Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two kids that are in the same age group A double stroller can be a great investment. These compact tandem buggies or flexible side by side buggies let you keep both children in the same place while you shop and parks, as well as whatever else life throws at you.
Comfort
When shopping for a double stroller, comfort is a major consideration. This could include the seating arrangement and the overall size, which can have an impact on ease of use and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, advises parents to examine the stroller's weight as well as folded dimensions. "They should also think about the recline options for seats and the age ranges of their children to ensure that it's the perfect fit."
A good double stroller will be durable enough to travel on different surfaces smoothly--from parks trails to suburban sidewalks and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should come with a variety of seating options for children of different stages of development, as well as comfort features such as a peek-a-boo window and adjustable canopies that protect children from the sun or rain.
The seating options are important to many families who will use double strollers from the time of birth until childhood. "There are two main categories - in-line with one seat in front of the other, and side-by-side with seats that are next to each other," Billingsley explains. Some parents prefer the inline option due to its sleek style and its versatility. Others like a wagon-style double stroller to maximize space for groceries or bulky items.
In-line models tend to have this kind of difference. Some products may 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 adjustment for both seats to ensure the children can both lie back comfortably.
In the end, she suggests looking for strollers with storage compartments that enable parents to easily access snacks, toys, and personal items while on the move. She suggests that it's beneficial to choose a stroller that has a parent console or organizer bag that is attached to the handlebars. This can help keep essentials within reach.
A few of the top-rated double strollers can be extended giving parents the ability to customize the setup based on their family's needs. For example the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used with just a single seat from birth, and then converted to tandem (with a second seat and bassinet) as the child gets older.
Safety
Double strollers have to be able to handle the weight of two adults, as well as any additional cargo. Strollers should be able to move and push, particularly on difficult terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars and adjustable heights, making it easier for parents to maintain their form when pushing them. A no-rethread harness which makes the adjustment of seat belts quicker and easier to do, is a nice feature to look out for. Safety features include a durable brake system and wheels that slide over any surface.
Some parents prefer a side by side design to ensure that both children meet up when they go on family outings. This arrangement can stop sibling fights over which child gets to sit where however it's not foolproof. If the seats are placed at different heights, one child may be capable of punching or kicking the other on walks.
A tandem-style stroller is excellent option for parents with twins or siblings that are close in age. It allows them to be able to see both children simultaneously. However, these can be wider than other double strollers, and they may not fit through all interior doorways. For maximum flexibility, think about a single-to-double stroller which can switch from a single to a tandem in a variety of ways, like the well-known CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can accommodate a wide variety of configurations and allow you to click in infant car seats or cot attachments depending on your needs.
If you're looking for a tandem or side-by-side stroller, make sure that the product has been JPMA certified to meet stringent safety standards. Be aware of the maximum weight limit for each seat. Overstepping these limits can cause frame fatigue and other issues.
While it's easy for us to focus on all the extra bells and whistles on the latest stroller, it's crucial to be aware that a stroller basically a baby carrier that will be transported for long periods of time. It should be easy to clean and maintain and comfortable for both the passengers. It should also have a an intuitive, familiar design that allows the person pushing the stroller to move it easily.
Ease of Use
For families on the go, a double stroller needs to be able to maneuver easily over various terrains. Features like adjustable canopy systems, peek-aboo windows and dependable braking systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children but there are other factors that contribute to stroller ease of use. For instance, a stroller must be small enough to fit into the trunk of your car but still provide ample storage space for food items and other things. Additionally, you should consider thoughtful features such as a cup holder for one parent, parent consoles and an eating tray for children -- all things that make life with two kids significantly simpler.
In our tests, we assessed each stroller based on its performance on various terrains, as well as its ability to maneuver in tight spaces. We also looked at how easy it was to fold the stroller and unfold it as well as if a particular feature enhanced the overall functionality. A stroller that does not have rethread straps is easy to adjust the seat belts. This is a major attraction for parents who are constantly in motion, as it eliminates the requirement 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 as well as additional accessories to accommodate growing families. The wagon-style double stroller expands to provide two seats, a bassinet or even a toddler riding board that is perfect for families who are active and planning long days on the go with multiple kids of varying ages. It is able to glide effortlessly over cobblestones, pavements, and ball fields. It can also be folded flat to fit in a trunk or closet. Our tester Kerry was impressed by the simple, intuitive nature of this stroller's design. The smart packaging, clearly marked sections and the user's guide made it simple to assemble this stroller.
Storage
Double strollers can hold twice more than a single one, so make sure you look for plenty of storage space. Ideally, you want an item that can hold the basic necessities for both kids: nappies, bottles, snacks and toys, in addition to parents' items such as wallets, phones, and keys. Find baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, consider a stroller with an expandable cargo space to take in bulky items like diaper bags and lunchbags.
A good double stroller must be able to adjust as your family expands. For example, some models include an attachment for a bassinet that can accommodate infants, while others have child seats that can be adapted to your children until they're able to ride on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. twin stroller permit older siblings to join in on the fun with the rider board.
You'll find a wide variety of double strollers available on the market, ranging from elegant, high-performance models that are able to handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models more suited for daily use. As you shop, read user reviews and recommendations from families just like yours to get a better sense of what to expect from the double stroller you choose.
Double strollers come in three different designs such as tandem, side-byside, and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers provide the most versatility and are suitable for twins or children who are close to their age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers come with two seats set up in tandem with the opposite direction facing. This is a good option for children who are the same age or siblings who like to play with one another. Tandem strollers may be harder to maneuver in tight spaces, and are less likely to pass through doors than their side-by-side counterparts.
If you're looking for a wagon-style double stroller, check out this top model from Safety 1st. Our testers were impressed by the fact that this low-cost model offers multiple seating configurations as well as the ability to snap in two infant car seats or a single child riding in the convertible toddler seat. Our reviewers 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 to fold, this model needs only a couple of pulls on the straps on each seat (under the seats where kids are) to fold in half.