Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two children who are similar in age A double stroller can be a great investment. These compact tandem strollers or versatile side-by-side buggies help you keep an eye on both kids at the same time taking on the grocery store as well as the parks and other obstacles life throws at you.
Comfort
Comfort is a major factor to think about when purchasing a double-stroller. This includes both the seating arrangement as well as the overall size of the stroller, which affects the ease of use and storage. "Parents should determine how much 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 seat recline options and the ages of their children to ensure it is a perfect fit."
A quality double stroller should be sturdy enough to traverse various surfaces with ease, from suburban sidewalks to park trails, and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should also provide flexible seating options for children of varying ages and comfort features like peek-a-boo windows and adjustable canopies to protect children from sun or rain.
For a lot of families, a double stroller will be utilized from birth until childhood, so it's important to think about the seating options. "There are two main categories: in-line with one seat behind the other, and side-by-side with seats that are next to each other," Billingsley explains. "Some parents prefer an in-line model due to its sleek design and versatility, whereas others like a wagon-style double stroller to make the most space for bulky items or groceries."
In- twin buggy from birth are more likely to show this type of discrepancy. Some products may offer different recline options, with one seat being almost flat, while the other one remaining fairly upright. Billingsley suggests choosing a model that has a nearly flat recline and leg rest adjustment for both seats. This will ensure that both children can lie down comfortably.
In the end, she suggests looking for strollers with storage compartments that will allow parents to quickly access snacks, toys and other personal items while out and about. She also says that it is beneficial to choose a stroller that comes with a parent console or organizer bag that is attached to the handlebars. This can aid parents in keeping their essentials to hand.
Some of the most highly-rated double strollers can be expanded that allows parents to modify the set-up based on the needs of their expanding family. The Mockingbird Expandable, for example, is a highly rated double stroller which can be used from birth with just one seat, and later converted into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) when the child gets older.
Safety
Double strollers should be able to handle the weight of both the passengers as well as any additional cargo. Strollers must be simple to maneuver and push, especially on rough terrain or in tight spaces. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height which allow parents to maintain good form when pushing them. A harness that is not rethread that makes the adjustment of seat belts faster and easier, is another nice feature to look for. Safety features include a durable brake system and wheels which glide over any surface.
Some parents prefer a side-by-side design that allows both children to be able to see one another during family outings. This arrangement can prevent sibling rivalries over who sits in which spot however, it's not 100% secure. If the seats are located at different heights, a child may punch or kick one another during a walk, when the seats are on different levels.
A tandem-style stroller is a great option for parents with twins or siblings that are close in age. It lets parents observe both children at the same time. However, these can be larger than other double strollers, meaning they might not be able to pass through all doors in your home. To maximize versatility, you should consider a single-to-double stroller which can switch from a single stroller to a tandem in different ways, like the well-known 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 requirements.
If you're in the market for a tandem or a side-by-side stroller, ensure that the stroller has been JPMA certified to meet the strictest safety standards. Pay attention to the weight limit that applies to each seat. Exceeding these limits could cause frame fatigue or other problems.
It's easy to be swept up in the bells and whistles, however it's important to keep in mind that strollers are basically baby carriers that will be used for extended durations. It should be comfortable for both the passengers and easy to clean and maintain, and most importantly it should have an easy-to-use, familiar design so that the person pushing it is able to effortlessly move it around without having to think twice about how to move forward or turn left or right, or use the brakes.
User-Friendliness
For families who are constantly on the move, a double stroller needs to be able to navigate a variety of terrains. Features like adjustable canopy systems with windows that peek out and dependable brake systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children, but there are many other aspects that influence stroller comfort of use. A stroller should be compact enough to fit into the trunk of your car and still provide plenty of storage space for food or other items. It is also essential to include thoughtful touches, such as a cup holder for one parent or consoles for parents, as well as snacks on trays. These can help make traveling with two children much more enjoyable.
During our testing, we evaluated each stroller based on its ability to perform on different terrains and its ability to maneuver through tight spaces. We also examined how simple it was to fold and unfold, and whether or not a specific feature improved the overall function of the stroller. For example a stroller that has a harness that does not rethread makes the adjustment of the seat belts quick and simple. This can be a big attraction for parents who are always moving around, since it does away with the requirement to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored high in this measure, since it came with a variety of seating configurations and additional accessories to accommodate families that are growing. The wagon-style double stroller can be expanded to accommodate an additional seat as well as a bassinet or a toddler riding board--perfect for families who are active and planning long days on the go with multiple kids of various age. It also glides effortlessly over cobblestones, balls and pavements. It folds flat for simple storage in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is easy and intuitive and was a big hit with our tester Kerry. The sleek packaging, clearly marked sections and user guide made it easy to put this stroller together.
Storage
Double strollers can carry twice more than one single stroller, so make sure you ensure you have plenty of storage space. Ideally, you want a stroller that can accommodate the necessities for both kids, including nappies bottles, snacks, and toys, along with parents' belongings like wallets, phones keys and wallets. Find baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller that has an expandable cargo space to accommodate bulky items such as lunch bags and diaper bags.
A good double stroller should be able to adapt to the needs of your family. Billingsley states that certain models have the option of a bassinet attachment that can accommodate infants. Others have child seats that 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 riding boards.
You'll find a wide variety of double strollers on the market, from sleek, high-performance models that excel on rough terrain to budget-friendly models more suited for daily use. When you're shopping, read reviews from other users and the opinions of families like yours to get an understanding of what to expect from the double stroller you select.
Double strollers are available in three different design formats: side-by-side, tandem, and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers offer most flexibility and are perfect for twins or children who are who are close to their age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers have two seats arranged in a tandem arrangement, facing opposite directions. This is a good option for children who are the same age or siblings who prefer to interact with each other. Tandem strollers may be harder to maneuver through tight spaces, and are less likely to fit through doorways than their side-byside counterparts.
If you prefer a wagon-style double stroller, check out this top model from Safety 1st. The testers loved that this budget model has multiple seating options as well as the ability to click in two infant car seats or a single child in a convertible toddler seat. Our reviewers also praised the comfy memory foam seats, 50+ SPF canopy, and foam-filled tires that will never stop running flat. When it's time to fold this model requires only a few tugs on the straps underneath each seat (under where kids sit) in order to fold.