Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two children that are in the same age group, a double stroller can be a valuable investment. These narrow tandem buggies as well as flexible side by side buggies let you keep both children in the same place when you are navigating the aisles of your grocery store and parks, as well as whatever else life can throw at you.
Comfort
When shopping for a double stroller, the comfort is an important consideration. This can include the seating arrangement and the overall size, which will have an impact on ease of use and storage. "Parents should check 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 consider the options for recline and seat age ranges to ensure a good fit for their family."
A reputable double stroller must be able to navigate a variety of surfaces easily from suburban sidewalks to park paths and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should also have flexible seating arrangements for children of various ages and comfort features like peek-a-boo windows and adjustable canopies to protect children from rain or sun.
For many families, a double stroller is likely to be used from birth and into the teen years, so it's essential to consider the seating options. Billingsley states that there are two main categories: in-line which has one seat in front of the other, and side-by-side seating with seats next to one another. "Some parents prefer an in-line stroller due to its sleek appearance and versatility, whereas others prefer a wagon-style stroller that can be used to store bulky items or groceries."
In-line models tend to have this kind of difference. Certain models may provide different recline options, with one seat being almost flat, while the other one remaining fairly upright. Billingsley recommends selecting a product that has a nearly flat recline as well as leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children lay comfortably.
Finally, she advises choosing 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 beneficial to choose the stroller that has a parent console or organizer bag attached to the handlebars. This will help keep things within reach.
Some of the top-rated double strollers can be expanded, allowing parents to customize the set-up based on the needs of their growing family. The Mockingbird Expandable, for instance, is a highly rated double stroller for twins stroller which can be used from birth using a single seat, then transformed into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) when the child is older.
Safety
Double strollers have to be able to carry the weight of two people, plus any additional cargo. Strollers must be simple to maneuver and push, especially on difficult terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height to help parents maintain good posture when pushing them. A harness that is not rethread, which makes adjusting seat belts faster and easier, is another nice feature to look out for. Safety features include a robust brake system and wheels which slide over any surface.
Some parents prefer the side-by-side design to ensure that both children see each other on family outings. This arrangement can prevent sibling squabbles about who gets to sit in which seat however it's not foolproof. If the seats are positioned at different heights, one child could be capable of punching or kicking the other during the course of a walk.
If you have twins or siblings who are close in age, a tandem-style stroller offers the benefit of being able to see both kids at once. These double tandem pushchair strollers can be wider, and may not be able to fit through some interior doors. To maximize versatility, you should consider a single-to-double stroller which can switch from a single to a tandem in different ways, like 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 opt for a side-byside or tandem-style stroller, be sure the product is JPMA-certified to meet strict safety standards. Pay attention to the maximum weight limit for each seat. Exceeding these limits could cause frame fatigue or other problems.
While it's easy to focus on the many bells and whistles on a new stroller, it's crucial to be aware that a stroller essentially a baby carrier that is transported for long periods of time. It must be comfortable for both the passengers and easy to clean and maintain, and ideally it should have an intuitive, familiar design that the person pushing it can effortlessly maneuver it without having to think about how to move forward and turn left or right, or use the brakes.
User-Friendliness
For families that are on the move, a double stroller must be easy to maneuver over different terrains. Strollers with features such as windows that peek-a-boo, 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 must be compact enough to fit into the trunk of your car and still provide plenty of storage space for groceries or other items. Additionally, you should consider thoughtful features like a cup holder with a single parent, parent consoles and an eating tray for children -- all things that make life with two kids significantly simpler.
During our testing, we evaluated each stroller on the basis of its performance on different terrains, as well as its ability to maneuver through tight spaces. We also looked at how simple it was to fold the stroller in half and then unfold it in a timely manner, and if a specific feature enhanced the overall functionality. A stroller with no-rethread straps is easy to adjust the seat belts. This is a major benefit for parents who are on the move because it cuts down on time and removes the need to re-thread 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 help accommodate growing families. The double-stroller in the wagon style expands so that it can accommodate two seats, a bassinet or even a toddler's riding board. This is perfect for families who want to spend a lot of time on the road with multiple children of various age groups. It is able to glide effortlessly over cobblestones, pavements, and ballfields. It can fold flat to fit in a trunk or closet. Our tester Kerry was impressed by the simple, intuitive nature of this stroller's design. The smart packaging clear sections, well-marked sections and the user's guide made it simple to assemble this stroller.
Stores
A double stroller is able to hold twice as much stuff as a single stroller so look for ample storage space. You'll want a stroller that has enough storage space to store the essentials of both parents and children including bottles as well as snacks, toys and diapers. Look for baskets that fit under the seat as well as other pockets, and think about a stroller that has an expandable cargo space that can carry heavy items such as lunch bags and diaper bags.
A good double stroller should be able to expand with your family. Billingsley says that some models have an attachment for a bassinet to accommodate newborns. Others have child seats that expand with the child until they are ready to ride on the back. Some double strollers even include a rider board to let older siblings take part in the fun.
There's a wide selection of double strollers 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 from other users and the opinions of families just like yours to get an idea of what to expect with the double pushchair stroller you choose.
double stroller with car seat strollers are available in three models: tandem, side by side and wagon style. Billingsley says that side-by-side strollers are the most adaptable and suitable for twins or children of a similar age. Tandem double strollers on the contrary, have two seats set close to each other and facing in opposite directions. This is a ideal choice for children of the same age or for siblings who enjoy interacting with one another. Tandem twin strollers for newborns (Click On this page) are more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and are less likely to fit through doors than their side-by-side counterparts.
If you prefer a wagon-style double stroller, check out this top model from Safety 1st. This model is affordable and was highly praised by our testers for its various seating configurations. It can be used with two infant car seats, or one child in a convertible toddler chair. Our experts also praised the memory foam seats as well as the canopy, which has 50+ SPF, and foam-filled wheels that never go flat. And when it's time for you to fold, this model needs only a few tugs on straps on each seat (under the seats where kids are) to fold in half.