Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two children that are in the same age group, a double stroller can be an invaluable investment. These narrow tandem buggies as well as versatile side-by-side buggies let you keep both children in the same place while you shop and parks, as well as whatever else life can throw at you.
Comfort
Comfort is an important factor to consider when shopping for a double-stroller. This includes both the seating arrangement as well as the overall size of the stroller, which can impact the accessibility and storage. "Parents should determine how much the stroller weighs and its folded dimensions," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also consider the recline options for seats, as well as the ages of their children to ensure that it's a perfect fit."
A good double stroller will be robust enough to navigate various surfaces with ease, 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 of different age groups, and features that provide comfort, such as a peek-aboo window and adjustable canopy which protect children from rain or sun.
The seating options are important to many families that will utilize double strollers from birth to the age of. Billingsley says there are two primary categories of in-line seating which has one seat in front of the other and side-byside with seats adjacent to one another. Some parents prefer the in-line model due to its sleek design and flexibility. Others prefer the wagon style double stroller to maximize space for groceries or bulky items.
In-line models tend to have this kind of discordance. Some models might offer different recline options, with one seat being almost flat, while the other being more upright. double stroller with bassinet suggests selecting a model with both a near flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children lay down comfortably.
In the end, she suggests choosing strollers that have storage compartments that allow parents to quickly access snacks, toys and personal items while on the move. She adds that it's also beneficial to choose a stroller that has an organizer console for parents or a parent bag that can be attached to the handlebars, which can help keep essentials within reach.
Some of the most highly-rated double strollers are expandable that allows parents to modify the configuration to meet the requirements of their growing family. The Mockingbird Expandable, for instance is a highly rated double stroller which can be used from birth using a single seat, then transformed into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) when the child is older.
Safety
Double strollers should be able to support the weight of both passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers need to be easy to maneuver and push, especially on rough terrain or in tight spaces. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to help parents maintain good form when pushing them. A harness that does not need to be rethread that makes the adjustment of seat belts quicker and easier is another great feature to look out for. Safety features include a robust brake system and wheels that can glide across any surface.
Some parents prefer an arrangement that allows both children to be able to see each other during family outings. This arrangement can help prevent siblings fighting over who is allowed to sit where however it's not foolproof. If the seats are placed at different heights, one child may be in a position to punch or kick the other during walks.
A tandem-style stroller is ideal option for parents with twins or siblings that are similar in age. It allows them to observe both children at the same time. However, these can be wider than other double strollers, meaning they may not be able to pass through all doors in your home. You could consider a single-to-double stroller that can be transformed from a single stroller to double in various ways. The most popular models are the CYBEX gazelle S.
Whether you 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 weight limit that applies to each seat. Overstepping these limits can cause frame fatigue or other issues.
While it's easy to concentrate on the additional bells and whistles that come with a new stroller, it's crucial to keep in mind that a stroller is basically a baby carrier that will be transported for long periods of time. It must be comfortable for both passengers and easy to clean and maintain, and most importantly, it should offer an intuitive, familiar design so that the person pushing it is able to easily maneuver it without having to think about how to move forward and turn left or right, or apply the brakes.
Easy of Use
A double stroller must be easily maneuverable on various terrains for families who are constantly moving. Strollers with features such as windows that peek-a-boo, adjustable canopies and sturdy brake systems are vital to ensure the safety of your children. However, there are other factors that make them easier to use. A stroller must be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your vehicle and still provide plenty of storage space for groceries and other things. It's also important to include thoughtful features, like a cup holder for one parent, consoles for parents and an eating tray. These can make traveling with two children much easier.
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 considered how easy it was to fold the stroller in half and then unfold it, and if a particular feature made a difference to the overall performance. A stroller without rethread straps makes it easy to adjust the seat belts. This is a major attraction for parents who are constantly in motion, as it removes the requirement to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored highly in this metric, as it offers a wide range of seating options and accessories to accommodate growing families. The wagon-style double stroller is able to provide two seats as well as a bassinet, or a toddler riding board--perfect for families who are active and planning long trips with multiple kids of varying age. It easily glides over cobblestones and pavements and ball fields. It can fold flat to fit in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is simple and intuitive which was well-loved by our test subject Kerry. The sleek packaging, clearly marked sections and user's manual made it easy to assemble this stroller.
Stores
A double stroller is able to hold twice as much as a single stroller, so make sure you have plenty of storage space. It is important to find a stroller with enough storage space to hold the essentials for both children and parents including bottles and snacks, toys, and diapers. Look for pockets and baskets under the seats. Also, consider a stroller that has an expandable cargo space that can accommodate bulky items such as lunch bags and diaper bags.
A quality double stroller should be able to change as your family grows. Billingsley states that certain models come with the option of a bassinet attachment that can accommodate infants. Some models have child seats which can grow with the child until they are old enough to ride on the back. Some double strollers allow older children to share in the fun with a rider board.
There are many different double strollers on the market. You can pick from models with high-performance features that are ideal for rough terrain, as well as affordable options that you can use on a daily basis. When shopping, take a look at reviews and suggestions from families similar to yours to get an idea of what to expect from the double stroller that you pick.
Double strollers come in three different styles: side-by-side, tandem, and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-by-side strollers are the most flexible and ideal for twins as well as children of a similar age. Tandem double strollers have two seats set up in a tandem arrangement with the opposite direction facing. This is a good option for children of the same age or siblings who want to play with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and are less likely to fit into doors.
If you're looking for a wagon-style double stroller check out this top model from Safety 1st. This budget-friendly model was praised by test participants for its many seating options. It can be used with two car seats for infants, or one child in a convertible toddler chair. Our experts also appreciated the comfortable memory foam seats with a 50+ SPF canopy and foam-filled tires that will never get flat. And when it's time to fold, this model needs just a couple of tugs on the straps of each seat (under the seats where kids are) to fold in half.