Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two children who are close in age, a double stroller could be a great investment. These narrow tandem buggies as well as flexible side by side buggies will keep both children in the same place 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 aspect to take into consideration. This can include the seating arrangement and overall size, which can have an impact on the ease of use 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 options for recline and seat age ranges to ensure a good fit for their family."
A good double stroller should be able to handle different surfaces easily from suburban sidewalks to parks, and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should offer a range of seating options for children of different stages of development, as well as features that provide comfort, such as a peek-aboo windows and adjustable canopy options that protect children from rain or sun.
For a majority of families double strollers will be used from birth and into the age of five, so it's crucial to consider the seating options. Billingsley says there are two main categories of in-line seating which has one seat in front of the other and side-byside, with seats next to each other. "Some parents prefer an in-line model due to its sleek appearance and versatility, while others prefer a wagon-style double stroller to maximize space for bulky items or groceries."
Although some models may have different recline options--with one seat almost flat while the other remains relatively upright, this type of distinction is more common in models that are in-line. Billingsley recommends choosing a product that has a nearly flat recline and leg rests that can be adjusted for both seats to ensure the children can both lie back comfortably.
In the end, she suggests to look for strollers that have storage compartments that enable parents to easily access snacks, toys, and personal belongings while on the go. She adds that it's also useful to find a stroller that has a parent console or organizer bag that can be attached to the handlebars. This will allow you to keep your essentials in reach.
A few of the top-rated double strollers can be enlarged to allow parents to modify the layout according to their family's requirements. The Mockingbird Expandable, for example is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used from birth with a single seat, and later converted into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) when the child is older.
Safety
Double strollers should be able to support the weight of two passengers--plus any additional cargo. Strollers must be simple to maneuver and push, especially on difficult terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to allow parents to maintain their good posture while pushing them. A no-rethread harness that makes the adjustment of seat belts faster and easier is another great feature to look for. Safety features include a sturdy brake system, as well as wheels that glide over any surface.
Some parents choose a side-by-side design that allows both children to see each other on family outings. This arrangement can prevent siblings arguing about who gets to sit in which spot however it's not foolproof. If the seats are located at different levels, a child might punch or kick another while walking if the seats are at different levels.
A tandem stroller is a great option for parents with twins or siblings that are similar in age. It lets them be able to see both children simultaneously. However, these can be wider than other double strollers, meaning they may not fit through all interior doorways. Consider a single-to double stroller that can be transformed from a single to double in various ways. Popular models include the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you're in the market for a tandem or side-byside stroller, be sure the product is JPMA certified to meet the strictest safety standards. Pay attention to the maximum weight limit for each seat. Overstepping these limits can cause frame fatigue and other issues.
It's easy to be swept in the jingles and whistles, but it's important to remember that strollers are basically baby carriers that will be carried for long periods of time. It must be comfortable for both the passengers and easy to clean and maintain, and ideally it should have an intuitive, familiar design that the person pushing it is able to easily maneuver it without having to think twice about how to move forward or turn left or right, or even apply the brakes.
User-Friendliness
For families on the go, a double stroller needs to be able to maneuver easily over various terrains. Features like adjustable canopies with windows that peek out and dependable braking systems are critical to help ensure the safety of your children however, there are other elements that affect stroller ease of use. A stroller should be small enough to fit in the trunk of your vehicle and still provide plenty of storage space for groceries or other items. It is also essential to include thoughtful features, like cups holder for one parent as well as consoles for parents and an eating tray. These can help make traveling with two children much more enjoyable.
In our tests We evaluated each stroller based on how it performed on a variety terrains, and how easily it could maneuver in tight spaces. We also considered how easy it was to fold the stroller and unfold it as well as if a particular feature improved the overall functionality. For example a stroller with a harness that does not rethread makes the adjustment of the seat belts quick and simple. This is a major benefit for parents on the go, as it saves time and removes the need to re-thread the harness.
The UPPAbaby 2 Double scored highly in this measure because it came with a variety of seating options, as well as additional accessories that accommodated growing families. The double-stroller in the wagon style expands so that it can accommodate two seats, a bassinet, or even a toddler-riding board. This is ideal for families who plan to spend long days in the car with a variety of children of different ages. It also glides effortlessly over pavement, cobblestones and ballfields--and folds flat for simple storage in a closet or trunk. The design of this stroller is simple and easy to use which was well-loved by our test subject Kerry. Its stylish packaging with clearly labeled sections as well as a helpful user guide made assembling this stroller a breeze.
Stores
A double stroller is able to hold twice as much than a single stroller, therefore, you should look for plenty of storage space. You'll want a stroller that has enough storage space to hold the essentials for both parents and children including bottles as well as snacks, toys and diapers. Look for baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller with an expandable cargo space that can accommodate bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags.
A quality double stroller will be able to adapt to the needs of your family. For example, some models include a bassinet attachment that can be used for newborns, and others feature child seats that can be adapted to your children until they're ready to move to the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers even allow for a rider board that allows older children to take part in the fun.
There are a variety of double strollers on the market. You can pick from models with high-performance features which are suitable for rough terrain, or affordable options that you can use every day. While shopping, take a look at reviews and suggestions from families like yours to get an idea of what to expect from the double stroller you select.
Double strollers are available in three different models: tandem, side by side and wagon style. Side-by-side double strollers offer the most flexibility and are perfect for twins or children close to their age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers come with two seats that are set in tandem facing in opposite directions. This is a great option for children of the same age or siblings who prefer to be social with one another. Tandem strollers can be difficult to maneuver through tight spaces and are less likely to pass through doors than their side-by-side counterparts.
Check out this top selection by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon-style double stroller. sit and stand double stroller was praised by testers for its multiple seating configurations. It can be used with two car seats for infants or one child in a convertible toddler chair. Our experts also appreciated the comfy memory foam seats with a 50+ SPF canopy and foam-filled tires that never get flat. When it's time to fold this model needs only a few tugs on the straps beneath each seat (under the seat where children sit) in order to fold.