Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is a good investment if you have two children of similar age. These narrow tandem buggies or flexible side by side buggies allow you to keep both children within sight while you shop, parks, and whatever else life throws at you.
Comfort
When you are looking for a double stroller, comfort is a major aspect to take into consideration. This can include both the seating arrangement as well as the overall dimensions of the stroller which impacts accessibility and storage. "Parents must determine what the stroller weighs and its dimensions when folded," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also look at the options for recline and seat age ranges to ensure a perfect fit for their family."
A well-constructed double stroller will be robust enough to navigate different surfaces smoothly--from parks trails to suburban sidewalks and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should also have flexible seating options for children of various age and comfort features like windows that peek out and adjustable canopy to keep kids shielded from rain or sun.
For a majority of families double strollers will be used from birth and into the teen years, so it's essential to consider the seating options. "There are two main categories: in-line with one seat in front of the other, and side by side with seats that are next to each other," Billingsley explains. Some parents prefer the inline option because of its sleek appearance and versatility. Others like a wagon style double stroller to maximize space for grocery or bulky items.
Although some models may have different recline options, with one seat nearly flat while the other remains relatively upright, this kind of difference is more common in models that are in-line. Billingsley recommends choosing a product that has an almost flat recline as well as leg rests that can be adjusted for both seats to ensure the children can both lie back comfortably.
Then, she suggests looking for strollers that have storage compartments that allow parents to access their snacks, toys and personal items while on the move. She also suggests that it's helpful to choose a stroller that includes a parent console or organizer bag that is attached to the handlebars. This can aid parents in keeping their essentials to hand.
Many of the top-rated double strollers can be extended to allow parents to modify the layout according to their family's requirements. For instance the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly rated double stroller that can be used with a single seat from birth and then converted to tandem (with a second seat and bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers should be able to carry the weight of two adults, as well as any additional cargo. Strollers need to be easy to maneuver and push, especially on rough terrain or in tight spaces. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to ensure that parents maintain a good posture while pushing them. A harness that is not 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 opt for an arrangement that allows both children to see one another during family outings. This arrangement can prevent sibling squabbles over who sits in which place however it's not foolproof. If the seats are set at different heights, one child may be capable of punching or kicking the other during a walk.
A tandem-style stroller is a ideal option for parents with twins or siblings who are close in age. It allows them to be able to see both children simultaneously. Double strollers are typically larger, and might not fit through certain doors inside. For maximum versatility, consider a single-to-double stroller that transitions from a single stroller to a tandem in various ways, such as the popular CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can be adapted to 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-style stroller, be sure the product is certified by JPMA to meet the strictest safety standards. Also pay attention to the maximum weight limits for each seat, as exceeding them can lead to frame fatigue or other issues.
It's easy to be swept in the jingles and whistles, but it's important to remember that strollers are in essence baby carriers that will be carried for long periods of time. It should be comfortable for both parents and children as well as easy to clean and maintain, and most importantly, it should offer an easy-to-use, familiar design so that the person pushing it is able to effortlessly maneuver it without having to think twice about how to move forward, turn left or right, or use the brakes.
User-Friendliness
A double stroller should be easy to maneuver on different terrains for families who are constantly on the move. Features like adjustable canopy windows, peek-aboo windows, and dependable braking systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children however, there are other elements that affect stroller ease of use. A stroller should be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your vehicle yet have plenty of storage space for groceries and other items. It's also essential to add thoughtful features, like the cup holder for one parent as well as consoles for parents and a snack tray. These are able to make traveling with two kids much easier.
During our testing, we evaluated each stroller based on its ability to perform on different terrains, as well as its ability to maneuver through tight spaces. We also examined how easy it was to fold and unfold, and whether or not a particular feature added to the overall functionality of the stroller. A stroller that does not have rethread straps makes it simple to adjust the seat belts. This can be a big benefit for parents who are always moving around, since it removes the need to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby V2 Double scored highly in this measure because it offered a wide range of seating options, as well as additional accessories that accommodated families that are growing. The wagon-style double stroller is able to provide a second seat as well as a bassinet, or a toddler riding board that is perfect for families with active children who plan long trips with multiple kids of varying age groups. It also glides smoothly across cobblestones, ball fields and pavements. It also it folds flat to make easy storage in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is easy and intuitive which was well-loved by our test participant Kerry. The clever packaging, clearly marked sections and user guide made it easy to assemble this stroller.
Stores
Double strollers can hold twice as much as one stroller so be sure to search for ample storage space. Ideally, you want a stroller that can accommodate the basic necessities for both kids: nappies bottles, snacks, and toys, as well as parents' belongings like phones, wallets keys, wallets and phones. Look for baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, consider a stroller with an expandable cargo area to accommodate bulky items such as diaper bags and lunchbags.
A quality double stroller should have the ability to adapt as your family grows. For instance certain models have an attachment for a bassinet that can be used for newborns, and others come with child seats that can expand with your kids until they're ready to ride on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers permit a rider's board to let older siblings take part in the fun.
There are many double strollers available. You can pick from models with high-performance features that are great for rough terrain, or affordable options that you can use on a daily basis. When you're shopping, read user reviews and recommendations from families like yours to get a better sense of what you can expect from the double stroller you pick.
Double strollers are available in three different styles: tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-by-side strollers are the most versatile and suitable for twins or children of similar ages. Tandem double strollers, on the other hand, have two seats that are arranged next to each other and facing in opposite directions. This is a ideal choice for children of the same age, or for siblings who enjoy interacting with each other. double pushchair may be harder to maneuver in 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 model is affordable and 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 chair. Our experts also appreciated the soft memory foam seats, 50+ SPF canopy and foam-filled tires that will never stop running flat. When it's time for folding, this model only requires just a few pulls on the straps beneath each seat (under where kids sit) in order to fold.