Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is a great investment for families with two children of similar ages. These narrow tandem buggies or 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 throws at you.
Comfort
When shopping for a double stroller, the comfort is a key factor to consider. This can include the seating arrangement and overall size, which has an impact on ease of use and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, suggests parents examine the stroller's weight as well as folded dimensions. "They should also consider the options for recline and seat age ranges to ensure a perfect fit for their family."
A quality double stroller should be sturdy enough to traverse all surfaces without difficulty, from suburban sidewalks to park trails, and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should also provide flexible seating arrangements for children of various age and comfort features like windows that can be opened and closed to shield children from rain or sun.
Seating options are important for many families who utilize double strollers from the time of birth until the age of. Billingsley says 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. "Some parents prefer an in-line option for its sleek appearance and versatility, while others prefer a wagon-style stroller to maximize space for bulky items or grocery bags."
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 and the other remaining relatively upright. Billingsley suggests choosing a model with both a near flat recline as well as leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children lay comfortably.
In the end, she suggests looking for strollers with storage compartments that will allow parents to easily access snacks, toys and other personal items while on the move. She also suggests that it is beneficial to find a stroller which includes a parent console or organizer bag that is attached to the handlebars. This can help parents keep essentials close to hand.
Some of the most highly-rated double strollers can be expanded that allows parents to modify the layout to meet the needs of their expanding family. The Mockingbird Expandable, for example is a highly rated double stroller which can be used from birth using a single seat, and later converted into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) when the child is older.
Safety
Double strollers should be able to handle the weight of two adults, as well as any additional cargo. Strollers must also be easy to move and push, particularly in tight spots and on difficult terrain. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height, making it easier for parents to maintain a good posture when pushing them. Another feature that is great is a no-rethread belt harness that allows for a more comfortable adjustment of the belts on the seat. Safety features include a sturdy brake system, as well as wheels that can glide across any surface.
Some parents opt for an arrangement that allows both children to see each other during family outings. This arrangement can help prevent siblings arguing about who gets to sit in which seat, but it isn't foolproof. If the seats are positioned at different heights, one child may be capable of punching or kicking the other on the course of a walk.
If you have twins or siblings of similar age, a tandem-style stroller can be beneficial in being able to view both children at the same time. These double strollers can be wider, and may not fit through some interior doors. Think about a stroller that is single-to-double that can be transformed 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-byside stroller, make sure that the product is JPMA certified to meet the strictest safety standards. Be aware of the weight limit that applies to each seat. If you exceed these limits, it could cause frame fatigue or other issues.
It's easy to get caught in the jingles and whistles, however it's important to keep in mind that strollers are basically baby carriers that will be used for a long period of times. It must be comfortable for both the passengers and easy to clean and maintain, and most importantly, it should offer an intuitive, familiar design that the person pushing it can effortlessly maneuver it without having to think about how to move forward or turn left or right, or apply the brakes.
Ease of Use
For families on the go, a double stroller needs to be easy to maneuver over different terrains. Features like adjustable canopy systems windows, peek-aboo windows, and reliable braking systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children, however, there are other elements that influence stroller comfort of use. double single pushchair should be compact enough to fit into the trunk of your vehicle and still provide plenty of storage space for food or other things. Also important are thoughtful touches like a one-parent cup holder, parent consoles and an eating tray for children -- all things that make life on the go with two children significantly easier.
In our testing we rated each stroller based on how it performed on a variety of terrains, and how easily it could maneuver in tight spaces. We also assessed the ease with which it was possible to fold and unfold and whether or not a particular feature improved the overall function of the stroller. A stroller with no-rethread straps makes it simple to adjust the seat belts. This can be a huge selling point for parents on the go, as it saves time and reduces the need to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double was a top performer in this measure, since it came with a variety of seating configurations and additional accessories to accommodate families that are growing. The wagon-style double-stroller expands to accommodate two seats, a bassinet or even a toddler's riding board. This is perfect for families that plan to spend a lot of time on the road with multiple children of various ages. It also glides smoothly over cobblestones, balls and pavements. It can be folded flat for easy storage in a closet or trunk. Our test subject Kerry appreciated the straightforward and intuitive nature of this stroller's design. The clever packaging clear sections, well-marked sections and the user's guide made it simple to assemble this stroller.
Storage
A double stroller can be able to hold twice as much than a single stroller, therefore, you should look for plenty of storage space. It is important to find a stroller with enough storage space to accommodate the necessities of children and parents, such as bottles, toys, snacks, and diapers. Look for under-seat baskets as well as other pockets, and consider a stroller with an expandable cargo space that can carry bulky items like diaper bags and lunch bags.
A quality double stroller should have the ability to adapt as your family grows. For instance certain models have an attachment for a bassinet that can accommodate newborns, while others have child seats that can grow with your children until they're able to ride on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers allow older siblings to join in the fun by riding on riding boards.
There's a wide selection of double strollers in the market, ranging from elegant, high-performance models that can handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models more suitable for use in the everyday. When shopping, take a look at reviews and opinions of families like yours to get an idea of what to expect from the double stroller that you pick.
Double strollers are available in three different design formats including tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-byside strollers are the most versatile and ideal for twins or children of similar age. Tandem double strollers come with two seats set up in a tandem arrangement, facing opposite directions. This is a good option for children who are similar age, or siblings who want to be social with one another. Tandem strollers may be harder to maneuver in tight spaces, and are less likely to fit through doorways than their side-by-side counterparts.
Check out this top selection by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon style double stroller. This budget-friendly model was highly praised by our testers for its various seating configurations. It can be used with two infant car seats or one child sitting in a convertible toddler seat. Our reviewers also praised the soft memory foam seats, 50+ SPF canopy, and foam-filled tires that never go flat. When it's time for folding, this model only requires just a few nudges on the straps beneath each seat (under where kids sit) for folding.