Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is a great investment when you have two kids with similar age. These compact tandem buggies or flexible side by side buggies allow you to keep both children in sight while navigating the grocery aisle and parks, as well as whatever else life throws at you.
Comfort
Comfort is a major factor to take into consideration when buying a double-stroller. This can include the seating arrangement as well as the overall size, which has an impact on ease of use and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child expert in child development from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, says parents should be aware of the stroller's weight and folded dimensions. "They should also consider the recline options for seats, as well as the age ranges of their children to ensure it is a perfect fit."
A good double stroller will be durable enough to travel on different surfaces smoothly--from suburban sidewalks to park trails, and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should also provide flexible seating arrangements for children of varying age groups and comfort features like windows that can be opened and closed to shield children from rain or sun.
For a majority of families, a double stroller will be used from birth until the teen years, so it's essential to consider the seating options. "There are two main categories - in-line with one seat behind the other, and side-by-side with seats adjacent to each other," Billingsley explains. Some parents prefer the in-line option due to its sleek design and flexibility. Others like the wagon style double stroller to maximize space for groceries or bulky items.
In-line models are more likely to have this kind of discordance. Some models might offer different recline options, with one seat being almost flat, while the other remaining relatively upright. Billingsley suggests choosing a model with both a near flat recline and leg rest adjustment for both seats. This will ensure that both children can lie down comfortably.
Finally, she advises choosing a stroller that includes storage compartments that allow parents to quickly access snacks, toys and personal items while out and about. She also suggests that it's useful to find a stroller with an organizer or parent console bag that can be attached to the handlebars. This will help keep things within reach.
A few of the most highly-rated double strollers can be expanded that allows parents to modify the set-up based on the needs of their expanding family. For instance, the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly rated double stroller that can be used with a single seat from birth, and then transformed into a tandem (with the addition of a second seat and bassinet) as the child gets older.
Safety
Double strollers need to be able to carry the weight of both the passengers as well as any additional cargo. Strollers must be simple to maneuver and push, especially when on rough terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to ensure that parents maintain a good posture when pushing them. A harness that does not need to be rethread, which makes adjusting seat belts quicker and easier, is another nice feature to look out for. Safety features include a durable brake system, as well as wheels that slide over any surface.
Some parents prefer an arrangement that is side by side to allow both children to be together during family outings. This arrangement can help prevent sibling fights over which child is allowed to sit where but it's not a guarantee. If the seats are different levels, a child might kick or punch another while walking in the event that the seats are at different levels.
If you have twins or siblings who are close in age, a tandem stroller can be beneficial in being able to view both kids at once. However, they can be more spacious than other double strollers, and they may not be able to pass through all doors in your home. You could consider a single-to-double stroller that can be converted from a single to a double in many ways. The most popular models are the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you are looking for a tandem or side-byside stroller, ensure that the product is JPMA certified to meet the strictest safety standards. Pay attention to the weight limit that applies to each seat. Overstepping these limits can cause frame fatigue and other issues.
It's easy to get caught in the jingles and whistles, however it's important to remember that strollers are basically baby carriers that will be used for a long period of durations. It should be comfortable for both the passengers, easy to clean and maintain, and in the ideal case, it should offer an intuitive, familiar design that the person pushing it is able to effortlessly move it around without having to think about how to move forward or turn left or right, or use the brakes.
Simple to Use
A double stroller must be easily maneuverable on different types of terrains for families constantly moving. Features like adjustable canopy, peek-aboo windows and reliable braking systems are crucial to ensure the safety of your children but there are other factors that contribute to stroller ease of use. A stroller must be compact enough to fit into the trunk of your vehicle yet have plenty of storage space for groceries or other items. It's also essential to add thoughtful touches, such as the cup holder for one parent as well as consoles for parents and an eating tray. These can make traveling with two children significantly easier.
During our testing We evaluated the strollers on how it did on a variety of terrains, and how easily it could maneuver in tight spaces. We also considered how easy it was to fold the stroller and then unfold it, and if a particular feature made a difference to the overall performance. A stroller that does not have rethread straps makes it simple to adjust the seat belts. This can be a huge benefit for parents who are on the move, as it saves time and reduces the need to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby 2 Double scored well in this metric as it came with a variety of seating configurations, and other accessories that could accommodate expanding families. The wagon-style double stroller expands to allow for an additional seat, a bassinet or even a toddler riding board that is perfect for active families planning long, tiring days with multiple children of different age groups. Pushchairs And Prams glides effortlessly over cobblestones, ball fields and pavements. It also can be folded flat for easy storage in a closet or trunk. Our test subject Kerry was impressed by the simple, intuitive nature of this stroller's design. The smart packaging clear sections, well-marked sections and user guide made it easy to put together this stroller.
Storage
A double stroller is able to hold twice as much as a single stroller therefore, you should look for plenty of storage space. You want a stroller with enough storage space to accommodate the essentials for both parents and children, such as bottles and snacks, toys, and diapers. Look for pockets and baskets under the seats. Also, consider a stroller with an expandable cargo area to accommodate bulky items like diaper bags and lunchbags.
A good double stroller must have the ability to adapt as your family expands. Billingsley says that some models come with the option of a bassinet attachment that can accommodate newborns. Some models have child seats that can be able to grow with your child until they are ready to ride on the back. Some double strollers allow older children to join in the fun by riding on the rider board.
There are a variety of double strollers on the market, ranging from sleek, high-performance options that can handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models that are more suitable for use in the everyday. When shopping, take a look at reviews and recommendations of families like yours to get a better idea of what to expect from the double stroller you choose.
Double strollers are available in three different designs including tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Billingsley says that side-by-side strollers are the most flexible and ideal for twins or children of similar ages. Tandem double strollers come with two seats arranged in tandem facing in opposite directions. This is a good option for children of the same age, or siblings who like to play with one another. Tandem strollers may be harder to maneuver through tight spaces, and are less likely to fit through doorways than their side-byside counterparts.
Check out this top selection by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon-style double stroller. This affordable model was praised by testers for its multiple seating configurations. It can be used with two car seats for infants, or one child in a convertible toddler seat. Our experts also praised the memory foam seats, canopy with 50+ SPF, and foam-filled wheels that never flatten. When it's time for folding, this model only requires a few tugs on the straps underneath each seat (under where kids sit) in order to fold.