Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is an excellent investment if you have two children with similar ages. These narrow tandem buggies or versatile side-by-side buggies allow you to keep both children within sight when you are navigating the aisles of your grocery store and parks, as well as whatever else life can throw at you.
Comfort
When you are looking for a double stroller, comfort is an important factor to consider. This can include both the seating arrangement as well as the overall dimensions of the stroller which affects the accessibility and storage. "Parents should check how much the stroller weighs and its dimensions when folded," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also consider the options for recline and seat age ranges to ensure a good fit for their family."
A quality double stroller should be durable enough to travel on various surfaces with ease, from urban sidewalks to parks trails, and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should have a variety of seating options for children at different age groups, and comfort features like peek-a-boo windows and adjustable canopy options which protect children from rain or sun.
For many families, a double stroller is likely to be used from birth and into the age of five, so it's crucial to think about seating options. Billingsley explains that there are two primary categories: in-line which has one seat in front of the other, and side-by-side with seats adjacent to each other. Some parents prefer the inline option because of its sleek appearance and versatility. Others like a wagon style double stroller for maximum space for grocery or bulky items.
While some products may have different recline options - with one seat being almost flat, while the other is upright, this type of distinction is more prevalent in models that are in-line. Billingsley suggests choosing a model that has a nearly flat recline and leg rest adjustment for both seats. This will ensure that both children lie down comfortably.
She also suggests that parents look for strollers with storage compartments so that they can easily access snacks, personal items and toys when moving about. She also recommends that it is helpful to find a stroller which has a parent console, or organizer bag, that can be attached to the handlebars. This can help parents keep essentials close at hand.
Many of the top-rated double strollers can be enlarged, allowing parents the flexibility to modify the layout according to their family's requirements. 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 the addition of a second seat and bassinet) as the child gets older.
Safety
Double strollers must be able to support the weight of two adults, as well as any additional cargo. Strollers must be able to move and push, particularly when on rough terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to ensure that parents maintain a good posture while pushing them. Another great feature is a non-rethread seat belt harness that makes it easier to adjust the belts on the seat. A sturdy brake system and wheels that glide across any surface are essential safety features.
Some parents prefer an arrangement that is side by side to allow both children to see each other when they go on family outings. This arrangement can help prevent sibling fights over which child gets to sit where however it's not foolproof. If the seats are at different heights, a child may kick or punch one another during a walk, if the seats are at different levels.
A tandem stroller is a ideal option for parents with twins or siblings who are similar in age. It lets them be able to see both children simultaneously. However, they are larger than other double strollers, so they may not fit through all doorways in the interior. For maximum versatility, consider a single-to-double stroller that transitions from a single stroller to a tandem in a variety of ways, like the well-known CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can accommodate a wide range 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 side-by-side stroller, be sure the product has been JPMA certified to meet the strictest safety standards. Also pay attention to the maximum weight limits for each seat, as exceeding them can lead to frame fatigue or other issues.
It's easy to be swept in the jingles 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 easy to clean and maintain, and comfortable for both of the passengers. It should also have a an easy-to-use, familiar design that allows the person pushing the stroller to move it easily.
Easy of Use
For families that are on the move, a double stroller needs to be able to navigate different terrains. Features like adjustable canopy systems with windows that peek out and dependable braking systems are crucial to ensure the safety of your children, however, there are other elements that contribute to stroller ease of use. A stroller must be compact enough to fit into the trunk of your car yet have plenty of storage space for groceries or other things. It is also essential to include thoughtful details, such as the cup holder for one parent as well as consoles for parents and a snack tray. These will help make traveling with two children much more enjoyable.
During our testing We evaluated the strollers on how it performed on a variety of terrains and how easily it maneuvered in tight spaces. We also looked at how easy it was to fold and unfold, and whether or not a particular feature added to the overall performance of the stroller. A stroller with no-rethread straps is easy to adjust the seat belts. This is a major benefit for parents who are always on the move, as it does away with the need to rethread their harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored highly in this measure, since it offered an impressive range of seating configurations as well as additional accessories to help accommodate growing families. The double-stroller in the wagon style can be expanded to accommodate a second seat, bassinet or even a toddler's riding board. This is perfect for families who want to spend long days traveling with several children of various age groups. It also glides smoothly across cobblestones, balls and pavements. It folds flat for simple storage in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is easy and intuitive, which was appreciated by our test subject Kerry. The clever packaging, clearly marked sections and user's manual made it easy to assemble this stroller.
Storage
A double stroller is able to hold twice as much stuff as a single stroller, so look for ample storage space. Ideally, best double strollers 'll want an item that can hold the basic necessities for both kids: nappies, bottles, snacks and toys, as well as parents' items such as wallets, phones keys, wallets and phones. Look for baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller with an expandable cargo space to take in bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags.
A good double stroller must be able to change as your family expands. For example certain models have the bassinet attachment, which can be used for newborns, and others feature child seats that can be adapted to your kids until they're ready to ride on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers also permit a rider's board to let older siblings join in the fun.
There's a wide selection of double strollers on the market, from sleek, high-performance models that can handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models more suitable for use in the everyday. While shopping, read reviews and recommendations of families like yours to get a better idea of what to expect from the double stroller you pick.
Double strollers are available in three models: tandem, side by side and wagon style. Billingsley says that side-by-side strollers are the most flexible and suitable for twins or children of similar ages. Tandem double strollers come with two seats arranged in a tandem configuration, facing opposite directions. This is a good option for children who are similar age, or siblings who want 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.
If you're looking for a wagon-style double stroller, take a look at this top choice from Safety 1st. Our testers were impressed by the fact that this low-cost model has multiple seating options and the option to connect two infant car seats or a single child in an convertible toddler seat. Our reviewers also praised the memory foam seats, canopy with 50+ SPF, and foam-filled wheels that never flatten. When it's time to fold, this model requires only a few tugs on the straps on each seat (under where the kids sit) to fold in half.