Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two kids that are in the same age group, a double stroller can be a great investment. These compact tandem strollers or versatile side-by-side buggies help you keep an eye on both children at the same time while taking on the grocery store, parks and anything else life throws your way.
Comfort
When shopping for a double stroller, comfort is a major aspect to take into consideration. This can include the seating arrangement as well as the overall size, which has an impact on 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 recline options for seats and the age ranges of their children to ensure that it's the perfect fit."
A good double stroller should be able to handle a variety of surfaces easily from suburban sidewalks to park paths, and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should also provide flexible seating arrangements for children of varying age and comfort features such as windows that peek out and adjustable canopy to keep kids shielded from rain or sun.
For a lot of families, a double stroller will be used from birth and into the age of five, so it's crucial to think about seating options. "There are two main categories--in-line with one seat behind the other, and side-by-side with seats that are next to each other," Billingsley explains. "Some parents prefer an in-line stroller due to its sleek appearance and versatility, whereas others prefer a wagon-style double stroller to make the most space for heavy items or grocery bags."
Although some models may have different recline options--with one seat nearly flat while the other one remains upright, this type of distinction is more prevalent in in-line models. Billingsley recommends choosing a product that offers both an almost flat recline as well as leg rest adjustment for both seats to ensure both children can lie back comfortably.
In the end, she suggests choosing a stroller that includes storage compartments that allow parents to quickly access snacks, toys and personal items while out and about. She also suggests that it's beneficial to choose the stroller that has an organizer or parent console bag that can be attached to the handlebars. This will allow you to keep your essentials within reach.
Some of the best-rated double strollers can be expanded giving parents the ability to customize the setup depending on the needs of their family. The Mockingbird Expandable, for example is a highly-rated double stroller which can be used from birth with a single seat, then transformed into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers should be able to handle the weight of two adults, as well as any additional cargo. double pram pushchair must also be easy to move and push, particularly in tight areas and over challenging terrain. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to help parents maintain good form when pushing them. A no-rethread harness which makes the adjustment of seat belts more quickly and easily, is another nice feature to look out for. A sturdy brake system and wheels that can glide over any surface are essential safety features.
Some parents opt for a side by side design to ensure that both children be together during family outings. This arrangement can prevent siblings fighting over who is allowed to sit in which spot but it's not a guarantee. If the seats are set at different heights, one child may be capable of punching or kicking the other on a walk.
A tandem stroller is a ideal option for parents with twins or siblings that are close in age. It lets parents see both children at once. However, they are more spacious than other double strollers, meaning they may not fit through all doorways in the interior. To maximize double buggy , you should consider a stroller that can change from a single stroller to a tandem in various ways, such as the renowned 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're looking for a tandem or side-byside stroller, make sure that the product has been JPMA certified to meet strict safety standards. Be sure to check the maximum weight limits for each seat, since exceeding them could result in frame fatigue or other issues.
It's easy to be swept in the jingles and whistles, but it's important to remember that strollers are in essence baby carriers that are carried for long periods of times. It should be comfortable for both the passengers, easy to clean and maintain, and most importantly it should feature an intuitive, familiar design that the person pushing it is able to effortlessly maneuver it without having to think twice about how to move forward, turn left or right, or even apply the brakes.
Easy to Use
A double stroller should be simple to maneuver over a variety types of terrains for families constantly on the move. Features like adjustable canopy windows, peek-aboo windows, and reliable braking systems are essential to ensure your children's safety, however, there are other elements that affect stroller ease of use. For example the stroller should be small enough to fit into the trunk of your car but still provide ample storage space for your groceries and other items. Additionally, you should consider thoughtful features such as a cup holder for one parent, parent consoles and a snack tray for kids--all things that make life with two kids significantly easier.
During our testing, we evaluated each stroller according to its performance on different surfaces and its ability to maneuver in tight spaces. We also assessed how simple it was to fold and unfold and whether or not a specific feature improved the overall functionality of the stroller. For example a stroller that has a harness that does not rethread makes the adjustment of the seat belts simple and easy. This is a huge attraction for parents who are constantly moving around, since it does away with the need to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby V2 Double scored well in this metric as it had a wide variety of seating options, as well as additional accessories that accommodated growing families. The wagon-style double-stroller expands so that it can accommodate an additional seat, a bassinet or even a toddler's riding board. This is perfect for families who plan to spend long hours traveling with several children of different ages. It also glides smoothly across cobblestones, ball fields and pavements. It also folds flat for simple storage in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is easy and intuitive and was a big hit with our test subject Kerry. Its clever packaging, clearly labeled sections and helpful user guide made assembling this stroller a breeze.
Stores
A double stroller can be able to hold twice as much stuff than a single stroller, therefore, you should look for plenty of storage space. It is important to find a stroller with enough storage space to accommodate the essentials for both parents and children like bottles as well as snacks, toys and diapers. Find baskets under the seat as well as other pockets, and consider a stroller with an expandable cargo space that can carry heavy items such as diaper bags and lunch bags.
A good double stroller should be able to expand with your family. Billingsley states that certain models come with the option of a bassinet attachment that can accommodate infants. 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 for a rider board to let older siblings take part in the fun.
There are a variety of double strollers available on the market, from sleek, high-performance options that excel on rough terrain to budget-friendly models that are more suitable for use in the everyday. While shopping, take a look at reviews from other users and the opinions of families just like yours to get a better sense of what to expect from the double stroller you choose.
Double strollers come in three different designs including tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers offer the most versatility and are suitable for twins or children who are who are close to each other in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers feature two seats arranged in a tandem arrangement facing in opposite directions. This is a good option for children of the same age, or siblings who want to be social with one another. Tandem strollers can be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces and are less likely to fit through doorways than their side-by-side counterparts.
Check out this top pick by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon-style double stroller. This budget-friendly model was praised by test participants for its many seating options. It can be used with two car seats for infants or one child sitting in a convertible toddler seat. Our experts also praised the memory foam seats as well as the canopy, which has 50+ SPF, and foam-filled wheels that never go flat. When it's time for folding this model requires only just a few nudges on the straps beneath each seat (under the seats where kids sit) to fold.