Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is a great investment if you have two children of similar ages. These compact tandem strollers or versatile side-by-side buggies help you keep your eyes on both kids at the same time taking on the grocery store as well as the parks and other obstacles life throws your way.
Comfort
Comfort is a major factor to consider when shopping for a double-stroller. This could include the seating arrangement and overall size, which will have an impact on ease of use and storage. "Parents should check how much the stroller weighs and its folded dimensions," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They must also take into consideration the recline options for seats as well as the age ranges of their children to ensure that it is a perfect fit."
A well-constructed 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 have a variety of seating options for children of different stages of development, as well as comfort features such as a peek-a-boo window and adjustable canopy which protect children from rain or sun.
For a lot of families, a double stroller is likely to be used from birth and into the teen years, so it's essential to think about the seating options. Billingsley explains that there are two primary categories that are in-line, with one seat in-front of the other, and side-by-side with seats adjacent to one another. Some parents prefer the inline option due to its sleek design and versatility. Others prefer the wagon style double stroller to make the most space for groceries or bulky items.
While some products may have different recline options - with one seat being almost flat, while the other is upright, this type of distinction is more common in the in-line models. Billingsley suggests choosing a model that has a nearly flat recline and leg rest adjustment for both seats, so that each child can sleep comfortably.
Finally, she advises choosing strollers that have storage compartments that will allow parents to quickly access snacks, toys and other personal items while on the move. She also says that it is beneficial to find a stroller which has a parent console, or organizer bag attached on the handlebars. This will help parents keep essentials close to hand.
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. 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 tandem (with the addition of a second seat and bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers must be able to support the weight of two people, plus any additional cargo. Strollers should also be easy to push and maneuver, especially in tight areas and on difficult terrain. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to ensure that parents maintain a good form while pushing them. double travel buggy that does not need to be rethread which makes the adjustment of seat belts quicker and easier to do, is a nice feature to look out for. Finally, a sturdy brake system and wheels that can glide over any surface are essential safety features.
Some parents prefer a side by side design to allow both children to meet up during family outings. This arrangement can help prevent siblings arguing over who gets to sit in which seat however, it's not 100% secure. If the seats are positioned at different heights, one child may be able to kick or punch the other during a walk.
A tandem-style stroller is ideal option for parents with twins or siblings that are similar in age. It lets them see both children at once. However, they are 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 double in various ways. The most popular models are the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you decide to purchase a side-by-side or tandem-style stroller, be sure the product is certified by JPMA to meet strict safety standards. Pay attention to the maximum weight limit for each seat. If you exceed these limits, it could cause frame fatigue and other issues.
It's easy to be swept up in the bells and whistles, however it's important to remember that strollers are basically baby carriers that are used for a long period of time. It should be comfortable for both parents and children as well as easy to clean and maintain, and ideally it should feature an intuitive, familiar design that the person pushing it is able to effortlessly move it around without having to think twice about how to move forward or turn left or right, or apply the brakes.
Easy of Use
For families on the go, a double stroller should be able to maneuver easily over various terrains. Features like adjustable canopy systems with windows that peek out and dependable brake systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children, but there are other factors that influence stroller comfort of use. For instance, a stroller must be small enough to fit into the trunk of your car, yet provide ample storage space for food items and other things. Also important are thoughtful touches such as a cup holder for one parent, parent consoles and snacks for children--all things that can make life on the go with two kids much simpler.
In our tests we rated the strollers on how it did on a variety of terrains, and how easily it maneuvered in tight spaces. We also looked at how simple it was to fold and unfold and whether or not a particular feature improved the overall functionality of the stroller. For example a stroller with a no-rethread harness makes adjusting the seat belts quick and simple. This is a major benefit for parents who are on the move since it reduces time and reduces the need to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored highly in this measure, since it came with a variety of seating configurations as well as additional accessories to help accommodate growing families. The double-stroller in the wagon style expands so that it can accommodate a second seat, bassinet, or even a toddler-riding board. This is ideal for families who want to spend a lot of time on the road with multiple children of various ages. It easily glides over cobblestones, pavements, and ballfields. It can fold flat to be stored in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is simple and intuitive, which was appreciated by our test participant Kerry. Its clever packaging clear sections, well-labeled sections and an informative user guide made assembling this stroller an absolute breeze.
Stores
Double strollers can hold twice more than one stroller so be sure to search for ample storage space. Ideally, you want a stroller that is able to hold the essentials for both kids--nappies bottles, snacks, and toys, in addition to parents' items such as wallets, phones, and keys. Look for baskets that fit under the seat and other pockets, and consider a stroller with an expandable cargo area that can carry bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags.
A good double stroller must have the ability to adapt as your family grows. twin pushchair from birth states that certain models have the option of a bassinet attachment that can accommodate infants. Other models come with child seats that expand with the child until they are able to ride on the back. Some double strollers include a rider board to allow older siblings to be part of the fun.
There are a variety of double strollers available. You can choose from high-performance models that are ideal for rough terrain, as well as more budget-friendly options that you can use on a daily basis. As you shop, read reviews and suggestions from families just like yours to get an idea of what you can expect from the double stroller you select.
Double strollers are available in three different design formats: side-by-side, tandem, and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers offer most versatility and are suitable for twins or kids who are close to their age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers, on the other hand, feature two seats that are arranged adjacent to one another and facing opposite directions. It's a great option for children who are the same age or for siblings who enjoy interacting with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces, and less likely to be able to fit through doorways.
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 chair. 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 needs only a few tugs on the straps under each seat (under the seat where children sit) in order to fold.