Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two children who are close in age, a double stroller could be an invaluable investment. These compact tandem buggies or versatile side-by-side buggies will keep both children in sight while you shop or in parks, or whatever else life can throw at you.
Comfort
Comfort is a major factor to consider when shopping for a double-stroller. This includes both the seating arrangements and the overall dimensions of the stroller which can impact the accessibility and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child expert in child development from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, suggests parents examine the stroller’s weight as well as folded dimensions. “They should also take a look at the seat recline options and age ranges to ensure a perfect fit for their family.”
A quality double stroller should be able to navigate a variety of 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 stages of development, as well as comfort features such as a peek-a-boo window and adjustable canopy that shield kids from the sun or rain.
The seating options are important to many families that will utilize double strollers from birth to the age of. Billingsley says there are two primary categories that are in-line with one seat in front of the other and side-byside seating with seats next to each other. Some parents prefer the in-line option due to its sleek style and its versatility. Others like the wagon style double stroller for maximum space for bulky or grocery items.
In-line models tend to have this kind of difference. Some products may offer different recline options, with one being nearly flat, and the other remaining relatively upright. Billingsley suggests selecting a product that has a near-flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats, so that both children can lie back comfortably.
Finally, she advises looking for a stroller that includes storage compartments that allow parents to access their snacks, toys, and personal belongings while on the go. She also recommends that it is helpful to find a stroller which comes with a parent console or organizer bag, that can be attached to the handlebars. This will help parents keep their essentials in their reach.
Many of the top-rated double strollers can be expanded giving parents the ability to alter the configuration according to their family’s requirements. The Mockingbird Expandable, for instance is a highly rated double stroller which can be used from birth with just one seat, then transformed 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 adults, as well as any additional cargo. Strollers need to be able to move and push, particularly on rough terrain or in tight spaces. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to ensure that parents maintain a good posture when pushing them. Another great feature is a no-rethread belt harness, which allows for a more comfortable adjustment of the belts for your child. Safety features include a robust brake system and wheels which slide over any surface.
Some parents prefer a side by side design to allow both children to be together on family outings. This arrangement can stop sibling fights over which child is allowed to sit in which spot however it’s not foolproof. If the seats are placed at different levels, one child might be capable of punching or kicking the other during a walk.
A tandem-style stroller is great option for parents with twins or siblings who are close in age. It allows them to observe both children at the same time. Double strollers can be more spacious, and may not fit through certain interior doors. You could consider a single-to-double buggy converts to single stroller that can be transformed from a single stroller to double in various ways. Popular models include the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you decide to purchase a side-by-side or tandem-style stroller, be sure the product is JPMA-certified to meet strict safety standards. Pay attention to the weight limit that applies to each seat. If you exceed these limits, it could cause frame fatigue or other problems.
While it’s easy to concentrate on the many bells and whistles on the latest stroller, it is crucial to be aware that a stroller an infant carrier that will be carried around for long periods of time. It should be easy to clean and maintain as well as comfortable for both the passengers. It should also feature a an intuitive, familiar design that allows the person pushing it to maneuver it effortlessly.
User-Friendliness
A double stroller must be easy to maneuver on various types of terrains for families constantly moving. Strollers that have features like peek-a-boo windows, adjustable canopies and sturdy brake systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children. However, there are other features that make them more convenient to use. A stroller should be compact enough to fit into the trunk of your vehicle, but still have plenty of storage space for groceries and other items. It is also essential to include thoughtful details, such as a cup holder for one parent as well as consoles for parents and an eating tray. These can help make traveling with two children significantly easier.
In our tests, we assessed each stroller on the basis of its performance on different terrains, as well as its ability to maneuver through tight spaces. We also looked at how simple it was to fold the stroller in half and then unfold it, and if a particular feature improved the overall functionality. For instance a stroller that has a no-rethread harness makes adjusting the seat belts quick and simple. This can be a huge selling point for parents who are on the move because it cuts down on time and removes the need to re-thread the harness.
The UPPAbaby V2 Double scored highly in this metric as it offered a wide range of seating configurations and other accessories that could accommodate families that are growing. The wagon-style double stroller can be expanded to allow for an additional seat as well as a bassinet or a toddler-friendly riding board, which is ideal for families who are active and planning long days on the go with multiple kids of varying age groups. It glides easily over cobblestones and pavements and ballfields. It can also be folded flat to be stored in a trunk or closet. Our tester Kerry loved the simple and easy-to-use nature of the stroller’s design. Its clever packaging with clearly labeled sections as well as a an informative user guide made assembling this stroller a breeze.
Stores
Double strollers can hold twice as much as one stroller so be sure to search for ample storage space. It is ideal to have a stroller that can accommodate the necessities for both kids, including nappies, bottles, snacks and toys, along with parents’ belongings such as wallets, phones keys and wallets. Find baskets under the seat as well as other pockets, and consider a stroller with an expandable cargo area that can carry bulky items like diaper bags and lunch bags.
A good double stroller should be able to adjust as your family grows. For instance certain models come with a bassinet attachment that can be used for newborns, and others feature child seats that can be adapted to your kids until they’re ready to move to the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers even permit a rider’s board that allows older children to be part of the fun.
There are a variety of double strollers available. You can pick from high-performance models that are great for rough terrain, to more budget-friendly options that you can use every day. While shopping, you can read reviews and recommendations of families just like yours to get a better idea of what you can expect from the double stroller that you pick.
Double strollers are available in three different models: tandem, Most compact double stroller side by side and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers offer most versatility and are ideal for twins or kids who are close in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers feature two seats arranged in tandem, facing opposite directions. This is a good option for children who are the same age, or siblings who prefer to interact with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through tight spaces, and are less likely to fit in doorways.
Take a look at this top choice by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon style double stroller. Our testers were impressed by the fact that this low-cost model has multiple seating options, including the ability to connect two infant car seats or a single child riding in the convertible toddler seat. Our testers also loved the soft memory foam seats, 50+ SPF canopy, and foam-filled tires that never get flat. And when it’s time to fold, this model needs just a couple of tugs on the straps on each seat (under where the kids sit) to fold it in half.
