Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is a great investment when you have two kids with similar ages. These narrow tandem buggies or versatile side by side buggies allow you to keep both children in sight when you are navigating the aisles of your grocery store or in parks, or whatever else life can throw at you.
Comfort
When you are looking for a double stroller for your child, comfort is a major consideration. This includes the seating arrangement and overall size, which has an impact on the ease of use and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child expert in child development from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, says parents should check the stroller's weight and folded dimensions. "They should also consider the recline options for seats, as well as the ages of their children to ensure that it is a perfect fit."
A good double stroller will be robust enough to navigate 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 arrangements for children of various ages and comfort features like windows that can be opened and closed to shield children from rain or sun.
Seating options are crucial for many families who will utilize double strollers from birth to the age of. "There are two main categories: in-line with one seat ahead of the other, and side by side with seats next to each other," Billingsley explains. "Some parents prefer an in-line option for its sleek look and versatility, whereas others prefer a wagon-style stroller to maximize space for bulky items or grocery bags."
In-line models are more likely to show this kind of difference. Some products may offer different recline options, with one being nearly flat, and the other remaining relatively upright. Billingsley recommends selecting a product with both a near flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children lay down comfortably.
Finally, she advises to look 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 the stroller that has a parent console or organizer bag attached to the handlebars, which will help keep things within reach.
A few of the top-rated double strollers are expandable, allowing parents to customize the layout to meet the requirements of their growing family. For instance, the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly rated double stroller that can be used with a single seat from birth, and later converted to a tandem (with a second seat and bassinet) as the child gets older.
Safety
Double strollers have to be able to support the weight of two adults, as well as any additional cargo. Strollers should also be easy to move and push, particularly in tight spaces and on terrain that is difficult to navigate. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height to allow parents to maintain their good form while pushing them. A harness that does not need to be rethread that makes the adjustment of seat belts more quickly and easily is another great feature to look out for. A sturdy brake system and wheels that glide over any surface are essential safety features.
Some parents opt for an arrangement that allows both children to be able to see each other on family outings. This arrangement can stop siblings fighting over who is allowed to sit where however it's not foolproof. If the seats are located at different heights, a child could kick or punch one another during a walk, when the seats are on different levels.
A tandem-style stroller is a excellent option for parents with twins or siblings who are similar in age. It allows them to see both children at once. However, these can be larger than other double strollers, meaning they may not be able to be able to pass through all doors in your home. You could consider a single-to-double stroller that can be transformed from a single stroller to double in various ways. The most popular models are the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you're in the market for a tandem or side-byside stroller, ensure that the product has been JPMA certified to meet strict safety standards. Pay attention to the maximum weight limit for each seat. If you exceed these limits, it could cause frame fatigue or other issues.
While it's easy to focus on all the extra bells and whistles that come with the latest stroller, it's important to be aware that a stroller an infant carrier that will be carried around for long periods of time. It must be easy to clean and maintain, and comfortable for both passengers. It should also feature a an intuitive, familiar design that allows the person pushing it to easily maneuver it.
Easy of Use
For families who are constantly on the move, a double stroller should be able to maneuver easily over different terrains. Strollers with features like peek-a-boo windows, adjustable canopies and sturdy brake systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children. But there are also other factors that make them easier to 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 is also important to consider thoughtful additions like a cup holder with a single parent or console for parents, as well as snacks for children--all things that will make life on the go with two children significantly simpler.
During our testing we evaluated each stroller based on its performance on different surfaces and its ability to maneuver in tight spaces. We also considered how easy it was to fold the stroller and then unfold it as well as if a particular feature enhanced the overall functionality. A stroller with no-rethread straps is easy to adjust the seat belts. This is a major selling point for parents who are always in motion, as it removes the need to rethread their harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored high in this measure, since it offers a wide range of seating configurations and additional accessories to help accommodate growing families. The wagon-style double stroller is able to provide an additional seat, a bassinet or even a toddler riding board that is perfect for families with active children who plan long trips with multiple kids of various age. It also glides smoothly over pavement, cobblestones and ballfields--and folds flat for simple storage in a trunk or closet. Our tester Kerry was impressed by the simple and intuitive nature of this stroller's design. Its stylish packaging, clearly labeled sections and an informative user guide made putting together this stroller an absolute breeze.
Stores
Double strollers can hold twice as much as one single stroller, so make sure you search for ample storage space. You'll want a stroller that has enough storage space to accommodate the necessities of children and parents like bottles, toys, snacks, and diapers. Find baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller with an expandable cargo space that can accommodate bulky items like diaper bags and lunchbags.
A good double stroller will be able to grow with your family. For example, some models include the bassinet attachment, which can accommodate newborns, while others have child seats that can grow with your kids until they're ready to ride on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers permit a rider's board that allows older children to be part of the fun.
There are a variety of double strollers on the market. You can pick from models with high-performance features that are ideal for rough terrain, to more budget-friendly options that can use every day. When you're shopping, read reviews from other users and the opinions of families like yours to get an understanding of what you can expect from the double stroller you select.
Double strollers come in three different designs: side-by-side, tandem, and wagon-style. Billingsley says that side-by-side strollers are the most flexible and suitable for twins or children of a similar age. lightweight double pushchair , on the contrary, have two seats set adjacent to one another and facing in opposite directions. This is a ideal choice for children of the same age, or for siblings who like to interact 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. This affordable model was praised by testers for its many seating options. It can be used with two infant car seats, or one child in a convertible toddler chair. 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 for folding this model needs only just a few pulls on the straps underneath each seat (under where kids sit) in order to fold.