Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two kids who are similar in age, a double stroller could be an invaluable investment. These narrow tandem buggies or versatile side-by-side buggies will keep both children in sight while navigating the grocery aisle and parks, as well as whatever else life can throw at you.
Comfort
When you are looking for a double stroller, comfort is a major consideration. This could include the seating arrangement and overall size, which can have an impact on the ease of use and storage. "Parents must determine what the stroller weighs as well as its folded dimensions," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also take a look at the recline options for seats and age ranges to ensure the best fit for their family."
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 also provide flexible seating arrangements 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 is likely to be used from birth until the age of five, so it's crucial to consider the seating options. "There are two main categories: in-line with one seat in front of the other, and side-byside with seats that are next to each other," Billingsley explains. Some parents prefer the in-line option because of its sleek appearance and its versatility. Others prefer a wagon-style double stroller to make the most space for grocery or bulky items.
In-line models are more likely to show this kind of difference. Some models might offer different recline options, with one being almost flat and the other being more upright. Billingsley suggests choosing a model with an almost flat recline as well as leg rests that can be adjusted for both seats to ensure the children can both lie back comfortably.
She also suggests that parents look for strollers that have storage compartments so that they can easily access their snacks, personal items and toys when on the move. She suggests that it's useful to find a stroller with an organizer or parent console bag attached to the handlebars, which can help keep essentials close at hand.
Many of the top-rated double strollers can be enlarged giving parents the ability to alter the configuration according to their family's requirements. The Mockingbird Expandable, for example, is a highly rated double stroller which can be used from birth with a single seat, and later converted into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) when the child is older.
Safety
Double strollers must be able to handle the weight of two people, plus any additional cargo. Strollers must also be simple to maneuver and push, especially in tight spaces and on difficult terrain. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to ensure that parents maintain a good posture while pushing them. Another nice feature is a no-rethread seat belt harness, which allows for a more comfortable adjustment of the seat belts. Also, a strong brake system and wheels that glide over any surface are essential safety features.
Some parents choose a side by side design to allow both children to see each other when they go on family outings. This arrangement can prevent sibling fights over which child is allowed to sit where, but it's not foolproof. If the seats are different heights, a child could punch or kick another while walking in the event that the seats are at different levels.
A tandem-style stroller is a excellent option for parents with twins or siblings who are close in age. It lets parents observe both children at the same time. However, they are larger than other double strollers, meaning they might not fit through all interior doorways. To maximize versatility, you should consider a single-to-double stroller that transitions from a single stroller to a tandem in various ways, such as the popular CYBEX Gazelle S. double seat stroller are able to accommodate a broad range of configurations and let you click in infant car seats or cot attachments, according to your requirements.
If you decide to purchase a side-by-side or tandem-style stroller, make sure that the stroller is JPMA-certified to meet the strictest safety standards. Also pay attention to the maximum weight limits for each seat, as over-weighting could lead to frame fatigue or other issues.
While it's easy to concentrate on the many bells and whistles of the latest stroller, it is crucial to keep in mind that a stroller is an infant carrier that will be carried around for long durations of time. It should be easy to clean and maintain, and comfortable for both the passengers. It should also feature a a familiar, intuitive design that allows the person pushing the stroller to move it easily.
Easy of Use
For families who are constantly on the move, a double stroller must be able to maneuver easily over different terrains. Features like adjustable canopy systems windows, peek-aboo windows, and reliable braking systems are crucial to ensure the safety of your children but there are other factors that influence stroller comfort of use. A stroller must be compact enough to fit into the trunk of your car yet have plenty of storage space for groceries or other things. Additionally, you should consider thoughtful features like a one-parent cup holder as well as a console for parents and a snack tray for kids--all things that can make life with two kids much more manageable.
In our tests We evaluated the strollers on how it performed on a variety of terrains, and how easily it could maneuver in tight spaces. We also looked at how simple it was to fold the stroller and then unfold it as well as if a particular feature made a difference to the overall performance. For example, a stroller with a harness that does not rethread makes the adjustment of the seat belts easy and quick. This is a major benefit for parents who are on the move since it reduces time and reduces the need to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored highly in this metric, as it offered an impressive range of seating options and accessories to help accommodate growing families. The double-stroller that looks like a wagon expands so that it can accommodate two seats, a bassinet or even a toddler's riding board. This is perfect for families who want to spend long hours in the car with a variety of children of various age groups. It is able to glide effortlessly over cobblestones, pavements, and ball fields. It can fold flat to store in a trunk or a closet. Our tester Kerry loved the simple, intuitive nature of this stroller's design. Its clever packaging with clearly labeled sections as well as a an informative user guide made putting together this stroller a breeze.
Stores
Double strollers can carry twice more than one stroller, so make sure you search for ample storage space. You'll want a stroller that has enough storage space to store the essentials for both children and parents like bottles, toys, snacks, and diapers. Look for baskets that fit under the seat and other pockets, and think about a stroller that has an expandable cargo space that can carry heavy items such as lunch bags and diaper bags.
A good double stroller should be able to grow with your family. Billingsley states that certain models come with a bassinet attachment to accommodate newborns. Some models have child seats that can expand with the child until they are old enough to ride on the back. Some double strollers even permit a rider's board that allows older children to take part in the fun.
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 every day. When shopping, take a look at reviews and opinions of families just like yours to get a better idea of what you can expect from the double stroller that you select.
Double strollers are available in three different styles including tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-by-side strollers are the most flexible and suitable for twins or children of similar ages. Tandem double strollers have two seats that are set in a tandem configuration facing in opposite directions. This is a good option for children of similar age or siblings who prefer to interact with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces, and less likely to be able to fit through doorways.
Check out this top pick by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon style double stroller. This model is affordable and was highly praised by our testers for its many seating options. It can be used with two infant car seats, or one child in a convertible toddler chair. Our testers also loved the comfy memory foam seats with a 50+ SPF canopy and foam-filled tires that will never get flat. When it's time to fold, this model only requires a few tugs on the straps beneath each seat (under the seats where kids sit) to fold.