Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two children who are close in age, a double stroller could be a great investment. These compact tandem buggies or flexible side by side buggies will keep both children in the same place when you are navigating the aisles of your grocery store and parks, as well as whatever else life throws at you.
Comfort
When you are looking for a double stroller for your child, comfort is a key factor to consider. This can include the seating arrangement as well as the overall size, which has an impact on ease of use and storage. "Parents should determine how much the stroller weighs as well as its dimensions when folded," 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 well-constructed double stroller will be robust enough to navigate various surfaces with ease, from parks trails to suburban sidewalks, and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should offer a range of seating options for children at different age groups, and features that provide comfort, such as a peek-aboo windows and adjustable canopy options which protect children from rain or sun.
double push chair seating options are important to many families who use a double stroller from the time of birth until childhood. Billingsley explains that there are two primary categories of in-line seating, with one seat in-front of the other and side-byside, with seats next to each other. "Some parents prefer an in-line stroller due to its sleek appearance and versatility, while others prefer a wagon-style double stroller that can be used to store large items or groceries."
While some products may have different recline options - with one seat being almost flat, while the other one remains upright--this type of disparity is more common in models that are in-line. Billingsley suggests selecting a product that offers both a near-flat recline and leg rest adjustment for both seats to ensure the children can both lie back comfortably.
In the end, she suggests to look for strollers that have storage compartments that enable parents to easily access snacks, toys and personal items while on the move. She also says that it's helpful to find a stroller that includes a parent console or organizer bag, that can be attached to the handlebars. This can help parents keep essentials close at hand.
Many of the top-rated double strollers can be enlarged to allow parents to customize the setup depending on the needs of their family. For instance, the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used with just a single seat as early as birth, and then transformed into tandem (with an additional seat and bassinet) as the child gets older.
Safety
Double strollers should be able to support the weight of both the passengers as well as any additional cargo. Strollers need to be simple to maneuver and push, especially when on rough terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height to ensure that parents maintain a good form when pushing them. A no-rethread harness, which makes adjusting seat belts more quickly and easily is another great feature to look for. Safety features include a robust brake system, as well as wheels that slide over any surface.
Some parents prefer an arrangement that is side by side to ensure that both children meet up during family outings. This arrangement can help prevent sibling fights over which child gets to sit where, but it's not foolproof. If the seats are placed at different levels, one child might 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 them see both children at once. Double strollers can be larger, and might not be able to fit through some doors inside. To maximize versatility, you should consider a stroller that can change from a single to a tandem in a variety of ways, such as the renowned CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can accommodate a wide range of configurations, and permit you to insert infant car seats or cot attachments depending on your requirements.
If you're looking for a tandem or side-byside stroller, be sure the product is JPMA certified to meet stringent safety standards. Pay attention to the weight limit that applies to each seat. Overstepping these limits can cause frame fatigue and other issues.
It's easy to be swept in the sound of bells and whistles, however it's important to keep in mind that strollers are essentially baby carriers that will be used for extended durations. It must be easy to clean and maintain as well as comfortable for both the passengers. It should also have an intuitive, familiar design that allows the person pushing it to maneuver it effortlessly.
Easy of Use
For families who are constantly on the move, a double stroller should be easy to maneuver over different terrains. Features like adjustable canopy systems with windows that peek out and reliable braking systems are critical to help ensure your children's safety, but there are many other aspects that influence stroller comfort of use. A stroller should be small enough to fit in the trunk of your car and still provide plenty of storage space for groceries and other items. It's also important to include thoughtful details, such as cups holder for one parent as well as consoles for parents and an eating tray. These are able to make traveling with two children significantly easier.
During our testing we evaluated each stroller based on its performance on different terrains and its ability to maneuver through tight spaces. We also looked at how simple it was to fold and unfold and whether or not a specific feature enhanced the overall performance of the stroller. A stroller without rethread straps makes it simple to adjust the seat belts. This is a major benefit for parents on the go, as it saves time and reduces the need to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored high in this metric, as it came with a variety of seating configurations as well as additional accessories to accommodate families that are growing. The wagon-style double stroller is able to allow for two seats 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 ages. It also glides smoothly across cobblestones, balls and pavements. It can be folded flat for simple storage in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is easy and easy to use which was well-loved by our test subject Kerry. Its smart packaging, clearly labeled sections and helpful user guides made putting together this stroller a breeze.
Stores
A double stroller is able to hold twice as much than a single stroller, so look for ample storage space. You'll want a stroller that has enough storage space to store the necessities of parents and children, such as bottles as well as snacks, toys and diapers. Look for pockets and baskets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller with an expandable cargo area to accommodate bulky items such as lunch bags and diaper bags.
A good double stroller will be able to adapt to the needs of your family. For instance certain models have an attachment for a bassinet that can accommodate newborns, while others come with child seats that can expand with your children until they're able to switch to riding on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers allow older children to join in on the fun with the rider board.
There's a wide selection of double strollers available on the market, from elegant, high-performance models that excel on rough terrain to budget-friendly models that are more suitable for use in the everyday. While shopping, take a look at reviews from other users and the opinions of families like yours to gain an idea of what to expect from the double stroller you choose.
Double strollers come in three different designs including tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-by-side strollers are the most adaptable and ideal for twins as well as children of similar ages. Tandem double strollers feature two seats arranged in a tandem arrangement, facing opposite directions. This is a good option for children of the same age, or siblings who like to interact with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces and are less likely to fit through doors than their side-by-side counterparts.
Check out this top selection by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon style double stroller. Our testers were impressed by the fact that this low-cost model comes with a variety of seating options as well as the ability to click in two infant car seats or a single child in the convertible toddler seat. Our experts also praised the memory foam seats and canopy that has 50+ SPF and foam-filled wheels that never go flat. And when it's time to fold, this model needs just a couple of tugs on the straps of each seat (under where the kids sit) to fold it in half.
