Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two children who are similar in age, a double stroller can be a great investment. These narrow tandem buggies as well as flexible side by side buggies will keep both children in sight while navigating the grocery aisle, parks, and whatever else life throws at you.
Comfort
When shopping for a double stroller for your child, comfort is a major factor to consider. This could 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 and its dimensions when folded," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also look at the recline options for seats and age ranges to ensure a perfect fit for their family."
A reputable double stroller must be able to navigate a variety of surfaces with ease from suburban sidewalks to park paths, and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should also offer versatile seating arrangements for children of varying age groups and comfort features such as windows that can be opened and closed to protect children from sun or rain.
The seating options are important to many families who utilize double strollers from the time of birth until childhood. "There are two main categories--in-line with one seat ahead of the other, and side-by-side with seats adjacent to each other," Billingsley explains. 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 groceries or bulky items.
In-line models are more likely to show this type of discrepancy. Some products may offer different recline options, with one being almost flat and the other one remaining fairly upright. Billingsley recommends choosing a product that has an almost flat recline as well as 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 will allow parents to easily access snacks, toys and personal items while out and about. She adds that it's also useful to find a stroller that has an organizer or parent console bag that can be attached to the handlebars, which can help keep essentials within reach.
all terrain double stroller of the top-rated double strollers can be expanded to allow parents to alter the configuration 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 converted to a tandem (with an additional seat and bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers must be able to handle the weight of both passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers should be simple to maneuver 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. A no-rethread harness that makes the adjustment of seat belts more quickly and easily, is another nice feature to look for. Safety features include a durable brake system, as well as wheels that can glide across any surface.
Some parents opt for an arrangement that allows both children to see one another during family outings. This arrangement can help prevent siblings fighting over who is allowed to sit in which spot, but it's not foolproof. If the seats are positioned at different heights, one child may be in a position to punch or kick the other during the course of a walk.
A tandem-style stroller is great option for parents with twins or siblings who are close in age. It allows them to see both children at once. Double strollers are typically more spacious, and may not fit through some doors inside. You could consider a single-to-double stroller that can be transformed from a single to double in various ways. Popular models include the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you are looking for a tandem or side-byside stroller, ensure that the stroller has been JPMA certified to meet the strictest safety standards. Be aware of the weight limits that apply to each seat, as exceeding them could result in frame fatigue or other issues.
It's easy to be swept in the sound of bells and whistles, but it's important to keep in mind that strollers are essentially baby carriers that will be used for extended times. It should be easy to clean and maintain and comfortable for both passengers. It should also feature a an easy-to-use, familiar design that lets the person pushing it to move it easily.
Simple to Use
A double stroller must be simple to maneuver over a variety types of terrains for families constantly moving. Strollers with features like windows that can be opened and closed, adjustable canopy and reliable brake systems are crucial to ensure the safety of your children. But there are other factors that make them more convenient to use. For example the stroller must be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your car, but still provide ample storage space for groceries and other belongings. It is also essential to include thoughtful features, like cups holder for one parent or consoles for parents, as well as a snack tray. These are able to make traveling with two children much more enjoyable.
In our testing, we evaluated 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 in half and then unfold it, and if a particular feature enhanced the overall functionality. For instance a stroller that has a harness that does not rethread makes the adjustment of the seat belts easy and quick. This is a major selling point for parents who are always moving around, since it eliminates the need to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored highly in this metric, as it came with a variety of seating options and accessories to help accommodate growing families. The double-stroller in the wagon style expands so that it can accommodate two seats, a bassinet, or even a toddler-riding board. This is ideal for families that plan to spend a lot of time on the road with multiple children of various age groups. It is able to glide effortlessly over cobblestones and pavements and ball fields. It can be folded flat to be stored in a trunk or a closet. Our test subject Kerry was impressed by the simple, intuitive nature of this stroller's design. The smart packaging with clearly marked sections as well as a user's manual made it easy to put this stroller together.
Stores
Double strollers can carry twice as much as one stroller, so make sure you search for ample storage space. You want a stroller with enough storage space to accommodate the essentials of both parents and children, such as bottles as well as snacks, toys and diapers. Find baskets under the seat as well as other pockets, and look into a stroller with an expandable cargo area that can carry heavy items such as diaper bags and lunch bags.
A quality double stroller will be able to expand with your family. For example certain models come with an attachment for a bassinet that can accommodate newborns, while others come with child seats that can expand with your children until they're ready to switch to riding on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers allow for a rider board that allows older children to take part in the fun.
There are a variety of double strollers on the market, from sleek, high-performance models that are able to handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models more suited for daily use. When you're shopping, read reviews and suggestions from families like yours to gain a better sense of what you can expect from the double stroller you choose.
Double strollers come in three different design formats: side-by-side, tandem, and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers offer the most versatility and are suitable for twins or children close in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers feature two seats arranged in a tandem configuration facing in opposite directions. This is a good option for children of the same age, or siblings who want to be social with one another. Tandem strollers can be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and are less likely to fit through doorways than their side-by-side counterparts.
Take a look at this top choice by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon-style double stroller. Testers loved how this affordable model offers multiple seating configurations as well as the ability to click in two infant car seats or a single child in an convertible toddler seat. Our experts also praised memory foam seats and canopy that has 50+ SPF, and foam-filled wheels that never flatten. When it's time to fold this model requires only just a few nudges on the straps underneath each seat (under the seat where children sit) to fold.