Why Double Strollers Should Be Your Next Big Obsession
Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is a good investment if you have two children of similar ages. These narrow tandem strollers or flexible side-by-side buggies let you keep an eye on both kids at the same time while braving the grocery aisle or the parks, and whatever else life throws your way.
Comfort
Comfort is a major factor to think about when purchasing a double-stroller. This could include both seating arrangement as well as the overall size of the stroller, which impacts convenience and storage. "Parents should determine how much the stroller weighs as well as its folded dimensions," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also think about the recline options for seats and the age ranges of their children to ensure that it's a perfect fit."
A good double stroller will be robust enough to navigate 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 various age and comfort features such as windows that peek out and adjustable canopy to shield children from rain or sun.
For many families, a double stroller is likely to be used from birth and into the age of five, so it's crucial to think about the seating options. Billingsley states that there are two primary categories: in-line which has one seat in front of the other and side-byside seating with seats next to one another. Some parents prefer the in-line option because of its sleek appearance and its versatility. Others like a wagon style double buggy newborn stroller for maximum space for groceries or bulky items.
Although some models may have different recline options, with one seat nearly flat while the other one remains upright, this type of distinction is more prevalent in models that are in-line. Billingsley recommends choosing a product that offers both a near-flat recline and leg rests that can be adjusted for both seats to ensure the children can both lie back comfortably.
She also suggests that parents look for strollers that have storage compartments to allow them to easily access personal items, snacks and toys on the move. She suggests that it's helpful to look for a stroller that has a parent console or organizer bag that can be attached to the handlebars, which will help keep things close at hand.
Many of the top-rated double strollers can be enlarged giving parents the ability to customize the setup depending on the needs of their family. For instance, the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly rated double stroller that can be used with a single seat from birth, and then transformed into a tandem double stroller (with the addition of a second seat and bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers must be able to carry the weight of two people, plus any additional cargo. Strollers should be easy to maneuver and push, especially when on rough terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to help parents maintain good form while pushing them. A harness that does not need to be rethread, which makes adjusting seat belts quicker and easier, is another nice feature to look for. Finally, a sturdy brake system and wheels that glide over any surface are crucial safety features.
Some parents choose the side-by-side design to allow both children to meet up during family outings. This arrangement can stop sibling fights over which child gets to sit where, but it's not foolproof. If the seats are placed at different heights, one child may be capable of punching or kicking the other on a walk.
For parents of twins or siblings close in age, a tandem-style stroller offers the benefit of being able to view both kids at once. Double strollers are typically wider, and may not be able to fit through some interior doors. For maximum versatility, consider a single-to-double stroller which can switch from a single and double stroller stroller to a tandem in different ways, like the well-known CYBEX Gazelle S. These models are able to accommodate a broad range of configurations, and permit you to insert infant car seats or cot attachments according to your requirements.
If you're looking for a tandem or a side-by-side stroller, be sure the stroller has been JPMA certified to meet stringent safety standards. Also pay attention to the weight limits that apply to each seat, since over-weighting could lead to frame fatigue or other issues.
While it's easy for us to focus on the additional bells and whistles of a new stroller, it's important to keep in mind that a stroller is basically a baby carrier that will be transported for long durations of time. It must be easy to clean and maintain as well as comfortable for both the passengers. It should also have a familiar, intuitive design that allows the person pushing the stroller to maneuver it effortlessly.
Simple to Use
A double pram buggy stroller should be easily maneuverable on various of terrains for families that are constantly on the move. Strollers that have features like windows that can be opened and closed, adjustable canopy and sturdy brake systems are crucial to ensure the safety of your children. But there are also other features that make them more convenient to use. A stroller must be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your car yet have plenty of storage space for groceries or other things. Also important are thoughtful touches like a one-parent cup holder, parent consoles and an eating tray for children -- all things that can make life with two kids significantly easier.
During our testing, we evaluated each stroller according to its ability to perform on different terrains and its ability to maneuver in tight spaces. We also considered how easy it was to fold the stroller and then unfold it, and if a particular feature enhanced the overall functionality. A stroller that does not have rethread straps makes it simple to adjust the seat belts. This can be a big benefit for parents who are constantly on the move, as it removes the need to rethread their harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 double stroller with car seat scored highly in this metric, as it offers a wide range of seating configurations and additional accessories to accommodate growing families. The wagon-style double-stroller expands to accommodate an additional seat, a bassinet or even a toddler's riding board. This is perfect for families who want to spend long hours in the car with a variety of children of different ages. It glides easily over cobblestones, pavements, and ballfields. It can be folded flat to store in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is easy and easy to use and was a big hit with our test subject Kerry. Its smart packaging, clearly labeled sections and helpful user guides made assembling this stroller an absolute breeze.
Stores
Double strollers can hold twice as much as one stroller, so make sure you ensure you have plenty of storage space. You'll want a stroller that has enough storage space to store the necessities of children and parents like bottles and snacks, toys, and diapers. Look for baskets that fit under the seat as well as other pockets, and consider a stroller that has an expandable cargo area that can carry heavy items such as lunch bags and diaper bags.
A quality double stroller will be able to grow with your family. For example certain models have an attachment for a bassinet that can accommodate infants, while others have child seats that can be adapted to your children until they're able to move to the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers even include a rider board that allows older children to be part of the fun.
There are many double strollers available. You can choose from models with high-performance features that are ideal for rough terrain, or more budget-friendly options that you can use daily. While shopping, take a look at user reviews and recommendations from families like yours to get a better sense of what you can expect from the double stroller you choose.
Double strollers come in three different styles including tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-byside strollers are the most flexible and ideal for twins as well as children of a similar age. Tandem double strollers, on the other hand, feature two seats set adjacent to one another and facing opposite directions. It's a good option for kids of the same age or for siblings who like to interact with one another. Tandem strollers can be difficult to maneuver through tight spaces, and are less likely to pass through doors than their side-by-side counterparts.
Check out this top pick by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon style double stroller. This budget-friendly model was praised by test participants for its many seating options. It can be used with two infant car seats or one child in a convertible toddler seat. Our reviewers also praised the memory foam seats, canopy with 50+ SPF, and foam-filled wheels that never go flat. And when it's time for you to fold, this model requires just a couple of tugs on the straps of each seat (under the seat where kids sit) to fold in half.