Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is a good investment when you have two kids of similar ages. These narrow tandem buggies as well as versatile side-by-side buggies let you keep both children in the same place while you shop or in parks, or whatever else life can throw at you.
Comfort
When you are looking for a double stroller for your child, comfort is a key consideration. This could include the seating arrangement as well as the overall size, which can have an impact on ease of use and storage. "Parents must determine what the stroller weighs and its dimensions when folded," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also think about the recline options for seats, as well as the ages of their children to ensure it is a perfect fit."
A good double stroller should be able to handle a variety of surfaces easily including suburban sidewalks, park paths and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should also provide flexible seating arrangements for children of various ages and comfort features such as windows that peek out and adjustable canopy to shield children from sun or rain.
Seating options are important for many families who will use a double stroller from the time of birth until childhood. Billingsley explains that there are two main categories: in-line, with one seat in-front of the other and side-byside with seats adjacent to each other. "Some parents prefer an in-line stroller due to its sleek look and versatility, while others prefer a wagon-style stroller to maximize space for bulky items or grocery bags."
Some products may offer different recline options--with one seat being almost flat, while the other is upright, this type of distinction is more prevalent in the in-line models. Billingsley recommends selecting a product with both a near flat recline as well as leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children lie down comfortably.
In the end, she suggests to look for a stroller that includes storage compartments that enable parents to quickly access snacks, toys and other personal items while out and about. She also suggests that it's helpful to look for a stroller that has an organizer console for parents or a parent bag attached to the handlebars. This will allow you to keep your essentials in reach.
Some of the top-rated double strollers can be expanded that allows parents to modify the configuration to meet the needs of their growing family. For instance, the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used with just a single seat from birth and then converted to tandem (with an additional seat and bassinet) as the child gets older.
Safety
Double strollers have to be able to carry the weight of two adults, as well as any additional cargo. Strollers should be simple to maneuver and push, especially on difficult terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to ensure that parents maintain a good posture while pushing them. A harness that does not need to be rethread, which makes adjusting seat belts faster and easier, is another nice feature to look out for. A sturdy brake system and wheels that can glide over any surface are essential safety features.
Some parents opt for side-by-side designs that allow both children to be able to see each other during family outings. This arrangement can stop sibling rivalries over who is allowed to sit where, but it's not foolproof. If the seats are located at different heights, a child may punch or kick another while walking when the seats are on different levels.
For parents of twins or siblings who are close in age, a tandem-style stroller offers the benefit of being able to see both kids at once. However, they are more spacious than other double strollers, so they might not fit through all doorways in the interior. For maximum flexibility, think about a single-to-double stroller which can switch from a single stroller to a tandem in different ways, like the popular CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can accommodate a wide variety of configurations and allow you to click in infant car seats or cot attachments depending on your needs.
Whether you choose a side-by-side or tandem-style stroller, make sure the product is certified by JPMA to meet the strictest safety standards. Be sure to check the weight limits that apply to each seat, since exceeding them could result in frame fatigue or other issues.
While it's easy to focus on all the extra bells and whistles that come with the latest stroller, it's important to be aware that a stroller essentially a baby carrier that is used for extended periods of time. It should be comfortable for both passengers and easy to clean and maintain, and in the ideal case it should have an intuitive, familiar design so that the person pushing it can easily maneuver it without having to think twice about how to move forward, turn left or right, or use the brakes.
Easy of Use
For families that are on the move, a double stroller needs to be able to navigate a variety of terrains. Features like adjustable canopy systems windows, peek-aboo windows, and dependable braking systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children but there are other factors that influence stroller comfort of use. For example, a stroller must be small enough to fit into the trunk of your car, but still provide ample storage space for your groceries and other items. Also important are thoughtful touches like a one-parent cup holder or console for parents, as well as an eating tray for children -- all things that will make life with two kids significantly easier.
During our testing, we evaluated the strollers on how it did on a variety of terrains and how easily it maneuvered in tight spaces. We also considered how easy it was to fold the stroller and unfold it as well as if a particular feature enhanced the overall functionality. For example a stroller that has a no-rethread harness makes adjusting the seat belts quick and simple. This can be a huge selling point for parents on the go because it cuts down on time and reduces the need to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby v2 Double scored highly in this metric as it had a wide variety of seating options, as well as other accessories that could accommodate growing families. The wagon-style double stroller expands to accommodate an additional seat, a bassinet or even a toddler-friendly riding board, which is ideal for families who are active and planning long days on the go with multiple kids of various age. It also glides smoothly across cobblestones, ball fields and pavements. It also can be folded flat for simple storage in a trunk or closet. Our tester Kerry was impressed by the simple and intuitive nature of this stroller's design. Its stylish packaging clear sections, well-labeled sections and helpful user guide made assembling this stroller a breeze.
Stores
Double strollers can hold twice as much as one single stroller, so make sure you look for plenty of storage space. You'll want a stroller that has enough storage space to hold the necessities of parents and children including bottles as well as snacks, toys and diapers. Find baskets under the seat as well as other pockets, and think about a stroller with an expandable cargo space that can carry bulky items like diaper bags and lunch bags.
A quality double stroller should be able to change as your family expands. Billingsley says that some models come with the option of a bassinet attachment that can accommodate infants. Some models have child seats that can expand with the child until they are able to ride on the back. Some double strollers even include a rider board that allows older children to be part of the fun.
There are many double strollers available. You can pick from high-performance models that are great for rough terrain, as well as more budget-friendly options that you can use daily. When shopping, take a look at reviews and recommendations of families similar to yours to get an idea of what you can expect from the double stroller that you choose.
Double strollers are available in three different designs: tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-byside strollers are the most flexible and ideal for twins as well as children of similar ages. Tandem double strollers have two seats set up in a tandem configuration facing in opposite directions. This is a good option for children of the same 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 doors.
Check out best twin stroller by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon style double stroller. Testers loved how this affordable model has multiple seating options and the option to snap in two infant car seats or a single child in the convertible toddler seat. double pushchair sale praised the memory foam seats and canopy that has 50+ SPF, and foam-filled wheels that never flatten. And when it's time for you to fold, this model needs only a few tugs on the straps on each seat (under the seat where kids sit) to fold in half.