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Converting a single stroller into a double
Is baby number two on his or her way? Then you may immediately start thinking about how you are going to move around with two little ones in tow. Having a means of transporting your kids around is a must. There are different ways to do this and using a double stroller is often the easiest option. When you factor in the expense of some double strollers, the remaining options can be limiting to many families.
Anyways, there is no need to worry about it. That’s because there are a few great alternatives to a double stroller that will allow your toddler to easily switch between riding and walking, while at the same time saving you space and money.
Did you know that there is also a range of single pushchairs which can be converted to a double at a later date? Single to double pushchairs are a great choice for parents expecting a brother or sister for their older baby or toddler. In this article, we will provide some of the ways you can convert your single stroller into a double stroller. You can even convert your double stroller into a triple baby stroller. Here’s how:
Using Stroller boards to convert a single stroller into a double
Stroller boards are stroller accessories that can be attached to the rear of the stroller allowing another child (the elder one) to stand. It’s always very easy to attach, and the universal ones work with most strollers. Stroller boards (also known as Stroller platforms or buggy boards) allow your kid to hop onto the stroller while you push your baby in their pushchair. They also come in handy when shopping, you can keep the shopping basket on it if it’s not occupied by your child. You can carry packs of water on it or your shopping basket on it.
With two kids, life will become much easier to get around with this stroller platform attached.
There are two types of this Stroller Platform:
- Universal Stroller Platforms that come with special adapters that allow the platform to be attached to most strollers. These can be used with many different pushchairs, travel systems, and prams.
- Stroller-specific platform that can only be attached to certain makes and models.
Converting a single stroller into a double with Stroller Connectors
Another option is to buy stroller connectors. However, you will also need one more stroller- maybe you have found it cheap somewhere, or hopefully someone has gifted you. Once you have two strollers, you can connect them together using stroller connectors. These small parts help you connect the two strollers together. When you’re with another adult, you can split the two strollers and go separate ways (if you wish).
All you have to do is just remove these connectors and split the two strollers. Then each adult can then push one stroller. Of course, you can always reconnect the two strollers later using these connectors. It saves cost as you really don’t have to buy a double stroller when you can just manage with a connector.
A Stroller Connector is a cheap way to make a twin stroller
Stroller connectors also known as a stroller link, allow you to easily connect two ordinary umbrella strollers. This way you will make it into one double twin stroller. You can do it for a fraction of the cost of an official double stroller. You don’t need any special tool to attach this; these connectors adjust so that they can fit strollers with different sized tubes. The biggest advantage is that you can push both the twins around, all by yourself! Also, we must note that it’s very easy to attach these connectors (they have to be attached at multiple points).
They are not difficult to use. Usually, stroller connectors come with three separate latches. These latches have to be connected to the tube near the handle, to the one near the back wheel, and near the front wheel. This way you ensure the two strollers firmly stay together, and are not very difficult to maneuver, especially while turning.
Things to remember
This is a great and inexpensive alternative to buying a double stroller, but here are a couple of things to keep in mind. There can be issues around handling the strollers though. The more common ones are as follows:
- It can make the strollers wider.
- It can be a nightmare in case you decide to take it to very crowded places.
- It can be a little more challenging and require more effort to maneuver around certain corners.
However, for the price you pay, these are minor inconveniences.
Jump seats
A Jump Seat for a stroller is a small seat (a second one) that attaches to the stroller in order to accommodate a smaller child. Depending on the model, the jump seat could be in the front, in the rear, or even on the side. This is an easy way for you to convert a single stroller into a double one. You don’t need to buy a double stroller if you’re able to buy the right clip-on seat.
Anyways, it is worth noting that there’s one challenge of a jump seat. It may obstruct the view of the other child. This depends on where it is placed. With the jump seat attached, the baby in the rear seat doesn’t get a great view of the front, but s/he has the option of looking sideways though.
What’s more, did you know that some parents buy a jump seat to get more storage space? This happens when they assume their current stroller has limited storage space. You can put the baby in the jump seat and use the seat behind as storage space for baby essentials.
Clip-on Side Seats
Some parents feel that the best option would be to have something that would attach to the side of the stroller. This way both of the kids will have the front size view. This design may work for infants. We must note that we are not sure if that would be suitable to accommodate a toddler as it would make it unstable.
What’s more, having it on the side will make it wider and difficult to maneuver. It is also more difficult to take it through narrow passages. However, this product can be easily attached to the side, and also can be removed conveniently. Clip-on Side Seats can be attached to pretty much any stroller. They allow you to keep your original stroller for your newborn and have a child seat attached for your toddler. So, you have this option too, and it’s cheaper than buying a double stroller.
