Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is a great investment if you have two children of similar ages. These narrow tandem strollers or flexible side-by-side buggies allow you to keep an eye on both children at the same time while taking on the grocery store, parks and anything else life throws at you.
Comfort
Comfort is a major factor to take into consideration when buying a double-stroller. This can include the seating arrangement and overall size, which has an impact on ease of use and storage. "Parents should determine how much the stroller weighs and its dimensions when folded," 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 perfect fit for their family."
A good double stroller should be able to handle different surfaces with ease including suburban sidewalks, parks and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should also offer versatile seating arrangements for children of varying age groups and comfort features like windows that peek out and adjustable canopy to keep kids shielded from rain or sun.
For many families, a double stroller is likely to be used from birth until childhood, so it's important to consider the seating options. Billingsley explains that there are two primary categories that are in-line, with one seat in-front of the other and side-byside seating with seats next to one another. Some parents prefer the in-line model due to its sleek design and versatility. Others prefer a wagon-style cheap double buggy stroller to make the most space for groceries or bulky items.
Although some models may have different recline options - with one seat nearly flat while the other remains relatively upright, this kind of difference is more prevalent in in-line models. Billingsley recommends selecting a product with a near-flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children lay comfortably.
Finally, she advises to look for a stroller that includes storage compartments that will allow parents to easily access snacks, toys and personal items while on the move. She suggests that it's helpful to look for a stroller with a parent console or organizer bag that can be attached to the handlebars, which will help keep things within reach.
Many of the top-rated double strollers can be expanded giving parents the ability to alter the configuration based on their family's needs. The Mockingbird Expandable, for example, is a highly rated double stroller that can be used from birth with a single seat, then transformed into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) when the child is older.
Safety
Double strollers should be able to carry the weight of both the passengers as well as any additional cargo. Strollers must be easy to maneuver and push, especially on difficult terrain and in tight spaces. The best travel double stroller strollers have ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height to ensure that parents maintain a good posture when pushing them. Another feature that is great is a non-rethread seat belt harness, which makes it easier to adjust the seat belts. A sturdy brake system and wheels that can glide over any surface are essential safety features.
Some parents prefer side-by-side designs that allow both children to be able to see one another during family outings. This arrangement can reduce sibling squabbles over who sits in which place however it's not foolproof. If the seats are placed at different levels, one child might be able to kick or punch the other during the course of a walk.
For parents of twins or siblings of similar age, a tandem-style stroller offers the benefit of being able see both children at the same time. double pram buggy 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 that transitions from a single to a tandem in various ways, like the renowned CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can accommodate a wide variety of configurations and allow you to click in infant car seats or cot attachments, depending on your requirements.
If you're looking for a tandem or side-byside stroller, make sure that the product has been JPMA certified to meet strict safety standards. Be aware of the weight limit that applies to each seat. Overstepping these limits can cause frame fatigue and other issues.
It's easy to get caught in the sound of bells and whistles, but it's important to remember that strollers are essentially baby carriers that will be used for extended durations. It must be easy to clean and maintain and comfortable for both of the passengers. It should also have an easy-to-use, familiar design that allows the person pushing the stroller to easily maneuver it.
Easy of Use
For families that are on the move, a double stroller must be able to navigate different terrains. Features like adjustable canopies, peek-aboo windows and dependable brake systems are critical to help ensure the safety of your children but there are many other aspects that influence stroller comfort of use. A stroller must be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your car, but still have plenty of storage space for food or other items. It's also essential to add thoughtful touches, such as the cup holder for one parent, consoles for parents and snacks on trays. These are able to make traveling with two kids significantly easier.
During our testing we evaluated each stroller on the basis of its ability to perform on different surfaces and its ability to maneuver through tight spaces. We also looked at how simple it was to fold the stroller and unfold it, and if a particular feature made a difference to the overall performance. For instance a stroller with a no-rethread harness makes adjusting the seat belts simple and easy. 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 v2 Double scored well in this metric as it offered a wide range of seating configurations, and additional accessories that accommodated families that are growing. The wagon-style double pram buggy stroller can be expanded to allow for two seats, a bassinet or even a toddler-friendly riding board, which is ideal for families with active children who plan long trips with multiple kids of various age groups. It is able to glide effortlessly over pavements, cobblestones, and ballfields. It can fold flat to fit in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is simple and easy to use and was a big hit with our test participant Kerry. The sleek packaging clear sections, well-marked sections and user guide made it easy to put this stroller together.
Storage
Double strollers can hold twice more than one single stroller, so make sure you search for ample storage space. It is important to find a stroller with enough storage space to accommodate the essentials for both children and parents including bottles, toys, snacks, and diapers. Look for baskets that fit under the seat as well as other pockets, and think about a stroller with an expandable cargo area that can hold bulky items like diaper bags and lunch bags.
A good double stroller should be able to adjust as your family expands. Billingsley says that some models have a bassinet attachment to accommodate newborns. Some models have child seats which can be able to grow with your child until they are ready to ride on the back. Some double strollers allow older siblings to share in the fun with the rider board.
There's a wide selection of double strollers on the market, ranging from sleek, high-performance models that are able to handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models more suited for daily use. As you shop, read reviews from other users and the opinions of families just like yours to get an understanding of what you can expect from the double stroller you choose.
Double strollers are available in three styles: tandem, side-by-side and wagon style. Billingsley states that side-byside strollers are the most flexible and ideal for twins as well as children of similar ages. Tandem double strollers on the other hand, feature two seats that are arranged close to each other and facing in opposite directions--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 narrow spaces, and less likely to fit in doors.
If you prefer a wagon-style double stroller, take a look at this top choice from Safety 1st. This model is affordable and was praised by 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 memory foam seats, canopy with 50+ SPF and foam-filled wheels that never flatten. And when it's time for you to fold, this model needs just a couple of tugs on straps on each seat (under the seats where kids are) to fold it in half.