Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is a great investment if you have two children with similar age. These narrow tandem buggies as well as versatile side-by-side buggies will keep both children within sight when you are navigating the aisles of your grocery store, parks, and whatever else life can throw at you.
Comfort
When looking for a double stroller, the comfort is a key consideration. This includes the seating arrangement as well as the overall size, which can have an impact on ease of use and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child expert in development from the Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, says parents should examine the stroller's weight as well as folded dimensions. "They should also consider the seat recline options, as well as the ages of their children to ensure that it's a perfect fit."
A quality double stroller should be sturdy enough to traverse different surfaces smoothly--from suburban sidewalks to park trails, and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should offer a range of seating options for children of different stages of development, as well as comfort features such as a peek-a-boo windows and adjustable canopy options that protect children from rain or sun.
Seating options are crucial for many families that will utilize a double stroller from the time of birth until childhood. "There are two main categories: in-line with one seat behind the other, and side-by-side with seats adjacent to each other," Billingsley explains. Some parents prefer the in-line option because of its sleek appearance and its versatility. Others like a wagon style double stroller to maximize space for grocery or bulky items.
In-line models are more likely to show this type of discrepancy. Some models might offer different recline options, with one being almost flat and the other one remaining fairly upright. Billingsley suggests choosing a model with a near-flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children can lay down comfortably.
In the end, she suggests looking for strollers with storage compartments that will allow parents to access their snacks, toys and personal belongings while on the go. She also suggests that it's useful to find the stroller that has a parent console or organizer bag that is attached to the handlebars. This will allow you to keep your essentials close at hand.
Some of the top-rated double strollers can be expanded which allows parents to alter the layout to meet the needs of their growing family. For example the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly rated double stroller that can be used with a single seat as early as birth, and then converted to tandem (with a second seat and bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers must be able to support the weight of two adults, as well as any additional cargo. Strollers should be able to move and push, especially when on rough terrain and in tight spaces. double push chair have ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height to allow parents to maintain their good posture while pushing them. A no-rethread harness, which makes adjusting seat belts quicker and easier, is another nice feature to look for. A sturdy brake system and wheels that glide over any surface are crucial safety features.
Some parents choose 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, but it's not foolproof. If the seats are at different heights, a child could kick or punch another while walking in the event that the seats are at different levels.
A tandem stroller is a excellent option for parents with twins or siblings that are similar in age. It allows them to be able to see both children simultaneously. However, they can be larger than other double strollers, meaning they might not fit through all doorways in the interior. Think about a stroller that is single-to-double that can be converted from a single to double in various ways. The most popular models are the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you are looking for a tandem or side-by-side stroller, be sure the product has been JPMA certified 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 for us to focus on the additional bells and whistles on a new stroller, it is crucial to keep in mind that a stroller is essentially a baby carrier that is used for extended durations of time. It must be easy to clean and maintain, and comfortable for both of the passengers. It should also have a a familiar, intuitive design that allows the person pushing the stroller to move it easily.
Simple to Use
For families on the go, a double stroller needs to be easy to maneuver over different terrains. Strollers with features like peek-a-boo windows, adjustable canopies and sturdy 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 into the trunk of your vehicle, but still have plenty of storage space for groceries or other items. Also important are thoughtful touches such as a cup holder for one parent as well as a console for parents and snacks for children--all things that make life with two kids significantly simpler.
In our testing, we evaluated each stroller on how well it performed on a variety of terrains and how easily it could maneuver in tight spaces. We also considered how easy it was to fold the stroller and then unfold it in a timely manner, and if a specific feature enhanced the overall functionality. A stroller without rethread straps makes it easy to adjust the seat belts. This can be a huge selling point for parents who are on the move, as it saves time and removes the need to re-thread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored high in this metric, as it offers a wide range of seating configurations as well as additional accessories to accommodate growing families. The wagon-style double stroller is able to provide an additional seat as well as a bassinet or a toddler-friendly riding board, which is ideal for families with active children who plan long, tiring days with multiple kids of varying age groups. It also glides smoothly over cobblestones, ball fields and pavements. It also folds flat for easy storage in a closet or trunk. The design of this stroller is easy and intuitive, which was appreciated by our test participant Kerry. Its clever packaging with clearly labeled sections as well as a helpful user guides made assembling this stroller an absolute breeze.
Storage
A double stroller can be able to hold twice as much stuff as a single stroller, therefore, you should look for plenty of storage space. It is important to find a stroller with enough storage space to hold the essentials of both children and parents like bottles and snacks, toys, and diapers. Find baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, consider a stroller that has an expandable cargo area to accommodate bulky items like 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 come with an attachment for a bassinet to accommodate infants. Other models come with child seats that can grow with the child until they are old enough to ride on the back. Some double strollers allow older children to join in the fun by riding on a rider board.
There's a wide selection of double strollers on the market, ranging from elegant, high-performance models that can handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models more for everyday use. While shopping, read reviews and opinions of families similar to yours to get an idea of what you can expect from the double stroller that you choose.
Double strollers are available in three different designs including tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-by-side strollers are the most versatile and ideal for twins as well as children of similar age. Tandem double strollers, on contrary, have two seats that are arranged close to each other and facing in opposite directions. This is a great option for children of the same age, or for siblings who enjoy interacting with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through tight spaces and are less likely to fit through doors than their side-by-side counterparts.
If you're looking for a wagon-style double stroller, check out this top model from Safety 1st. This affordable model was highly praised by our testers for its various seating configurations. 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, 50+ SPF canopy, and foam-filled tires that never go flat. And when it's time to fold, this model requires only a few tugs on the straps on each seat (under where the kids sit) to fold in half.