Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two children who are close in age, a double stroller can be a great investment. These compact tandem strollers or flexible side-by-side buggies allow you to keep an eye on both children at the same time navigating the aisles of the supermarket or the parks, and whatever else life throws at you.
Comfort
When shopping for a double stroller, the comfort is a key aspect to take into consideration. This can include the seating arrangement and overall size, which will have an impact on ease of use and storage. "Parents should check how much the stroller weighs as well as its dimensions when folded," 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 a perfect fit."
A good double stroller should be able to handle different surfaces easily, from suburban sidewalks to parks, and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. double push chair should come with a variety of seating options for children of different ages, as well as comfort features such as a peek-a-boo windows and adjustable canopy options which protect children from rain or sun.
For a majority of families double strollers will be used from birth and into the teen years, so it's essential to consider the seating options. "There are two main categories: in-line with one seat behind the other, and side-by-side with seats adjacent to each other," Billingsley explains. "Some parents prefer an in-line stroller due to its sleek look and versatility, whereas others prefer a wagon-style double stroller that can be used to store large items or groceries."
Some products may offer different recline options - with one seat almost flat while the other is upright--this type of disparity is more common in in-line models. Billingsley recommends choosing a product with a nearly flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats to ensure each child can sleep comfortably.
In the end, she suggests to look for strollers with storage compartments that allow parents to access their snacks, toys, and personal items while out and about. She suggests that it's beneficial to choose a stroller with an organizer or parent console bag attached to the handlebars. This can help keep essentials close at hand.
A few of the top-rated double strollers can be expanded, allowing parents to customize the layout to meet the requirements of their growing family. For example the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used with just a single seat from birth, and later converted to tandem (with an additional seat and bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers must be able to carry the weight of both passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers need to be easy to maneuver and push, especially when on rough terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to allow parents to maintain their good posture when pushing them. Another great feature is a non-rethread seat belt harness that makes it easier to adjust the seat belts. Safety features include a durable brake system, as well as wheels that glide over any surface.
Some parents prefer a side-by-side design that allows both children to view one another during family outings. This arrangement can prevent sibling squabbles over who sits in which place however, it's not 100% secure. If the seats are different heights, a child could punch or kick one another during a walk, if the seats are at different levels.
A tandem-style stroller is excellent option for parents with twins or siblings that are close in age. It lets them see both children at once. However, they can be more spacious than other double strollers, so they may not fit through all doorways in the interior. To maximize versatility, you should consider a stroller that can change from a single to a tandem in various ways, such as the renowned CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can accommodate a wide range of configurations and allow you to click in infant car seats or cot attachments, depending on your needs.
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 maximum weight limits for each seat, as exceeding them can 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 basically baby carriers that will be used for a long period of times. It must be easy to clean and maintain and comfortable for both passengers. It should also have a a familiar, intuitive design that lets the person pushing the stroller to maneuver it effortlessly.
Easy to Use
For families who are constantly on the move, a double stroller needs to be able to navigate different terrains. Strollers that have features like windows that peek-a-boo, adjustable canopies and sturdy brake systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children. But there are other factors that make them easier to use. A stroller should be small enough to fit into the trunk of your car yet have plenty of storage space for food or other items. It is also important to consider thoughtful additions such as a cup holder for one parent or console for parents, as well as an eating tray for children -- all things that will make life on the go with two children significantly more manageable.
In our tests, we evaluated each stroller based on how it did on a variety of surfaces and how well it could maneuver in tight spaces. We also considered how easy it was to fold the stroller and then unfold it as well as if a particular feature improved the overall functionality. For example a stroller that has a harness that does not rethread makes the adjustment of the seat belts quick and simple. This can be a big attraction for parents who are always in motion, as it does away with the need to rethread their harness.
The UPPAbaby V2 Double was a top performer in this measure because it had a wide variety of seating options, as well as additional accessories to accommodate families that are growing. The wagon-style double-stroller can be expanded to accommodate two seats, a bassinet, or even a toddler-riding board. This is ideal for families who want to spend a lot of time in the car with a variety of children of different age groups. It glides easily over cobblestones, pavements, and ballfields. It can also be folded flat to store in a trunk or a closet. The design of this stroller is simple and easy to use which was well-loved by our tester Kerry. The sleek packaging clear sections, well-marked sections and user guide made it easy to put together this stroller.
Storage
A double stroller is able to hold twice as much 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 of both parents and children including bottles and snacks, toys, and diapers. Look for baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, consider a stroller that has an expandable cargo space that can accommodate bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags.
A quality double stroller should have the ability to adapt as your family expands. For instance, some models include a bassinet attachment that can accommodate infants, while others have child seats that can grow with your children until they're ready to switch to riding on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers also permit a rider's board that allows older children to join in the fun.
You'll find a wide variety of double strollers available on the market, ranging from sleek, high-performance models that can handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models that are more suitable for use in the everyday. When you're shopping, read user reviews and recommendations from families like yours to get an understanding of what to expect with the double stroller you choose.
Double strollers are available in three different styles including tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Billingsley says that side-by-side strollers are the most flexible and ideal for twins as well as children of similar ages. Tandem double strollers on the other hand, have two seats that are placed close to each other and facing opposite directions. It's a ideal choice for children of the same age, or for siblings who enjoy interacting with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and are less likely to be able to fit through doorways.
Take a look at this top choice by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon style double stroller. This affordable model was praised by testers for its various seating configurations. It can be used with two infant car seats, or one child in a convertible toddler seat. Our testers also loved the comfortable memory foam seats with a 50+ SPF canopy, and foam-filled tires that never get flat. When it's time for folding, this model only requires just a few nudges on the straps beneath each seat (under the seat where children sit) for folding.