Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is a good investment when you have two kids with similar ages. These compact tandem strollers or flexible side-by-side buggies allow you to keep your eyes on both kids at the same time taking on the grocery store, parks and anything else life throws at you.
Comfort
When shopping for a double stroller, the comfort is a key consideration. This includes both the seating arrangement as well as the overall size of the stroller which can impact the 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 must also take into consideration the options for recline of the seat, as well as the ages of their children to ensure it is a 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 have a variety of seating options for children of different stages of development, as well as comfort features like peek-a-boo window and adjustable canopies that protect children from the sun or rain.
For a majority of families, a double stroller will be utilized from birth until childhood, so it's important to consider the seating options. Billingsley states that there are two major categories: in-line with one seat in front of the other and side-byside with seats adjacent to one another. Some parents prefer the in-line model due to its sleek design and flexibility. Others prefer a wagon style double stroller for maximum space for grocery or bulky items.
Although some models may have different recline options, with one seat nearly flat while the other is upright, this kind of difference is more prevalent in in-line models. Billingsley suggests choosing a model with a near-flat recline as well as leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children can lay down comfortably.
She also suggests that parents look for strollers with storage compartments to allow them to quickly access personal items, snacks, and toys while on the move. She also says that it is helpful to choose a stroller that includes a parent console or organizer bag that is attached to the handlebars. This will aid parents in keeping their essentials at hand.
A few of the top-rated double strollers can be enlarged to allow parents to alter the configuration depending on the needs of their family. The Mockingbird Expandable, for example is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used from birth with a single seat, and later converted into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) when the child gets older.
Safety
Double strollers must be able to carry the weight of two adults, as well as any additional cargo. Strollers must be simple to maneuver and push, particularly on rough terrain or in tight spaces. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height to allow parents to maintain their good posture when pushing them. Another great feature is a non-rethread seat belt harness, which makes it easier to adjust the seat belts. Safety features include a durable brake system and wheels which slide over any surface.
Some parents choose side-by-side designs that allow both children to see one another during family outings. This arrangement can help prevent sibling fights over which child is allowed to sit where however it's not foolproof. If the seats are set at different levels, one child might be able to kick or punch the other during a walk.
A tandem stroller is a ideal option for parents with twins or siblings who are similar in age. It allows them to observe both children at the same time. However, they can be larger than other double strollers, meaning they may not be able to fit through all doorways in the interior. To maximize versatility, you should consider a single-to-double stroller that transitions from a single stroller to a tandem in various ways, like the well-known CYBEX Gazelle S. These models are able to accommodate a broad range of configurations, and allow you to click in infant car seats or cot attachments, according to your requirements.
If you are looking for a tandem or side-byside stroller, ensure that the product is JPMA certified to meet the strictest safety standards. Be sure to check 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 remember that strollers are basically baby carriers that are used for a long period of time. It should be easy to clean and maintain, and comfortable for both of the passengers. It should also feature a an intuitive, familiar design that lets the person pushing the stroller to move it easily.
Ease of Use
A double stroller should be easily maneuverable on different types of terrains for families constantly moving. Features like adjustable canopies, peek-aboo windows and dependable braking systems are critical to help ensure the safety of your children however, there are other elements that influence stroller comfort of use. For instance, a stroller must be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your car, while still offering ample storage space for groceries and other belongings. Also important are thoughtful touches such as a cup holder for one parent or console for parents, as well as snacks for children--all things that will make life on the go with two children significantly simpler.
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 examined how easy it was to fold and unfold, and whether or not a specific feature improved the overall functionality of the stroller. For example, a stroller with a harness that does not rethread makes the adjustment of the seat belts easy and quick. This can be a huge selling point for parents who are on the move, as it saves time and eliminates the need to re-thread the harness.
The UPPAbaby 2 Double scored well in this test because it came with a variety of seating options, as well as additional accessories to accommodate growing families. The wagon-style double stroller is able to accommodate two seats as well as a bassinet, or a toddler riding board--perfect for families with active children who plan long, tiring days with multiple kids of various age. It also glides smoothly across cobblestones, balls and pavements. It can be folded flat for easy storage in a closet or trunk. The design of this stroller is simple and easy to use which was well-loved by our test participant Kerry. Its clever packaging, clearly labeled sections and an informative user guide made putting together this stroller a breeze.
Stores
Double strollers can hold twice more than one stroller, so make sure you ensure you have plenty of storage space. You want a stroller with enough storage space to hold the essentials of both children and parents, such as bottles as well as snacks, toys and diapers. Look for pockets and baskets under the seats. Also, consider a stroller with an expandable cargo space to take in bulky items like diaper bags and lunchbags.
A good double stroller will be able to expand with your family. For instance, some models include a bassinet attachment that can accommodate infants, while others feature child seats that can grow with your kids until they're ready to ride on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. all terrain double buggy include a rider board to allow older siblings to be part of the fun.
There are a variety of double strollers on the market. You can pick from high-performance models which are suitable for rough terrain, as well as more budget-friendly options that can use on a daily basis. When you're shopping, read user reviews and recommendations from families just like yours to get an understanding of what you can expect from the double stroller you pick.
Double strollers are available in three different styles such as tandem, side-byside, and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-byside strollers are the most versatile and ideal for twins or children of similar ages. Tandem double strollers on the other hand, feature two seats set adjacent to one another and facing opposite directions. It's a good option for kids of the same age, or for siblings who love to interact with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces, and are less likely to fit into doors.
If you prefer a wagon-style double stroller check out this top pick from Safety 1st. This affordable model was praised by test participants for its various seating configurations. It can be used with two car seats for infants, or one child in a convertible toddler seat. Our experts also appreciated the soft memory foam seats and the 50+ SPF canopy, and foam-filled tires that will never stop running flat. And when it's time for you to fold, this model needs just a couple of tugs on the straps of each seat (under the seats where kids are) to fold in half.