Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is a good investment when you have two kids of similar age. These compact tandem buggies or versatile side-by-side buggies will keep both children in the same place while you shop, parks, and whatever else life throws at you.
Comfort
When you are looking for a double stroller, comfort is a key factor to consider. This could include the seating arrangement and overall size, which will have an impact on the ease of use and storage. "Parents should check how much the stroller weighs as well as its dimensions folded," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also think about the options for recline of the seat and the ages of their children to ensure it is a perfect fit."
A good double stroller will be sturdy enough to traverse various surfaces with ease, from parks trails to suburban sidewalks and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should also have flexible seating options for children of different age and comfort features such as windows that can be opened and closed to keep kids shielded from rain or sun.
Seating options are important for many families who use a double stroller from birth to the age of. Billingsley explains that there are two major categories that are in-line, with one seat in-front of the other, and side-by-side seating with seats next to one another. Some parents prefer the inline option because of its sleek appearance and versatility. Others prefer the wagon style double stroller to maximize space for grocery or bulky items.
In-line models are more likely to show this kind of discordance. Some models might offer different recline options, with one being almost flat, while the other being more upright. Billingsley suggests choosing a model with a near-flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children can lay comfortably.
Finally, she advises looking for strollers that have storage compartments that will allow parents to quickly access snacks, toys and other personal belongings while on the go. double buggy suggests that it's helpful to look for a stroller that has a parent console or organizer bag that is attached to the handlebars. This will help keep things within reach.
Many of the top-rated double strollers can be extended, allowing parents the flexibility to modify the layout based on their family's needs. For instance, the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used with a single seat as early as birth, and later converted to 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 push and maneuver, especially in tight areas and on terrain that is difficult to navigate. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars and adjustable heights, making it easier for parents to maintain their form when pushing them. Another nice feature is a no-rethread belt harness, which allows for a more comfortable adjustment of the belts on the seat. Also, a strong brake system and wheels that can glide over any surface are crucial safety features.
Some parents prefer a side-by-side design that allows both children to be able to see one another during family outings. This arrangement can help prevent siblings arguing over who sits in which spot however, it's not 100% secure. If the seats are set at different levels, one child might be capable of punching or kicking the other on a walk.
For parents with twins or siblings of similar age, a tandem-style stroller is a great option for being able to view both kids at once. However, these can be wider than other double strollers, meaning they may not fit through all interior doorways. You could consider a single-to-double stroller that can be transformed from a single stroller to a double in a variety ways. Popular models include the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you opt for a side-byside or tandem-style stroller, make sure the product is JPMA-certified to meet strict safety standards. Be aware of the maximum weight limit for each seat. If you exceed these limits, it could cause frame fatigue and other issues.
While it's easy to concentrate on the many bells and whistles that come with the latest stroller, it's crucial to be aware that a stroller an infant carrier that will be transported for long periods of time. It should be comfortable for both passengers and easy to clean and maintain, and ideally it should feature an easy-to-use, familiar design so that the person pushing it is able to easily maneuver it without having to think about how to move forward and turn left or right, or apply the brakes.
Easy of Use
For families who are constantly on the move, a double stroller must be able to navigate different terrains. Features like adjustable canopy with windows that peek out and dependable braking systems are critical to help ensure the safety of your children but there are other factors that contribute to stroller ease of use. A stroller should be small enough to fit in the trunk of your vehicle and still provide plenty of storage space for groceries and other items. It's also essential to add thoughtful details, such as the cup holder for one parent as well as consoles for parents and an eating tray. These are able to make traveling with two kids significantly easier.
In our tests we rated the strollers on how it performed on a variety of surfaces and how well it maneuvered in tight spaces. We also looked at how simple it was to fold the stroller and then unfold it in a timely manner, and if a specific feature enhanced the overall functionality. For example, a stroller with a no-rethread harness makes adjusting the seat belts easy and quick. This is a major selling point for parents who are always in motion, as it eliminates the requirement to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored highly 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 is able to provide a second seat as well as a bassinet, or a toddler riding board--perfect for families who are active and planning long, tiring days with multiple kids of varying age. It also glides effortlessly over pavement, cobblestones and ballfields--and folds flat for easy storage in a closet or trunk. The design of this stroller is simple and easy to use and was a big hit with our test participant Kerry. Its smart packaging with clearly labeled sections as well as a helpful user guides made putting together this stroller a breeze.
Stores
A double stroller can be able to hold twice as much stuff as a single stroller so make sure you have plenty of storage space. You want a stroller with enough storage space to hold the essentials for both parents and children including bottles and snacks, toys, and diapers. Look for baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, consider a stroller that has an expandable cargo area to take in bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags.
A quality double stroller should be able to change as your family grows. For instance certain models have a bassinet attachment that can accommodate newborns, while others feature child seats that can be adapted to your children until they're ready to switch to riding on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers allow older children to join in the fun by riding on riding boards.
There are many different double strollers available. You can choose from high-performance models which are suitable for rough terrain, or more budget-friendly options that you can use every day. When you're shopping, read user reviews and recommendations from families like yours to gain a better sense of what you can expect from the double stroller you pick.
Double strollers are available in three different designs such as tandem, side-byside, and wagon-style. Billingsley says that side-by-side strollers are the most versatile and ideal for twins or children of a similar age. Tandem double strollers come with two seats that are set in tandem with the opposite direction facing. This is a good option for children of the same age, or siblings who want to interact with each other. Tandem strollers may be harder to maneuver through tight spaces and are less likely to pass through doors than their side-by-side counterparts.
Check out this top pick by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon style double stroller. This budget-friendly 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 experts also praised the memory foam seats as well as the canopy, which has 50+ SPF, and foam-filled wheels that never flatten. And when it's time for you to fold, this model requires only a few tugs on straps on each seat (under where the kids sit) to fold it in half.