Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is a good investment when you have two kids 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 taking on the grocery store or the parks, and whatever else life throws your way.
Comfort
Comfort is an important factor to consider when shopping for a double-stroller. This includes both the seating arrangement and the overall dimensions of the stroller which can impact the convenience and storage. "Parents must determine what the stroller weighs as well as its folded dimensions," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also consider the recline options for seats as well as the age ranges of their children to ensure that it's the perfect fit."
A reputable double stroller must be able to navigate a variety of surfaces with ease from suburban sidewalks to parks, and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should have a variety of seating options for children of different stages of development, as well as features that provide comfort, such as a peek-aboo window and adjustable canopy that shield kids from rain or sun.
For a lot of families, a double stroller is likely to be utilized from birth until the teen years, so it's essential to consider the seating options. "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 due to its sleek style and flexibility. Others prefer a wagon style double stroller for maximum space for groceries or bulky items.
In-line models are more likely to have this kind of discordance. Some models might offer different recline options, with one being almost flat, while the other remaining relatively upright. Billingsley recommends selecting a product that has a nearly flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children can lay down comfortably.
She also suggests parents search for strollers with storage compartments to allow them to quickly access personal items, snacks and toys when on the move. She also says that it's helpful to find a stroller that comes with a parent console or organizer bag attached on the handlebars. This can help parents keep essentials close to hand.
Some of the best-rated double stroller s can be extended giving parents the ability to alter the configuration depending on the needs of their family. For instance, the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly rated double stroller that can be used with just a single seat from birth, and then converted to tandem (with a second seat and bassinet) as the child gets older.
Safety
Double strollers have to be able to carry the weight of two passengers--plus any additional cargo. Strollers must also be easy to push and maneuver, especially in tight spots and on difficult terrain. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights, making it easier for parents to maintain a good posture when pushing them. Another feature that is great is a non-rethread seat belt harness, which allows for a more comfortable adjustment of the seat belts. Also, a strong brake system and wheels that glide over any surface are crucial safety features.
Some parents opt for an arrangement that is side by side so that both children can see each other on family outings. This arrangement can reduce siblings arguing over who sits in which spot however it's not foolproof. If the seats are set at different heights, one child could be capable of punching or kicking the other during the course of a walk.
If you have twins or siblings close in age, a tandem stroller offers the benefit of being able to see both kids at once. These double strollers can be larger, and might not be able to fit through some interior doors. Consider a single-to double stroller that can be converted from a single to a double in a variety ways. The most popular models are the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you decide to purchase a side-by-side or tandem-style stroller, make sure the product is certified by JPMA to meet the strictest safety standards. Also pay attention to the weight limits that apply to each seat, since over-weighting could lead to frame fatigue or other issues.
It's easy to get caught in the sound of bells and whistles, however it's important to keep in mind that strollers are essentially baby carriers that will be carried for long periods of time. It should be easy to clean and maintain and comfortable for both the passengers. It should also have an easy-to-use, familiar design that lets the person pushing the stroller to move it easily.
User-Friendliness
A double stroller must be easy to maneuver on a variety terrains for families who are always on the move. Strollers that have features like windows that can be opened and closed, adjustable canopy and reliable brake systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children. But there are also other factors that make them simpler to use. A stroller must be compact enough to fit into the trunk of your vehicle and still provide plenty of storage space for food or other items. Additionally, you should consider thoughtful features such as a cup holder for one parent or console for parents, as well as snacks for children--all things that make life with two children significantly simpler.
During our testing, we evaluated each stroller according to its performance on different terrains and its ability to maneuver through tight spaces. We also looked at how simple it was to fold the stroller and then unfold it in a timely manner, and if a specific feature enhanced the overall functionality. A stroller that does not have rethread straps is easy to adjust the seat belts. This is a huge attraction for parents who are constantly in motion, as it eliminates the need to rethread their harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored highly in this metric, as it offered an impressive range of seating configurations and additional accessories to accommodate families that are growing. The wagon-style double stroller can be expanded to allow for an additional seat, a bassinet or even a toddler-friendly riding board, which is ideal for families with active children who plan long, tiring days with multiple children of different age. It also glides smoothly across cobblestones, balls and pavements. It it folds flat to make simple storage in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is easy and easy to use which was well-loved by our tester Kerry. Its smart packaging, clearly labeled sections and helpful user guide made putting together this stroller a breeze.
Stores
Double strollers can carry twice as much as a single one So, make sure to ensure you have plenty of storage space. It is important to find a stroller with enough storage space to accommodate the necessities of children and parents like bottles, toys, snacks, and diapers. Find baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, consider a stroller with an expandable cargo space that can take in bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags.
A good double stroller must be able to change as your family grows. For example, some models include an attachment for a bassinet that can be used for newborns, and others feature child seats that can be adapted to your kids until they're ready to switch to riding on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers permit older siblings to share in the fun with riding boards.
There are a variety of double strollers in the market, from sleek, high-performance models that are able to handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models more for everyday use. While shopping, you can read reviews and recommendations of families similar to yours to get an idea of what you can expect from the double stroller that you pick.
Double strollers are available in three different models: tandem, side by side and wagon style. Side-by-side double strollers provide the most versatility and are suitable for twins or children who are close in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers, on the other hand, have two seats set close to each other and facing opposite directions. It's a great option for children of the same age or for siblings who like to interact with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver in 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. The testers loved that this budget model comes with a variety of seating options, including the ability to connect two infant car seats or a single child riding in an convertible toddler seat. Our reviewers also praised the comfortable memory foam seats, 50+ SPF canopy and foam-filled tires that never stop running flat. And when it's time to fold, this model requires only a couple of pulls on the straps on each seat (under where the kids sit) to fold in half.