Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is a good investment if you have two children with similar ages. These narrow tandem buggies as well as versatile side by side buggies will keep both children in sight while navigating the grocery aisle, parks, and whatever else life throws at you.
Comfort
Comfort is an important factor to consider when shopping for a double-stroller. This includes the seating arrangement as well as the overall size, which can have an impact on the ease of use and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child expert in child development from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, suggests parents be aware of the stroller's weight and folded dimensions. "They should also take a look at the seat recline options and age ranges to ensure a good fit for their family."
A quality double stroller should be able to navigate a variety of surfaces with ease including suburban sidewalks, park paths, and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should also provide flexible seating options for children of various age groups and comfort features such as peek-a-boo windows and adjustable canopies to shield children from sun or rain.
The seating options are important to many families who will utilize a double stroller from birth to the age of. Billingsley states that there are two main categories of in-line seating, with one seat in-front of the other, and side-by-side seating with seats next to one another. Some parents prefer the in-line option due to its sleek style and its versatility. Others like a wagon-style double stroller to make the most space for bulky or grocery items.
Although some models may have different recline options, with one seat being almost flat, while the other one remains upright, this type of distinction is more prevalent in the in-line models. Billingsley suggests choosing a model with a near-flat recline and leg rest adjustment for both seats, so that each child can sleep comfortably.
Finally, she advises looking for a stroller that includes storage compartments that allow parents to easily access snacks, toys, and personal items while out and about. She also says that it is helpful to find a stroller that has a parent console, or organizer bag, that can be attached to the handlebars. This can aid parents in keeping their essentials to hand.
A few of the most highly-rated double strollers are expandable that allows parents to modify the configuration 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 just one seat, and later converted into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) when the child is older.
Safety
Double strollers must be able to handle the weight of two passengers--plus any additional cargo. Strollers must also be easy to move and push, particularly in tight spots and on difficult terrain. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height to ensure that parents maintain a good form while pushing them. Another great feature is a no-rethread seat belt harness that allows for a more comfortable adjustment of the belts for your child. Also, strollers double strollers and wheels that glide across any surface are important safety features.
strollers double strollers opt for a side-by-side design that allows both children to be able to see one another during family outings. This arrangement can stop sibling fights over which child is allowed to sit in which spot but it's not a guarantee. If the seats are placed at different heights, one child could be in a position to punch or kick the other during a walk.
For parents with twins or siblings who are close in age, a tandem stroller can be beneficial in being able to see both children at the same time. Double strollers are typically larger, and might not fit through some doors inside. You could consider a single-to-double stroller that can be converted from a single to a double in a variety ways. The most popular models are the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you are looking for a tandem or side-byside stroller, be sure the product has been JPMA certified to meet the strictest safety standards. Also pay attention to the weight limits that apply to each seat, since exceeding them could result in frame fatigue or other issues.
While it's easy to focus on the many bells and whistles on the latest stroller, it's crucial to remember that a stroller is an infant carrier that will be carried around for long durations of time. It should be comfortable for both parents and children, easy to clean and maintain, and most importantly, it should offer 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.
Easy of Use
For families who are constantly on the move, a double stroller should be able to navigate a variety of terrains. Features like adjustable canopy with windows that peek out 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 must be compact enough to fit into the trunk of your vehicle, but still have plenty of storage space for groceries or other items. Additionally, you should consider thoughtful features like a one-parent cup holder as well as a console for parents and a snack tray for kids--all things that can make life on the go with two kids much more manageable.
During our testing, we evaluated each stroller according to its performance on different terrains and its ability to maneuver through tight spaces. We also examined how simple it was to fold and unfold, and whether or not a particular feature improved the overall functionality of the stroller. For instance a stroller that has no-rethread harnesses makes adjusting the seat belts quick and simple. This can be a major benefit for parents on the go, as it saves time and eliminates the need to re-thread the harness.
The UPPAbaby 2 Double was a top performer in this test because it offered a wide range of seating configurations, and additional accessories to accommodate growing families. The wagon-style double stroller expands to allow for a second seat as well as a bassinet or a toddler-friendly riding board, which is ideal for families with active children who plan long trips with multiple children of different age. It glides easily over pavements, cobblestones, and ballfields. It can be folded flat to store in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is simple and easy to use which was well-loved by our tester Kerry. Its smart packaging with clearly labeled sections as well as a an informative user guide made assembling this stroller an absolute breeze.
Stores
A double stroller has the potential to hold twice as much stuff as a single stroller, therefore, you should look for plenty of storage space. Ideally, you'll want a stroller that is able to hold the essentials for both kids--nappies bottles, snacks, and toys, in addition to parents' items such as wallets, phones, and keys. Look for under-seat baskets and other pockets, and think about a stroller that has an expandable cargo area that can hold bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags.
A good double stroller should be able to change as your family grows. For instance certain models have a bassinet attachment that can be used for newborns, and others come with child seats that can grow with your children until they're able to switch to riding on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers even allow for a rider board that allows older children to take part in the fun.
There are many double strollers available. You can pick from models with high-performance features which are suitable for rough terrain, as well as more budget-friendly options that you can use on a daily basis. As you shop, read user reviews and recommendations from families like yours to get a better sense of what you can expect from the double stroller you select.
Double strollers are available in three models: tandem, side by side and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers provide the most versatility and are suitable for twins or children who are close to their age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers feature two seats that are set in a tandem arrangement, facing opposite directions. This is a great option for children who are similar age, or siblings who like to play with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces and are less likely to pass through doors than their side-by-side counterparts.
Check out this top pick by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon style double stroller. Testers loved how this affordable model offers multiple seating configurations, including the ability to click in two infant car seats or a single child riding in the convertible toddler seat. Our reviewers also praised the comfortable memory foam seats, 50+ SPF canopy and foam-filled tires that will never stop running flat. And when it's time for you to fold, this model requires just a couple of tugs on the straps on each seat (under the seats where kids are) to fold it in half.