Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is a great investment when you have two kids of similar ages. These compact tandem strollers or flexible side-by-side buggies let you keep your eyes on both kids at the same time navigating the aisles of the supermarket, parks and anything else life throws your way.
Comfort
When you are looking for a double stroller for your child, comfort is an important aspect to take into consideration. This includes both the seating arrangements and the overall dimensions of the stroller which can impact the ease of use and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, says parents should examine the stroller's weight as well as folded dimensions. "They should also take a look at the recline options for seats and age ranges to ensure a good fit for their family."
A good double stroller should be able to handle different surfaces with ease including suburban sidewalks, parks, and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should have a variety 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 protect children from rain or sun.
For many families, a double stroller is likely to be utilized from birth until childhood, so it's important to consider the seating options. "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 an in-line stroller due to its sleek look and versatility, whereas others prefer a wagon-style stroller that can be used to store bulky items or groceries."
Although some models may have different recline options--with one seat almost flat while the other one remains upright--this type of disparity is more prevalent in models that are in-line. Billingsley suggests choosing a model that offers both a nearly flat recline and leg rest adjustment for both seats, so that the children can both lie back comfortably.
She also suggests parents search for strollers with storage compartments to allow them to quickly access their snacks, personal items, and toys while in motion. She also suggests that it is beneficial to find a stroller which includes a parent console or organizer bag attached on the handlebars. This can help parents keep essentials close in their reach.
Some of the top-rated double strollers can be expanded which allows parents to alter the configuration to meet the requirements of their growing family. For example, the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly rated double stroller that can be used with a single seat from birth, and then converted to a tandem (with a second seat and bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers should be able to carry the weight of two passengers--plus any additional cargo. Strollers should 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 their form when pushing them. A harness that does not need to be rethread, which makes adjusting seat belts more quickly and easily is another great feature to look for. Finally, a sturdy brake system and wheels that glide over any surface are important safety features.
Some parents prefer a side by side design so that both children can be together during family outings. This arrangement can help prevent sibling squabbles over who sits in which seat however, it's not 100% secure. If the seats are positioned at different levels, one child might be capable of punching or kicking the other during the course of a walk.
For parents of twins or siblings of similar age, a tandem-style stroller offers the benefit of being able to view both kids at once. These double strollers can be larger, and might not fit through certain doors inside. For maximum versatility, consider a single-to-double stroller which can switch from a single stroller to a tandem in various ways, like the renowned CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can be adapted to a wide variety of configurations and allow you to click in infant car seats or cot attachments, according to your requirements.
Whether you choose a side-by-side or tandem-style stroller, make sure the product is certified by JPMA to meet stringent safety standards. Be aware of 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 in essence baby carriers that will be used for a long period of time. It must be comfortable for both passengers and easy to clean and maintain, and ideally it should have an intuitive, familiar design that the person pushing it can easily maneuver it without having to think about how to move forward or turn left or right, or apply the brakes.
Easy of Use
For families that are on the move, a double stroller needs to be able to navigate different terrains. Strollers with features like windows that can be opened and closed, adjustable canopy 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 must be compact enough to fit into the trunk of your vehicle yet have plenty of storage space for food or other items. Also important are thoughtful touches like a one-parent cup holder or console for parents, as well as snacks for children--all things that can make life on the go with two kids significantly more manageable.
During our testing we rated each stroller based on how it performed on a variety of terrains and how easily it maneuvered in tight spaces. We also looked at how simple it was to fold the stroller and unfold it, and if a particular feature improved the overall functionality. For instance a stroller with a no-rethread harness makes adjusting the seat belts easy and quick. This is a huge selling point for parents who are constantly on the move, as it removes the requirement to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby V2 Double was a top performer in this test because it came with a variety of seating configurations and additional accessories that accommodated expanding families. The wagon-style double-stroller expands so that it can accommodate a second seat, bassinet, or even a toddler-riding board. This is ideal for families who plan to spend long days traveling with several children of various age groups. It also glides smoothly over cobblestones, balls and pavements. It folds flat for simple storage in a closet or trunk. strollers double strollers of this stroller is easy and easy to use and was a big hit with our test subject Kerry. Its smart packaging, clearly labeled sections and helpful user guide made putting together this stroller an absolute breeze.
Storage
Double strollers can hold twice more than a single one So, make sure to ensure you have plenty of storage space. You want a stroller with enough storage space to hold the necessities of parents and children like bottles, toys, snacks, and diapers. Look for pockets and baskets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller that has an expandable cargo area to accommodate bulky items like diaper bags and lunchbags.
A good double stroller will be able to grow with your family. For instance certain models come with an attachment for a bassinet that can accommodate newborns, while others come with child seats that can expand with your kids until they're ready to move to the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers permit older siblings to join in the fun by riding on a rider board.
There are many double strollers available. You can pick from models with high-performance features that are great for rough terrain, to more budget-friendly options that you can use on a daily basis. While shopping, take a look at reviews from other users and the opinions of families just like yours to get a better sense of what to expect with the double stroller you pick.
Double strollers are available in three different styles: side-by-side, tandem, and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-by-side strollers are the most adaptable and suitable for twins or children of a similar age. Tandem double strollers, on the contrary, have two seats set close to each other and facing in opposite directions--a great option for children of the same age or for siblings who love to interact with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces, and less likely to be able to fit through doorways.
Check out this top pick by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon-style double stroller. Our testers were impressed by the fact that this low-cost model offers multiple seating configurations, including the ability to snap in two infant car seats or a single child riding in a convertible toddler seat. Our experts also praised memory foam seats as well as the canopy, which has 50+ SPF, and foam-filled wheels that will never wear out. When it's time to fold, this model requires just a couple of tugs on the straps on each seat (under where the kids sit) to fold in half.