Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two kids who are close in age, a double stroller could be an invaluable investment. These narrow tandem buggies as well as flexible side by side buggies let you keep both children in the same place while you shop and parks, as well as whatever else life can throw at you.
Comfort
When looking for a double stroller for your child, comfort is a major aspect to take into consideration. This could include both seating arrangements and the overall dimensions of the stroller which impacts convenience 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 should also take a look at the options for recline and seat age ranges to ensure the best fit for their family."
A quality double stroller should be robust enough to navigate various surfaces with ease, from urban sidewalks to parks trails and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should come with a variety of seating options for children of different stages of development, as well as comfort features such as a peek-a-boo window and adjustable canopies that shield kids from the sun or rain.
The seating options are important to many families that will utilize a double stroller from the time of birth until the age of. "There are two main categories--in-line with one seat behind the other, and side-by-side with seats next to each other," Billingsley explains. "Some parents prefer an in-line model due to its sleek appearance and versatility, while others prefer a wagon-style stroller to make the most space for large items or groceries."
While some products may have different recline options - with one seat almost flat while the other is upright, this type of distinction is more common in the in-line models. Billingsley suggests choosing a model with both a near flat recline and leg rest adjustment for both seats. This will ensure that both children can lay down comfortably.
Then, she suggests to look for a stroller that includes storage compartments that allow parents to easily access snacks, toys and personal items while out and about. She adds that it's also helpful to look for a stroller that has an organizer console for parents or a parent bag that is attached to the handlebars. This will help keep things within reach.
A few of the top-rated double strollers can be expanded that allows parents to modify the configuration to meet the needs of their growing family. The Mockingbird Expandable, for instance, is a highly rated double stroller that can be used from birth with a single seat, and then converted into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) when the child gets older.
Safety
Double strollers should be able to carry the weight of two passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers should be able to move and push, especially on rough terrain or in tight spaces. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height which make it easier for parents to maintain a good posture when pushing them. Another feature that is great is a no-rethread belt harness, which allows for a more comfortable adjustment of the belts on the seat. Safety features include a robust brake system and wheels that glide over any surface.
Some parents prefer side-by-side designs that allow both children to be able to see each other during family outings. This arrangement can prevent sibling rivalries over who gets to sit in which seat however it's not foolproof. If the seats are at different heights, a child could kick or punch one another during a walk, if the seats are at different levels.
For parents with twins or siblings close in age, a tandem-style stroller can be beneficial in being able to see both children at the same time. However, they can be larger than other double strollers, so they may not be able to pass through all doors in your home. To maximize versatility, you should consider a single-to-double stroller that transitions from a single to a tandem in various ways, like the renowned CYBEX Gazelle S. These models are able to accommodate a broad variety 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, be sure the product is JPMA certified to meet strict safety standards. Also pay attention to the maximum weight limits for each seat, as over-weighting could lead to frame fatigue or other issues.
It's easy to be swept in the sound of bells and whistles, however it's important to remember that strollers are essentially baby carriers that are used for a long period of durations. It must be comfortable for both parents and children, easy to clean and maintain, and in the ideal case it should have an intuitive, familiar design so that the person pushing it is able to easily maneuver it without having to think twice about how to move forward and turn left or right, or apply the brakes.
Easy of Use
A double stroller should be easy to maneuver on various terrains for families who are constantly moving. Strollers that have features like peek-a-boo windows, adjustable canopies and reliable brake systems are vital to ensure the safety of your children. But there are also other features that make them simpler to use. A stroller should be small enough to fit into the trunk of your car, but still have plenty of storage space for groceries or other items. Also important are thoughtful touches like a cup holder with a single parent, parent consoles and snacks for children--all things that will make life with two kids significantly more manageable.
In our tests We evaluated each stroller on how well it did on a variety of surfaces and how well it could maneuver in tight spaces. We also examined how simple it was to fold and unfold and whether or not a particular feature improved the overall performance of the stroller. A stroller without rethread straps is easy to adjust the seat belts. This is a major selling point for parents who are constantly in motion, as it eliminates the need to rethread their harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored high in this measure, since it offered an impressive range of seating configurations and additional accessories to accommodate families that are growing. The wagon-style double-stroller expands to accommodate an additional seat, a bassinet, or even a toddler-riding board. This is ideal for families who want to spend a lot of time traveling with several children of various ages. It is able to glide effortlessly over cobblestones and pavements and ballfields. It can fold flat to be stored in a trunk or a closet. The design of this stroller is simple and easy to use, which was appreciated by our test participant Kerry. Its smart packaging with clearly labeled sections as well as a helpful user guide made putting together this stroller a breeze.
Stores
Double strollers can carry twice more than one single stroller, so make sure you search for ample storage space. Ideally, you'll want a stroller that can accommodate the basic necessities for both kids: nappies bottles, snacks, and toys, in addition to parents' belongings like wallets, phones keys and wallets. Look for baskets that fit under the seat and other pockets, and look into a stroller that has an expandable cargo space that can carry heavy items such as lunch bags and diaper bags.
A quality double stroller should have the ability to adapt as your family grows. For example, some models include a bassinet attachment that can be used for newborns, and others have child seats that can expand with your children until they're ready to ride on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers allow older children to join in on the fun by riding on a rider board.
There are a variety of double strollers available. You can pick from high-performance models which are suitable for rough terrain, to more budget-friendly options that can use every day. While shopping, take a look at reviews and suggestions from families like yours to get an idea of what to expect with the double stroller you select.
Double strollers are available in three designs: tandem, side-by-side and wagon style. Side-by-side double strollers provide the most versatility and are ideal for twins or children close to each other in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers on the other hand, feature two seats that are placed adjacent to one another and facing in opposite directions--a ideal choice for children of the same age, or for siblings who love to interact with one another. Tandem strollers may be harder to maneuver in tight spaces and are less likely to pass through doorways than their side-byside counterparts.
If you prefer a wagon-style double stroller check out this top pick from Safety 1st. This affordable model was highly praised by our testers for its multiple seating configurations. It can be used with two car seats for infants or one child in a convertible toddler chair. Our experts also appreciated the comfortable 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 requires only a few tugs on the straps of each seat (under the seats where kids are) to fold in half.