Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is a great investment for families with two children with similar ages. These compact tandem buggies or versatile side-by-side buggies will keep both children in sight while you shop, parks, and whatever else life can throw at you.
Comfort
Comfort is an important factor to take into consideration when buying a double-stroller. This includes both the seating arrangement as well as the overall dimensions of the stroller which can impact the ease of use and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child expert in development from the Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, suggests parents be aware of the stroller's weight and folded dimensions. "They should also consider the recline options for seats and age ranges to ensure a good fit for their family."
A reputable double
stroller double must be able to handle different surfaces with ease including suburban sidewalks, parks and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should also provide flexible seating options for children of different age groups and comfort features like windows that peek out and adjustable canopy to protect children from rain or sun.
Seating options are important for many families that will utilize double strollers from the time of birth until the age of. "There are two main categories--in-line with one seat behind the other, and side-byside with seats adjacent to each other," Billingsley explains. Some parents prefer the in-line option due to its sleek design and versatility. Others like a wagon-style double stroller for maximum space for bulky or grocery items.
While some products may have different recline options, with one seat nearly flat while the other remains relatively upright, this type of distinction is more prevalent in in-line models. Billingsley recommends choosing a product that offers both a nearly flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats to ensure both children can lie back comfortably.
She also suggests parents search for strollers with storage compartments so that they can quickly access personal items, snacks and toys when in motion. She also suggests that it's beneficial to choose a stroller that has a parent console or organizer bag attached to the handlebars, which can help keep essentials close at hand.
A few of the most highly-rated double strollers can be expanded that allows parents to modify the set-up based on the needs of their growing family. For example 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 handle the weight of both the passengers as well as any additional cargo. Strollers should be simple to maneuver and push, particularly when on rough terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to help parents maintain good posture while pushing them. A harness that does not need to be rethread which makes the adjustment of seat belts more quickly and easily, is another nice feature to look for. Also, a strong brake system and wheels that can glide over any surface are crucial safety features.
Some parents opt for a side-by-side design that allows both children to be able to see each other on family outings. This arrangement can reduce sibling squabbles over who gets to sit in which spot however it's not foolproof. If the seats are placed at different levels, one child might be in a position to punch or kick the other during the course of a walk.
For parents of twins or siblings close in age, a tandem-style stroller is a great option for being able to see both kids at once. Double strollers are typically wider, and may not be able to fit through some doors inside. Think about a stroller that is single-to-double that can be converted from a single to a double in a variety ways. Popular models include the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you're looking for a tandem or a side-by-side stroller, be sure the product has been JPMA certified to meet the strictest safety standards. Be aware of the maximum weight limit for each seat. Overstepping these limits can cause frame fatigue or other problems.
While it's easy to concentrate on the many bells and whistles on the latest stroller, it's important to remember that a stroller is an infant carrier that is transported for long periods of time. It should be easy to clean and maintain, and comfortable for both the passengers. It should also have a an easy-to-use, familiar design that lets the person pushing it to move it easily.
User-Friendliness
A double stroller should be easily maneuverable on various terrains for families who are always on the move. Features like adjustable canopies windows, peek-aboo windows, and dependable braking systems are crucial to ensure your children's safety, but there are other factors that influence stroller comfort of use. For example the stroller should be small enough to fit in the trunk of your car while still offering ample storage space for groceries and other belongings. It's also important to include thoughtful details, such as the cup holder for one parent or consoles for parents, as well as a snack tray. These are able to make traveling with two children significantly easier.
In our tests, we assessed each stroller on the basis of its performance on various terrains and its ability to maneuver in tight spaces. We also looked at how easy it was to fold the stroller and then unfold it, and if a particular feature improved the overall functionality. A stroller without rethread straps makes it simple to adjust the seat belts. This is a major benefit for parents on the go since it reduces time and eliminates the need to re-thread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2
thule double stroller scored high in this metric, as it came with a variety of seating options and 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 plan to spend long days in the car with a variety of children of various ages. It also glides smoothly across cobblestones, ball fields and pavements. It also can be folded flat for easy storage in a trunk or closet. Our tester Kerry was impressed by the simple and easy-to-use nature of the stroller's design. Its smart packaging with clearly labeled sections as well as a an informative user guide made putting together this stroller a breeze.
Storage
Double strollers can hold twice more than one single stroller, so make sure you search for ample storage space. You'll want a stroller that has enough storage space to hold the essentials of both parents and children including bottles and snacks, toys, and diapers. Find baskets under the seat as well as other pockets, and consider a stroller that has an expandable cargo area that can hold heavy items such as lunch bags and diaper bags.
A quality double stroller will be able to expand with your family. For example certain models come with the bassinet attachment, which can be used for newborns, and others have child seats that can be adapted to your children until they're able to move to the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers also permit a rider's board to allow older siblings to be part of the fun.
There are a variety of
double running stroller strollers on the market. You can pick from models with high-performance features that are ideal for rough terrain, or more budget-friendly options that can use on a daily basis. While shopping, you can read reviews and suggestions from families like yours to get an idea of what to expect from the double stroller that you choose.
Double strollers are available in three different models: Tandem Double Stroller -
Telegra.Ph,, 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 a similar age. Tandem double strollers, on other hand, have two seats that are arranged adjacent to one another and facing in opposite directions--a good option for kids who are the same age or for siblings who love to interact 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.
Check out this top pick by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon-style double stroller. This model is affordable and was highly praised by our testers for its many seating options. It can be used with two car seats for infants or one child in a convertible toddler seat. Our testers also loved the soft memory foam seats and the 50+ SPF canopy, and foam-filled tires that will never get flat. When it's time for folding, this model only requires a few tugs on the straps beneath each seat (under the seats where kids sit) in order to fold.