Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is a good investment for families with two children of similar age. These narrow tandem strollers or versatile side-by-side buggies help you keep an eye on both children at the same time braving the grocery aisle as well as the parks and other obstacles life throws at you.
Comfort
When shopping for a double stroller, comfort is a major factor to consider. This can include both the seating arrangement and the overall dimensions of the stroller which affects the accessibility and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, suggests parents be aware of 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's a perfect fit."
A good double stroller will be durable enough to travel on various surfaces with ease, from urban sidewalks to parks trails and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should come with a variety of seating options for children of different ages, as well as comfort features such as a peek-a-boo windows and adjustable canopy options that protect children from the sun or rain.
Seating options are crucial for many families who use a double stroller from birth to childhood. "There are two main categories - in-line with one seat behind the other, and side-byside with seats adjacent to each other," Billingsley explains. Some parents prefer the inline option due to its sleek style and flexibility. Others like a wagon style double stroller to maximize space for groceries or bulky items.
Although some models may have different recline options - with one seat nearly flat while the other is upright, this type of distinction is more common in in-line models. Billingsley suggests selecting a model with a near-flat recline and leg rest adjustment for both seats. This will ensure that both children lie down comfortably.
She also suggests parents search for strollers with storage compartments so that they can easily access their snacks, personal items and toys moving about. She adds that it's also useful to find a stroller with an organizer or parent console bag that is attached to the handlebars. This can help keep essentials within reach.
A few of the most highly-rated double strollers are expandable, allowing parents to customize the layout to meet the needs of their expanding family. The Mockingbird Expandable, for example, 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) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers have to be able to support the weight of two adults, as well as any additional cargo. Strollers should be easy to maneuver and push, particularly when on rough terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height to help parents maintain good posture when pushing them. A harness that does not need to be rethread that makes the adjustment of seat belts quicker and easier to do, is a nice feature to look for. Safety features include a robust brake system and wheels which can glide across any surface.
Some parents opt for the side-by-side design to allow both children to see each other when they go on family outings. This arrangement can help prevent sibling rivalries over who gets to sit where however it's not foolproof. If the seats are different heights, a child could kick or punch another while walking when the seats are on different levels.
A tandem-style stroller is excellent option for parents with twins or siblings who are similar in age. double buggy with car seat lets them observe both children at the same time. Double strollers can be more spacious, and may not fit through some interior doors. To maximize versatility, you should consider a single-to-double stroller that transitions from a single stroller to a tandem in various ways, like the renowned CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can accommodate a wide variety of configurations and let you click in infant car seats or cot attachments depending on your needs.
Whether you choose a side-by-side or tandem stroller, make sure the product is JPMA-certified to meet stringent safety standards. Also pay attention to the weight limits that apply to each seat, since over-weighting could lead to frame fatigue or other issues.
While it's easy to concentrate on all the extra bells and whistles on the latest stroller, it's important to keep in mind that a stroller is essentially a baby carrier that will be transported for long periods of time. It must be comfortable for both passengers and 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 maneuver it without having to think twice about how to move forward and turn left or right, or even apply the brakes.
Ease of Use
For families who are constantly on the move, a double stroller needs to be able to navigate different terrains. Features like adjustable canopy systems windows, peek-aboo windows, and reliable braking systems are critical to help ensure your children's safety, however, there are other elements that influence stroller comfort of use. A stroller must be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your vehicle yet have plenty of storage space for food or other things. Also important are thoughtful touches such as a cup holder for one parent as well as a console for parents and snacks for children--all things that make life with two kids much more manageable.
In our tests, we assessed each stroller on the basis of its performance on different surfaces and its ability to maneuver in tight spaces. We also looked at how simple it was to fold the stroller in half and then unfold it as well as if a particular feature enhanced the overall functionality. For instance, a stroller with a no-rethread harness makes adjusting the seat belts simple and easy. This can be a huge selling point for parents who are on the move since it reduces time and reduces the need to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby 2 Double scored well in this test because it had a wide variety of seating configurations, and other accessories that could accommodate growing families. The wagon-style double stroller expands to allow for two seats as well as a bassinet or a toddler riding board--perfect for families with active children who plan long, tiring days with multiple children of different age groups. It is able to glide effortlessly over cobblestones, pavements, and ballfields. It can be folded flat to store in a trunk or closet. Our test subject Kerry appreciated the straightforward, intuitive nature of this stroller's design. Its stylish packaging clear sections, well-labeled sections and an informative user guide made putting together this stroller an absolute breeze.
Storage
Double strollers can carry twice as much as one single stroller So, make sure to ensure you have plenty of storage space. It is ideal to have a stroller that can accommodate the necessities for both kids, including nappies, bottles, snacks and toys, along with parents' belongings such as phones, wallets keys, wallets and phones. Look for under-seat baskets as well as other pockets, and consider a stroller with an expanding cargo area that can hold heavy items such as diaper bags and lunch bags.
A good double stroller will be able to grow with your family. For instance certain models have a bassinet attachment that can be used for newborns, and others have 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 permit older siblings to join in the fun with riding boards.
There's a wide selection of double strollers available on the market, from sleek, high-performance models that can handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models that are more for everyday use. When you're shopping, read reviews from other users and the opinions of families like yours to get a better sense of what to expect with the double stroller you pick.
Double strollers are available in three designs: tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers offer the most versatility and are suitable for twins or children who are close to each other in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers, on contrary, have two seats that are placed next to each other and facing in opposite directions. This is a good option for kids of the same age or for siblings who like to interact with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and are less likely to fit through doorways than their side-byside counterparts.
If you're looking for a wagon-style double stroller check out this top pick from Safety 1st. The testers loved that this budget model offers multiple seating configurations and the option to connect two infant car seats or a single child in the convertible toddler seat. Our testers also loved the soft memory foam seats with a 50+ SPF canopy, and foam-filled tires that will never get flat. And when it's time for you to fold, this model requires just a couple of tugs on the straps of each seat (under the seats where kids are) to fold in half.