By Allison Chambers
Tandem strollers can be just the thing for twins, of course, but you may want to consider a tandem stroller if you regularly provide childcare for another baby, or if you have a toddler and an infant in the family. Tandem strollers can allow you to keep your children safe and maintain a hold on your sanity in public places, as well as provide comfort for your children.
When considering any stroller, weight and durability are important considerations. But when considering a tandem stroller, these considerations become even more important. Twice the number of children puts twice the wear and twice the weight in the stroller as you negotiate around the zoo, park, mall, parade – wherever you family journeys take you – and you'll want a stroller that keeps up with the crowd.
Some general features you'll want to consider when you're looking for a tandem stroller include the type of frame. Steel or aluminum frames are preferable to plastic, especially on a dual stroller, since they do take twice the abuse.
Find a tandem stroller with a wide wheelbase for stability, good suspension, and padded seats with strong back support. The seats should be low into the stroller with good side and rear protection for safety.
Looking for individual recline on tandem stroller seats is a particular benefit, and at least three positions per seat is ideal. Additionally, at least one of the seats should have a full recline position for an infant. If you have twins, you'll want a dual stroller that has two seats with full recline.
Individual, adjustable canopies, adjustable footrests, roomy storage pockets, parent and child trays, easy folding, adjustable height handle, hard nylon wheels, easily accessed storage baskets, and five-point seatbelts are all features that add to the value of a tandem stroller.
Your next consideration is the style of tandem stroller you'll purchase. There are three standard types of tandem stroller: the front and back or facing models, the side-by-side models, and the sit and stand stroller. Each has advantages and disadvantages, depending on the ages of your children and your family's needs.
The front and back "stadium seating" style of tandem stroller can be perfect for children of approximately the same age, such as twins. Many of these strollers can accommodate two detachable car seats for infants, and then grow with the children. There are usually trays and holders for parental items such as keys and cell phone, or a water bottle for the kids as they get older. Some of these styles have the seats facing one another instead of front to back. For some children, this works well, for others, it is a parental nightmare. It's good to know your children before you make a purchase.
The side-by-side strollers eliminate the arguments about who goes in front and who is in back. There are some very comfortable side-by-side, tandem strollers with excellent wheels and handlebars. However, they do tend to be so much wider than the standard stroller that they can cause difficulties in maneuvering.
Finally, the sit and stand stroller is often a great choice for families with toddlers. As you determine if this is the style of tandem stroller that you want, reflect on the personality of your toddler. If a little freedom for your child means a lot of running for you, you may want to try a different style of tandem stroller.
Allison Chambers is an active community member that has been providing shopping advice to friends and family for many years. Allison continues to offer premiere shopping guidance for products such as the Eddie Bauer Tandem Stroller and many other quality double strollers for your child’s best comfort and safety.
Source:www.isnare.com |
