Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is an excellent investment if you have two children with similar age. These compact tandem strollers or versatile side-by-side buggies help you keep an eye on both children at the same time while taking on the grocery store or the parks, and whatever else life throws your way.
Comfort
When you are looking for a double stroller, the comfort is a major consideration. This includes the seating arrangement and the overall size, which has an impact on ease of use and storage. "Parents should check how much the stroller weighs and its dimensions folded," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also look at the recline options for seats and age ranges to ensure a good fit for their family."
A quality double stroller should be sturdy enough to traverse all surfaces without difficulty, from suburban sidewalks to park trails, and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should have a variety of seating options for children at different ages, as well as comfort features such as a peek-a-boo window and adjustable canopies that protect children from the sun or rain.
The seating options are important to many families that will utilize a double stroller from birth to the age of. Billingsley explains that there are two main categories of in-line seating which has one seat in front of the other, and side-by-side, with seats next to each other. Some parents prefer the in-line model because of its sleek appearance and versatility. Others like a wagon-style double stroller to make the most space for groceries or bulky items.
In-line models tend to have this kind of difference. Some products may offer different recline options, with one seat being nearly flat, and the other being more upright. Billingsley suggests choosing a model with both a near flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children lay comfortably.
Then, she suggests to look for strollers that have storage compartments that will allow parents to easily access snacks, toys, and personal items while out and about. She adds that it's also useful to find a stroller with an organizer console for parents or a parent bag that is attached to the handlebars, which can help keep essentials within reach.
A few of the top-rated double strollers are expandable which allows parents to alter the configuration to meet the needs of their growing family. For example, the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly rated double stroller that can be used with a single seat as early as birth, and later converted to a tandem (with the addition of a second seat and bassinet) as the child gets older.
Safety
Double strollers have to be able to support the weight of two people, plus any additional cargo. Strollers must also be easy to maneuver and push, especially in tight spaces and on difficult terrain. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars and adjustable heights, making it easier for parents to maintain a good posture 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. Finally, a sturdy brake system and wheels that glide over any surface are essential safety features.
Some parents prefer side-by-side designs that allow both children to be able to see one another during family outings. This arrangement can reduce sibling rivalries over who gets to sit in which seat however it's not foolproof. If the seats are located at different heights, a child may kick or punch one another during a walk, if 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 see both kids at once. Double strollers can be more spacious, and may not fit through some interior doors. For maximum versatility, consider a single-to-double stroller that transitions from a single stroller to a tandem in different ways, like the renowned CYBEX Gazelle S. These models are able to accommodate a broad 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-style stroller, be sure the product is certified by JPMA to meet strict safety standards. Pay attention to the weight limit that applies to each seat. If you exceed these limits, it could cause frame fatigue or other problems.
It's easy to get caught in the sound of bells and whistles, however it's important to keep in mind that strollers are essentially baby carriers that are used for extended time. It must be easy to clean and maintain and comfortable for both of the passengers. It should also have an easy-to-use, familiar design that lets the person pushing it to maneuver it effortlessly.
Ease of Use
A double stroller must be easily maneuverable on a variety terrains for families who are constantly on the move. Features like adjustable canopy systems, peek-aboo windows and dependable braking systems are crucial to ensure the safety of your children however, there are other elements that influence stroller comfort of use. A stroller should be small enough to fit in the trunk of your car and still provide plenty of storage space for groceries and other items. It's also essential to add thoughtful details, such as a cup holder for one parent or consoles for parents, as well as a snack tray. These will help make traveling with two children significantly easier.
During our testing we evaluated each stroller according to its ability to perform on different terrains, as well as its ability to maneuver through tight spaces. We also examined how simple it was to fold and unfold, and whether or not a particular feature improved the overall function of the stroller. A stroller without rethread straps makes it easy to adjust the seat belts. This is a major selling point for parents who are constantly on the move, as it eliminates the need to rethread their harness.
The UPPAbaby v2 Double scored highly in this test because it offered a wide range of seating configurations, and additional accessories to accommodate families that are growing. The wagon-style double stroller can be expanded to provide a second seat, a bassinet or even a toddler riding board--perfect for families who are active and planning long trips with multiple children of different ages. It is able to glide effortlessly over cobblestones, pavements, and ball fields. It can also be folded flat to fit in a trunk or a closet. The design of this stroller is simple and easy to use and was a big hit with our test participant Kerry. The sleek packaging with clearly marked sections as well as a user's manual made it easy to assemble this stroller.
Storage
Double strollers can carry twice as much as one single stroller So, make sure to look for plenty of storage space. You'll want a stroller that has enough storage space to hold the essentials of both parents and children including bottles as well as snacks, toys and diapers. Look for under-seat baskets and other pockets, and think about a stroller with an expandable cargo area that can hold heavy items such as diaper bags and lunch bags.
A good double stroller should be able to expand with your family. Billingsley says that some models come with the option of a bassinet attachment that can accommodate newborns. Others have child seats which can be able to grow with your child until they are old enough to ride on the back. double buggy newborn include a rider board to allow older siblings to take part in the fun.
There are a variety of double strollers on the market. You can choose from high-performance models that are ideal for rough terrain, to affordable options that you can use on a daily basis. When you're shopping, read user reviews and recommendations from families like yours to get a better sense of what to expect from the double stroller you pick.
Double strollers are available in three different styles such as tandem, side-byside, and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers provide the most flexibility and are perfect for twins or children who are similar in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers come with two seats set up in a tandem arrangement with the opposite direction facing. This is a good option for children who are the same age or siblings who want to interact with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and less likely to fit into doors.
If you prefer a wagon-style double stroller check out this top model from Safety 1st. Testers loved how this affordable model offers multiple seating configurations as well as the ability to snap in two infant car seats or a single child in an convertible toddler seat. Our experts also praised the memory foam seats as well as the canopy, which has 50+ SPF and foam-filled wheels that never go flat. And when it's time for you 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.