Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two children who are similar in age, a double stroller can be an invaluable investment. These narrow tandem buggies or flexible side by side buggies let you keep both children within sight while you shop, parks, and whatever else life can throw at you.
Comfort
When shopping for a double stroller for your child, comfort is a major consideration. This can include both the seating arrangements and the overall size of the stroller, which can impact the accessibility and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child expert in child development from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, says parents should examine the stroller's weight as well as folded dimensions. "They should also take a look at the recline options for seats and age ranges to ensure the best fit for their family."
A good double stroller will be sturdy enough to traverse all surfaces without difficulty, from parks trails to suburban sidewalks and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should also have flexible seating options for children of different age and comfort features such as windows that peek out and adjustable canopy to protect children from rain or sun.
Seating options are crucial for many families who use double strollers from birth to childhood. "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 the in-line option due to its sleek style and flexibility. Others prefer a wagon style double stroller to maximize space for grocery or bulky items.
In-line models are more likely to have this type of discrepancy. Some products may offer different recline options, with one being almost flat, while the other remaining relatively upright. Billingsley recommends choosing a product with a near-flat recline and leg rests that can be adjusted for both seats, so that each child can sleep comfortably.
Finally, she advises looking 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 beneficial to choose the stroller that has an organizer console for parents or a parent bag attached to the handlebars, which will help keep things close at hand.
Some of the top-rated double strollers can be expanded that allows parents to modify the layout to meet the needs of their growing family. For instance, the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used with a single seat from birth and then converted to a tandem (with a second seat and bassinet) as the child gets older.
Safety
Double strollers have to be able to support the weight of two passengers--plus any additional cargo. Strollers must also be simple to push and maneuver, especially in tight spaces and on difficult terrain. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to help parents maintain good posture when pushing them. Another great feature is a non-rethread seat belt harness that allows for a more comfortable adjustment of the belts for your child. Safety features include a sturdy brake system, as well as wheels that glide over any surface.
Some parents opt for an arrangement that is side by side so that both children can see each other on family outings. This arrangement can prevent siblings fighting over who is allowed to sit where however it's not foolproof. If the seats are at different levels, a child might kick or punch one another during a walk, in the event that the seats are at different levels.
A tandem-style stroller is great option for parents with twins or siblings that are close in age. It allows them to observe both children at the same time. Double strollers are typically wider, and may not fit through certain interior doors. For maximum flexibility, think about a single-to-double stroller that transitions from a single stroller to a tandem in a variety of ways, such as the well-known CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can be adapted to a wide variety of configurations and let you click in infant car seats or cot attachments depending on your needs.
If you opt for a side-byside or tandem-style stroller, be sure the product is certified by JPMA 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 all the extra bells and whistles that come with the latest stroller, it's crucial to remember that a stroller is essentially a baby carrier that will be carried around for long periods of time. It must be comfortable for both the passengers as well as easy to clean and maintain, and ideally it should feature an intuitive, familiar design so that the person pushing it can effortlessly move it around without having to think about how to move forward, turn left or right, or even apply the brakes.
Simple to Use
A double stroller should be easily maneuverable on different of terrains for families that are always on the move. Features like adjustable canopies, peek-aboo windows and reliable braking systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children but there are other factors that affect stroller ease of use. For instance, a stroller must be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your car, but still provide ample storage space for your groceries and other items. Also important are thoughtful touches like a one-parent cup holder, parent consoles and snacks for children--all things that make life with two children significantly simpler.
In our testing We evaluated each stroller on how well it performed on a variety of terrains and how easily it could maneuver in 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. A stroller without rethread straps is easy to adjust the seat belts. This is a major benefit for parents on the go because it cuts down on time and removes the need to re-thread the harness.
The UPPAbaby 2 Double pushchairs For Siblings scored highly in this test because it came with a variety of seating options, as well as other accessories that could accommodate families that are growing. The wagon-style double-stroller expands to accommodate a second hand double buggy seat, bassinet, or even a toddler-riding board. This is ideal for families who plan to spend long hours in the car with a variety of children of various ages. It easily glides over pavements, cobblestones, and ballfields. It can fold flat to store in a trunk or a closet. Our test subject Kerry was impressed by the simple, intuitive nature of this stroller's design. The smart packaging with clearly marked sections as well as a user's manual made it easy to put this stroller together.
Storage
A double buggy that converts to single stroller can be able to hold twice as much as a single stroller, therefore, you should look for plenty of storage space. It is ideal to have a stroller that can accommodate the basic necessities for both kids: nappies bottles, snacks, and toys, in addition to parents' belongings like wallets, phones, and keys. Find baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller that has an expandable cargo space that can accommodate bulky items like diaper bags and lunchbags.
A good double stroller must have the ability to adapt as your family expands. For example certain models come with a bassinet attachment that can be used for newborns, and others feature child seats that can expand with your children until they're ready to switch to riding on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double running stroller strollers permit older siblings to join in on the fun with riding boards.
There are many double strollers available. You can choose from high-performance models that are ideal for rough terrain, or affordable options that you can use daily. While shopping, you can read reviews and opinions of families like yours to get a better idea of what to expect from the double stroller you pick.
Double strollers come in three different design formats including tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-byside strollers are the most adaptable and suitable for twins or children of a similar age. Tandem double strollers feature two seats that are set in a tandem configuration facing in opposite directions. This is a good option for children who are the same age, or siblings who prefer to be social with one another. Tandem strollers may be harder to maneuver through tight spaces and are less likely to fit through doorways than their side-byside counterparts.
Check out this top selection by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon-style double stroller. Our testers were impressed by the fact that this low-cost model comes with a variety of seating options, including the ability to click in two infant car seats or a single child in the convertible toddler seat. Our reviewers also praised the memory foam seats as well as the canopy, which has 50+ SPF and foam-filled wheels that never flatten. When it's time for folding this model requires only just a few pulls on the straps beneath each seat (under where kids sit) in order to fold.