Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is an excellent investment for families with two children with similar age. These compact tandem buggies or versatile side-by-side buggies allow you to keep both children in the same place while navigating the grocery aisle or in parks, or whatever else life can throw at you.
Comfort
Comfort is an important factor to think about when purchasing a double-stroller. This can include both the seating arrangement as well as the overall size of the stroller which impacts convenience and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child expert in child development 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 a perfect fit for their family."
A good double stroller should be able to handle different surfaces with ease, from suburban sidewalks to park paths 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 peek out and adjustable canopy to protect children from sun or rain.
The seating options are important to many families who will utilize double strollers from birth to the age of. "There are two main categories - in-line with one seat ahead of the other, and side by side with seats next to each other," Billingsley explains. Some parents prefer the in-line model due to its sleek design and versatility. Others prefer a wagon-style double stroller to make the most space for groceries or bulky items.
In-line models tend to have this type of discrepancy. Some models might offer different recline options, with one being almost flat and the other being more upright. Billingsley recommends selecting a product with a near-flat recline as well as 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 their snacks, personal items and toys when moving about. She adds that it's also helpful to look for the stroller that has an organizer console for parents or a parent bag attached to the handlebars. This will allow you to keep your essentials close at hand.
Many of the top-rated double strollers can be extended giving parents the ability to alter the configuration according to their family's requirements. 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 people, plus any additional cargo. Strollers must also be simple to move and push, particularly in tight spaces and on terrain that is difficult to navigate. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height to ensure that parents maintain a good posture while pushing them. A harness that is not rethread that makes the adjustment of seat belts faster and easier, is another nice feature to look out for. Safety features include a durable brake system, as well as wheels that can glide across any surface.
Some parents opt for side-by-side designs that allow both children to be able to see each other on family outings. This arrangement can prevent siblings fighting over who is allowed to sit in which spot however it's not foolproof. If the seats are positioned at different heights, one child may be able to kick or punch the other on walks.
A tandem stroller is a excellent option for parents with twins or siblings that are close in age. It allows them to see both children at once. However, they can be more spacious than other double strollers, and 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 to a tandem in different ways, like the renowned CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can accommodate a wide range of configurations and let you click in infant car seats or cot attachments, depending on your requirements.
Whether you choose a side-by-side or tandem-style stroller, be sure that the stroller is JPMA-certified to meet strict safety standards. Be aware of the maximum weight limit for each seat. Exceeding these limits could cause frame fatigue or other problems.
While it's easy to focus on all the extra bells and whistles on a new stroller, it's crucial to keep in mind that a stroller is an infant carrier that will be transported for long durations of time. It should be easy to clean and maintain and comfortable for both passengers. It should also feature a an easy-to-use, familiar design that lets the person pushing it to move it easily.
Simple to Use
For families who are constantly on the move, a double stroller must be able to maneuver easily over different terrains. Features like adjustable canopies, peek-aboo windows and dependable braking systems are crucial to ensure your children's safety, however, there are other elements that contribute to stroller ease of use. A stroller should be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your vehicle and still provide plenty of storage space for groceries and other things. It is also important to consider thoughtful additions like a cup holder with a single parent, parent consoles and snacks for children--all things that make life with two kids significantly more manageable.
In our tests, we assessed each stroller according to its performance on different terrains, as well as its ability to maneuver through tight spaces. We also looked at how simple it was to fold and unfold and whether or not a specific feature improved the overall function of the stroller. A stroller with no-rethread straps makes it simple to adjust the seat belts. This can be a big selling point for parents who are constantly in motion, as it eliminates the need to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby 2 Double was a top performer in this metric as it came with a variety of seating options, as well as other accessories that could accommodate families that are growing. The double-stroller in the wagon style can be expanded to accommodate two seats, a bassinet, or even a toddler-riding board. This is perfect for families who plan to spend long hours on the road with multiple children of different age groups. It is able to glide effortlessly over cobblestones and pavements and ballfields. It can also be folded flat to fit in a trunk or a closet. Our test subject Kerry was impressed by the simple, intuitive nature of this stroller's design. The sleek packaging, clearly marked sections and user guide made it easy to put together this stroller.
Stores
A double stroller is able to hold twice as much stuff as a single stroller therefore, you should look for plenty of storage space. Ideally, you'll want an item that can hold the essentials for both kids--nappies, bottles, snacks and toys, in addition to parents' belongings like wallets, phones keys and wallets. Find baskets under the seat and other pockets, and look into a stroller with an expanding cargo area that can carry bulky items like diaper bags and lunch bags.
double pushchair should be able to adjust as your family grows. Billingsley states that certain models come with an attachment for a bassinet to accommodate newborns. Other models come with child seats which can be able to grow with your child until they are able to ride on the back. Some double strollers permit older siblings to join in the fun by riding on a rider board.
There's a wide selection of double strollers in the market, ranging from sleek, high-performance models that can handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models that are more suited for daily use. As you shop, read reviews from other users and the opinions of families like yours to get an idea of what to expect with the double stroller you pick.
Double strollers are available in three different designs: side-by-side, tandem, and wagon-style. Billingsley says that side-by-side strollers are the most adaptable and suitable for twins or children of a similar age. Tandem double strollers come with two seats that are set in a tandem arrangement facing in opposite directions. This is a great option for children who are the same age or siblings who like to interact with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through tight spaces, and are less likely to fit in doors.
If you prefer a wagon-style double stroller check out this top pick from Safety 1st. This model is affordable and was praised by testers for its many seating options. It can be used with two infant car seats, or one child in a convertible toddler seat. Our experts also praised the memory foam seats, canopy with 50+ SPF, and foam-filled wheels that never flatten. When it's time for folding this model requires only just a few pulls on the straps underneath each seat (under the seat where children sit) for folding.
