Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two kids who are close in age, a double stroller could be a valuable investment. These narrow tandem buggies as well as versatile side-by-side buggies allow you to keep both children in sight when you are navigating the aisles of your grocery store and parks, as well as whatever else life throws at you.
Comfort
When shopping for a double stroller, the comfort is a major factor to consider. This can include the seating arrangement as well as the overall size, which has an impact on the ease of use and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child expert in development from the Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, advises parents to examine the stroller's weight as well as folded dimensions. "They should also consider the recline options for seats and age ranges to ensure a good fit for their family."
A well-constructed double stroller will be robust enough to navigate all surfaces without difficulty, from urban sidewalks to parks trails and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should also have flexible seating arrangements for children of different age and comfort features like windows that peek out and adjustable canopy to shield children from rain or sun.
Seating options are important for many families that will use double strollers from birth to childhood. "There are two main categories: in-line with one seat behind the other, and side-by-side with seats that are next to each other," Billingsley explains. Some parents prefer the inline option due to its sleek design and its versatility. Others prefer a wagon-style double stroller to maximize space for grocery or bulky items.
Some products may offer different recline options - with one seat nearly flat while the other one remains upright, this type of distinction is more common in the in-line models. Billingsley recommends choosing a product that offers both an almost flat recline as well as leg rests that can be adjusted for both seats to ensure both children can lie back comfortably.
She also suggests that parents search for strollers with storage compartments so that they can easily access personal items, snacks and toys when on the move. double buggy suggests that it's useful to find the stroller that has an organizer console for parents or a parent bag that is attached to the handlebars, which will allow you to keep your essentials within reach.
Some of the top-rated double strollers can be expanded which allows parents to alter the set-up based on the needs of their growing family. The Mockingbird Expandable, for example is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used from birth using a single seat, then transformed into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers must be able to support the weight of two people, plus any additional cargo. Strollers must be easy to maneuver and push, especially on difficult terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights which allow parents to maintain a good posture when pushing them. Another great feature is a no-rethread seat belt harness, which makes it easier to adjust the belts on the seat. Safety features include a durable brake system, as well as wheels that glide over any surface.
Some parents opt for a side by side design to allow both children to be together when they go on family outings. This arrangement can help prevent sibling rivalries over who sits in which spot however it's not foolproof. If the seats are located at different heights, a child may punch or kick another during a walk in the event that the seats are at different levels.
A tandem-style stroller is a ideal option for parents with twins or siblings who are similar in age. It lets them see both children at once. However, these can be larger than other double strollers, so they might not fit through all doorways in the interior. For maximum flexibility, think about a stroller that can change from a single to a tandem in different ways, like the renowned CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can be adapted to a wide range of configurations, and let you click in infant car seats or cot attachments according to your requirements.
If you're in the market for a tandem or a side-by-side stroller, ensure that the product is JPMA certified to meet the strictest safety standards. Be aware of the weight limits that apply to each seat, as exceeding them could result in frame fatigue or other issues.
While it's easy to focus on the additional bells and whistles of the latest stroller, it is crucial to be aware that a stroller an infant carrier that will be used for extended durations of time. It should be easy to clean and maintain as well as comfortable for both passengers. It should also feature a an intuitive, familiar design that lets the person pushing it to move it easily.
Easy of Use
For families who are constantly on the move, a double stroller needs to be able to maneuver easily over various terrains. Strollers with features like windows that peek-a-boo, adjustable canopies and sturdy brake systems are vital to ensure the safety of your children. But there are also other factors that make them more convenient to use. A stroller should be small enough to fit into the trunk of your vehicle yet have plenty of storage space for food or other things. It is also essential to include thoughtful details, such as cups holder for one parent, consoles for parents and a snack tray. These will help make traveling with two children much more enjoyable.
In our tests, we assessed each stroller according to its ability to perform on different terrains and its ability to maneuver in tight spaces. We also considered how easy it was to fold the stroller in half and then unfold it in a timely manner, and if a specific feature improved the overall functionality. For example, a stroller with a harness that does not rethread makes the adjustment of the seat belts quick and simple. This can be a major benefit for parents who are on the move because it cuts down on time and removes the need to re-thread the harness.
The UPPAbaby V2 Double was a top performer in this measure because it had a wide variety of seating options, as well as additional accessories that accommodated families that are growing. The wagon-style double stroller expands to provide an additional seat, a bassinet or even a toddler riding board--perfect for active families planning long days on the go with multiple kids of varying age. It is able to glide effortlessly over pavements, cobblestones, and ball fields. It can fold flat to fit in a trunk or a closet. The design of this stroller is simple and easy to use which was well-loved by our test participant Kerry. The smart packaging, clearly marked sections and the user's guide made it simple to put this stroller together.
Stores
Double strollers can carry twice as much as one single stroller So, make sure to look for plenty of storage space. It is ideal to have a stroller that is able to hold the basic necessities for both kids: nappies, bottles, snacks and toys, as well as parents' items such as phones, wallets keys, wallets and phones. Look for baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, consider a stroller with an expandable cargo space that can take in bulky items like diaper bags and lunchbags.
A good double stroller should be able to adjust as your family expands. For instance, some models include the bassinet attachment, which can accommodate infants, while others have child seats that can expand with your kids until they're ready to ride on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers allow older siblings to join in on the fun by riding on a rider board.
You'll find a wide variety of double strollers available on the market, from elegant, high-performance models that excel on rough terrain to budget-friendly models more suited for daily use. While shopping, read reviews and opinions of families like yours to get a better idea of what to expect from the double stroller you choose.
Double strollers come in three different styles including tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers offer the most versatility and are ideal for twins or children who are close in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers feature two seats that are set in tandem facing in opposite directions. This is a great option for children who are the same age, or siblings who like to interact with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces, and are less likely to fit into doors.
Check out this top pick by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon-style double stroller. This budget-friendly model was highly praised by our testers for its multiple seating configurations. It can be used with two infant car seats or one child in a convertible toddler chair. Our reviewers also praised the comfortable memory foam seats, 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 few tugs on straps on each seat (under where the kids sit) to fold in half.