Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is a good investment if you have two children with similar ages. These compact tandem buggies or flexible side by side buggies allow you to 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
Comfort is a major factor to take into consideration when buying a double-stroller. This includes the seating arrangement as well as the overall size, which can have an impact on the 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 consider the options for recline of the seat and the age ranges of their children to ensure it is a perfect fit."
A good 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 arrangements for children of varying ages and comfort features such as windows that peek out and adjustable canopy to shield children from sun or rain.
For a lot of families, a double stroller is likely to be utilized from birth until the teen years, so it's essential to think about seating options. "There are two main categories - in-line with one seat ahead of the other, and side by side with seats adjacent to each other," Billingsley explains. "Some parents prefer an in-line stroller due to its sleek appearance and versatility, whereas others prefer a wagon-style stroller to make the most space for bulky items or grocery bags."
While some products may have different recline options - with one seat being almost flat, while the other remains relatively upright, this type of distinction is more common in in-line models. Billingsley recommends choosing a product that has an almost flat recline as well as leg rests that can be adjusted for both seats, so that the children can both lie back comfortably.
Finally, she advises choosing strollers with storage compartments that enable parents to access their snacks, toys and other personal items while on the move. She suggests that it's useful to find the stroller that has an organizer or parent console bag that is attached to the handlebars, which 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. The Mockingbird Expandable, for example is a highly rated double stroller that can be used from birth using a single seat, and later converted into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers should be able to support the weight of two passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers should be able to move and push, especially on difficult terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to ensure that parents maintain a good form while pushing them. Another great feature is a no-rethread belt harness that allows for a more comfortable adjustment of the belts for your child. Safety features include a sturdy brake system and wheels which can glide across any surface.
Some parents prefer the side-by-side design to ensure that both children be together when they go on family outings. This arrangement can reduce sibling squabbles over who sits in which place however, it's not 100% secure. If the seats are set at different levels, one child might be in a position to punch or kick the other during a walk.
A tandem-style stroller is a ideal option for parents with twins or siblings who are similar in age. It allows them to observe both children at the same time. However, they can be larger than other double strollers, meaning they may not be able to fit through all doorways in the interior. For maximum flexibility, think about a single-to-double stroller that transitions from a single to a tandem in various ways, such as the popular CYBEX Gazelle S. These models are able to accommodate a broad range of configurations and let you click in infant car seats or cot attachments depending on your requirements.
If you're looking for a tandem or side-byside stroller, be sure the stroller has been JPMA certified to meet strict safety standards. Pay attention to the maximum weight limit for each seat. If you exceed these limits, it could cause frame fatigue and other issues.
It's easy to be swept in the sound of bells and whistles, however it's important to keep in mind that strollers are essentially baby carriers that will be carried for long periods of times. It should be comfortable for both the passengers as well as easy to clean and maintain, and most importantly it should feature an intuitive, familiar design that the person pushing it is able to effortlessly move it around without having to think twice about how to move forward or turn left or right, or apply the brakes.
Simple to Use
For families who are constantly on the move, a double stroller must be easy to maneuver over various terrains. Strollers with features such as peek-a-boo windows, adjustable canopies and reliable brake systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children. But there are also other features that make them more convenient to use. For instance the stroller must be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your car but still provide ample storage space for groceries and other belongings. It is also important to consider thoughtful additions like a one-parent cup holder, parent consoles and snacks for children--all things that will make life on the go with two children significantly more manageable.
In our testing we rated each stroller on how well it performed on a variety surfaces and how well it could maneuver in tight spaces. We also looked at how easy it was to fold and unfold and whether or not a particular feature enhanced the overall function of the stroller. A stroller with no-rethread straps makes it simple to adjust the seat belts. This is a major selling point for parents who are on the move since it reduces time and removes the need to re-thread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double was a top performer in this metric, as it offers a wide range of seating configurations as well as additional accessories to help accommodate growing families. The double-stroller that looks like a wagon expands to accommodate a second seat, bassinet or even a toddler's riding board. This is perfect for families who plan to spend a lot of time on the road with multiple children of different ages. https://telegra.ph/Twin-Pushchair-Whats-The-Only-Thing-Nobody-Is-Discussing-06-10 is able to glide effortlessly over cobblestones and pavements and ball fields. It can also be folded flat to fit in a trunk or a closet. Our tester Kerry appreciated the straightforward and intuitive nature of this stroller's design. The sleek packaging with clearly marked sections as well as a user guide made it easy to assemble this stroller.
Stores
A double stroller can be able to hold twice as much stuff as a single stroller so make sure you have plenty of storage space. It is important to find a stroller with enough storage space to store the necessities of children and parents including bottles as well as snacks, toys and diapers. Look for baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller that has an expandable cargo space that can accommodate bulky items such as lunch bags and diaper bags.
A good double stroller must be able to change as your family expands. For instance certain models have a bassinet attachment that can be used for newborns, and others feature child seats that can grow with your children until they're able to ride on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers allow older children to join in the fun with the rider board.
There's a wide selection of double strollers in the market, from sleek, high-performance options that can handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models that are more suited for daily use. While shopping, read reviews and opinions of families similar to yours to get a better idea of what to expect from the double stroller that you choose.
Double strollers are available in three different designs such as tandem, side-byside, and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-byside strollers are the most flexible and ideal for twins or children of a similar age. Tandem double strollers on the other hand, feature two seats set next to each other and facing in opposite directions. This is a ideal choice for children who are the same age or for siblings who enjoy interacting with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces, and are less likely to fit into doors.
Take a look at this top choice by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon style double stroller. This budget-friendly model was praised by testers for its various seating configurations. It can be used with two infant car seats or one child sitting in a convertible toddler chair. Our testers also loved the soft memory foam seats, 50+ SPF canopy, and foam-filled tires that never get flat. When it's time for folding this model needs only just a few pulls on the straps under each seat (under the seats where kids sit) to fold.