The Most Successful Double Strollers Gurus Are Doing Three Things
Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is a good investment for families with two children with similar age. These narrow tandem buggies or flexible 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
When shopping for a double stroller, the comfort is a key aspect to take into consideration. 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 development expert from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, suggests parents examine the stroller's weight as well as folded dimensions. "They should also consider the options for recline of the seat, as well as the ages of their children to ensure that it's the perfect fit."
A good double stroller should be able to handle different surfaces with ease from suburban sidewalks to parks, and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should also offer versatile seating arrangements for children of different age and comfort features like windows that peek out and adjustable canopy to keep kids shielded from sun or rain.
For a lot of families double strollers will be used from birth until the teen years, so it's essential to consider the seating options. "There are two main categories: in-line with one seat behind the other, and side-byside with seats that are next to each other," Billingsley explains. "Some parents prefer an in-line option for its sleek look and versatility, whereas others prefer a wagon-style stroller that can be used to store large items or grocery bags."
In-line models are more likely to have this kind of difference. Certain models may provide different recline options, with one being almost flat, while the other being more upright. Billingsley suggests selecting a model with a near-flat recline and leg rest adjustment for both seats. This will ensure that both children lay comfortably.
In the end, she suggests choosing strollers with storage compartments that will allow parents to quickly access snacks, toys and personal belongings while on the go. She adds that it's also useful to find a stroller with a parent console or organizer bag that is attached to the handlebars, which will allow you to keep your essentials within reach.
Some of the best-rated double strollers can be extended giving parents the ability to customize the setup according to their family's requirements. The Mockingbird Expandable, for instance, is a highly rated double stroller that can be used from birth with just one seat, and later converted into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers should be able to support the weight of two passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers must also be simple to move and push, particularly in tight spots and on difficult terrain. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights which make it easier for parents to maintain good form when pushing them. Another nice feature is a no-rethread belt harness, which allows for a more comfortable adjustment of the seat belts. Safety features include a robust brake system and wheels that glide over any surface.
Some parents prefer a side by side design to allow both children to see each other on family outings. This arrangement can prevent sibling squabbles about who gets to sit in which spot, but it isn't foolproof. If the seats are different heights, a child could kick or punch another during a walk if the seats are at different levels.
If you have twins or siblings of similar age, a tandem-style stroller can be beneficial in being able see both children at the same time. However, they can be wider than other double tandem pushchair strollers, so they might not fit through all doorways in the interior. Consider a single and double stroller-to double stroller that can be transformed from a single to double stroller to double in various ways. Popular models include the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you opt for a side-byside or tandem-style stroller, make sure the product is certified by JPMA to meet stringent safety standards. Also pay attention to the maximum weight limits for each seat, since exceeding them can lead to frame fatigue or other issues.
While it's easy to concentrate on all the extra bells and whistles on a new stroller, it's crucial to keep in mind that a stroller is an infant carrier that is transported for long periods of time. It must be easy to clean and maintain as well as comfortable for both passengers. It should also have an intuitive, familiar design that allows the person pushing the stroller to move it easily.
Easy of Use
A double buggy side by side stroller must be simple to maneuver over different terrains for families who are constantly on the move. Features like adjustable canopy windows, peek-aboo windows, and reliable braking systems are crucial to ensure the safety of your children but there are many other aspects that contribute to stroller ease of use. A stroller must be compact enough to fit into the trunk of your vehicle and still provide plenty of storage space for groceries and other things. It is also important to consider thoughtful additions like a one-parent cup holder as well as a console for parents and an eating tray for children -- all things that can make life with two kids significantly more manageable.
During our testing we evaluated each stroller according to its performance on various surfaces and its ability to maneuver through 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 performance of the stroller. A stroller with no-rethread straps makes it simple to adjust the seat belts. This can be a big attraction for parents who are always moving around, since it does away with 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 and additional accessories to accommodate families that are growing. The wagon-style double stroller can be expanded to provide a second seat as well as a bassinet, or a toddler riding board that is perfect for families with active children who plan long, tiring days with multiple kids of various ages. It is able to glide effortlessly over cobblestones, pavements, and ball fields. It can be folded flat to be stored in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is easy and intuitive, which was appreciated by our test subject Kerry. The smart packaging clear sections, well-marked sections and the user's guide made it simple to put this stroller together.
Storage
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 store the essentials for both parents and children like bottles, toys, snacks, and diapers. Look for under-seat baskets and other pockets, and consider a stroller with an expanding cargo area that can carry heavy items such as diaper bags and lunch bags.
A good double stroller should be able to change as your family grows. For example certain models come with an attachment for a bassinet that can accommodate infants, while 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 allow older children to join in on the fun with riding boards.
You'll find a wide variety of double strollers available on the market, ranging from sleek, high-performance models that excel on rough terrain to budget-friendly models more for everyday use. When shopping, take a look at reviews and suggestions from families like yours to get an idea of what to expect from the double stroller you select.
Double strollers are available in three different design formats: side-by-side, tandem, and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers provide the most versatility and are ideal for twins or kids close in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double pram buggy strollers on the contrary, have two seats that are placed close to each other and facing in opposite directions--a great option for children of the same age or for siblings who love to interact with one another. tandem double Stroller strollers are more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and are less likely to fit 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 model is affordable and was praised by test participants for its multiple seating configurations. It can be used with two infant car seats, or one child in a convertible toddler seat. Our experts also appreciated the soft memory foam seats, 50+ SPF canopy, and foam-filled tires that will never get flat. When it's time to fold, this model only requires a few tugs on the straps underneath each seat (under where kids sit) in order to fold.