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 or versatile side-by-side buggies let you 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
Comfort is a major factor to take into consideration when buying a double-stroller. This includes the seating arrangement and overall size, which will have an impact on ease of use and storage. "Parents must determine what the stroller weighs and its folded dimensions," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They must also take into consideration the recline options for seats, as well as the ages of their children to ensure that it's the perfect fit."
A quality double stroller should be able to handle different surfaces easily, from suburban sidewalks to parks, and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should have a variety of seating options for children of different age groups, and comfort features such as a peek-a-boo windows and adjustable canopy options which protect children from the sun or rain.
Seating options are crucial for many families who utilize double strollers from the time of birth until childhood. Billingsley states that there are two major categories of in-line seating with one seat in front of the other, and side-by-side seating with seats next to each other. Some parents prefer the in-line model due to its sleek design and its versatility. Others prefer the wagon style double stroller to make the most space for groceries or bulky items.
In-line models are more likely to have this kind of difference. Some products may offer different recline options, with one seat being almost flat, while the other being more upright. Billingsley suggests selecting a model with both a near flat recline as well as leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children lie down comfortably.
She also suggests that parents look for strollers with storage compartments to allow them to easily access their snacks, personal items and toys when moving about. She adds that it's also beneficial to choose a stroller that has an organizer console for parents or a parent bag that is attached to the handlebars, which can help keep essentials within reach.
A few of the top-rated double strollers are expandable which allows parents to alter the set-up based on the requirements of their growing family. For instance the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used with a single seat from birth and then transformed into a tandem (with a second seat and bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers have to be able to carry the weight of two people, plus any additional cargo. Strollers must also be easy to move and push, particularly in tight spaces and on difficult terrain. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height to ensure that parents maintain a good posture when pushing them. Another feature that is great is a no-rethread seat belt harness, which allows for a more comfortable adjustment of the seat belts. Safety features include a robust brake system and wheels which glide over any surface.
Some parents prefer a side by side design to allow both children to be together on family outings. This arrangement can help prevent sibling rivalries over who is allowed to sit where however it's not foolproof. If the seats are located at different heights, a child could punch or kick one another during a walk, when the seats are on different levels.
A tandem-style stroller is great option for parents with twins or siblings who are similar in age. It allows them to observe both children at the same time. These double strollers can be wider, and may not fit through certain interior doors. You could consider a single-to-double stroller that can be transformed from a single to a double in many ways. The most popular models are the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you're in the market for a tandem or side-by-side stroller, make sure that the product has been JPMA certified to meet stringent safety standards. Also pay attention to the weight limits that apply to each seat, since over-weighting could lead to frame fatigue or other issues.
It's easy to be swept up in the bells and whistles, however it's important to remember that strollers are basically baby carriers that will be used for extended times. It must be comfortable for both passengers and easy to clean and maintain, and in the ideal case it should feature an intuitive, familiar design that the person pushing it can effortlessly move it around without having to think about how to move forward or turn left or right, or apply the brakes.
Easy of Use
A double stroller must be easy to maneuver on a variety terrains for families who are constantly on the move. Strollers with features such as peek-a-boo windows, adjustable canopies and sturdy brake systems are crucial to ensure the safety of your children. However, there are other factors that make them easier to use. A stroller should be small enough to fit into the trunk of your car and still provide plenty of storage space for groceries or other items. It's also important to include thoughtful details, such as a cup holder for one parent or consoles for parents, as well as a snack tray. These can help make traveling with two children significantly easier.
During our testing We evaluated the strollers on how it did on a variety of terrains, and how easily it maneuvered in tight spaces. We also examined how simple it was to fold and unfold, and whether or not a specific feature improved the overall functionality of the stroller. For how you can help that has no-rethread harnesses makes adjusting the seat belts easy and quick. This can be a huge selling point for parents on the go, as it saves time and eliminates the need to re-thread the harness.
The UPPAbaby 2 Double was a top performer in this measure because it offered a wide range of seating options, as well as additional accessories to accommodate growing families. 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 active families planning long days on the go with multiple children of different age groups. It also glides smoothly across cobblestones, ball fields and pavements. It also it folds flat to make easy storage in a closet or trunk. Our tester Kerry was impressed by the simple, intuitive nature of this stroller's design. The smart packaging, clearly marked sections and user's manual made it easy to assemble this stroller.
Stores
Double strollers can hold twice as much as a single one, so make sure you ensure you have plenty of storage space. Ideally, you'll want an item that can hold the essentials for both kids--nappies bottles, snacks, and toys, in addition to parents' belongings such as phones, wallets keys, wallets and phones. Find baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller with an expandable cargo area to accommodate bulky items such as diaper bags and lunchbags.
A good double stroller should be able to adapt to the needs of your family. For example, some models include a bassinet attachment that can accommodate infants, while others come with child seats that can be adapted to your children until they're ready to move to the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers allow older siblings to join in the fun with the rider board.
There's a wide selection of double strollers on the market, from elegant, high-performance models that excel on rough terrain to budget-friendly models that are more for everyday use. While shopping, you can read reviews and suggestions from families like yours to get a better idea of what to expect from the double stroller you select.
Double strollers come in three different styles including tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Billingsley says that side-by-side strollers are the most adaptable and ideal for twins as well as children of similar ages. Tandem double strollers have two seats that are set in a tandem arrangement with the opposite direction facing. This is a good option for children who are similar age or siblings who prefer to play with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces and are less likely to fit through doorways than their side-byside counterparts.
Check out this top selection by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon style double stroller . This affordable model was praised by testers for its various seating configurations. It can be used with two car seats for infants or one child in a convertible toddler seat. Our reviewers also praised the comfortable memory foam seats with a 50+ SPF canopy and foam-filled tires that never go flat. And when it's time for you to fold, this model requires only a couple of pulls on the straps of each seat (under where the kids sit) to fold in half.