Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two kids that are in the same age group, a double stroller can be a valuable investment. These narrow tandem strollers or flexible side-by-side buggies let you keep your eyes on both kids at the same time navigating the aisles of the supermarket or the parks, and whatever else life throws your way.
Comfort
When looking for a double stroller, comfort is an important aspect to take into consideration. This could include the seating arrangement and overall size, which has an impact on ease of use and storage. "Parents should check how much the stroller weighs as well as its dimensions when folded," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also look at the seat recline options and 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 urban sidewalks to parks trails, and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should also provide flexible seating arrangements for children of different age and comfort features such as windows that can be opened and closed to keep kids shielded from sun or rain.
Seating options are important for many families who will use a double stroller from the time of birth until 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 in-line option due to its sleek design and its versatility. Others like a wagon style double stroller to make the most space for grocery or bulky items.
In-line models tend to have this kind of difference. Some products may offer different recline options, with one seat being almost flat, while the other one remaining fairly upright. Billingsley recommends selecting a product that has a nearly flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children can lay down comfortably.
Then, she suggests looking for strollers with storage compartments that will allow parents to quickly access snacks, toys and personal items while on the move. She also recommends that it's helpful to choose a stroller that has a parent console, or organizer bag that is attached to the handlebars. This will help parents keep their essentials to hand.
Some of the best-rated double strollers can be extended giving parents the ability to alter the configuration based on their family's needs. The Mockingbird Expandable, for instance is a highly rated double stroller that can be used from birth with just one seat, and then converted into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers should be able to carry the weight of two passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers must also be simple to maneuver and push, especially in tight areas and on difficult terrain. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights which make it easier for parents to maintain good form when pushing them. Another feature that is great is a non-rethread seat belt harness, which makes it easier to adjust the belts on the seat. Finally, a sturdy brake system and wheels that glide across any surface are important safety features.
Some parents opt for an arrangement that is side by side to ensure that both children see each other on family outings. small double stroller can prevent siblings fighting over who gets to sit where however it's not foolproof. If the seats are located at different heights, a child may kick or punch another while walking in the event that the seats are at different levels.
For parents of twins or siblings of similar age, a tandem-style stroller is a great option for being able to see both kids at once. These double strollers can be more spacious, and may not be able to fit through some doors inside. Consider a single-to double stroller that can be converted from a single to a double in a variety ways. Popular models include the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you are looking for a tandem or side-byside stroller, make sure that the product has been JPMA certified to meet stringent safety standards. Pay attention to the weight limit that applies to each seat. Exceeding these limits could cause frame fatigue or other issues.
While it's easy to focus on the many bells and whistles of a new stroller, it's crucial to keep in mind that a stroller is essentially a baby carrier that will be carried around for long periods of time. It must be comfortable for both parents and children and easy to clean and maintain, and in the ideal case, it should offer an intuitive, familiar design that the person pushing it can effortlessly move it around without having to think twice about how to move forward, turn left or right, or apply the brakes.
Easy to Use
For families that are on the move, a double stroller should be able to maneuver easily over different terrains. Features like adjustable canopies, peek-aboo windows and reliable braking systems are critical to help ensure the safety of your children, however, there are other elements that contribute to stroller ease of use. For example the stroller should be small enough to fit in the trunk of your car but still provide ample storage space for food items and other things. Also important are thoughtful touches like a one-parent cup holder, parent consoles and snacks for children--all things that can make life on the go with two children significantly simpler.
In our testing, we evaluated each stroller based on how it performed on a variety terrains, and how easily it maneuvered in tight spaces. We also looked at how easy it was to fold and unfold, and whether or not a specific feature enhanced the overall function of the stroller. A stroller without rethread straps makes it simple to adjust the seat belts. This can be a major selling point for parents on the go because it cuts down on time and eliminates the need to re-thread the harness.
The UPPAbaby v2 Double was a top performer in this test because it had a wide variety of seating configurations, and additional accessories that accommodated families that are growing. The double-stroller in the wagon style expands to accommodate an additional seat, a bassinet, or even a toddler-riding board. This is perfect for families who want to spend a lot of time on the road with multiple children of different age groups. It is able to glide effortlessly over cobblestones, pavements, and ball fields. It can fold flat to fit in a trunk or a closet. The design of this stroller is easy and easy to use and was a big hit with our test participant Kerry. The clever packaging with clearly marked sections as well as a the user's guide made it simple to put together this stroller.
Stores
Double strollers can hold twice more than a single one so be sure to search for ample storage space. You want a stroller with enough storage space to accommodate the essentials for both parents and children like bottles and snacks, toys, and diapers. Find baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, consider a stroller with an expandable cargo area to accommodate bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags.
A good double stroller must have the ability to adapt as your family grows. For instance certain models come with a bassinet attachment that can be used for newborns, and others feature child seats that can grow with your children until they're ready to move to the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers permit older siblings to join in on the fun by riding on the rider board.
There are many different double strollers on the market. You can pick from models with high-performance features that are great for rough terrain, to affordable options that you can use every day. When shopping, take a look at reviews and opinions of families similar to yours to get a better idea of what you can expect from the double stroller you pick.
Double strollers come in three different styles: side-by-side, tandem, and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers offer most flexibility and are perfect for twins or children who are close to their age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers feature two seats that are set in a tandem arrangement with the opposite direction facing. small double buggy is a good option for children who are 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 fit through doorways than their side-by-side counterparts.
Check out this top selection by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon-style double stroller. This budget-friendly model was praised by test participants for its multiple seating configurations. It can be used with two car seats for infants or one child in a convertible toddler seat. Our experts also appreciated the comfortable memory foam seats with a 50+ SPF canopy and foam-filled tires that will never stop running flat. 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) for folding.