Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two children that are in the same age group A double stroller can be a valuable investment. These compact tandem buggies or versatile side by side buggies will keep both children within sight while navigating the grocery aisle, parks, and whatever else life throws at you.
Comfort
When shopping for a double stroller for your child, comfort is a key consideration. This includes the seating arrangement and the overall size, which will have an impact on ease of use and storage. "Parents must determine what 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 think about the options for recline of the seat as well as the ages of their children to ensure it's the perfect fit."
A reputable double stroller must be able to handle different surfaces with ease including suburban sidewalks, parks and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should also offer versatile seating options for children of different age and comfort features such as windows that can be opened and closed to protect children from rain or sun.
Seating options are crucial for many families that will use double strollers from the time of birth until childhood. Billingsley states that there are two main categories that are in-line which has one seat in front of the other and side-byside seating with seats next to one another. "Some parents prefer an in-line option for its sleek design and versatility, while others like a wagon-style double stroller that can be used to store bulky items or grocery bags."
Some products may offer different recline options--with one seat nearly flat while the other remains relatively upright, this type of distinction is more common in models that are in-line. Billingsley recommends selecting a product with both a near flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children can lie down comfortably.
She also suggests that parents look for strollers that have storage compartments to allow them to easily access their snacks, personal items and toys when in motion. She also says that it is helpful to choose a stroller that includes a parent console or organizer bag, that can be attached to the handlebars. This will aid parents in keeping their essentials to hand.
A few of the top-rated double strollers can be extended giving parents the ability to alter the configuration according to their family's requirements. For example the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used with just a single seat as early as birth, and then transformed into tandem (with an additional seat and bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers should be able to carry the weight of both the passengers as well as any additional cargo. Strollers must also be easy to push and maneuver, especially in tight spaces and on terrain that is difficult to navigate. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights which make it easier for parents to maintain good form when pushing them. A no-rethread harness which makes the adjustment of seat belts quicker and easier, is another nice feature to look for. Safety features include a sturdy brake system, as well as wheels that can glide across any surface.
Some parents opt for side-by-side designs that allow both children to view each other on family outings. This arrangement can help prevent siblings fighting over who gets to sit where however it's not foolproof. If the seats are positioned at different levels, one child might be able to kick or punch the other on the course of a walk.
For parents with twins or siblings close in age, a tandem-style stroller is a great option for being able see both children at the same time. These double strollers can be wider, and may not fit through some doors inside. For maximum versatility, consider a single-to-double stroller which can switch from a single stroller to a tandem in various ways, such as the well-known CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can accommodate a wide 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, be sure that the stroller is JPMA-certified to meet strict safety standards. Be aware of the weight limit that applies to each seat. Exceeding these limits could cause frame fatigue and other issues.
While it's easy to concentrate on the many bells and whistles of the latest stroller, it's crucial to keep in mind that a stroller is essentially a baby carrier that will be used for extended durations of time. It must be easy to clean and maintain and comfortable for both passengers. It should also have an intuitive, familiar design that allows the person pushing it to move it easily.
Ease of Use
A double stroller must be easily maneuverable on various terrains for families who are constantly on the move. Features like adjustable canopies with windows that peek out and dependable brake systems are critical to help ensure the safety of your children, but there are many other aspects that affect stroller ease of use. A stroller should be small enough to fit into the trunk of your vehicle yet have plenty of storage space for groceries and 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 make life with two kids significantly easier.
In our testing we rated the strollers on how it performed on a variety of terrains and how easily it could maneuver in tight spaces. We also assessed how simple it was to fold and unfold and whether or not a specific feature improved the overall functionality of the stroller. A stroller with no-rethread straps is easy to adjust the seat belts. This is a huge selling point for parents who are always in motion, as it eliminates the need to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby 2 Double scored well in this test because it had a wide variety of seating configurations, and additional accessories that accommodated families that are growing. The wagon-style double-stroller expands so that it can accommodate an additional seat, a bassinet, or even a toddler-riding board. This is ideal for families that plan to spend long hours traveling with several children of different ages. It easily glides over cobblestones, pavements, and ballfields. It can be folded flat to be stored in a trunk or a closet. The design of this stroller is easy and easy to use and was a big hit with our tester Kerry. Its smart packaging clear sections, well-labeled sections and an informative user guide made putting together this stroller an absolute breeze.
Storage
A double stroller has the potential to hold twice as much as a single stroller therefore, you should look for plenty of storage space. It is important to find a stroller with enough storage space to store the necessities of parents and children, such as bottles and 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 will be able to grow with your family. For instance certain models have a bassinet attachment that can accommodate newborns, while others have child seats that can expand with your kids until they're ready to ride on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers permit a rider's board that allows older children to join in the fun.
There are a variety of double strollers in the market, from sleek, high-performance options that can handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models more suitable for use in the everyday. While shopping, read reviews and suggestions from families like yours to get an idea of what to expect from the double stroller you choose.
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 close to each other in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers, on the other hand, have two seats set close to each other and facing opposite directions. It's a great option for children of the same age, or for siblings who love to interact with one another. Tandem strollers may be harder to maneuver through tight spaces, and are less likely to fit through doorways than their side-byside counterparts.
Take a look at this top choice by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon-style double stroller. This affordable model was highly praised by our testers for its many seating options. It can be used with two infant car seats or one child sitting in a convertible toddler chair. best twin stroller praised memory foam seats as well as the canopy, which has 50+ SPF, and foam-filled wheels that never go flat. When it's time to fold, this model needs only a few tugs on straps on each seat (under where the kids sit) to fold in half.