Why would anybody want to convert a single stroller into a double?
There are several reasons for that. The most important reason is that certain things are not planned. When parents have one kid, they’re not sure whether they will opt for another one. Therefore they buy a single stroller and 2-3 years down the line they have another child. Now they have this need of transporting two kids. Expenses also shoot up, and then most parents don’t just rush to buy the most expensive double stroller available on the market. Usually, they look for ways to reuse things they already have.
Another option is to purchase a convertible stroller
When parents shop for their first stroller, they’re naturally thinking about their first baby. But then, in seemingly no time, Baby number 2 is on the way, while Baby number 1 still needs the stroller, too.
The solution? Purchasing a convertible stroller which can be both single and double. It allows you to attach a second stroller seat, infant car seat, or, in some cases, a bassinet in order to transform a single stroller into a ride for two. This way, when your older child insists s/he’s too grown-up for a stroller, you will be able to detach the second seat and convert it to a single stroller. If it turns out that s/he’s not quite grown-up enough for long walks, after all, you can add a glider board so she can ride along.
Convertible strollers are a good idea because most of them offer multiple seat configurations so that your kids can face you, face the world or face each other. This is very important as it helps you attempt to keep two kids happy at the same time. However, given their size and complexity, convertible strollers can be both heavy and expensive. Keep in mind that it endures for years as your family expands. That’s why a high-quality convertible stroller can be a wise investment for new parents.
Here are the main things you need to consider:
shopping for your first stroller?
- How soon would you plan to have a second child? Remember, if it is more than a 3 year age gap, then you are not likely to use a double stroller much. Consider a single stroller instead. You can then purchase a toddler board when your second child comes along.
- Are you planning to have a second child less than 3 years after your first child? Then a convertible double stroller would be a good choice. It is very important to make sure you choose a pram that you are happy with within the single-mode. Otherwise, you may regret purchasing a double stroller just for the sake of future-proofing.
- Are you expecting a child that is not your first, and the older sibling is less than 3 years old? In this case, a convertible double stroller is likely to be a good idea for the reasons stated above. You are going to use it as a double stroller. When the older sibling grows up you can then convert it to a single one. Therefore, when you buy your convertible double stroller, make sure you consider the second seat and bassinet/carrycot.
- When considering a second seat or bassinet/carrycot, it is also important to consider the use of a capsule. As far as we know, many convertible double strollers are compatible with car capsules. Let’s consider the scenario of an older sibling who is around the age of 3, and a newborn baby. Instead of buying a second seat or bassinet/carrycot, you could utilize a car capsule. This way, the older sibling sits in the seat, and the newborn lies in the capsule. When the newborn outgrows the capsule (at around 6 months), the older sibling may be ready to use a toddler board. Then the stroller could be converted to single mode. This would save you from purchasing a second seat or bassinet/carrycot.
To Conclude
We have discussed several ways to convert a single stroller into a double one. These are the most common options you have. Each of them has its pros and cons. Do all the methods mentioned above sound too complicated or technical? Were you planning to buy stroller accessories to help convert your single stroller to a double one, but after reading this, you are confused as to what you should buy?
Well, in that case just go ahead with the double stroller that you were planning to buy. We know most parents would love to retain their original stroller, as it provides comfort to them (they are used to using it) and their toddler. But adding another part/attachment also has its challenges, even though it turns out to be cheaper.
HOP is our tandem umbrella stroller that really packs a punch, giving your youngest the comfortable and safe accommodations that they’d have had if they were in a single stroller while at the same time letting your older child ride comfortably when they’re too tired.
HOP will help parents to make exercise, errands, and daily life easier. Weighing in at only 21.5 lbs. it is lightweight, narrow, and easily collapsible for parents on the go. Suitable for both twins and siblings that are close in age the small footprint and compact design make this the easiest way to get two children around period.
So if you have been blessed with twins or have 2 children who are close in age, Hop stroller can help you cope with both your kids simultaneously.
“Jump” is the perfect option for families on the go! A rear platform seat allows a child 2.5+ years to easily “jump” on and off. The comfy front seat is suitable from 3+ months or birth with a compatible infant car seat. These features make Jump your go-to stroller for siblings close in age too.
It has a lightweight aluminum frame, a compact umbrella fold, and a removable canopy. This stroller also includes a removable cup holder. And for the baby, it brings comfort and security. If you as a parent are looking for a stroller that provides comfort and coziness for both parties (parents + kids), “Jump” would be the best choice as it is ergonomic, with an adjustable seat and even a canopy to make your baby feel protected from the elements.
