Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is a great investment if you have two children with similar age. These strollers are narrow and narrow, as well as flexible side-by-side buggies allow you to keep an eye on both kids at the same time navigating the aisles of the supermarket as well as the parks and other obstacles life throws at you.
Comfort
When looking for a double stroller, comfort is a key consideration. This could include both seating arrangement and the overall size of the stroller which affects the convenience and storage. "Parents must determine what the stroller weighs and its folded dimensions," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "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 have a variety of seating options for children at different age groups, and features that provide comfort, such as a peek-aboo windows and adjustable canopy options that shield kids from the sun or rain.
The seating options are important to many families who utilize a double stroller from birth to childhood. "There are two main categories: in-line with one seat behind the other, and side-byside with seats next to each other," Billingsley explains. "Some parents prefer an in-line stroller due to its sleek design and versatility, whereas others prefer a wagon-style stroller that can be used to store heavy items or groceries."
Some products may offer different recline options, with one seat being almost flat, while the other is upright, this type of distinction is more common in in-line models. Billingsley suggests selecting a product that offers both a near-flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats, so that both children can lie back comfortably.
She also suggests parents look for strollers that have storage compartments so that they can easily access their snacks, personal items and toys in motion. She adds that it's also helpful to look for a stroller with an organizer or parent console bag that is attached to the handlebars, which can help keep essentials within reach.
Some of the most highly-rated double strollers can be expanded which allows parents to alter the configuration 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 with a single seat, and later converted into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) when the child gets older.
Safety
Double strollers should be able to support the weight of two passengers--plus any additional cargo. Strollers must also be easy to move and push, particularly in tight spots and on difficult terrain. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to help parents maintain 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 nice feature to look out for. A sturdy brake system and wheels that glide over any surface are crucial safety features.
Some parents opt for an arrangement that is side by side to allow both children to see each other when they go on family outings. This arrangement can stop siblings fighting over who is allowed to sit where, but it's not foolproof. If the seats are different heights, a child may kick or punch another while walking when the seats are on different levels.
A tandem-style stroller is a excellent option for parents with twins or siblings who are close in age. It lets parents observe both children at the same time. Double strollers are typically more spacious, and may not fit through certain interior doors. For maximum flexibility, think about a single-to-double stroller that transitions from a single to a tandem in a variety of ways, like the popular CYBEX Gazelle S. lightweight double pushchair can accommodate a wide range of configurations and permit you to insert infant car seats or cot attachments, depending on your requirements.
If you're in the market for a tandem or a side-by-side stroller, make sure that the product has been JPMA certified to meet the strictest safety standards. Also pay attention to the weight limits that apply to each seat, as over-weighting could lead to frame fatigue or other issues.
It's easy to get caught up in the bells and whistles, but it's important to remember that strollers are basically baby carriers that will be used for a long period of times. It must be comfortable for both passengers, easy to clean and maintain, and in the ideal case, it should offer an intuitive, familiar design so that the person pushing it can effortlessly move it around without having to think about how to move forward, turn left or right, or apply the brakes.
Simple to Use
For families that are on the move, a double stroller should be easy to maneuver over a variety of terrains. Strollers with features like windows that can be opened and closed, adjustable canopy and sturdy brake systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children. However, there are other features that make them easier to use. A stroller should be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your car, but still have plenty of storage space for groceries and other things. It's also important to include thoughtful details, such as cups holder for one parent as well as consoles for parents and snacks on trays. These can help make traveling with two children much more enjoyable.
In our tests, we evaluated the strollers 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. For instance, a stroller with no-rethread harnesses makes adjusting the seat belts quick and simple. This can be a major benefit for parents who are on the move, as it saves time and eliminates the need to re-thread the harness.
The UPPAbaby 2 Double scored highly in this metric as it had a wide variety of seating configurations, and other accessories that could accommodate families that are growing. The wagon-style double stroller is able to accommodate a second 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 varying age groups. It also glides effortlessly over cobblestones, balls and pavements. It folds flat for easy storage in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is easy and intuitive, which was appreciated by our test participant Kerry. The smart packaging clear sections, well-marked sections and user guide made it easy to put this stroller together.
Stores
Double strollers can hold twice as much as a single one, so make sure you ensure you have plenty of storage space. compact double stroller is ideal to have a stroller that is able to hold the basic necessities for both kids: nappies, bottles, snacks and toys, along with parents' items such as wallets, phones, and keys. Look for baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, consider a stroller with an expandable cargo space that can take in bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags.
A good double stroller will be able to grow with your family. For instance certain models have the bassinet attachment, which can be used for newborns, and 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 also include a rider board to allow older siblings to be part of the fun.
There are a variety of double strollers available. You can choose from models with high-performance features that are great for rough terrain, as well as more budget-friendly options that can use every day. While shopping, you can read reviews and suggestions from families just like yours to get an idea of what you can expect from the double stroller that you select.
Double strollers are available in three different designs such as tandem, side-byside, and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-by-side strollers are the most adaptable and suitable for twins or children of similar ages. Tandem double strollers, on contrary, have two seats that are arranged adjacent to one another and facing in opposite directions. This is a great option for children who are the same age or for siblings who enjoy interacting with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces, and less likely to be able to fit through doors.
Check out this top selection by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon-style double stroller. Our testers were impressed by the fact that this low-cost model comes with a variety of seating options and the option to click in two infant car seats or a single child in a convertible toddler seat. Our experts also praised the memory foam seats, canopy with 50+ SPF, and foam-filled wheels that never go flat. When it's time for folding this model needs only a few tugs on the straps beneath each seat (under where kids sit) to fold.