Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is a good investment when you have two kids with similar age. These narrow tandem strollers or flexible side-by-side buggies let you keep an eye on both kids at the same time while braving the grocery aisle or the parks, and whatever else life throws your way.
Comfort
When looking for a double stroller, the comfort is a major aspect to take into consideration. This includes the seating arrangement as well as the overall size, which can have an impact on ease of use and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, suggests parents be aware of the stroller's weight and folded dimensions. "They should also look at the options for recline and seat age ranges to ensure a good 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 various age and comfort features such as peek-a-boo windows and adjustable canopies to protect children from sun or rain.
Seating options are important for many families that will utilize a double stroller from birth to the age of. Billingsley explains that there are two major categories of in-line seating which has one seat in front of the other and side-byside seating with seats next to one another. "Some parents prefer an in-line option for its sleek appearance and versatility, whereas others prefer a wagon-style stroller to maximize space for heavy items or grocery bags."
In-line models tend to have this kind of difference. Certain models may provide different recline options, with one being nearly flat, and the other one remaining fairly upright. Billingsley recommends choosing a product that offers both a near-flat recline and leg rest adjustment for both seats to ensure both children can lie back comfortably.
Finally, she advises to look for strollers that have storage compartments that enable parents to quickly access snacks, toys, and personal items while on the move. She adds that it's also beneficial to choose the stroller that has an organizer or parent console bag that can be attached to the handlebars. This will allow you to keep your essentials in reach.
A few of the top-rated double strollers can be extended, allowing parents the flexibility to alter the configuration according to their family's requirements. The Mockingbird Expandable, for example is a highly-rated double stroller which can be used from birth with a single seat, and then converted into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) when the child is older.
Safety
Double strollers need to be able to support the weight of both passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers should be easy to maneuver and push, particularly on rough terrain or in tight spaces. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to help parents maintain good posture when pushing them. A no-rethread harness that makes the adjustment of seat belts more quickly and easily to do, is a nice feature to look for. Safety features include a robust brake system and wheels that slide over any surface.
Some parents opt for side-by-side designs that allow both children to be able to see each other on family outings. This arrangement can help prevent siblings fighting over who gets to sit where but it's not a guarantee. If the seats are set at different heights, one child could be able to kick or punch the other during walks.
A tandem-style stroller is great option for parents with twins or siblings that are close in age. It allows them to see both children at once. However, these can be wider than other double strollers, so they may not fit through all doorways in the interior. To maximize versatility, you should consider a single-to-double stroller which can switch from a single stroller to a tandem in a variety of ways, such as the well-known CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can accommodate a wide variety of configurations and let you click in infant car seats or cot attachments, depending on your requirements.
If you decide to purchase a side-by-side or tandem stroller, make sure the product is certified by JPMA to meet strict safety standards. Be aware of the maximum weight limits for each seat, since exceeding them can lead to frame fatigue or other issues.
While it's easy to focus on all the extra bells and whistles on the latest stroller, it's important to remember that a stroller is basically a baby carrier that will be carried around for long periods of time. It must be comfortable for both the passengers and easy to clean and maintain, and most importantly it should feature 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 or turn left or right, or apply the brakes.
Ease of Use
For families that are on the move, a double stroller must be able to maneuver easily over different terrains. Strollers that have features like windows that peek-a-boo, adjustable canopies and reliable brake systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children. However, there are other features that make them simpler to use. For example the stroller should be small enough to fit into the trunk of your car, yet provide ample storage space for food items and other things. Additionally, you should consider thoughtful features such as a cup holder for one parent, parent consoles and a snack tray for kids--all things that make life with two children significantly simpler.
In our testing, we evaluated the strollers on how it performed on a variety of surfaces and how well it maneuvered in tight spaces. double pushchair looked at how simple it was to fold and unfold, and whether or not a particular feature enhanced the overall function of the stroller. For instance, a stroller with no-rethread harnesses makes adjusting the seat belts easy and quick. This can be a major selling point for parents who are on the move since it reduces time and reduces the need to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby 2 Double scored well in this test because it offered a wide range of seating options, as well as other accessories that could accommodate growing families. The wagon-style double stroller is able to allow for an additional seat as well as a bassinet or a toddler-friendly riding board, which is ideal for families with active children who plan long, tiring days with multiple kids of various age groups. It also glides smoothly over cobblestones, balls and pavements. It folds flat for easy storage in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is easy and intuitive, which was appreciated by our test participant Kerry. Its clever packaging with clearly labeled sections as well as a an informative user guide made putting together this stroller a breeze.
Storage
A double stroller is able to hold twice as much than a single stroller, so look for ample storage space. Ideally, you want a stroller that is able to hold the necessities for both kids, including nappies, bottles, snacks and toys, in addition to parents' items such as phones, wallets, and keys. Look for pockets and baskets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller that has an expandable cargo space that can accommodate bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags.
A quality double stroller will be able to expand with your family. For example certain models have the bassinet attachment, which can accommodate newborns, while others come with 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 permit older siblings to join in on the fun by riding on a rider board.
There are a variety of double strollers available on the market, from sleek, high-performance options that can handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models that are more suitable for use in the everyday. When shopping, take a look at reviews and recommendations of families just like yours to get an idea of what to expect from the double stroller that you choose.
Double strollers are available in three styles: tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-by-side strollers are the most flexible and ideal for twins or children of similar age. Tandem double strollers feature two seats arranged in tandem with the opposite direction facing. This is a good option for children who are similar age or siblings who want to play with one another. Tandem strollers can be difficult to maneuver through tight spaces, and are less likely to pass through doorways than their side-by-side counterparts.
If you prefer a wagon-style double stroller take a look at this top choice from Safety 1st. Testers loved how this affordable model offers multiple seating configurations and the option to click in two infant car seats or a single child in an convertible toddler seat. Our experts also appreciated the comfy memory foam seats, 50+ SPF canopy, and foam-filled tires that will never stop running flat. And when it's time to fold, this model needs just a couple of tugs on the straps on each seat (under the seats where kids are) to fold it in half.