Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two children who are similar in age, a double stroller could be a great investment. These narrow tandem buggies as well as flexible side by side buggies let you keep both children in the same place while navigating the grocery aisle or in parks, or whatever else life can throw at you.
Comfort
When looking for a double stroller, the comfort is a key factor to consider. This could include both seating arrangement as well as the overall size of the stroller which can impact the accessibility and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child expert in child development from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, advises parents to be aware of the stroller's weight and folded dimensions. " double buggy should also consider the seat recline options and the ages of their children to ensure it's the perfect fit."
A reputable double stroller must be able to handle different surfaces easily from suburban sidewalks to park paths and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should also offer versatile seating options for children of various age and comfort features such as windows that can be opened and closed to shield children from sun or rain.
Seating options are crucial for many families who will use double strollers from the time of birth until childhood. Billingsley states that there are two main categories: in-line with one seat in front of the other and side-byside, with seats next to one another. "Some parents prefer an in-line model due to its sleek appearance and versatility, while others prefer a wagon-style stroller to maximize space for bulky items or groceries."
In-line models are more likely to show this kind of difference. Some products may offer different recline options, with one being almost flat and the other one remaining fairly upright. Billingsley recommends selecting a product with both a near flat recline and leg rest adjustment for both seats. This will ensure that both children lie down comfortably.
Then, she suggests choosing a stroller that includes storage compartments that allow parents to access their snacks, toys and personal items while on the move. She suggests that it's useful to find the stroller that has an organizer or parent console bag attached to the handlebars. This can help keep essentials within reach.
A few of the top-rated double strollers can be expanded which allows parents to alter the set-up based on the needs of their expanding family. For example, the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used with just a single seat from birth, and then transformed into tandem (with an additional seat and bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers need to be able to support the weight of both the passengers as well as any additional cargo. Strollers need to be easy to maneuver and push, especially on difficult terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height to help parents maintain good posture when pushing them. Another great feature is a non-rethread seat belt harness that allows for a more comfortable adjustment of the belts for your child. Safety features include a robust brake system and wheels that glide over any surface.
Some parents opt for side-by-side designs that allow both children to view each other on family outings. This arrangement can reduce sibling rivalries over who gets to sit in which seat however, it's not 100% secure. If the seats are positioned at different heights, one child could be in a position to punch or kick the other during the course of a walk.
A tandem-style stroller is a excellent option for parents with twins or siblings who are similar in age. It lets parents see both children at once. Double strollers are typically more spacious, and may not be able to fit through some interior doors. Consider a single-to double stroller that can be transformed from a single stroller to a double in many ways. Popular models include the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you opt for a side-byside or tandem-style stroller, make sure the product 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 issues.
While it's easy to focus on the additional bells and whistles on a new stroller, it's crucial to keep in mind that a stroller is an infant carrier that is used for extended durations of time. It must be comfortable for both parents and children and easy to clean and maintain, and in the ideal case it should feature an intuitive, familiar design so that the person pushing it is able to effortlessly maneuver it without having to think about how to move forward and turn left or right, or even apply the brakes.
Easy of Use
A double stroller must be easy to maneuver on a variety terrains for families who are always on the move. Strollers with features like windows that can be opened and closed, adjustable canopy and reliable brake systems are vital to ensure the safety of your children. But there are also other features that make them easier to use. A stroller must be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your vehicle, but still have plenty of storage space for groceries and other items. Also important are thoughtful touches such as a cup holder for one parent, parent consoles and an eating tray for children -- all things that will make life on the go with two kids significantly more manageable.
In our tests, we assessed each stroller according to its performance on different surfaces and its ability to maneuver through tight spaces. We also looked at how simple it was to fold the stroller and then unfold it in a timely manner, and if a specific feature made a difference to the overall performance. For instance a stroller with no-rethread harnesses makes adjusting the seat belts simple and easy. This can be a big attraction for parents who are constantly moving around, since it does away with the requirement to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby v2 Double scored well in this metric as it had a wide variety of seating configurations, and additional accessories to accommodate families that are growing. The wagon-style double stroller can be expanded to allow for an additional seat as well as a bassinet, or a toddler riding board--perfect for families who are active and planning long, tiring days with multiple kids of various age. It easily glides over cobblestones, pavements, and ballfields. It can also be folded flat to fit in a trunk or a closet. Our test subject Kerry appreciated the straightforward and easy-to-use nature of the stroller's design. The sleek packaging clear sections, well-marked sections and user's manual made it easy to put together this stroller.
Storage
A double stroller is able to hold twice as much stuff as a single stroller, so make sure you have plenty of storage space. Ideally, you want a stroller that can accommodate the basic necessities for both kids: nappies bottles, snacks, and toys, as well as parents' belongings like phones, wallets keys, wallets and phones. Look for baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, consider a stroller that has an expandable cargo space to accommodate bulky items such as diaper bags and lunchbags.
A quality double stroller will be able to expand with your family. Billingsley says that some models come with a bassinet attachment to accommodate newborns. Others have child seats that can grow with the child until they are able to ride on the back. Some double strollers include a rider board that allows older children to be part of the fun.
There are many double strollers on the market. You can pick from models with high-performance features that are great for rough terrain, as well as affordable options that you can use daily. While shopping, you can read reviews and opinions of families just like yours to get an idea of what you can expect from the double stroller you choose.
Double strollers come in three different designs including tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers offer the most versatility and are suitable for twins or kids similar to their age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers come with two seats set up in a tandem configuration facing in opposite directions. This is a good option for children of similar age, or siblings who like to interact with each other. Tandem strollers may be harder to maneuver through tight spaces, and are less likely to pass through doors than their side-by-side counterparts.
Check out this top pick by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon-style double stroller. Testers loved how this affordable model comes with a variety of seating options, including the ability to click in two infant car seats or a single child in the convertible toddler seat. Our reviewers also praised the soft memory foam seats, 50+ SPF canopy and foam-filled tires that will never go flat. And when it's time for you to fold, this model requires only a couple of pulls on the straps on each seat (under where the kids sit) to fold it in half.