Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is a great investment for families with two children with similar age. These narrow tandem strollers or versatile side-by-side buggies help you keep an eye on both kids at the same time taking on the grocery store as well as the parks and other obstacles life throws your way.
Comfort
When you are looking for a double stroller, the comfort is a major factor to consider. This can include the seating arrangement and the overall size, which will have an impact on the ease of use and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child expert in child development from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, advises parents to be aware of the stroller's weight and folded dimensions. "They should also look at the options for recline and seat age ranges to ensure the best fit for their family."
A well-constructed double stroller will be robust enough to navigate all surfaces without difficulty, from suburban sidewalks to park trails and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should also provide flexible seating options for children of various age and comfort features like peek-a-boo windows and adjustable canopies to shield children from sun or rain.
For a lot of families double strollers will be used from birth and into the age of five, so it's crucial to think about the seating options. "There are two main categories: in-line with one seat behind the other, and side-by-side with seats next to each other," Billingsley explains. Some parents prefer the in-line model due to its sleek design and its versatility. Others prefer a wagon style double stroller to maximize space for groceries or bulky items.
In-line models are more likely to show this kind of difference. Some models might offer different recline options, with one being almost flat, while the other being more upright. Billingsley suggests selecting a model with both a near flat recline as well as leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children lie down comfortably.
In the end, she suggests choosing a stroller that includes storage compartments that allow parents to access their snacks, toys, and personal items while out and about. She also suggests that it's beneficial to choose a stroller that has an organizer or parent console bag that can be attached to the handlebars, which will allow you to keep your essentials in reach.
A few of the top-rated double strollers can be enlarged giving parents the ability to modify the layout according to their family's requirements. For instance the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly rated double stroller that can be used with a single seat from birth and later converted to tandem (with a second seat and bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers must be able to handle the weight of two passengers--plus any additional cargo. Strollers must be easy to maneuver and push, especially on rough terrain or in tight spaces. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height to allow parents to maintain their good posture when pushing them. A harness that does not need to be rethread that makes the adjustment of seat belts faster and easier to do, is a nice feature to look out for. Safety features include a sturdy brake system, as well as wheels that glide over any surface.
Some parents prefer a side-by-side design that allows both children to view one another during family outings. This arrangement can reduce sibling rivalries over who sits in which place, but it isn't foolproof. If the seats are placed at different levels, one child might be in a position to punch or kick the other on the course of a walk.
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, they are wider than other double strollers, meaning they might not fit through all interior doorways. For maximum versatility, consider a stroller that can change from a single stroller to a tandem in different ways, such as the well-known CYBEX Gazelle S. These models are able to accommodate a broad variety of configurations and permit you to insert infant car seats or cot attachments, depending on your requirements.
Whether you choose 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 can lead to frame fatigue or other issues.
It's easy to be swept in the sound of bells and whistles, however it's important to remember that strollers are in essence baby carriers that are carried for long periods of durations. It should be easy to clean and maintain and comfortable for both passengers. It should also feature a an easy-to-use, familiar design that lets the person pushing it to easily maneuver it.
Easy to Use
A double stroller must be easily maneuverable on different types of terrains for families constantly moving. Features like adjustable canopies with windows that peek out and dependable brake systems are essential to ensure your children's safety, but there are many other aspects that contribute to stroller ease of use. A stroller should be small enough to fit in the trunk of your car and still provide plenty of storage space for food or other things. It's also essential to add thoughtful details, such as the cup holder for one parent as well as consoles for parents and an eating tray. These can make traveling with two children significantly easier.
During our testing we evaluated each stroller based on its performance on various terrains, as well as its ability to maneuver through tight spaces. We also looked at how simple it was to fold and unfold and whether or not a specific feature enhanced the overall functionality of the stroller. For instance, a stroller with no-rethread harnesses makes adjusting the seat belts easy and quick. This is a major selling point for parents who are on the move, as it saves time and removes the need to re-thread the harness.
The UPPAbaby V2 Double scored highly in this test because it offered a wide range of seating configurations and additional accessories that accommodated expanding families. The wagon-style double stroller expands to accommodate a second seat as well as a bassinet or a toddler riding board that is perfect for active families planning long trips with multiple kids of various age. It also glides smoothly over pavement, cobblestones and ballfields--and it folds flat to make simple storage in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is simple and intuitive which was well-loved by our test participant Kerry. The smart packaging clear sections, well-marked sections and user's manual made it easy to assemble this stroller.
off road double buggy can hold twice as much as a single one so be sure to look for plenty of storage space. It is important to find a stroller with enough storage space to accommodate the necessities of parents and children, such as bottles and snacks, toys, and diapers. Look for under-seat baskets as well as other pockets, and look into a stroller that has an expandable cargo space that can carry bulky items like diaper bags and lunch bags.
A good double stroller will be able to grow with your family. For instance certain models have an attachment for a bassinet that can accommodate newborns, while others feature child seats that can grow with your kids until they're ready to move to the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers allow older siblings to join in on the fun with a rider board.
There are many double strollers on the market. You can choose from high-performance models that are ideal for rough terrain, or affordable options that you can use on a daily basis. When you're shopping, read reviews and suggestions from families like yours to get a better sense of what you can expect from the double stroller you select.
Double strollers are available in three different styles: tandem, side-by-side and wagon style. Side-by-side double strollers offer most versatility and are ideal for twins or kids similar in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers have two seats arranged in a tandem configuration, facing opposite directions. This is a good option for children of the same age or siblings who want to interact with each other. Tandem strollers can be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and are less likely to pass through doors than their side-by-side counterparts.
If tandem double stroller 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 chair. Our reviewers also praised the memory foam seats as well as the canopy, which has 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 under each seat (under where kids sit) in order to fold.