Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is an excellent investment for families with two children with similar age. These compact tandem strollers or flexible side-by-side buggies allow you to keep an eye on both children at the same time navigating the aisles of the supermarket as well as the parks and other obstacles life throws your way.
Comfort
Comfort is an important factor to consider when shopping for a double-stroller. This can include the seating arrangement and overall size, which can have an impact on ease of use and storage. "Parents should check how much the stroller weighs and its folded dimensions," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They must also take into consideration the recline options for seats and the ages of their children to ensure it is a perfect fit."
A reputable double stroller must be able to handle a variety of surfaces easily including suburban sidewalks, park paths, and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should come with a variety of seating options for children of different age groups, and comfort features like peek-a-boo window and adjustable canopies which protect children from the sun or rain.
Seating options are crucial for many families that will use a double stroller from birth to childhood. Billingsley says there are two primary categories of in-line seating, with one seat in-front of the other and side-byside, with seats next to one another. Some parents prefer the in-line option because of its sleek appearance and versatility. Others like the wagon style double stroller to make the most space for bulky or grocery items.
Although some models may have different recline options, with one seat being almost flat, while the other one remains upright, this type of distinction is more prevalent in models that are in-line. Billingsley suggests choosing a model with a near-flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children can lay comfortably.
She also suggests that parents look for strollers that have storage compartments to allow them to easily access their snacks, personal items and toys moving about. She suggests that it's helpful to look for a stroller with an organizer or parent console bag that is attached to the handlebars. This will allow you to keep your essentials close at hand.
A few of the top-rated double strollers can be expanded, allowing parents to customize the configuration to meet the requirements of their growing family. For example, the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used with a single seat as early as birth, and then transformed into tandem (with the addition of a second seat and bassinet) as the child gets older.
Safety
Double strollers must be able to carry the weight of two passengers--plus any additional cargo. Strollers must also be simple to move and push, particularly in tight spaces and on terrain that is difficult to navigate. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height to ensure that parents maintain a good posture while pushing them. A no-rethread harness which makes the adjustment of seat belts more quickly and easily to do, is a nice feature to look for. A sturdy brake system and wheels that glide across any surface are essential safety features.
Some parents choose side-by-side designs that allow both children to be able to see each other on family outings. This arrangement can prevent sibling squabbles over who gets to sit in which seat, but it isn't foolproof. If the seats are positioned at different heights, one child could be able to kick or punch the other during a walk.
For parents of twins or siblings of similar age, a tandem stroller offers the benefit of being able to view both children at the same time. Double strollers are typically larger, and might not fit through some doors inside. You could consider a single-to-double stroller that can be transformed from a single to a double in many ways. The most popular models are the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you decide to purchase a side-by-side or tandem-style stroller, make sure the product is JPMA-certified to meet strict safety standards. Be sure to check the weight limits that apply to each seat, as exceeding them could result in frame fatigue or other issues.
While it's easy to focus on all the extra bells and whistles of a new stroller, it is crucial to remember that a stroller is an infant carrier that will be carried around for long durations of time. It should be easy to clean and maintain and comfortable for both the passengers. It should also have an intuitive, familiar design that allows the person pushing it to move it easily.
Easy of Use
For families who are constantly on the move, a double stroller should be able to maneuver easily over various terrains. Strollers that have features like peek-a-boo windows, adjustable canopies and sturdy brake systems are crucial to ensure the safety of your children. But there are also other factors that make them simpler to use. For example the stroller must be small enough to fit in the trunk of your car while still offering ample storage space for food items and other things. It is also important to consider thoughtful additions like a cup holder with a single parent, parent consoles and snacks for children--all things that can make life on the go with two children significantly more manageable.
In our tests We evaluated the strollers on how it did on a variety of surfaces and how well it could maneuver in tight spaces. We also considered how easy it was to fold the stroller and unfold it as well as if a particular feature made a difference to the overall performance. A stroller without rethread straps is easy to adjust the seat belts. This is a huge attraction for parents who are always in motion, as it removes the requirement to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby v2 Double scored highly in this metric as it had a wide variety of seating options, as well as additional accessories that accommodated growing families. The double-stroller in the wagon style expands so that it can accommodate an additional seat, a bassinet or even a toddler's riding board. double pushchair is perfect for families who plan to spend a lot of time in the car with a variety of children of different age groups. It also glides smoothly over pavement, cobblestones and ballfields--and folds flat for simple storage in a closet or trunk. The design of this stroller is simple and easy to use and was a big hit with our test participant Kerry. The clever packaging clear sections, well-marked sections and user's manual made it easy to put this stroller together.
Stores
A double stroller has the potential to hold twice as much stuff than a single stroller, so look for ample storage space. You'll want a stroller that has enough storage space to accommodate the essentials of both parents and children, such as bottles and snacks, toys, and diapers. Look for under-seat baskets as well as other pockets, and consider a stroller with an expandable cargo space that can carry bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags.
A good double stroller should be able to grow with your family. For instance certain models have a bassinet attachment that can accommodate infants, while others have child seats that can expand with your children until they're able to ride on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers also permit a rider's board to allow older siblings to join in the fun.
There's a wide selection of double strollers on the market, from sleek, high-performance options that excel on rough terrain to budget-friendly models more suited for daily use. When shopping, take a look at reviews and recommendations of families similar to yours to get an idea of what you can expect from the double stroller that you choose.
Double strollers come in three different styles such as tandem, side-byside, and wagon-style. Billingsley says that side-by-side strollers are the most flexible and suitable for twins or children of similar age. Tandem double strollers feature two seats set up in tandem facing in opposite directions. This is a great option for children of similar age or siblings who like to be social with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult 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. This budget-friendly model was highly praised by our testers for its multiple seating configurations. It can be used with two infant car seats, or one child in a convertible toddler seat. Our testers also loved the soft memory foam seats, 50+ SPF canopy and foam-filled tires that will never get flat. And when it's time to fold, this model needs just a couple of tugs on the straps of each seat (under the seat where kids sit) to fold it in half.
