Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is a great investment when you have two kids with similar age. These compact tandem strollers or flexible side-by-side buggies let you keep an eye on both children at the same time navigating the aisles of the supermarket or the parks, and whatever else life throws your way.
Comfort
Comfort is a major factor to take into consideration when buying a double-stroller. This includes the seating arrangement and overall size, which can have an impact on the ease of use and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, says parents should examine the stroller's weight as well as folded dimensions. "They should also take a look at the seat recline options and age ranges to ensure the best fit for their family."
A good double stroller will be sturdy enough to traverse all surfaces without difficulty, from urban sidewalks to parks trails, and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should have a variety of seating options for children at different stages of development, as well as features that provide comfort, such as a peek-aboo window and adjustable canopy that protect children from the sun or rain.
The seating options are important to many families that will utilize double strollers from the time of birth until childhood. "There are two main categories--in-line with one seat ahead of the other, and side by side with seats adjacent to each other," Billingsley explains. "Some parents prefer an in-line stroller due to its sleek design and versatility, while others prefer a wagon-style stroller to maximize space for large items or groceries."
Some products may offer different recline options--with one seat being almost flat, while the other remains relatively upright--this type of disparity is more common in models that are in-line. Billingsley suggests choosing a model that has a nearly flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats. extra resources will ensure that both children lay down comfortably.
She also suggests parents look for strollers with storage compartments so that they can easily access snacks, personal items and toys when in motion. She also recommends that it is beneficial to find a stroller which includes a parent console or organizer bag, that can be attached to the handlebars. This will help parents keep their essentials in their reach.
A few of the top-rated double strollers can be expanded, allowing parents to customize the configuration to meet the needs of their growing family. The Mockingbird Expandable, for example, is a highly rated double stroller that can be used from birth using a single seat, then transformed into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) when the child gets older.
Safety
Double strollers must be able to carry the weight of two adults, as well as any additional cargo. Strollers should be easy to maneuver and push, particularly when on rough terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights which make it easier for parents to maintain good form when pushing them. A no-rethread harness that makes the adjustment of seat belts faster and easier to do, is a nice feature to look for. Finally, a sturdy brake system and wheels that can glide over any surface are crucial safety features.
Some parents prefer an arrangement that is side by side to ensure that both children see each other during family outings. This arrangement can prevent sibling fights over which child gets to sit where, but it's not foolproof. If the seats are at different heights, a child may punch or kick one another during a walk, in the event that the seats are at different levels.
If you have twins or siblings of similar age, a tandem stroller can be beneficial in being able see both kids at once. However, they can be more spacious than other double strollers, meaning they may not be able to fit through all interior doorways. You could consider a single-to-double stroller that can be transformed from a single stroller to a double in a variety ways. The most popular models are the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you are looking for a tandem or a side-by-side stroller, make sure that the product is JPMA certified to meet the strictest safety standards. Be aware of the weight limit that applies to each seat. Overstepping these limits can cause frame fatigue or other issues.
While it's easy to focus on the many bells and whistles of a new stroller, it's important to keep in mind that a stroller is essentially a baby carrier that is carried around for long durations of time. It must be comfortable for both passengers as well as easy to clean and maintain, and in the ideal case it should have an intuitive, familiar design that the person pushing it can effortlessly maneuver it without having to think about how to move forward or turn left or right, or even apply the brakes.
Simple to Use
For families who are constantly on the move, a double stroller must be able to maneuver easily over a variety of terrains. Features like adjustable canopy systems, peek-aboo windows and dependable braking systems are crucial to ensure the safety of your children, however, there are other elements that affect stroller ease of use. For instance the stroller must be small enough to fit into the trunk of your car but still provide ample storage space for groceries and other belongings. Also important are thoughtful touches like a cup holder with a single parent or console for parents, as well as an eating tray for children -- all things that will make life on the go with two kids much simpler.
During our testing, we evaluated each stroller on how well it performed on a variety surfaces and how well it could maneuver in tight spaces. We also looked at how easy it was to fold the stroller and then unfold it, and if a particular feature made a difference to the overall performance. For example a stroller with a no-rethread harness makes adjusting the seat belts simple and easy. This can be a major selling point for parents who are on the move because it cuts down on time and eliminates the need to re-thread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored highly in this metric, as it offered an impressive range of seating options and accessories to accommodate families that are growing. The wagon-style double stroller expands to provide an additional seat as well as a bassinet or a toddler riding board--perfect for families with active children who plan long trips with multiple kids of various ages. It also glides effortlessly over cobblestones, balls and pavements. It can be folded flat for simple storage in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is simple and easy to use which was well-loved by our tester Kerry. double stroller sale packaging with clearly marked sections as well as a user guide made it easy to put together this stroller.
Storage
Double strollers can carry twice as much as one stroller So, make sure to ensure you have plenty of storage space. It is important to find a stroller with enough storage space to store the necessities of parents and children including bottles, toys, snacks, 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 should be able to grow with your family. For instance, some models include an attachment for a bassinet that can be used for newborns, and others come with child seats that can expand with your children until they're able to ride on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers allow older siblings to join in the fun by riding on riding boards.
There are many double strollers on the market. You can pick from models with high-performance features that are ideal for rough terrain, to affordable options that you can use on a daily basis. As you shop, read reviews from other users and the opinions of families just like yours to get an idea of what to expect from the double stroller you pick.
Double strollers are available in three designs: tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-byside strollers are the most versatile and ideal for twins as well as children of similar age. Tandem double strollers feature two seats that are set in tandem with the opposite direction facing. This is a great option for children of similar age, or siblings who prefer to interact with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through tight spaces and are less likely to fit through doorways than their side-byside 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 comes with a variety of seating options as well as the ability to click in two infant car seats or a single child riding in a convertible toddler seat. Our experts also praised memory foam seats and canopy that has 50+ SPF and foam-filled wheels that never go flat. And when it's time to fold, this model needs just a couple of tugs on straps on each seat (under where the kids sit) to fold it in half.