Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two children who are close in age A double stroller can be an invaluable investment. These compact tandem strollers or versatile side-by-side buggies help you keep an eye on both kids at the same time taking on the grocery store, parks and anything else life throws at you.
Comfort
Comfort is a major factor to think about when purchasing a double-stroller. This could include both seating arrangement as well as the overall size of the stroller, which impacts ease of use and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child expert in child development from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, advises parents to be aware of the stroller's weight and folded dimensions. "They should also consider the options for recline of the seat and the age ranges of their children to ensure it's a perfect fit."
A quality double stroller should be sturdy enough to traverse various surfaces with ease, from suburban sidewalks to park trails and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should also provide flexible seating options for children of different age groups and comfort features such as windows that peek out and adjustable canopy to shield children from rain or sun.
Seating options are crucial for many families that will use a double stroller from the time of birth until the age of. Billingsley explains that there are two main categories of in-line seating with one seat in front of the other, and side-by-side, with seats next to each other. "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 large items or groceries."
In-line models are more likely to have this kind of discordance. Some products may offer different recline options, with one seat being almost flat, while the other being more upright. Billingsley suggests selecting a product that has a near-flat recline and leg rests that can be adjusted for both seats, so that each child can sleep comfortably.
Finally, she advises looking for strollers with storage compartments that allow parents to easily access snacks, toys, and personal items while on the move. double buggy says that it is beneficial to find a stroller which includes a parent console or organizer bag, that can be attached to the handlebars. This can help parents keep their essentials to hand.
Many of the top-rated double strollers can be expanded giving parents the ability to modify the layout according to their family's requirements. The Mockingbird Expandable, for instance, 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) when the child gets older.
Safety
Double strollers have to be able to handle the weight of two adults, as well as any additional cargo. Strollers should also be easy to maneuver and push, especially in tight areas and on difficult terrain. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height to ensure that parents maintain a good posture when pushing them. Another feature that is great is a non-rethread seat belt harness, which allows for a more comfortable adjustment of the seat belts. Safety features include a durable brake system and wheels that slide over any surface.
Some parents opt for a side by side design to allow both children to see each other when they go on family outings. This arrangement can reduce siblings arguing about who gets to sit in which place, but it isn't foolproof. If the seats are placed at different heights, one child could be in a position to punch or kick the other on a walk.
A tandem-style stroller is a ideal option for parents with twins or siblings that are close in age. It allows them to be able to see both children simultaneously. However, they are wider than other double strollers, meaning they might not be able to pass through all doors in your home. To maximize versatility, you should consider a stroller that can change 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 permit you to insert 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 strict safety standards. Pay attention to the weight limit that applies to each seat. Exceeding these limits could cause frame fatigue and other issues.
It's easy to get caught up in the bells and whistles, however it's important to remember that strollers are in essence baby carriers that will be used for extended time. It should be comfortable for both passengers and easy to clean and maintain, and in the ideal case it should feature an intuitive, familiar design that the person pushing it can effortlessly move it around without having to think twice about how to move forward, turn left or right, or use the brakes.
Easy to Use
For families on the go, a double stroller must be easy to maneuver over a variety of terrains. Strollers that have features like windows that peek-a-boo, adjustable canopies and reliable brake systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children. But there are other features that make them easier to use. For instance, a stroller must be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your car, yet provide ample storage space for food items and other things. It is also important to consider thoughtful additions like a one-parent cup holder, parent consoles and a snack tray for kids--all things that can make life with two children significantly simpler.
In our tests, we assessed each stroller on the basis of its ability to perform on different terrains and its ability to maneuver in tight spaces. We also looked at how easy it was to fold the stroller and unfold it, and if a particular feature improved the overall functionality. For example a stroller that has no-rethread harnesses makes adjusting the seat belts easy and quick. This is a major benefit for parents who are constantly on the move, as it eliminates the need to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double was a top performer in this metric, as it came with a variety of seating configurations as well as additional accessories to help accommodate growing families. The double-stroller that looks like a wagon can be expanded to accommodate two seats, a bassinet, or even a toddler-riding board. This is perfect for families who plan to spend long days traveling with several children of different ages. It also glides smoothly across cobblestones, ball fields and pavements. It also can be folded flat for easy storage in a trunk or closet. Our test subject Kerry was impressed by the simple and easy-to-use nature of the stroller's design. Its clever packaging clear sections, well-labeled sections and an informative user guide made putting together this stroller a breeze.
Stores
A double stroller has the potential to hold twice as much than a single stroller, therefore, you should look for plenty of storage space. It is important to find a stroller with enough storage space to accommodate the essentials for both children and parents including bottles as well as snacks, toys and diapers. Find baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller with an expandable cargo area to accommodate bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags.
A good double stroller must have the ability to adapt as your family grows. For example, some models include an attachment for a bassinet that can accommodate newborns, while others have child seats that can expand with your children until they're able to switch to riding on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers permit older siblings to share in the fun by riding on a rider board.
There are many different double strollers available. You can pick from high-performance models that are great for rough terrain, to more budget-friendly options that you can use every day. As you shop, read reviews from other users and the opinions of families like yours to gain an idea of what to expect from the double stroller you pick.
Double strollers are available in three different styles: tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers offer most versatility and are ideal for twins or children who are close to their age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers come with two seats that are set in a tandem configuration, facing opposite directions. This is a good option for children of 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 be able to fit through doors.
Check out this top pick by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon style double stroller. The testers loved that this budget model offers multiple seating configurations, including the ability to click in two infant car seats or a single child riding in a convertible toddler seat. Our reviewers also praised the comfortable memory foam seats and the 50+ SPF canopy, and foam-filled tires that never go flat. And when it's time for you to fold, this model needs just a couple of tugs on the straps on each seat (under the seat where kids sit) to fold in half.