Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two kids that are in the same age group A double stroller can be a great investment. These narrow tandem strollers or flexible side-by-side buggies let you keep your eyes on both kids at the same time while braving the grocery aisle, parks and anything else life throws your way.
Comfort
When shopping for a double stroller for your child, comfort is a major factor to consider. This can include both the seating arrangement as well as the overall size of the stroller, which affects the ease of use and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, suggests parents check the stroller's weight and folded dimensions. "They should also think about the seat recline options and the age ranges of their children to ensure that it's the perfect fit."
A good double stroller should be able to handle a variety of surfaces easily, from suburban sidewalks to park paths and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should also provide flexible seating options for children of various age and comfort features like windows that can be opened and closed to keep kids shielded from rain or sun.
Seating options are important for many families who use double strollers from birth to childhood. Billingsley explains that there are two primary categories: in-line, with one seat in-front of the other, and side-by-side, with seats next to one another. "Some parents prefer an in-line option for its sleek look and versatility, whereas others prefer a wagon-style double stroller that can be used to store large items or grocery bags."
Although some models may have different recline options, with one seat being almost flat, while the other is upright, this type of distinction is more prevalent in the in-line models. Billingsley recommends selecting a product with both a near flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children can lie down comfortably.
Then, she suggests to look for strollers with storage compartments that allow parents to access their snacks, toys and other personal items while out and about. She also suggests that it's beneficial to choose a stroller with an organizer console for parents or a parent bag attached to the handlebars, which will allow you to keep your essentials close at hand.
Some of the best double strollers-rated double strollers can be enlarged to allow parents to customize the setup based on their family's needs. For instance the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used with a single seat from birth, and later converted to a tandem (with a second seat and bassinet) as the child gets older.
Safety
Double strollers need to be able to carry the weight of both passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers should also be easy to push and maneuver, especially in tight areas and over challenging terrain. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights which allow parents to maintain a good posture when pushing them. A harness that does not need to be rethread, which makes adjusting seat belts quicker and easier is another great feature to look out for. Safety features include a robust brake system and wheels that glide over any surface.
Some parents prefer an arrangement that is side by side so that both children can see each other on family outings. This arrangement can prevent siblings arguing over who gets to sit in which seat, but it isn't foolproof. If the seats are positioned at different levels, one child might be able to kick or punch the other during walks.
For parents with twins or siblings of similar age, a tandem stroller is a great option for being able see both children at the same time. These double strollers can be wider, and may not be able to fit through some doors inside. For maximum flexibility, think about a single-to-double stroller which can switch from a single to double pushchair (speaking of) to a tandem in various ways, like the well-known CYBEX Gazelle S. These models are able to accommodate a broad variety of configurations and permit you to insert infant car seats or cot attachments depending on your needs.
If you're in the market for a tandem or side-byside stroller, be sure the product has been JPMA certified to meet the strictest safety standards. Be sure to check the maximum weight limits for each seat, since exceeding them can lead to frame fatigue or other issues.
It's easy to be swept up in the bells and whistles, but it's important to keep in mind that strollers are basically baby carriers that are used for a long period of durations. It should be easy to clean and maintain as well as comfortable for both passengers. It should also have an easy-to-use, familiar design that lets the person pushing it to move it easily.
Simple to Use
A double stroller should be simple to maneuver over various terrains for families who are constantly moving. Features like adjustable canopy systems windows, peek-aboo windows, and dependable brake systems are essential to ensure your children's safety, however, there are other elements that affect stroller ease of use. For example the stroller must be compact enough to fit into the trunk of your car, but still provide ample storage space for your groceries and other items. It is also important to consider thoughtful additions such as a cup holder for one parent, parent consoles and an eating tray for children -- all things that make life on the go with two children significantly more manageable.
In our testing, we evaluated the strollers on how it performed on a variety of terrains, and how easily it maneuvered 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. For example a stroller that has a no-rethread harness makes adjusting the seat belts easy and quick. This is a major selling point for parents on the go, as it saves time and reduces the need to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby 2 Double was a top performer in this measure because it came with a variety of seating options, as well as additional accessories to accommodate families that are growing. The double-stroller that looks like a wagon can be expanded to accommodate an additional seat, a bassinet, or even a toddler-riding board. This is perfect for families who plan to spend long days in the car with a variety of children of various ages. It glides easily over cobblestones and pavements and ballfields. It can be folded flat to store in a trunk or a closet. Our tester Kerry appreciated the straightforward, 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 together this stroller.
Storage
Double strollers can hold twice as much as a single one so be sure to look for plenty of storage space. You want a stroller with enough storage space to hold the essentials of both children and parents like bottles and snacks, toys, and diapers. Look for under-seat baskets and other pockets, and consider a stroller that has an expandable cargo area that can carry bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags.
A quality double stroller will be able to grow with your family. For example certain models come with a bassinet attachment that can accommodate infants, while others feature child seats that can be adapted to your children until they're able to ride on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double pram pushchair strollers even permit a rider's board that allows older children to take part in the fun.
There's a wide selection of double strollers in the market, ranging from elegant, double running buggy 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 a better sense of what you can expect from the double seat stroller stroller you pick.
Double strollers are available in three different design formats including tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers provide the most versatility and are ideal for twins or kids who are close in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers on the other hand, have two seats that are placed close to each other and facing opposite directions. It's a ideal choice for children of the same age, or for siblings who enjoy interacting with each other. Tandem strollers can be difficult to maneuver through tight spaces, and are less likely to pass through doorways than their side-by-side counterparts.
If you're looking for a wagon-style double stroller, check out this top model from Safety 1st. 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 an convertible toddler seat. Our reviewers also praised the comfy memory foam seats, 50+ SPF canopy, and foam-filled tires that will never go flat. When it's time to fold this model needs only just a few nudges on the straps beneath each seat (under the seat where children sit) to fold.