Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two kids that are in the same age group, a double stroller can be a valuable investment. These narrow tandem strollers or flexible side-by-side buggies allow you to keep your eyes on both kids at the same time braving the grocery aisle as well as the parks and other obstacles life throws at you.
Comfort
When you are looking for a double stroller, the comfort is a key consideration. This can include both the seating arrangement as well as the overall size of the stroller which affects the convenience and storage. "Parents should check how much the stroller weighs and its dimensions when folded," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also look at the seat recline options and age ranges to ensure the best fit for their family."
A well-constructed double stroller will be durable enough to travel on different surfaces smoothly--from suburban sidewalks to park trails, and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should also provide flexible seating arrangements for children of various age and comfort features such as peek-a-boo windows and adjustable canopies to protect children from rain or sun.
Seating options are crucial for many families who will utilize a double stroller from the time of birth until the age of. Billingsley explains that there are two main categories of in-line seating with one seat in front of the other, and side-by-side with seats adjacent to one another. Some parents prefer the in-line model because of its sleek appearance and its versatility. Others like the wagon style double stroller for maximum space for bulky or grocery items.
In-line models are more likely to show this kind of difference. Some models might offer different recline options, with one seat being nearly flat, and the other one remaining fairly upright. Billingsley suggests selecting a product that has a nearly flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats, so that both children can lie back comfortably.
She also suggests that parents search for strollers with storage compartments so that they can easily access snacks, personal items, and toys while moving about. She also suggests that it's helpful to find a stroller that includes a parent console or organizer bag that is attached to the handlebars. This will help parents keep essentials close at hand.
A few of the top-rated double strollers can be enlarged, allowing parents the flexibility to alter the configuration based on their family's needs. The Mockingbird Expandable, for example is a highly rated double stroller which can be used from birth with a single seat, and then converted into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) when the child gets older.
Safety
Double strollers have to be able to support the weight of two adults, as well as any additional cargo. Strollers must also be easy to push and maneuver, especially in tight spaces and on difficult terrain. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height which allow parents to maintain good form when pushing them. Another feature that is great is a non-rethread seat belt harness, which makes it easier to adjust the seat belts. A sturdy brake system and wheels that can glide over any surface are important safety features.
Some parents prefer the side-by-side design to allow both children to see each other when they go on family outings. This arrangement can prevent sibling squabbles about who gets to sit in which place however, it's not 100% secure. If the seats are at different heights, a child could kick or punch another during a walk in the event that the seats are at different levels.
If you have twins or siblings of similar age, a tandem-style stroller can be beneficial in being able to view both children at the same time. However, these can be wider than other double strollers, meaning they might not fit through all interior doorways. Think about a stroller that is single-to-double that can be converted from a single to double in various ways. The most popular models are the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you're in the market for a tandem or side-byside stroller, ensure that the stroller has been JPMA certified to meet stringent safety standards. Pay attention to the weight limit that applies to each seat. If you exceed these limits, it could cause frame fatigue and other issues.
While it's easy for us to focus on the many bells and whistles of a new stroller, it's crucial to remember that a stroller is essentially a baby carrier that is used for extended periods of time. It must be easy to clean and maintain as well as comfortable for both the passengers. It should also feature a an intuitive, familiar design that allows the person pushing the stroller to easily maneuver it.
Simple to Use
For families that are on the move, a double stroller should be easy to maneuver over different terrains. Features like adjustable canopies windows, peek-aboo windows, and dependable brake systems are crucial to ensure the safety of your children, but there are many other aspects that influence stroller comfort of use. For instance, a stroller must be small enough to fit in the trunk of your car, but still provide ample storage space for your groceries and other items. Additionally, you should consider thoughtful features like a cup holder with a single parent as well as a console for parents and an eating tray for children -- all things that make life with two kids much more manageable.
During our testing, we evaluated each stroller on how well it did on a variety of surfaces and how well it maneuvered in tight spaces. We also looked at how simple it was to fold the stroller and unfold it, and if a particular feature made a difference to the overall performance. For double pushchair that has a harness that does not rethread makes the adjustment of the seat belts easy and quick. This is a major selling point for parents who are constantly on the move, as it eliminates the need to rethread their harness.
The UPPAbaby v2 Double was a top performer in this metric as it came with a variety of seating options, as well as other accessories that could accommodate growing families. The double-stroller in the wagon style can be expanded to accommodate two seats, a bassinet, or even a toddler-riding board. This is ideal for families who plan to spend a lot of time on the road with multiple children of various ages. It also glides smoothly across pavement, cobblestones and ballfields--and can be folded flat for simple storage in a closet or trunk. Our tester Kerry appreciated the straightforward and easy-to-use nature of the stroller's design. Its stylish packaging clear sections, well-labeled sections and an informative user guide made assembling this stroller an absolute breeze.
Stores
A double stroller can be able to hold twice as much stuff than a single stroller, so make sure you have plenty of storage space. You'll want a stroller that has enough storage space to accommodate the essentials for both children and parents, such as bottles as well as snacks, toys and diapers. Look for under-seat baskets and other pockets, and consider a stroller with an expanding cargo area that can hold heavy items such as lunch bags and diaper bags.
A quality double stroller will be able to grow with your family. For double pram and pushchair , some models include a bassinet attachment that can be used for newborns, and others come with child seats that can grow with your children until they're ready to move to the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers also include a rider board to let older siblings take part in the fun.
There's a wide selection of double strollers in the market, from sleek, high-performance models that can handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models that are more for everyday use. While shopping, take a look at reviews from other users and the opinions of families just like yours to get an idea of what to expect with the double stroller you select.
Double strollers are available in three different designs including tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers provide the most versatility and are ideal for twins or children who are close to each other in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers have two seats set up in tandem facing in opposite directions. This is a great option for children of similar age, or siblings who prefer to play with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces, and less likely to fit in doorways.
Check out this top pick by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon style double stroller. Our testers were impressed by the fact that this low-cost model has multiple seating options as well as the ability to snap in two infant car seats or a single child riding in the 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 flatten. When it's time for folding this model needs only just a few nudges on the straps underneath each seat (under the seat where children sit) to fold.