Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is a good investment if you have two children with similar ages. These narrow tandem buggies as well as versatile side by side buggies will keep both children in sight while you shop, parks, and whatever else life can throw at you.
Comfort
When looking for a double stroller, the comfort is an important factor to consider. This could include both seating arrangements and the overall dimensions of the stroller which impacts ease of use and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child expert in development from the Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, advises parents to check the stroller's weight and folded dimensions. "They should also take a look at the options for recline and seat age ranges to ensure the best fit for their family."
A good double stroller should be able to navigate a variety of surfaces with ease, from suburban sidewalks to park paths, and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should also have flexible seating options for children of varying age groups and comfort features like windows that peek out and adjustable canopy to keep kids shielded from rain or sun.
Seating options are crucial for many families who use double strollers from the time of birth until the age of. Billingsley says there are two main categories of in-line seating, with one seat in-front of the other and side-byside, with seats next to each other. "Some parents prefer an in-line stroller due to its sleek look and versatility, while others prefer a wagon-style double stroller to maximize space for large items or groceries."
In-line models tend to have this kind of difference. Some models might offer different recline options, with one being nearly flat, and the other being more upright. Billingsley suggests choosing a model with a near-flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children lie down comfortably.
Then, she suggests looking for strollers that have storage compartments that enable parents to easily access snacks, toys, and personal items while on the move. She suggests that it's helpful to look for a stroller that has an organizer console for parents or a parent bag attached to the handlebars. This will help keep things within reach.
A few of the top-rated double strollers can be enlarged, allowing parents the flexibility to modify the layout based on their family's needs. For instance, the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used with a single seat from birth, and later converted to a tandem (with the addition of a second seat and bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers should be able to carry the weight of both the passengers as well as any additional cargo. Strollers should be able to move and push, especially on difficult terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights which make it easier for parents to maintain good form 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 out for. A sturdy brake system and wheels that glide across any surface are important safety features.
Some parents choose an arrangement that allows both children to see each other during family outings. This arrangement can help prevent siblings arguing over who sits in which spot, but it isn't foolproof. If the seats are positioned at different heights, one child could be capable of punching or kicking the other on a walk.
A tandem-style stroller is ideal option for parents with twins or siblings who are similar in age. It lets them see both children at once. These double strollers can be larger, and might not fit through certain doors inside. You could consider a single-to-double stroller that can be transformed from a single stroller to a double in many ways. The most popular models are the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you opt for a side-byside or tandem-style stroller, be sure the product is JPMA-certified to meet strict safety standards. Be aware of the maximum weight limit for each seat. If you exceed these limits, it could cause frame fatigue or other problems.
While it's easy for us to focus on the many bells and whistles on a new stroller, it's crucial to be aware that a stroller basically a baby carrier that is used for extended durations of time. It should be comfortable for both passengers as well as easy to clean and maintain, and ideally it should have an intuitive, familiar design so that the person pushing it can effortlessly move it around without having to think about how to move forward and turn left or right, or even apply the brakes.
Ease of Use
For families that are on the move, a double stroller must be able to navigate different terrains. Strollers that have features like windows that can be opened and closed, adjustable canopy and sturdy brake systems are vital to ensure the safety of your children. But there are other factors that make them more convenient to 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. It is also essential to include thoughtful details, such as a cup holder for one parent as well as consoles for parents and a snack tray. These are able to make traveling with two children significantly easier.
In small double stroller , we evaluated the strollers on how it performed on a variety surfaces and how well it maneuvered in tight spaces. We also examined how simple it was to fold and unfold and whether or not a specific feature added to the overall function of the stroller. A stroller without rethread straps is easy to adjust the seat belts. This can be a major benefit for parents who are on the move since it reduces time and removes the need to re-thread the harness.
The UPPAbaby 2 Double scored well in this metric as it offered a wide range of seating options, as well as additional accessories to accommodate expanding families. The wagon-style double-stroller expands to accommodate an additional seat, a bassinet, or even a toddler-riding board. This is perfect for families who plan to spend long days on the road with multiple children of various ages. It also glides smoothly over cobblestones, balls and pavements. It can be folded flat for easy storage in a trunk or closet. Our test subject Kerry appreciated the straightforward and easy-to-use nature of the stroller's design. Its clever packaging with clearly labeled sections as well as a helpful user guides made assembling this stroller a breeze.
Storage
Double strollers can hold twice as much as one single stroller, so make sure you look for plenty of storage space. Ideally, you want a stroller that is able to hold the necessities for both kids, including nappies bottles, snacks, and toys, as well as parents' items such as phones, wallets keys, wallets and phones. Look for under-seat baskets and other pockets, and look into a stroller with an expanding cargo area that can hold heavy items such as diaper bags and lunch bags.
A good double stroller must be able to adjust as your family expands. Billingsley says that some models have the option of a bassinet attachment that can accommodate newborns. Other models come with child seats that expand with the child until they are ready to ride on the back. Some double strollers allow older children to join in on the fun with riding boards.
There are many different double strollers available. You can choose from models with high-performance features that are great for rough terrain, as well as more budget-friendly options that you can use on a daily basis. As you shop, read reviews from other users and the opinions of families like yours to gain an understanding of what you can expect from the double stroller you choose.
Double strollers are available in three designs: tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers provide the most versatility and are suitable for twins or kids similar in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers come with two seats that are set in a tandem arrangement with the opposite direction facing. This is a great option for children who are similar age, or siblings who want to interact with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces, and less likely to fit into doorways.
Check out this top selection by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon style double stroller. Our testers were impressed by the fact that this low-cost model has multiple seating options and the option to connect two infant car seats or a single child in a convertible toddler seat. Our testers also loved the comfortable memory foam seats, 50+ SPF canopy and foam-filled tires that will never get flat. When it's time to fold, this model requires only a couple of pulls on the straps on each seat (under where the kids sit) to fold in half.