Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is a great investment if you have two children of similar age. These compact tandem strollers or flexible side-by-side buggies let you keep an eye on both children at the same time while taking on the grocery store, parks and anything else life throws at you.
Comfort
When shopping for a double stroller, comfort is an important factor to consider. This includes both the seating arrangement as well as the overall size of the stroller, which impacts ease of use and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, advises parents to examine the stroller's weight as well as folded dimensions. "They should also think about the seat recline options as well as the ages of their children to ensure it's a perfect fit."
A quality double stroller should be robust enough to navigate different surfaces smoothly--from suburban sidewalks to park trails and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should also offer versatile seating arrangements for children of varying age groups and comfort features such as windows that can be opened and closed to protect children from sun or rain.
For many families double strollers will be utilized from birth until childhood, so it's important to think about seating options. Billingsley explains that there are two main categories: in-line which has one seat in front of the other, and side-by-side, with seats next to each other. "Some parents prefer an in-line stroller due to its sleek design and versatility, while others like a wagon-style double stroller that can be used to store large items or grocery bags."
While some products may have different recline options, with one seat nearly flat while the other remains relatively upright--this type of disparity is more prevalent in models that are in-line. Billingsley suggests choosing a model that has a nearly flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children can lie down comfortably.
She also suggests parents look for strollers that have storage compartments so that they can quickly access their snacks, personal items, and toys while in motion. She also suggests that it's useful to find a stroller that has an organizer console for parents or a parent bag that is attached to the handlebars. This will allow you to keep your essentials close at hand.
Some of the best-rated double strollers can be extended, allowing parents the flexibility to modify the layout depending on the needs of their family. For instance the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used with just a single seat as early as birth, and later converted to a tandem (with an additional seat and bassinet) as the child gets older.
Safety
Double strollers should be able to handle the weight of two passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers must be simple to maneuver and push, particularly when on rough terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height, making it easier for parents to maintain good 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 for. Safety features include a robust brake system and wheels which can glide across any surface.
Some parents choose side-by-side designs that allow both children to see one another during family outings. This arrangement can stop sibling fights over which child is allowed to sit in which spot however it's not foolproof. If the seats are located at different heights, a child may kick or punch another during a walk when the seats are on different levels.
A tandem-style stroller is ideal option for parents with twins or siblings that are similar in age. It lets parents observe both children at the same time. Double strollers can be more spacious, and may not fit through some interior doors. For maximum flexibility, think about a single-to-double stroller that transitions from a single to a tandem in a variety of ways, such as the renowned CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can be adapted to a wide range of configurations and allow you to click in infant car seats or cot attachments, depending on your requirements.
If you are looking for a tandem or a side-by-side stroller, make sure that the product has been JPMA certified to meet the strictest safety standards. Pay attention to the weight limit that applies to each seat. Exceeding these limits could cause frame fatigue and other issues.
While it's easy to concentrate on the additional bells and whistles that come with the latest stroller, it's crucial to be aware that a stroller an infant carrier that is used for extended periods of time. It should be comfortable for both passengers as well as easy to clean and maintain, and ideally, it should offer an intuitive, familiar design that the person pushing it can effortlessly maneuver it without having to think about how to move forward, turn left or right, or even apply the brakes.
Easy of Use
A double stroller must be easily maneuverable on different of terrains for families that are constantly on the move. Features like adjustable canopy systems windows, peek-aboo windows, and dependable braking systems are critical to help ensure your children's safety, however, there are other elements that affect stroller ease of use. For example the stroller should be compact enough to fit into the trunk of your car, but still provide ample storage space for your groceries and other items. It's also essential to add thoughtful features, like a cup holder for one parent, consoles for parents and a snack tray. These are able to make traveling with two kids much easier.
In our tests, we evaluated each stroller on how well it did on a variety of terrains, and how easily it maneuvered in tight spaces. We also considered how easy 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 huge benefit for parents who are on the move, as it saves time and removes the need to re-thread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored highly in this measure, since it offers a wide range of seating options and accessories to accommodate families that are growing. The double-stroller in the wagon style expands so that it can accommodate an additional seat, a bassinet or even a toddler's riding board. This is ideal for families who want to spend a lot of time on the road with multiple children of various age groups. It glides easily over cobblestones, pavements, and ballfields. It can also be folded flat to fit in a trunk or closet. Our tester Kerry was impressed by the simple and easy-to-use nature of the stroller's design. The smart packaging clear sections, well-marked sections and the user's guide made it simple to put together this stroller.
Stores
A double stroller is able to hold twice as much stuff as a single stroller, therefore, you should look for plenty of storage space. You'll want a stroller that has enough storage space to accommodate the essentials for both children and parents, such as bottles, toys, snacks, and diapers. Look for under-seat baskets and other pockets, and look into a stroller with an expandable cargo area that can carry bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags.
A quality double stroller should be able to change as your family grows. For example certain models have an attachment for a bassinet that can be used for newborns, and others come with child seats that can grow with 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 allow older siblings to join in the fun.
There are a variety of double strollers in the market, from sleek, high-performance options that are able to handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models more suitable for use in the everyday. While shopping, read reviews and recommendations of families similar to yours to get an idea of what to expect from the double stroller that you pick.
Double strollers come in three different design formats such as tandem, side-byside, and wagon-style. https://pastelink.net/gfq0z4y4 -by-side double strollers provide the most flexibility and are perfect for twins or kids close in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers, on the other hand, feature two seats that are placed close to each other and facing opposite directions. It's a ideal choice for children of the same age or for siblings who like to interact with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces, and less likely to be able to fit through doors.
If you prefer a wagon-style double stroller, check out this top model from Safety 1st. Testers loved how this affordable model has multiple seating options as well as the ability to snap in two infant car seats or a single child riding in an convertible toddler seat. Our experts also appreciated the comfortable memory foam seats with a 50+ SPF canopy and foam-filled tires that will never get flat. And when it's time for you to fold, this model requires only a couple of pulls on straps on each seat (under where the kids sit) to fold it in half.