Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two kids who are similar in age, a double stroller could be an invaluable investment. These compact tandem strollers or versatile side-by-side buggies help you keep your eyes on both kids at the same time taking on the grocery store as well as the parks and other obstacles life throws your way.
Comfort
When you are looking for a double stroller, comfort is a major consideration. This can include the seating arrangement as well as the overall size, which will have an impact on the ease of use and storage. "Parents should determine how much the stroller weighs as well as its folded dimensions," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They must also take into consideration the recline options for seats and the ages of their children to ensure that it is a perfect fit."
A good double stroller will be durable enough to travel on various surfaces with ease, from urban sidewalks to parks trails, and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should offer a range of seating options for children at different age groups, and features that provide comfort, such as a peek-aboo windows and adjustable canopy options that shield kids from rain or sun.
Seating options are important for many families that will utilize double strollers from birth to childhood. "There are two main categories--in-line with one seat behind the other, and side-byside with seats that are next to each other," Billingsley explains. Some parents prefer the in-line model due to its sleek design and its versatility. Others prefer a wagon-style double stroller to maximize space for grocery or bulky items.
In-line models tend to have this type of discrepancy. Certain models may provide different recline options, with one seat being almost flat and the other one remaining fairly upright. Billingsley suggests selecting a product with an almost flat recline as well as leg rests that can be adjusted for both seats to ensure the children can both lie back comfortably.
She also suggests that parents search for strollers with storage compartments to allow them to easily access snacks, personal items, and toys while in motion. She also recommends that it is helpful to find a stroller that has a parent console, or organizer bag that is attached to the handlebars. This can aid parents in keeping their essentials in their reach.
Many 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 which can be used from birth with just one seat, and later converted into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers have to be able to handle the weight of two passengers--plus any additional cargo. Strollers need to be simple to maneuver and push, particularly when on rough terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to allow parents to maintain their good form when pushing them. Another feature that is great is a no-rethread belt harness, which makes it easier to adjust the belts on the seat. Finally, a sturdy brake system and wheels that glide over any surface are crucial safety features.
Some parents prefer a side-by-side design that allows both children to see one another during family outings. This arrangement can help prevent sibling squabbles about who gets to sit in which place however it's not foolproof. If the seats are placed at different heights, one child could be capable of punching or kicking the other on a walk.
A tandem-style stroller is great option for parents with twins or siblings who are close in age. It allows them to be able to see both children simultaneously. However, these can be more spacious than other double strollers, meaning they might not be able to pass through all doors in your home. Think about a stroller that is single-to-double that can be transformed from a single to a double in many ways. The most popular models are the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you opt for a side-byside or tandem-style stroller, make sure the product is JPMA-certified to meet strict safety standards. Be aware of the maximum weight limit for each seat. Overstepping these limits can cause frame fatigue or other issues.
While it's easy for us to focus on the additional bells and whistles that come with a new stroller, it's important to remember that a stroller is basically a baby carrier that will be 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 allows the person pushing it to easily maneuver it.
Easy of Use
For families who are constantly on the move, a double stroller needs to be easy to maneuver over a variety of terrains. Features like adjustable canopy with windows that peek out and dependable braking systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children but there are many other aspects that affect stroller ease of use. A stroller should be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your car yet have plenty of storage space for food or other things. Also important are thoughtful touches like a cup holder with a single parent, parent consoles and a snack tray for kids--all things that can make life with two children significantly simpler.
During our testing, we evaluated the strollers on how it did on a variety of terrains and how easily it could maneuver in tight spaces. We also looked at how simple it was to fold the stroller and then unfold it, and if a particular feature improved the overall functionality. A stroller without rethread straps makes it simple to adjust the seat belts. This is a huge attraction for parents who are constantly on the move, as it does away with the requirement to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double was a top performer in this metric, as it offers a wide range of seating configurations and additional accessories to help accommodate growing families. The wagon-style double stroller expands to allow for a second seat as well as a bassinet or a toddler riding board that is perfect for families with active children who plan long days on the go with multiple kids of various age. It also glides effortlessly over pavement, cobblestones and ballfields--and it folds flat to make simple storage in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is easy and intuitive and was a big hit with our test subject Kerry. Its stylish packaging, clearly labeled sections and helpful user guides made assembling this stroller a breeze.
Stores
A double stroller is able to hold twice as much stuff as a single stroller, so look for ample storage space. It is important to find a stroller with enough storage space to accommodate the essentials of both parents and children including bottles, toys, snacks, and diapers. Find baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller with an expandable cargo space to accommodate bulky items like diaper bags and lunchbags.
A good double stroller must have the ability to adapt as your family grows. Billingsley says that some models have a bassinet attachment to accommodate infants. Some models have child seats that expand with the child until they are ready to ride on the back. Some double strollers permit older siblings to join in the fun with the rider board.
There are a variety of double strollers available. You can pick from models with high-performance features that are great for rough terrain, as well as more budget-friendly options that you can use every day. While shopping, take double pushchair at user reviews and recommendations from families just like yours to get an idea of what to expect from the double stroller you pick.
Double strollers are available in three different designs: side-by-side, tandem, and wagon-style. Billingsley says that side-by-side strollers are the most flexible and ideal for twins or children of similar ages. Tandem double strollers come with two seats set up in a tandem configuration with the opposite direction facing. This is a great option for children who are similar age or siblings who want to be social with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through tight spaces and are less likely to fit through doorways than their side-byside counterparts.
Check out this top selection by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon style double stroller. The testers loved that this budget model has multiple seating options as well as the ability to click in two infant car seats or a single child riding in a convertible toddler seat. Our testers also loved the soft memory foam seats, 50+ SPF canopy and foam-filled tires that never get flat. And when it's time for you to fold, this model needs only a couple of pulls on the straps on each seat (under the seats where kids are) to fold in half.