Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is a good investment for families with two children with similar ages. These strollers are narrow and narrow, as well as versatile side-by-side buggies help you keep your eyes on both kids at the same time while taking on the grocery store as well as the parks and other obstacles life throws your way.
Comfort
When you are looking for a double stroller, the comfort is an important aspect to take into consideration. This includes both the seating arrangement and the overall dimensions of the stroller which impacts accessibility and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, suggests parents check the stroller's weight and folded dimensions. "They should also look at the recline options for seats and age ranges to ensure the best fit for their family."
A quality double stroller should be able to navigate a variety of surfaces with ease including suburban sidewalks, parks, and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should also have flexible seating arrangements for children of varying ages and comfort features like windows that can be opened and closed to keep kids shielded from rain or sun.
The seating options are important to many families who will use double strollers from the time of birth until childhood. "There are two main categories: in-line with one seat in front of the other, and side-byside with seats that are next to each other," Billingsley explains. "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 large items or grocery bags."
In-line models are more likely to show this type of discrepancy. Some products may offer different recline options, with one seat being nearly flat, and the other remaining relatively upright. Billingsley recommends choosing a product that has a near-flat recline and leg rests that can be adjusted for both seats, so that the children can both lie back comfortably.
Finally, she advises choosing strollers with storage compartments that will allow parents to quickly access snacks, toys and personal items while out and about. She also says that it is beneficial to find a stroller which has a parent console, or organizer bag, that can be attached to the handlebars. This will help parents keep essentials close to hand.
Some of the best-rated double strollers can be enlarged giving parents the ability to modify the layout based on their family's needs. The Mockingbird Expandable, for example, is a highly rated double stroller that can be used from birth using a single seat, and later converted into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) when the child is older.
Safety
Double strollers have to be able to support the weight of two people, plus any additional cargo. Strollers must also be easy to move and push, particularly in tight areas and on terrain that is difficult to navigate. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to help parents maintain good form while pushing them. Another nice feature is a no-rethread seat belt harness, which makes it easier to adjust the seat belts. Safety features include a robust brake system and wheels which slide over any surface.
Some parents prefer a side by side design to ensure that both children be together when they go on family outings. This arrangement can reduce siblings arguing over who gets to sit in which seat, but it isn't foolproof. If the seats are set at different heights, one child could be capable of punching or kicking the other on walks.
For parents with twins or siblings close in age, a tandem-style stroller offers the benefit of being able to see both children at the same time. However, they are wider than other double strollers, and they might not fit through all interior doorways. For maximum flexibility, think about a single-to-double stroller which can switch from a single to a tandem in different ways, such as the well-known CYBEX Gazelle S. These models are able to accommodate a broad range of configurations, and allow you to click in infant car seats or cot attachments depending on your needs.
Whether extra resources choose a side-by-side or tandem stroller, make sure the product is certified by JPMA to meet stringent safety standards. Be aware of the maximum weight limit for each seat. If you exceed these limits, it could cause frame fatigue or other problems.
While it's easy to focus on all the extra bells and whistles that come with a new stroller, it is crucial to be aware that a stroller basically a baby carrier that will be used for extended periods of time. It should be comfortable for both parents and children as well as easy to clean and maintain, and in the ideal case it should have an easy-to-use, 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 apply the brakes.
User-Friendliness
A double stroller should be easy to maneuver on a variety types of terrains for families always on the move. Features like adjustable canopy with windows that peek out and dependable braking systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children but there are other factors that affect stroller ease of use. For example, a stroller must be small enough to fit in the trunk of your car, while still offering ample storage space for groceries and other belongings. Additionally, you should consider thoughtful features like a cup holder with a single parent or console for parents, as well as snacks for children--all things that make life with two kids significantly simpler.
During our testing we evaluated each stroller on the basis of its performance on different terrains and its ability to maneuver through tight spaces. We also looked at how easy it was to fold and unfold, and whether or not a specific feature enhanced the overall functionality of the stroller. A stroller that does not have rethread straps makes it simple to adjust the seat belts. This is a major benefit for parents on the go since it reduces time and eliminates the need to re-thread the harness.
The UPPAbaby V2 Double was a top performer in this test because it had a wide variety of seating options, as well as additional accessories that accommodated growing families. The wagon-style double stroller can be expanded to provide an additional seat as well as a bassinet or a toddler riding board that is perfect for active families planning long trips with multiple children of different age. It glides easily over cobblestones and pavements and ballfields. It can fold flat to store in a trunk or a closet. Our tester Kerry appreciated the straightforward and easy-to-use nature of the stroller's design. The clever packaging clear sections, well-marked sections and the user's guide made it simple to put together this stroller.
Stores
Double strollers can carry twice more than a single one So, make sure to look for plenty of storage space. It is important to find a stroller with enough storage space to store the essentials for both parents and children including bottles and snacks, toys, and diapers. Look for under-seat baskets and other pockets, and look into a stroller with an expanding cargo space that can carry heavy items such as diaper bags and lunch bags.
A good double stroller should be able to adjust as your family grows. For instance certain models have an attachment for a bassinet that can accommodate infants, while others have child seats that can be adapted to your children until they're ready to switch to riding on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers allow older children to join in on the fun with riding boards.
There are a variety of double strollers on the market. You can choose from high-performance models that are great for rough terrain, as well as more budget-friendly options that can use on a daily basis. While shopping, take a look at user reviews and recommendations from families just like yours to get a better sense of what you can expect from the double stroller you select.
Double strollers are available in three different styles: tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers offer the most versatility and are suitable for twins or kids who are close to their age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers, on the other hand, feature two seats that are arranged close to each other and facing in opposite directions--a great option for children who are the same age or for siblings who enjoy interacting with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces, and less likely to fit into doors.
Take a look at this top choice by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon-style double stroller. This model is affordable and was praised by testers for its various seating configurations. It can be used with two infant car seats, or one child in a convertible toddler seat. Our experts also appreciated the comfy memory foam seats and the 50+ SPF canopy and foam-filled tires that never go flat. When it's time to fold, this model needs just a couple of tugs on straps on each seat (under the seats where kids are) to fold in half.