Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is a good investment if you have two children of similar age. These narrow tandem buggies or versatile side by side buggies will 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 throws at you.
Comfort
When you are looking for a double stroller for your child, comfort is a major aspect to take into consideration. This includes the seating arrangement and overall size, which has an impact on the ease of use and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child expert in child development from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, advises parents to be aware of the stroller's weight and folded dimensions. "They must also take into consideration the options for recline of the seat, as well as the age ranges of their children to ensure that it's the perfect fit."
A well-constructed double stroller will be robust enough to navigate different surfaces smoothly--from urban sidewalks to parks trails, and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should have a variety of seating options for children at different ages, as well as features that provide comfort, such as a peek-aboo window and adjustable canopy that protect children from rain or sun.
Seating options are important for many families who utilize 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 that are next to each other," Billingsley explains. Some parents prefer the in-line model due to its sleek style and flexibility. Others like a wagon style double stroller to make the most space for grocery or bulky items.
Some products may offer different recline options - with one seat being almost flat, double Running buggy while the other remains relatively upright, this kind of difference is more prevalent in in-line models. Billingsley suggests choosing a model with a near-flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children lay down comfortably.
In the end, she suggests to look for a stroller that includes storage compartments that enable parents to access their snacks, toys and other personal items while out and about. She also recommends that it's helpful to find a stroller that has a parent console, or organizer bag attached on the handlebars. This will aid parents in keeping their essentials to hand.
Some of the top-rated double strollers can be expanded that allows parents to modify the set-up based on 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 later converted to tandem double buggy (with a second seat and bassinet) as the child gets older.
Safety
Double strollers must be able to handle the weight of two people, plus any additional cargo. Strollers should be easy to maneuver and push, particularly on rough terrain or in tight spaces. The best double buggy strollers feature ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height to help parents maintain good posture when pushing them. Another feature that is great is a no-rethread belt harness that makes it easier to adjust the belts for your child. Also, a strong brake system and wheels that glide over any surface are essential safety features.
Some parents choose an arrangement that allows both children to view each other on family outings. This arrangement can help prevent siblings fighting over who is allowed to sit where but it's not a guarantee. If the seats are at different levels, a child might punch or kick one another during a walk, in the event that the seats are at different levels.
A tandem-style stroller is a ideal option for parents with twins or siblings that are close in age. It allows them to see both children at once. However, these can be wider than other double strollers, meaning they may not fit through all doorways in the interior. For maximum flexibility, think about a stroller that can change from a single stroller to a tandem in a variety of ways, like the well-known CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can be adapted to a wide range of configurations, and allow you to click in infant car seats or cot attachments depending on your needs.
If you decide to purchase a side-by-side or tandem-style stroller, be sure the product is JPMA-certified to meet stringent safety standards. Be sure to check the weight limits that apply to each seat, since exceeding them can lead to frame fatigue or other issues.
While it's easy to concentrate on the many bells and whistles of the latest stroller, it's crucial to be aware that a stroller basically a baby carrier that will be transported for long durations of time. It must be easy to clean and maintain, and comfortable for both the passengers. It should also have an intuitive, familiar design that allows the person pushing it to easily maneuver it.
Easy to Use
For families who are constantly on the move, a double stroller should be easy to maneuver over a variety of terrains. Strollers with features like peek-a-boo windows, adjustable canopies and sturdy brake systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children. But there are also other features that make them more convenient to use. For instance the stroller should be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your car, yet provide ample storage space for food items and other things. It's also important to include thoughtful features, like the cup holder for one parent, consoles for parents and snacks on trays. These can make traveling with two kids much easier.
In our testing We evaluated each stroller based on how it performed on a variety terrains and how easily it could maneuver in tight spaces. We also looked at the ease with which it was possible to fold and unfold and whether or not a particular feature improved the overall functionality of the stroller. A stroller that does not have rethread straps makes it simple to adjust the seat belts. This can be a major selling point for parents on the go since it reduces time and eliminates the need to re-thread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored high in this metric, as it offers a wide range of seating configurations as well as additional accessories to accommodate growing families. The wagon-style double-stroller expands to accommodate an additional seat, a bassinet or even a toddler's riding board. This is perfect for families who want to spend a lot of time in the car with a variety of children of various ages. It also glides smoothly across cobblestones, balls and pavements. It can be folded flat for easy storage in a closet or trunk. Our tester Kerry was impressed by the simple, intuitive nature of this stroller's design. The sleek packaging, clearly marked sections and user guide made it easy to put together this stroller.
Storage
A double stroller can be able to hold twice as much 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 hold the necessities of parents and children, such as bottles as well as snacks, toys and diapers. Look for baskets that fit under the seat and 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 stroller must have the ability to adapt as your family grows. For example, some models include a bassinet attachment that can be used for newborns, and others have child seats that can expand with your children until they're ready to ride on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers allow older siblings to join in on the fun by riding on riding boards.
You'll find a wide variety of double strollers in the market, ranging from sleek, high-performance options that excel on rough terrain to budget-friendly models that are more for everyday use. When shopping, take a look at reviews and opinions of families similar to yours to get a better idea of what to expect from the double stroller that you pick.
Double strollers are available in three styles: tandem, side-by-side and wagon style. Billingsley states that side-by-side strollers are the most adaptable and ideal for twins or children of similar age. tandem double stroller, from the Google blog, double pushchair from birth strollers, on other hand, have two seats that are placed next 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 each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through tight spaces, and are less likely to pass through doorways than their side-byside counterparts.
If you prefer a wagon-style double stroller check out this top model from Safety 1st. This affordable model was praised by testers for its multiple seating configurations. It can be used with two infant car seats or one child in a convertible toddler seat. Our experts also praised the memory foam seats, canopy with 50+ SPF, and foam-filled wheels that will never wear out. When it's time for folding, this model only requires just a few pulls on the straps underneath each seat (under where kids sit) in order to fold.