Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two children who are similar in age A double stroller can be a great investment. These compact tandem buggies or versatile side-by-side buggies let you keep both children within sight while navigating the grocery aisle or in parks, or whatever else life throws at you.
Comfort
Comfort is a major factor to take into consideration when buying a double-stroller. This can include both the seating arrangement and the overall dimensions 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 should also think about the options for recline of the seat as well as the age ranges of their children to ensure that it's the perfect fit."
A well-constructed double stroller will be sturdy enough to traverse various surfaces with ease, 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 of different age groups, and features that provide comfort, such as a peek-aboo windows and adjustable canopy options which protect children from the sun or rain.
Seating options are crucial for many families that will use a double stroller from birth to childhood. Billingsley says there are two major 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 model due to its sleek design and versatility. Others like a wagon style double stroller to maximize space for groceries or bulky items.
In-line models tend to have this type of discrepancy. Some products may offer different recline options, with one seat being nearly flat, and the other one remaining fairly upright. Billingsley recommends selecting a product with both a near flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children lie down comfortably.
She also suggests parents look for strollers with storage compartments so that they can easily access 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 attached to the handlebars. This can help keep essentials close at hand.
Some of the best-rated double strollers can be extended giving parents the ability to modify the layout depending on the needs of their family. For instance the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used with just a single seat from birth and later converted to a tandem (with a second seat and bassinet) as the child gets older.
Safety
Double strollers need to be able to carry the weight of two passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers must be easy to maneuver and push, especially when on rough terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars and adjustable heights which make it easier for parents to maintain a good posture when pushing them. Another nice feature is a non-rethread seat belt harness, which makes it easier to adjust the belts on the seat. Also, a strong brake system and wheels that can glide over any surface are essential safety features.
Some parents choose 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 is allowed to sit where however it's not foolproof. If the seats are placed at different heights, one child could be in a position to punch or kick the other during walks.
A tandem stroller is a excellent option for parents with twins or siblings who are close in age. It lets them see both children at once. However, they can be larger than other double strollers, so they may not fit through all interior doorways. Think about a stroller that is single-to-double that can be transformed from a single stroller to double in various ways. The most popular models are the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you are looking for a tandem or side-by-side stroller, make sure that the product has been JPMA certified to meet stringent safety standards. Pay attention to the maximum weight limit for each seat. Overstepping these limits can cause frame fatigue and other issues.
While it's easy to concentrate on the additional bells and whistles of a new stroller, it's important to be aware that a stroller essentially a baby carrier that is transported for long durations of time. It must be comfortable for both the passengers as well as easy to clean and maintain, and ideally it should have an intuitive, familiar design 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 to Use
A double stroller should be easily maneuverable on a variety of terrains for families that are always on the move. Features like adjustable canopies, peek-aboo windows and dependable brake systems are crucial to ensure the safety of your children but there are other factors that contribute to stroller ease of use. For example the stroller must be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your car, yet provide ample storage space for your groceries and other items. It is also essential to include thoughtful features, like the cup holder for one parent or consoles for parents, as well as a snack tray. These can help make traveling with two children much easier.
In our tests we rated each stroller based on how it performed on a variety terrains and how easily it maneuvered in tight spaces. twin buggy from birth looked at how easy it was to fold the stroller and then unfold it as well as if a particular feature made a difference to the overall performance. A stroller without rethread straps is easy to adjust the seat belts. This can be a huge selling point for parents on the go, as it saves time and reduces the need to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby V2 Double scored well in this test because it came with a variety of seating configurations, and additional accessories that accommodated expanding families. The wagon-style double stroller can be expanded to provide an additional seat as well as a bassinet, or a toddler riding board that is perfect for active families planning long, tiring days with multiple kids of various ages. It is able to glide effortlessly over pavements, cobblestones, and ball fields. It can fold flat to fit in a trunk or closet. Our test subject Kerry appreciated the straightforward and easy-to-use nature of the stroller's design. The sleek packaging, clearly marked sections and user guide made it easy to put together this stroller.
Stores
A double stroller is able to hold twice as much stuff as a single stroller, therefore, you should look for 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, in addition to parents' belongings such as phones, wallets keys and wallets. Look for baskets that fit under the seat and other pockets, and consider a stroller with an expanding cargo area that can carry heavy items such as diaper bags and lunch bags.
A quality double stroller will be able to adapt to the needs of your family. Billingsley says that some models come with the option of a bassinet attachment that can accommodate newborns. Other models come with child seats that can expand with the child until they are old enough to ride on the back. Some double strollers include a rider board to let older siblings be part of the fun.
There are many double strollers on the market. You can pick from high-performance models that are great for rough terrain, to 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 gain an idea of what to expect from the double stroller you select.
Double strollers are available in three 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 age. Tandem double strollers, on other hand, have two seats set next to each other and facing in opposite directions--a great option for children who are the same age or for siblings who like to interact with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through tight spaces, and are less likely to fit through doors than their side-by-side counterparts.
Take a look at this top choice by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon style double stroller. This affordable model was highly praised by our testers for its various seating configurations. It can be used with two infant car seats or one child 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 stop running flat. When it's time to fold, this model needs just a couple of tugs on straps on each seat (under the seat where kids sit) to fold it in half.