Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is an excellent investment when you have two kids of similar ages. These compact tandem buggies or flexible side by side buggies will keep both children within sight while you shop or in parks, or whatever else life can throw at you.
Comfort
Comfort is an important factor to take into consideration when buying a double-stroller. This could include both seating arrangement as well as the overall size of the stroller which can impact the convenience and storage. "Parents should check how much the stroller weighs and its dimensions folded," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also consider the recline options for seats and the ages of their children to ensure it is a perfect fit."
A quality double stroller should be able to handle different surfaces easily including suburban sidewalks, park paths and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should also offer versatile seating arrangements for children of varying ages and comfort features such as windows that peek out and adjustable canopy to protect children from rain or sun.
For many families, a double stroller is likely to be used from birth and into childhood, so it's important to think about seating options. "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 an in-line model due to its sleek design and versatility, while others like a wagon-style double stroller to make the most space for large items or groceries."
In-line models are more likely to show this kind of discordance. Some models might offer different recline options, with one being almost flat, while the other one remaining fairly upright. 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 parents search for strollers with storage compartments to allow them to quickly access snacks, personal items and toys in motion. She also suggests that it is beneficial to choose a stroller that comes with a parent console or organizer bag, that can be attached to the handlebars. This can aid parents in keeping their essentials at hand.
Some of the most highly-rated double strollers are expandable, allowing parents to customize the layout to meet the requirements of their growing family. For instance, 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 a second seat and bassinet) as the child gets older.
Safety
Double strollers should be able to support the weight of two adults, as well as any additional cargo. Strollers must also be simple to move and push, particularly in tight spaces and over challenging terrain. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights which make it easier for parents to maintain good form when pushing them. A harness that does not need to be rethread that makes the adjustment of seat belts faster and easier to do, is a nice feature to look for. Safety features include a durable brake system and wheels which slide over any surface.
Some parents opt for an arrangement that is side by side so that both children can be together on family outings. This arrangement can prevent sibling rivalries over who gets to sit where however it's not foolproof. If the seats are set at different heights, one child may be able to kick or punch the other on a walk.
A tandem stroller is a great option for parents with twins or siblings who are similar in age. It allows them to observe both children at the same time. However, they are more spacious than other double strollers, so they might not fit through all doorways in the interior. To maximize versatility, you should consider a single-to-double stroller that transitions from a single stroller to a tandem in different ways, such as the well-known CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can be adapted to a wide range of configurations and permit you to insert infant car seats or cot attachments, according to your requirements.
If you decide to purchase a side-by-side or tandem-style stroller, make sure the product is JPMA-certified to meet the strictest safety standards. Be aware of the maximum weight limit for each seat. If you exceed these limits, it could cause frame fatigue or other issues.
While it's easy to concentrate on the additional bells and whistles on the latest stroller, it's crucial to keep in mind that a stroller is essentially a baby carrier that is used for extended periods of time. It must be easy to clean and maintain, and comfortable for both the passengers. It should also have a an intuitive, familiar design that allows the person pushing it to move it easily.
User-Friendliness
A double stroller must be simple to maneuver over various terrains for families who are constantly moving. Strollers with features such as windows that peek-a-boo, adjustable canopies and sturdy brake systems are vital to ensure the safety of your children. But there are other features that make them easier to use. A stroller should be compact enough to fit into the trunk of your car, but still have plenty of storage space for food or other items. It's also important to include thoughtful touches, such as cups holder for one parent, consoles for parents and an eating tray. These will make traveling with two children much easier.
In our tests we rated each stroller on how well 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 the stroller in half and then unfold it as well as if a particular feature improved the overall functionality. For example a stroller that has a harness that does not rethread makes the adjustment of the seat belts simple and easy. This is a major benefit for parents who are constantly in motion, as it removes the need to rethread their harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored high in this metric, as it offered an impressive range of seating configurations and additional accessories to accommodate growing families. The double-stroller that looks like a wagon expands to accommodate an additional seat, a bassinet, or even a toddler-riding board. This is ideal for families who want to spend long hours on the road with multiple children of different ages. It glides easily over cobblestones, pavements, and ball fields. It can fold flat to be stored in a trunk or a closet. Our test subject Kerry was impressed by the simple and intuitive nature of this stroller's design. The smart packaging clear sections, well-marked sections and user guide made it easy to put this stroller together.
Storage
Double strollers can carry twice as much as one single stroller So, make sure to search for ample storage space. You want a stroller with enough storage space to store the necessities of parents and children like bottles and snacks, toys, and diapers. Look for baskets that fit under the seat and other pockets, and consider a stroller that has an expandable cargo area that can hold bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags.
A quality double stroller should be able to adjust as your family expands. For example certain models have the bassinet attachment, which can be used for newborns, and others have child seats that can be adapted to your children until they're ready to ride on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers also permit a rider's board that allows older children to be part of the fun.
You'll find a wide variety of double strollers available on the market, from sleek, high-performance options that excel on rough terrain to budget-friendly models that are more suited for daily use. When shopping, take a look at reviews and suggestions from families just like yours to get a better idea of what to expect from the double stroller you choose.
Double strollers are available in three different designs such as tandem, side-byside, and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers offer the most versatility and are ideal for twins or children who are close to each other in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers, on contrary, have two seats that are placed adjacent to one another and facing in opposite directions. This is a good option for kids of the same age or for siblings who enjoy interacting with each other. Tandem strollers can be difficult to maneuver through tight spaces and are less likely to fit through doorways than their side-by-side counterparts.
If you're looking for a wagon-style double stroller check out this top model from Safety 1st. 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 riding in an convertible toddler seat. Our experts also praised the 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 only just a few pulls on the straps under each seat (under where kids sit) for folding.