Nothing is more frustrating than buying your dream stroller, but then realizing it's too heavy for you to lift or too big for your trunk,” she says. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option that has multiple configurations take a look at this award-winning stroller from Summer Infant. It features two toddler seats and the bassinet. It can be expanded to a triple stroller by adding a seat or riding board. The seats recline and come with control mechanisms for the calf bar that allow them to adjust independently, which is perfect for those times when one child needs to sleep while the other wants look around. It's also compact when folded and fits easily in the majority of trunks. Age ranges Sit-and-stand strollers are the best option for families with children who are close in age. They provide comfort and ease of use. They have an area in front that seats an infant or toddler and a bench, platform or another surface in the rear that allows older children to stand up or hop on/off. These strollers are great for toddlers and older children, but not for babies or children who do have the coordination and balance to stand up on their own. A narrow tandem stroller allows you to keep both children within sight at once, and can fit through tight spaces like aisles in the grocery store or for family photos in parks. These strollers are typically smaller than double strollers that are side-by-side and are able to move more easily, but they won't accommodate carseats for infants and generally don't offer the same amount of storage under the carriage. If you plan on using a double stroller over many years or even a decade, it's worth investing in one that will grow along with your children. Double strollers are more expensive than single ones, but if they're chosen correctly, you can save money over the long haul. Our test participants put each of these strollers through a series of maneuverability tests as well as off-road adventures and found them easy to maneuver over different terrains. If you intend to use it in cities or areas where the traffic and sidewalks can be bumpy, you may need something that is more durable and robust that can withstand rough treatment. Many double strollers are designed to last a long time, but you may find that the seats get more worn than you expected or your children outgrow it before it's ready to retire. If you're on a tight budget, consider getting one that's been evaluated for at least four years and is designed to last as long as you can. Simple to Use If you're planning to purchase a double stroller, you need to ensure that it is easy to use for both children. This means comfortable harnesses for children who sit, and easy-to-grasp handles for toddlers who stand. The stroller can also be easily rolled and moved over obstacles and tight spaces. In fact the top strollers in our Lab tests—such as the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie and Thule Urban Glide 2 Double among the easiest to push. A double stroller should be able to fold and store. The best models use a one- or two-step procedure, and are small enough to fit into the majority of trunks. It's a plus when you can add a second seat or a ride-along stroller. Some can even hold infant car seats, so you don't have to wake up your baby to put them into their stroller once they're ready to go home. In addition, a good double stroller must be durable so that it can be used on different types of terrain. For instance, some strollers can be converted into an jogging stroller that has a front wheel that is specially designed, and some are able to be used as an umbrella stroller. Some come with cargo baskets that can be affixed to the back of the stroller to carry groceries or shopping bags. Another factor to consider is whether you'd like either a side-byside stroller or a tandem. double stroller for twins -by-side strollers are generally wider than tandem models, and aren't easy to maneuver through tight spaces such as doorways and crowded grocery store aisles. They are convenient because they allow each child to enjoy the same view. They are also easier to navigate during bad weather as they offer more protection from the elements. Many parents opt to purchase an adaptable stroller that can be used by a newborn, and then transformed into double strollers when their children reach an older age. But after talking to parents we've learned it's best to buy what you need now instead of trying to anticipate what your family might need in the future. Storage If you're considering a double stroller, you may be interested in the size and quantity of storage space. A lot of models have large accessible baskets that can accommodate a lot of cargo. They often also have several cup holders for parents as well as seats that can be reversible to provide the best legroom available for children. Some of these features can make the price more expensive therefore, make sure to read reviews and descriptions carefully. The majority of double strollers can be classified as tandem or side by side designs. Tandem strollers include two seats in one frame and are best suited to older babies who can sit unassisted. They also typically have a much larger storage basket than side-byside models, however some are awkward or difficult to push when the front seat is fully reclined. The side-byside stroller features two separate seats that are set side-by-side. They're usually best suited to infants or toddlers who aren't yet comfortable with sitting on their own. They also have the added benefit of being generally easier to maneuver and pushing than tandem strollers. They are more expensive and come with smaller baskets. There are also double strollers that are designed specifically for jogging or biking. They're generally more expensive than all-terrain strollers, and have fixed front wheels which limit their flexibility. These strollers are only worth considering if you intend to use them for these activities. If you're looking for twins or an infant and a toddler, or a child who's not yet ready to ride on their own, there's an ideal double stroller for you. Our top picks are simple to maneuver, adaptable and stable, as well as seating that grows with your child's. So whether you're in search of a tandem stroller or one that can accommodate your infant car seat, look through our top picks to find the ideal double stroller for your family.