Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is a great investment for families with two children of similar age. These narrow tandem strollers or versatile side-by-side buggies help you keep an eye on both kids at the same time while braving the grocery aisle as well as the parks and other obstacles life throws your way.
Comfort
When shopping for a lightweight double pushchair stroller for your child, comfort is an important factor to consider. This could include the seating arrangement as well as the overall size, which will have an impact on ease of use and storage. "Parents must determine what the stroller weighs and its dimensions when folded," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also think about the seat recline options, as well as the age ranges of their children to ensure it's the perfect fit."
A quality double stroller should be able to navigate a variety of surfaces with ease, from suburban sidewalks to park paths, and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should offer a range of seating options for children of different ages, as well as comfort features like peek-a-boo window and adjustable canopy which protect children from the sun or rain.
The seating options are important to many families who will utilize double strollers from birth to the age of. "There are two main categories--in-line with one seat in front of the other, and side by side with seats adjacent to each other," Billingsley explains. Some parents prefer the in-line option because of its sleek appearance and its versatility. Others prefer a wagon-style double stroller for maximum space for grocery or bulky items.
In-line models are more likely to show this kind of discordance. Some products may offer different recline options, with one being almost flat, while the other one remaining fairly upright. Billingsley suggests choosing a model that has a near-flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats to ensure the children can both lie back comfortably.
Finally, she advises choosing a stroller that includes storage compartments that allow parents to quickly access snacks, toys and personal belongings while on the go. She also suggests that it's beneficial to choose a stroller that has an organizer console for parents or a parent bag attached to the handlebars. This can help keep essentials within reach.
A few of the top-rated double strollers can be enlarged to allow parents to modify the layout based on their family's needs. The Mockingbird Expandable, for instance is a highly-rated double stroller which can be used from birth using a single seat, and later converted into a tandem double buggy (with two seats and a bassinet) when the child is older.
Safety
Double strollers should be able to carry the weight of two adults, as well as any additional cargo. Strollers should also be easy to maneuver and push, especially in tight spots and on terrain that is difficult to navigate. The Best Double Stroller, 80.82.64.206, strollers have ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to ensure that parents maintain a good posture while pushing them. Another great feature is a non-rethread seat belt harness, which allows for a more comfortable adjustment of the belts on the seat. Safety features include a robust brake system, as well as wheels that glide over any surface.
Some parents prefer an arrangement that allows both children to see each other on family outings. This arrangement can help prevent sibling fights over which child is allowed to sit where but it's not a guarantee. If the seats are placed at different heights, one child could be able to kick or punch the other on walks.
For parents with twins or siblings who are close in age, a tandem-style stroller can be beneficial in being able to see both children at the same time. Double strollers can be larger, and might not fit through certain doors inside. Think about a stroller that is single-to-double that can be transformed from a single stroller to a double in a variety ways. Popular models include the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you're in the market for a tandem or a side-by-side stroller, ensure that the product is 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 in the jingles and whistles, but it's important to remember that strollers are in essence baby carriers that will be carried for long periods of time. It must be comfortable for both parents and children and easy to clean and maintain, and most importantly it should feature an intuitive, familiar design that the person pushing it is able to easily maneuver it without having to think about how to move forward and turn left or right, or apply the brakes.
Ease of Use
A double travel buggy stroller must be easily maneuverable on a variety types of terrains for families always on the move. Features like adjustable canopies with windows that peek out and dependable brake systems are critical to help ensure the safety of your children, but there are other factors that affect stroller ease of use. For instance, a stroller must be small enough to fit into the trunk of your car but still provide ample storage space for groceries and other belongings. It is also essential to include thoughtful details, such as a cup holder for one parent as well as consoles for parents and an eating tray. These are able to make traveling with two kids much more enjoyable.
During our testing, we evaluated each stroller on the basis of its performance on various terrains and its ability to maneuver through tight spaces. We also looked at how simple it was to fold and unfold and whether or not a specific feature added to the overall functionality of the stroller. A stroller without rethread straps is easy to adjust the seat belts. This can be a big attraction for parents who are always in motion, as it does away with the requirement to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby V2 Double scored well in this metric as it had a wide variety of seating configurations, and additional accessories to accommodate families that are growing. The wagon-style double stroller can be expanded to accommodate a second seat, a bassinet or even a toddler riding board that is perfect for active families planning long trips with multiple children of different age groups. It also glides effortlessly over cobblestones, ball fields and pavements. It also it folds flat to make easy storage in a closet or trunk. Our tester Kerry was impressed by the simple and easy-to-use nature of the stroller's design. The smart packaging clear sections, well-marked sections and the user's guide made it simple to put together this stroller.
Storage
Double strollers can hold twice more than a single one so be sure to look for plenty of storage space. You'll want a stroller that has enough storage space to store the necessities of parents and children, such as bottles, toys, snacks, and diapers. Look for under-seat baskets and other pockets, and consider a stroller with an expandable cargo area that can hold bulky items like diaper bags and lunch bags.
A good double buggy with carrycot stroller must have the ability to adapt as your family grows. Billingsley says that some models come with the option of a bassinet attachment that can accommodate infants. Other models come with child seats that can be able to grow with your child until they are able to ride on the back. Some double strollers permit a rider's board that allows older children to take part in the fun.
You'll find a wide variety of double strollers on the market, ranging from sleek, high-performance options that excel on rough terrain to budget-friendly models more suited for daily use. When you're shopping, read reviews and suggestions from families just like yours to get a better sense of what to expect from the double stroller you pick.
double pram stroller strollers are available in three different designs including tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Billingsley says that side-by-side strollers are the most flexible and ideal for twins as well as children of similar age. Tandem double strollers come with 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 play with one another. Tandem strollers may be harder to maneuver in tight spaces, and are less likely to pass through doorways than their side-by-side counterparts.
If you prefer a wagon-style double stroller take a look at this top choice from Safety 1st. This budget-friendly model was highly praised by our testers for its many seating options. It can be used with two car seats for infants or one child sitting in a convertible toddler chair. Our reviewers also praised the soft memory foam seats, 50+ SPF canopy, and foam-filled tires that will never get flat. When it's time to fold, this model requires only a couple of pulls on straps on each seat (under the seats where kids are) to fold it in half.