Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is a great investment for families with two children with similar age. These narrow tandem buggies or flexible side by side buggies let you keep both children in the same place while navigating the grocery aisle, parks, and whatever else life can throw at you.
Comfort
When you are looking for a double stroller, the comfort is a key aspect to take into consideration. This includes the seating arrangement and overall size, which has an impact on the ease of use and storage. "Parents should determine how much the stroller weighs as well as its dimensions when folded," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They must also take into consideration the seat recline options and the age ranges of their children to ensure it's a perfect fit."
A reputable double stroller must 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 have flexible seating arrangements for children of varying ages and comfort features such as windows that can be opened and closed to protect children from sun or rain.
The seating options are important to many families who will use double strollers from the time of birth until childhood. "There are two main categories--in-line with one seat ahead of the other, and side-by-side with seats adjacent to each other," Billingsley explains. Some parents prefer the in-line model due to its sleek design and flexibility. Others like the wagon style double car seat stroller stroller to make the most space for grocery or bulky items.
Some products may offer different recline options, with one seat being almost flat, while the other remains relatively upright, this type of distinction is more prevalent in the in-line models. 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 can lay comfortably.
Then, she suggests to look for a stroller that includes storage compartments that will allow parents to access their snacks, toys and personal belongings while on the go. She also suggests that it's useful to find a stroller that has a parent console or organizer bag attached to the handlebars, which will help keep things close at hand.
Some of the best-rated double strollers can be enlarged, allowing parents the flexibility 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 just a single seat from birth, and later converted to tandem (with an additional seat and bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers must be able to support the weight of two people, plus any additional cargo. Strollers must also be simple to push and maneuver, especially in tight spots and on difficult terrain. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights which allow parents to maintain a good posture when pushing them. A no-rethread harness which makes the adjustment of seat belts quicker and easier to do, is a nice feature to look out for. Safety features include a sturdy brake system and wheels which slide over any surface.
Some parents prefer the side-by-side design to ensure that both children meet up when they go on family outings. This arrangement can stop sibling rivalries over who gets to sit where but it's not a guarantee. If the seats are positioned at different heights, one child could be able to kick or punch the other during walks.
If you have twins or siblings of similar age, a tandem-style stroller can be beneficial in being able to see both kids at once. Double strollers can be larger, and might not be able to fit through some interior doors. For maximum versatility, consider a single-to-double stroller which can switch from a single to a tandem in various ways, such as the renowned 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 are looking for a tandem or side-by-side stroller, make sure that the stroller has been JPMA certified to meet strict safety standards. Be aware of the weight limit that applies to each seat. Exceeding these limits could cause frame fatigue or other problems.
It's easy to be swept in the sound of bells and whistles, but it's important to remember that strollers are essentially baby carriers that are used for extended time. It should be easy to clean and maintain as well as comfortable for both passengers. It should also feature a a familiar, intuitive design that lets the person pushing it to easily maneuver it.
Easy to Use
A double stroller must be easy to maneuver on a variety of terrains for families that are constantly moving. Strollers with features like windows that can be opened and closed, adjustable canopy and reliable 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 in the trunk of your vehicle and still provide plenty of storage space for food or other things. It is also essential to include thoughtful features, like a cup holder for one parent as well as consoles for parents and a snack tray. These can help make traveling with two children much easier.
In our testing We evaluated each stroller based on how it performed on a variety of terrains and how easily it maneuvered in tight spaces. We also looked at how easy it was to fold the stroller and then unfold it, and if a particular feature improved the overall functionality. A stroller with no-rethread straps is easy to adjust the seat belts. This can be a major benefit for parents who are on the move because it cuts down on time and reduces the need to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby 2 Double scored highly in this test because it had a wide variety of seating configurations and additional accessories to accommodate expanding families. The wagon-style double stroller is able to accommodate two seats as well as a bassinet or a toddler-friendly riding board, which is ideal for active families planning long days on the go with multiple kids of various age groups. It is able to glide effortlessly over cobblestones, pavements, and ballfields. It can be folded flat to fit in a trunk or closet. Our test subject Kerry loved the simple and intuitive nature of this stroller's design. The sleek packaging clear sections, well-marked sections and user's manual made it easy to put together this stroller.
Stores
A double stroller is able to hold twice as much stuff as a single stroller so make sure you have plenty of storage space. It is important to find a stroller with enough storage space to accommodate the essentials for both children and parents including bottles as well as snacks, toys and diapers. Find baskets under the seat as well as other pockets, and consider a stroller with an expandable cargo area that can hold bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags.
A good double lightweight twin stroller should have the ability to adapt as your family expands. Billingsley says that some models come with the option of a bassinet attachment that can accommodate newborns. Others have child seats which can grow with the child until they are old enough to ride on the back. Some Double Running Stroller strollers also allow for a rider board to allow older siblings to take part in the fun.
There's a wide selection of double buggy that converts to single strollers in the market, ranging from sleek, high-performance models that are able to handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models more suitable for use in the everyday. As you shop, read reviews from other users and the opinions of families like yours to gain an idea of what to expect with the double stroller you choose.
Double strollers come in three different designs including tandem, side-by-side 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 have two seats set up in a tandem arrangement facing in opposite directions. This is a good option for children who are similar age, or siblings who want to interact with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and less likely to be able to fit through doorways.
If you prefer a wagon-style double stroller, check out this top model from Safety 1st. This model is affordable and was praised by testers for its multiple seating configurations. It can be used with two car seats for infants, or one child in a convertible toddler chair. Our testers also loved the soft memory foam seats and the 50+ SPF canopy, and foam-filled tires that never stop running flat. When it's time to fold, this model requires just a couple of tugs on straps on each seat (under where the kids sit) to fold in half.