Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two kids that are in the same age group, a double stroller could be a valuable investment. These narrow tandem buggies or versatile side by side buggies will keep both children in sight while navigating the grocery aisle or in parks, or whatever else life can throw at you.
Comfort
Comfort is an important factor to consider when shopping for a double-stroller. 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 expert in child development from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, advises parents to check the stroller's weight and folded dimensions. "They should also consider the options for recline of the seat, as well as the age ranges of their children to ensure it's a perfect fit."
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 have flexible seating options for children of different age and comfort features such as windows that can be opened and closed to keep kids shielded from rain or sun.
For many families, a double stroller will be used from birth until the age of five, so it's crucial to think about the seating options. Billingsley says there are two major categories that are in-line with one seat in front of the other and side-byside with seats adjacent to each other. Some parents prefer the inline option due to its sleek design and versatility. Others like a wagon-style double stroller for maximum space for groceries or bulky items.
While some products may have different recline options - with one seat being almost flat, while the other one remains upright, this type of distinction is more common in models that are in-line. Billingsley suggests selecting a model with a near-flat recline as well as leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children can lay comfortably.
Then, she suggests to look for strollers with storage compartments that allow parents to access their snacks, toys, and personal belongings while on the go. She adds that it's also helpful to look for a stroller that has an organizer or parent console bag that can be attached to the handlebars. This can help keep essentials in reach.
Many of the top-rated double strollers can be extended giving parents the ability to customize the setup based on their family's needs. For instance, 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 an additional seat and bassinet) as the child gets older.
Safety
Double strollers have to be able to carry the weight of two passengers--plus any additional cargo. Strollers should be able to move and push, especially on rough terrain or in tight spaces. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to allow parents to maintain their good posture when pushing them. A harness that does not need to be rethread which makes the adjustment of seat belts quicker and easier, is another nice feature to look for. Finally, a sturdy brake system and wheels that can glide over any surface are essential safety features.
Some parents choose a side by side design to ensure that both children meet up when they go on family outings. This arrangement can help prevent siblings fighting over who gets to sit where but it's not a guarantee. If the seats are positioned at different heights, one child may be capable of punching or kicking the other during the course of a walk.
For parents with twins or siblings close in age, a tandem stroller can be beneficial in being able see both kids at once. Double strollers can be wider, and may not fit through certain interior doors. For maximum versatility, consider a stroller that can change from a single stroller to a tandem in various ways, like the well-known CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can accommodate a wide variety of configurations and permit you to insert infant car seats or cot attachments, depending on your needs.
If you opt for a side-byside or tandem stroller, make sure that the stroller is JPMA-certified to meet stringent safety standards. Be aware of the maximum weight limit for each seat. If you exceed these limits, it could cause frame fatigue or other issues.
While it's easy for us to focus on all the extra bells and whistles that come with a new stroller, it is crucial to be aware that a stroller an infant carrier that will be used for extended durations of time. It should be comfortable for both parents and children and easy to clean and maintain, and ideally it should feature an intuitive, familiar design so that the person pushing it can effortlessly move it around without having to think twice about how to move forward and turn left or right, or use the brakes.
Easy of Use
A double stroller must be easy to maneuver on a variety of terrains for families that are constantly moving. Strollers with features such as peek-a-boo windows, adjustable canopies and sturdy brake systems are vital to ensure the safety of your children. However, there are other factors that make them simpler to use. A stroller should be compact enough to fit into the trunk of your car yet have plenty of storage space for groceries and other items. Also important are thoughtful touches like a cup holder with a single parent or console for parents, as well as a snack tray for kids--all things that can make life with two children significantly easier.
During our testing we evaluated each stroller on the basis of its ability to perform on different terrains, as well as its ability to maneuver in tight spaces. We also looked at the ease with which it was possible to fold and unfold and whether or not a specific feature added to the overall functionality of the stroller. A stroller without rethread straps is easy to adjust the seat belts. This is a huge benefit for parents who are always on the move, as it eliminates the need to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double was a top performer in this measure, since it offered an impressive range of seating options and accessories to accommodate families that are growing. The wagon-style double-stroller expands to accommodate two seats, a bassinet or even a toddler's riding board. This is ideal for families that plan to spend long hours on the road with multiple children of various age groups. It also glides smoothly over cobblestones, balls and pavements. It can be folded flat for simple storage in a closet or trunk. The design of this stroller is simple and easy to use which was well-loved by our tester Kerry. Its stylish packaging with clearly labeled sections as well as a helpful user guide made assembling this stroller a breeze.
Storage
A double stroller has the potential to hold twice as much than a single stroller, so look for ample storage space. You'll want a stroller that has enough storage space to hold the essentials for both parents and children like bottles as well as snacks, toys and diapers. Look for baskets that fit under the seat as well as other pockets, and consider a stroller with an expandable cargo area that can carry heavy items such as lunch bags and diaper bags.
A good double stroller will be able to expand with your family. For tandem double stroller , some models include a bassinet attachment that can be used for newborns, and others come with 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 allow older children to share in the fun by riding on the rider board.
There are a variety of double strollers available on the market, from sleek, high-performance models that can handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models more for everyday use. When you're shopping, read reviews and suggestions from families like yours to get an understanding of what to expect with the double stroller you select.
Double strollers are available in three models: tandem, side by side and wagon style. Billingsley states that side-by-side strollers are the most adaptable and ideal for twins or children of a similar age. Tandem double strollers come with two seats arranged in a tandem arrangement with the opposite direction facing. This is a good option for children of similar age, or siblings who like to interact with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and are less likely to fit through doorways than their side-byside counterparts.
If you prefer a wagon-style double stroller, check out this top pick from Safety 1st. This budget-friendly model was praised by test participants for its many seating options. It can be used with two car seats for infants or one child sitting in a convertible toddler seat. Our experts also appreciated the comfy memory foam seats with a 50+ SPF canopy and foam-filled tires that will never stop running flat. And when it's time for you to fold, this model needs just a couple of tugs on the straps on each seat (under where the kids sit) to fold in half.