Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is a good investment when you have two kids with similar ages. These compact tandem buggies or versatile side by side buggies let you keep both children in the same place when you are navigating the aisles of your grocery store and parks, as well as whatever else life can throw at you.
Comfort
When looking for a double stroller for your child, comfort is a key factor to consider. This could include the seating arrangement and overall size, which can have an impact on ease of use and storage. "Parents must determine what the stroller weighs as well as its folded dimensions," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also think about the seat recline options, as well as the ages of their children to ensure that it is a perfect fit."
A well-constructed double stroller will be sturdy enough to traverse various surfaces with ease, from urban sidewalks to parks trails, and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should come with a variety of seating options for children of different age groups, and comfort features such as a peek-a-boo window and adjustable canopies that shield kids from rain or sun.
Seating options are crucial for many families who will utilize double strollers from birth to childhood. Billingsley says there are two primary categories: in-line, with one seat in-front of the other, and side-by-side seating with seats next to one another. Some parents prefer the in-line option because of its sleek appearance and versatility. Others like a wagon-style double stroller to make the most space for groceries or bulky items.
Some products may offer different recline options, with one seat almost flat while the other remains relatively upright--this type of disparity is more common in in-line models. Billingsley suggests selecting a product that offers both a nearly flat recline and leg rests that can be adjusted for both seats to ensure each child can sleep comfortably.
Then, she suggests choosing a stroller that includes storage compartments that enable parents to access their snacks, toys and other personal belongings while on the go. She also says that it is helpful to find a stroller which has a parent console, or organizer bag that is attached to the handlebars. This will aid parents in keeping their essentials at hand.
Many of the top-rated double strollers can be enlarged giving parents the ability to alter the configuration 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 as early as birth, and then converted to a tandem (with a second seat and bassinet) as the child gets older.
Safety
Double strollers should be able to handle the weight of two people, plus any additional cargo. Strollers should be easy to maneuver and push, particularly on rough terrain or in tight spaces. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights which make it easier for parents to maintain their form when pushing them. A harness that does not need to be rethread which makes the adjustment of seat belts quicker and easier, is another nice feature to look out for. A sturdy brake system and wheels that glide across any surface are essential safety features.
Some parents prefer side-by-side designs that allow both children to see each other on family outings. double buggy can stop sibling fights over which child gets to sit where, but it's not foolproof. If the seats are at different heights, a child may punch or kick another while walking in the event that the seats are at different levels.
If you have twins or siblings who are close in age, a tandem stroller is a great option for being able to view both kids at once. However, they are more spacious than other double strollers, so they might not fit through all interior doorways. For maximum flexibility, think about a single-to-double stroller that transitions from a single to a tandem in different ways, like the well-known CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can be adapted to a wide variety of configurations and allow you to click in infant car seats or cot attachments, according to your requirements.
If you're in the market for a tandem or side-byside stroller, make sure that the product is JPMA certified to meet stringent safety standards. Pay attention to the maximum weight limit for each seat. If you exceed these limits, it could cause frame fatigue or other issues.
While it's easy for us to focus on the additional bells and whistles that come with the latest stroller, it's important to remember that a stroller is basically a baby carrier that is used for extended durations of time. It must be easy to clean and maintain, and comfortable for both of the passengers. It should also feature a a familiar, intuitive design that lets the person pushing it to move it easily.
Ease of Use
A double stroller should be simple to maneuver over various terrains for families who are constantly moving. Strollers that have features like peek-a-boo windows, adjustable canopies and reliable brake systems are vital to ensure the safety of your children. But there are also other features that make them simpler to use. A stroller should be small enough to fit into the trunk of your car yet have plenty of storage space for food or other things. It is also important to consider thoughtful additions like a cup holder with a single parent or console for parents, as well as a snack tray for kids--all things that make life with two children significantly simpler.
During our testing we evaluated each stroller on the basis of its ability to perform on different terrains and its ability to maneuver through tight spaces. We also looked at how simple it was to fold the stroller in half and then unfold it as well as if a particular feature made a difference to the overall performance. A stroller with no-rethread straps is easy to adjust the seat belts. This can be a big selling point for parents who are always in motion, as it does away with the need to rethread their harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored highly in this metric, as it offers a wide range of seating options and accessories to help accommodate growing families. The wagon-style double-stroller expands to accommodate an additional seat, a bassinet or even a toddler's riding board. This is ideal for families who plan to spend long days in the car with a variety of children of different ages. It also glides smoothly across cobblestones, ball fields and pavements. It also it folds flat to make simple storage in a closet or trunk. Our tester Kerry was impressed by the simple, intuitive nature of this stroller's design. The smart packaging, clearly marked sections and the user's guide made it simple to put this stroller together.
Storage
A double stroller is able to hold twice as much stuff than a single stroller, so make sure you have plenty of storage space. Ideally, you want an item that can hold the necessities for both kids, including nappies bottles, snacks, and toys, as well as parents' belongings such as 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 lunch bags and diaper bags.
A good double stroller should have the ability to adapt as your family grows. For example, some models include the bassinet attachment, which can accommodate infants, while others come with child seats that can be adapted to your kids until they're ready to switch to riding on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers allow older children to join in on the fun by riding on riding boards.
You'll find a wide variety of double strollers on the market, ranging from sleek, high-performance models that excel on rough terrain to budget-friendly models more for everyday use. While shopping, read reviews and recommendations of families just like yours to get an idea of what you can expect from the double stroller you choose.
Double strollers are available in three different designs: tandem, side-by-side and wagon style. Side-by-side double strollers offer the most flexibility and are perfect for twins or children who are close to each other in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers on the other hand, have two seats that are arranged next to each other and facing in opposite directions--a ideal choice for children of the same age, or for siblings who love to interact with one another. Tandem strollers may be harder to maneuver in tight spaces, and are less likely to pass through doors than their side-by-side counterparts.
Check out this top pick by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon-style double stroller. The testers loved that this budget model offers multiple seating configurations as well as the ability to connect two infant car seats or a single child in the convertible toddler seat. Our experts also appreciated the soft memory foam seats, 50+ SPF canopy and foam-filled tires that never go flat. And when it's time to fold, this model requires only a couple of pulls on straps on each seat (under the seat where kids sit) to fold it in half.