Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two children that are in the same age group A double stroller can be a valuable investment. These compact double buggy tandem buggies or flexible side by side buggies let you keep both children in sight when you are navigating the aisles of your grocery store and parks, as well as whatever else life can throw at you.
Comfort
Comfort is a major factor to take into consideration when buying a double-stroller. This can include both the seating arrangement as well as the overall size of the stroller which impacts ease of use and storage. “Parents should check 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 and the ages of their children to ensure that it is a perfect fit.”
A quality double stroller should be able to handle different surfaces with ease including suburban sidewalks, parks and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should also provide flexible seating arrangements for children of different age groups and comfort features like windows that peek out and adjustable canopy to shield children from sun or rain.
Seating options are important for many families who will use a double stroller from birth to childhood. “There are two main categories–in-line with one seat in front of the other, and side-by-side with seats adjacent to each other,” Billingsley explains. Some parents prefer the in-line model due to its sleek design and versatility. Others like a 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 models might offer different recline options, with one seat being nearly flat, and the other remaining relatively upright. Billingsley recommends choosing a product with a near-flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats, so that the children can both lie back comfortably.
Then, she suggests looking for strollers with storage compartments that enable parents to access their snacks, toys and other personal items while out and about. She adds that it’s also useful to find a stroller with a parent console or organizer bag that is attached to the handlebars, which can help keep essentials in reach.
Many of the top-rated double strollers can be enlarged to allow parents to customize the setup based on their family’s needs. For example, the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used with a single seat from birth and then transformed into tandem (with an additional seat and bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers should be able to carry the weight of both the passengers as well as any additional cargo. Strollers must also be simple to maneuver and push, especially in tight areas and over challenging terrain. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars and adjustable heights which make it easier for parents to maintain their form when pushing them. A no-rethread harness which makes the adjustment of seat belts more quickly and easily, is another nice feature to look for. Safety features include a robust brake system, as well as wheels that can glide across any surface.
Some parents opt for a side by side design so that both children can meet up on family outings. This arrangement can stop siblings fighting over who gets to sit where however it’s not foolproof. If the seats are different levels, a child might punch or kick one another during a walk, if the seats are at different levels.
A tandem stroller is a great option for parents with twins or siblings that are similar in age. It lets them see both children at once. Double strollers are typically larger, and might not fit through certain interior doors. Think about a stroller that is single-to-double that can be converted from a single to a double in many ways. Popular models include the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you’re in the market for a tandem or side-byside stroller, ensure that the stroller has been JPMA certified to meet strict safety standards. Be aware of the weight limit that applies to each seat. Exceeding these limits could cause frame fatigue or other issues.
While it’s easy to concentrate on the additional bells and whistles on a new stroller, it is crucial to keep in mind that a stroller is an infant carrier that is carried around for long durations of time. It should be easy to clean and maintain and comfortable for both of the passengers. It should also feature a an easy-to-use, familiar design that lets the person pushing it to maneuver it effortlessly.
Easy of Use
For families who are constantly on the move, a double stroller must be able to navigate a variety of terrains. Strollers with features like windows that can be opened and closed, adjustable canopy and sturdy brake systems are crucial to ensure the safety of your children. However, there are other factors that make them more convenient to use. For instance the stroller should be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your car but still provide ample storage space for food items and other things. It is also important to consider thoughtful additions like a cup holder with a single parent or console for parents, as well as a snack tray for kids–all things that will make life on the go with two kids much more manageable.
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 assessed how easy it was to fold and unfold and whether or not a specific feature enhanced the overall functionality of the stroller. For instance a stroller with no-rethread harnesses makes adjusting the seat belts simple and easy. This can be a big benefit for parents who are always on the move, as it does away with the need to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double was a top performer in this metric, as it came with a variety of seating options and accessories to accommodate families that are growing. The double-stroller in the wagon style can be expanded to accommodate two seats, a bassinet, or even a toddler-riding board. This is perfect for families who want to spend long hours on the road with multiple children of different age groups. It also glides effortlessly over pavement, cobblestones and ballfields–and can be folded flat for easy storage in a closet or trunk. The design of this stroller is easy and intuitive, which was appreciated by our test subject Kerry. The clever packaging clear sections, well-marked sections and the user’s guide made it simple to put this stroller together.
Storage
A double stroller can be able to hold twice as much stuff than a single stroller, therefore, you should look for plenty of storage space. Ideally, you want a stroller that can accommodate the basic necessities for both kids: nappies, bottles, snacks and toys, as well as parents’ belongings such as phones, wallets keys, wallets and phones. Find baskets under the seat as well as other pockets, and consider a stroller with an expanding cargo area that can carry heavy items such as diaper bags and lunch bags.
A good double stroller should be able to change as your family grows. For example certain models come with the bassinet attachment, which can accommodate newborns, while others come with child seats that can be adapted to your children until they’re ready to ride on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers permit older siblings to join in the fun with the rider board.
There are many double strollers on the market. You can choose from high-performance models that are great for rough terrain, as well as more budget-friendly options that you can use on a daily basis. While shopping, you can read reviews and suggestions from families similar to yours to get a better idea of what you can expect from the double stroller that you select.
Double strollers are available in three models: tandem, side by side and wagon style. Side-by-side double strollers offer most versatility and are ideal for twins or kids close to each other in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers feature two seats set up in a tandem configuration, facing opposite directions. This is a good option for children of similar age or siblings who prefer to be social with one another. Tandem strollers may be harder to maneuver through tight spaces and are less likely to pass through doorways than their side-byside counterparts.
If you prefer a wagon-style double Pram buggy stroller, check out this top model from Safety 1st. Our testers were impressed by the fact that this low-cost model has multiple seating options as well as the ability to snap in two infant car seats or a single child in an convertible toddler seat. Our reviewers also praised the memory foam seats and canopy that has 50+ SPF and foam-filled wheels that never flatten. When it’s time to fold, this model needs only a couple of pulls on the straps of each seat (under where the kids sit) to fold it in half.
