Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two kids that are in the same age group, a double stroller can be a valuable investment. These narrow tandem strollers or flexible side-by-side buggies let you keep an eye on both children at the same time while navigating the aisles of the supermarket or the parks, and whatever else life throws your way.
Comfort
Comfort is a major factor to take into consideration when buying a double-stroller. This could include both seating arrangement and the overall size of the stroller, which affects the ease of use and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, says parents should check the stroller's weight and folded dimensions. "They must also take into consideration the seat recline options and the ages of their children to ensure it is a perfect fit."
A good double stroller will be sturdy enough to traverse all surfaces without difficulty, from parks trails to suburban sidewalks and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should offer a range of seating options for children at different ages, as well as comfort features such as a peek-a-boo window and adjustable canopy that shield kids from the sun or rain.
The seating options are important to many families that will use a double stroller from the time of birth until the age of. Billingsley explains that there are two primary categories of in-line seating which has one seat in front of the other and side-byside with seats adjacent to each other. Some parents prefer the in-line option due to its sleek style and its versatility. Others like a wagon style double stroller for maximum space for bulky or grocery items.
In-line models are more likely to have this type of discrepancy. Certain models may provide different recline options, with one seat being almost flat and the other remaining relatively upright. Billingsley suggests selecting a model that has a nearly flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children can lie down comfortably.
She also suggests parents search for strollers with storage compartments so that they can quickly access personal items, snacks, and toys while in motion. She also says that it is beneficial to choose a stroller that includes a parent console or organizer bag, that can be attached to the handlebars. This will aid parents in keeping their essentials in their reach.
Some of the best-rated double strollers can be extended giving parents the ability to customize the setup based on their family's needs. The Mockingbird Expandable, for example is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used from birth using a single seat, and then converted into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) when the child is older.
Safety
Double strollers need to be able to carry the weight of both the passengers as well as any additional cargo. Strollers should also be easy to push and maneuver, especially in tight spaces and over challenging terrain. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights which make it easier for parents to maintain their form when pushing them. Another feature that is great is a no-rethread belt harness that makes it easier to adjust the seat belts. Safety features include a durable brake system and wheels which can glide across any surface.
Some parents opt for a side by side design to allow both children to meet up when they go on family outings. This arrangement can prevent siblings arguing over who gets to sit in which spot, but it isn't foolproof. If double tandem pushchair are located at different levels, a child might punch or kick another during a walk in the event that the seats are at different levels.
If you have twins or siblings of similar age, a tandem stroller offers the benefit of being able to see both children at the same time. Double strollers are typically larger, and might not be able to fit through some doors inside. Think about a stroller that is single-to-double that can be transformed from a single to double in various ways. The most popular models are the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you opt for a side-byside or tandem-style stroller, be sure the product is certified by JPMA to meet stringent safety standards. Be sure to check the weight limits that apply to each seat, since exceeding them could result in frame fatigue or other issues.
It's easy to be swept in the jingles and whistles, however it's important to remember that strollers are essentially baby carriers that will be carried for long periods of times. It must be comfortable for both the passengers, easy to clean and maintain, and in the ideal case, it should offer an intuitive, familiar design so 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 apply the brakes.
Ease of Use
For families on the go, a double stroller should be able to navigate various terrains. Features like adjustable canopy systems, peek-aboo windows and dependable braking systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children but there are other factors that affect stroller ease of use. For example the stroller should be small enough to fit into the trunk of your car while still offering ample storage space for groceries and other belongings. Also important are thoughtful touches such as a cup holder for one parent, parent consoles and an eating tray for children -- all things that make life with two children significantly more manageable.
In our tests We evaluated the strollers on how it performed on a variety of terrains and how easily it maneuvered in tight spaces. We also considered how easy it was to fold the stroller in half and then unfold it, and if a particular feature enhanced the overall functionality. For instance a stroller that has a no-rethread harness makes adjusting the seat belts simple and easy. This is a huge attraction for parents who are constantly moving around, since it removes the requirement to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored highly in this metric, as it offers a wide range of seating configurations and additional accessories to accommodate families that are growing. The wagon-style double-stroller expands so that it can accommodate an additional seat, a bassinet or even a toddler's riding board. This is perfect for families that plan to spend long hours traveling with several children of various ages. It also glides smoothly over cobblestones, balls and pavements. It folds flat for easy storage in a trunk or closet. Our test subject Kerry appreciated the straightforward and easy-to-use nature of the stroller's design. The smart packaging clear sections, well-marked sections and the user's guide made it simple to assemble this stroller.
Stores
Double strollers can hold twice more than one stroller so be sure to ensure you have plenty of storage space. You'll want a stroller that has enough storage space to store the essentials of both children and parents, such as bottles, toys, snacks, and diapers. Find baskets under the seat and other pockets, and think about a stroller with an expanding cargo area that can carry heavy items such as diaper bags and lunch bags.
A good double stroller will be able to expand with your family. For example, some models include a bassinet attachment that can be used for newborns, and others come with child seats that can expand with your children until they're ready to ride on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers include a rider board to allow older siblings to take part in the fun.
There's a wide selection of double strollers available on the market, from sleek, high-performance options that are able to handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models that are more suited for daily use. While shopping, you can read reviews and suggestions from families similar to yours to get a better idea of what to expect from the double stroller that you pick.
Double strollers are available in three different models: tandem, side by side and wagon style. Billingsley states that side-byside strollers are the most flexible and ideal for twins or children of similar ages. Tandem double strollers, on the other hand, have two seats that are arranged adjacent to one another and facing opposite directions. It's a great option for children of the same age or for siblings who like to interact with one another. Tandem strollers may be harder to maneuver in tight spaces, and are less likely to pass through doors than their side-by-side counterparts.
If you're looking for a wagon-style double stroller take a look at this top choice from Safety 1st. Our testers were impressed by the fact that this low-cost model offers multiple seating configurations as well as the ability to connect two infant car seats or a single child riding in a convertible toddler seat. Our reviewers also praised the comfortable memory foam seats and the 50+ SPF canopy, and foam-filled tires that never go flat. When it's time to fold, this model needs only a couple of pulls on the straps on each seat (under the seats where kids are) to fold it in half.