Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two children who are similar in age A double stroller can be a great investment. These compact tandem buggies or versatile side by side buggies will keep both children within sight while you shop or in parks, or whatever else life throws at you.
Comfort
Comfort is a major factor to consider when shopping for a double-stroller. This can include both the seating arrangements and the overall size of the stroller which affects the convenience and storage. "Parents should determine how much the stroller weighs as well as its dimensions when folded," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also take a look at the recline options for seats and age ranges to ensure a good fit for their family."
A reputable double stroller must be able to handle different surfaces easily from suburban sidewalks to parks, and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should also have flexible seating arrangements for children of various age groups and comfort features like windows that can be opened and closed to protect children from rain or sun.
Seating options are crucial for many families who use double strollers from the time of birth until the age of. "There are two main categories - in-line with one seat in front of the other, and side-by-side with seats adjacent to each other," Billingsley explains. Some parents prefer the inline option due to its sleek style and its versatility. Others like the wagon style double stroller to maximize space for bulky or grocery items.
Some products may offer different recline options, with one seat almost flat while the other one remains upright, this kind of difference is more common in the in-line models. Billingsley suggests choosing a model that has a nearly flat recline and leg rest adjustment for both seats. This will ensure that both children lay comfortably.
She also suggests parents look for strollers that have storage compartments to allow them to quickly access their snacks, personal items and toys when on the move. She suggests that it's helpful to look for the stroller that has an organizer or parent console bag attached to the handlebars. This will help keep things in reach.
Many of the top-rated double strollers can be expanded, allowing parents the flexibility to customize the setup according to their family's requirements. The Mockingbird Expandable, for instance, is a highly rated double stroller which can be used from birth using 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 both passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers need to be easy to maneuver and push, particularly on rough terrain or in tight spaces. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to ensure that parents maintain a good form while pushing them. Another nice feature is a non-rethread seat belt harness that makes it easier to adjust the belts on the seat. Finally, a sturdy brake system and wheels that glide across any surface are crucial safety features.
Some parents opt for an arrangement that is side by side to ensure that both children see each other when they go on family outings. This arrangement can prevent siblings fighting over who gets to sit where but it's not a guarantee. If the seats are positioned at different heights, one child could be capable of punching or kicking the other on walks.
For parents of twins or siblings who are close in age, a tandem stroller is a great option for being able to view both kids at once. These double strollers can be larger, and might not fit through certain doors inside. You could consider a single-to-double stroller that can be converted from a single to a double in a variety ways. The most popular models are the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you're in the market for a tandem or side-by-side stroller, ensure that the stroller has been JPMA certified to meet stringent safety standards. Also pay attention to the weight limits that apply to each seat, since exceeding them could result in frame fatigue or other issues.
While it's easy to concentrate on the additional bells and whistles of the latest stroller, it's important to be aware that a stroller essentially a baby carrier that will be transported for long periods of time. It must be comfortable for both passengers as well as easy to clean and maintain, and ideally, it should offer an intuitive, familiar design that the person pushing it is able to effortlessly move it around without having to think twice about how to move forward or turn left or right, or even apply the brakes.
Easy of Use
For families on the go, a double stroller should be able to maneuver easily over various terrains. Features like adjustable canopy systems windows, peek-aboo windows, and dependable braking systems are essential to ensure your children's safety, but there are other factors that influence stroller comfort of use. A stroller should be small enough to fit in the trunk of your car, but still have plenty of storage space for groceries or other items. It's also important to include thoughtful touches, such as a cup holder for one parent as well as consoles for parents and snacks on trays. These will make traveling with two kids significantly easier.
In our tests, we assessed each stroller based on its ability to perform on different surfaces and its ability to 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 functionality of the stroller. A stroller with no-rethread straps is easy to adjust the seat belts. This can be a big selling point for parents who are always moving around, since it removes the need to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby v2 Double scored highly in this measure because it came with a variety of seating options, as well as other accessories that could accommodate growing families. The wagon-style double stroller expands to allow for two seats as well as a bassinet, or a toddler riding board--perfect for families who are active and planning long days on the go with multiple kids of various ages. It glides easily over cobblestones and pavements and ballfields. It can fold flat to store in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is simple and easy to use which was well-loved by our tester Kerry. The smart packaging, clearly marked sections and user guide made it easy to assemble this stroller.
Storage
Double strollers can carry twice more than one single stroller, so make sure you search for ample storage space. Ideally, you want a stroller that can accommodate the necessities for both kids, including nappies bottles, snacks, and toys, in addition to parents' belongings like wallets, phones keys and wallets. Look for baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller that has an expandable cargo space that can accommodate bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags.
A good double stroller must be able to change as your family expands. Billingsley states that certain models have the option of a bassinet attachment that can accommodate newborns. Others have child seats that grow with the child until they are old enough to ride on the back. Some double strollers even include a rider board that allows older children to join in the fun.
There's a wide selection of double strollers on the market, from sleek, high-performance models that excel on rough terrain to budget-friendly models that are more for everyday use. When shopping, take a look at reviews and recommendations of families just like yours to get an idea of what you can expect from the double stroller you choose.
Double strollers come in three different designs such as tandem, side-byside, and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-byside strollers are the most flexible and ideal for twins or children of similar ages. Tandem double strollers, on other hand, have two seats that are placed adjacent to one another and facing in opposite directions--a good option for kids of the same age, or for siblings who like to interact with one another. Tandem strollers can be difficult to maneuver through tight spaces and are less likely to fit through doorways than their side-byside counterparts.
Take double buggy at this top choice by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon style double stroller. The testers loved that this budget model has multiple seating options and the option to snap in two infant car seats or a single child in the convertible toddler seat. Our experts also appreciated the comfortable memory foam seats, 50+ SPF canopy and foam-filled tires that will never get flat. When it's time to fold this model requires only just a few pulls on the straps under each seat (under the seat where children sit) to fold.