Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is an excellent investment if you have two children of similar age. These narrow tandem buggies as well as versatile side-by-side buggies let you keep both children within sight when you are navigating the aisles of your grocery store or in parks, or whatever else life throws at you.
Comfort
When you are looking for a double stroller, the comfort is a key aspect to take into consideration. This includes the seating arrangement and overall size, which will have an impact on the ease of use and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child expert in child development from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, suggests parents examine the stroller's weight as well as folded dimensions. "They should also consider the recline options for seats and age ranges to ensure a good fit for their family."
A quality double stroller should be able to handle a variety of surfaces with ease from suburban sidewalks to park paths, and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should also offer versatile seating options for children of different ages and comfort features such as windows that peek out and adjustable canopy to keep kids shielded from sun or rain.
Seating options are important for many families who will use a double stroller from the time of birth until the age of. "There are two main categories - in-line with one seat in front of the other, and side-by-side with seats next to each other," Billingsley explains. "Some parents prefer an in-line model due to its sleek look and versatility, while others prefer a wagon-style stroller to maximize space for heavy items or grocery bags."
In-line models tend to have this type of discrepancy. Some models might offer different recline options, with one seat being almost flat and the other being more upright. Billingsley suggests choosing a model that offers both a near-flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats to ensure each child can sleep comfortably.
In the end, she suggests choosing strollers with storage compartments that will allow parents to access their snacks, toys and personal belongings while on the go. She suggests that it's beneficial to choose a stroller with an organizer console for parents or a parent bag that is attached to the handlebars. This will allow you to keep your essentials within reach.
Some of the top-rated double strollers can be expanded that allows parents to modify the configuration to meet the needs of their growing 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 an additional seat and bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers have to be able to carry the weight of two passengers--plus any additional cargo. Strollers must also be easy to maneuver and push, especially in tight spots and over challenging terrain. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights which make it easier for parents to maintain a good posture when pushing them. A harness that is not rethread which makes the adjustment of seat belts more quickly and easily is another great feature to look for. Finally, a sturdy brake system and wheels that can glide over any surface are crucial safety features.
Some parents prefer an arrangement that is side by side to allow both children to see each other on family outings. This arrangement can help prevent sibling rivalries about who gets to sit in which seat, but it isn't foolproof. If the seats are at different levels, a child might punch or kick one another during a walk, if the seats are at different levels.
A tandem-style stroller is a great option for parents with twins or siblings that are close in age. It allows them to be able to see both children simultaneously. Double strollers can be wider, and may not be able to fit through some doors inside. For maximum versatility, consider a single-to-double stroller which can switch from a single stroller to a tandem in various ways, such as the popular CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can accommodate a wide range of configurations and let you click in infant car seats or cot attachments, depending on your requirements.
If you opt for a side-byside or tandem stroller, make sure the product is certified by JPMA to meet the strictest safety standards. Be aware of the weight limit that applies to each seat. Exceeding these limits could cause frame fatigue or other problems.
While it's easy to concentrate on the many bells and whistles of a new stroller, it's crucial to remember that a stroller is basically a baby carrier that is transported for long periods of time. It should be comfortable for both parents and children and easy to clean and maintain, and in the ideal case it should feature an easy-to-use, familiar design so that the person pushing it can effortlessly maneuver it without having to think twice about how to move forward or turn left or right, or even apply the brakes.
Ease of Use
For families that are on the move, a double stroller must be easy to maneuver over a variety of terrains. Features like adjustable canopies, peek-aboo windows and reliable braking systems are crucial to ensure the safety of your children, but there are other factors that contribute to stroller ease of use. A stroller must be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your car yet have plenty of storage space for groceries and other items. It is also essential to include thoughtful details, such as the cup holder for one parent, consoles for parents and a snack tray. These will make traveling with two children much easier.
During our testing, we evaluated each stroller according to its performance on different terrains, as well as its ability to maneuver through tight spaces. double travel stroller looked at how easy it was to fold the stroller in half and then unfold it in a timely manner, and if a specific feature enhanced the overall functionality. A stroller without rethread straps makes it simple to adjust the seat belts. This can be a huge benefit for parents on the go, as it saves time and eliminates the need to re-thread 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 can be expanded to accommodate an additional seat, a bassinet, or even a toddler-riding board. This is perfect for families who want to spend a lot of time traveling with several children of various ages. It also glides effortlessly over pavement, cobblestones and ballfields--and it folds flat to make simple storage in a trunk or closet. Our test subject Kerry appreciated the straightforward and intuitive nature of this stroller's design. The smart packaging clear sections, well-marked sections and user's manual made it easy to put this stroller together.
Storage
Double strollers can carry twice as much as a single one so be sure to look for plenty of storage space. It is ideal to have a stroller that is able to hold the basic necessities for both kids: nappies, bottles, snacks and toys, in addition to parents' belongings like wallets, phones, and keys. Look for baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, consider a stroller that has an expandable cargo area to accommodate bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags.
A quality double stroller should be able to adjust as your family grows. For instance, some models include an attachment for a bassinet that can accommodate infants, while others have child seats that can be adapted to your children until they're able to move to the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers even permit a rider's board to let older siblings take part in the fun.
There are a variety of double strollers in the market, from elegant, high-performance models that are able to handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models that are more for everyday use. While shopping, read reviews and recommendations of families just like 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 set close to each other and facing opposite directions. It's a ideal choice for children of the same age or for siblings who enjoy interacting with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and are less likely to fit into doorways.
Check out this top pick by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon-style double stroller. This budget-friendly model was praised by test participants for its various seating configurations. It can be used with two infant car seats, or one child in a convertible toddler chair. Our reviewers also praised the soft memory foam seats, 50+ SPF canopy and foam-filled tires that never stop running flat. When it's time to fold, this model needs only a couple of pulls on straps on each seat (under where the kids sit) to fold in half.