Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is an excellent investment when you have two kids of similar age. These compact tandem buggies or flexible side by side buggies allow you to keep both children in the same place when you are navigating the aisles of your grocery store, parks, and whatever else life throws at you.
Comfort
Comfort is a major factor to think about when purchasing a double-stroller. This could include both seating arrangements and the overall size of the stroller, which impacts accessibility and storage. "Parents should check how much the stroller weighs as well as its dimensions folded," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also look at the options for recline and seat age ranges to ensure a good fit for their family."
A reputable double stroller must be able to handle a variety of surfaces easily, from suburban sidewalks to parks and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should also have flexible seating arrangements for children of varying age and comfort features such as peek-a-boo windows and adjustable canopies to shield children from sun or rain.
The seating options are important to many families who utilize a double stroller from birth to childhood. "There are two main categories - in-line with one seat behind the other, and side-byside with seats that are next to each other," Billingsley explains. Some parents prefer the inline option because of its sleek appearance and its versatility. Others like a wagon style double stroller for maximum space for groceries or bulky items.
While some products may have different recline options - with one seat almost flat while the other is upright, this kind of difference is more common in the in-line models. Billingsley recommends selecting a product that has a nearly flat recline and leg rest adjustment for both seats. This will ensure that both children can lay down comfortably.
In the end, she suggests looking for strollers that have storage compartments that will allow parents to easily access snacks, toys and personal belongings while on the go. lightweight double buggy suggests that it is helpful to find a stroller that comes with a parent console or organizer bag that is attached to the handlebars. This will help parents keep their essentials to hand.
Many of the top-rated double strollers can be expanded giving parents the ability to modify the layout according to their family's requirements. The Mockingbird Expandable, for instance is a highly rated double stroller which can be used from birth with just one seat, and later converted into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) when the child gets older.
Safety
Double strollers have to be able to carry the weight of two people, plus any additional cargo. Strollers must also be simple to maneuver and push, especially in tight spots and on terrain that is difficult to navigate. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to help parents maintain good form while pushing them. A no-rethread harness which makes the adjustment of seat belts faster and easier, is another nice feature to look out for. A sturdy brake system and wheels that glide across any surface are crucial safety features.
Some parents prefer an arrangement that allows both children to see each other during family outings. This arrangement can prevent sibling squabbles over who sits in which seat however it's not foolproof. If the seats are located at different heights, a child could punch or kick another while walking when the seats are on different levels.
For parents of twins or siblings who are close in age, a tandem-style stroller is a great option for being able see both kids at once. Double strollers can be larger, and might not be able to fit through some interior doors. You could 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're looking for a tandem or side-by-side stroller, ensure that the stroller has been JPMA certified to meet strict safety standards. Pay attention to the maximum weight limit for each seat. Exceeding these limits could cause frame fatigue or other problems.
It's easy to be swept up in the bells and whistles, but it's important to keep in mind that strollers are basically baby carriers that are carried for long periods of durations. It must be comfortable for both parents and children and easy to clean and maintain, and in the ideal case, it should offer an easy-to-use, familiar design so that the person pushing it is able to easily maneuver it without having to think about how to move forward or turn left or right, or apply the brakes.
User-Friendliness
For families who are constantly on the move, a double stroller needs to be able to navigate different terrains. Features like adjustable canopies windows, peek-aboo windows, and dependable braking systems are essential to ensure your children's safety, however, there are other elements that affect stroller ease of use. For instance the stroller must be small enough to fit in the trunk of your car, while still offering ample storage space for groceries and other belongings. Additionally, you should consider thoughtful features like a one-parent cup holder or console for parents, as well as snacks for children--all things that can make life on the go with two kids much easier.
In our tests we rated the strollers on how it performed on a variety terrains, and how easily it maneuvered in tight spaces. We also examined how simple it was to fold and unfold and whether or not a specific feature added to the overall function of the stroller. A stroller with no-rethread straps is easy to adjust the seat belts. This can be a huge benefit for parents who are on the move, as it saves time and eliminates the need to re-thread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored highly in this metric, as it came with a variety of seating configurations and additional accessories to help accommodate growing families. The wagon-style double stroller is able to accommodate two seats, a bassinet or even a toddler riding board--perfect for families with active children who plan long, tiring days with multiple kids of varying age. It also glides smoothly over pavement, cobblestones and ballfields--and folds flat for easy storage in a closet or trunk. The design of this stroller is simple and intuitive which was well-loved by our test participant Kerry. The clever packaging clear sections, well-marked sections and user guide made it easy to put this stroller together.
Storage
Double strollers can hold twice as much as one single stroller so be sure to search for ample storage space. Ideally, you want a stroller that can accommodate the essentials for both kids--nappies bottles, snacks, and toys, in addition to parents' items such as phones, wallets keys and wallets. Look for under-seat baskets and other pockets, and think about a stroller with an expanding cargo area that can hold bulky items like diaper bags and lunch bags.
A quality double stroller will be able to adapt to the needs of your family. For instance, some models include an attachment for a bassinet that can accommodate newborns, while others come with child seats that can grow with your children until they're able to ride on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers allow older siblings to join in on the fun with riding boards.
There are many double strollers on the market. You can choose from models with high-performance features that are great for rough terrain, or affordable options that you can use on a daily basis. While shopping, read reviews and suggestions from families like yours to get a better idea of what you can expect from the double stroller you choose.
Double strollers come in three different design formats: side-by-side, tandem, and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers provide the most flexibility and are perfect for twins or children close in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers, on other hand, feature two seats that are arranged adjacent to one another and facing in opposite directions. This is a great option for children of the same age or for siblings who love to interact with one another. Tandem strollers may be harder to maneuver in tight spaces and are less likely to fit through doorways than their side-byside counterparts.
If you prefer a wagon-style double stroller check out this top pick from Safety 1st. Our testers were impressed by the fact that this low-cost model comes with a variety of seating options, including the ability to connect two infant car seats or a single child in an convertible toddler seat. Our experts also praised memory foam seats and canopy that has 50+ SPF, and foam-filled wheels that never flatten. When it's time for folding, this model only requires just a few nudges on the straps under each seat (under the seats where kids sit) for folding.