Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two children who are similar in age, a double stroller could be a great investment. These narrow tandem buggies as well as versatile side-by-side buggies allow you to keep both children in the same place while you shop, parks, and whatever else life throws at you.
Comfort
When shopping for a double stroller, comfort is a major aspect to take into consideration. This includes both the seating arrangement and the overall dimensions of the stroller which affects the ease of use and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, suggests parents check the stroller's weight and folded dimensions. "They should also take a 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 various surfaces with ease, from suburban sidewalks to park trails and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should also have flexible seating arrangements for children of various age groups and comfort features like windows that peek out and adjustable canopy to keep kids shielded from rain or sun.
For a lot of families, a double stroller is likely to be used from birth until the teen years, so it's essential to think about the seating options. Billingsley states that there are two primary categories of in-line seating which has one seat in front of the other and side-byside with seats adjacent to each other. "Some parents prefer an in-line model due to its sleek design and versatility, while others prefer a wagon-style stroller that can be used to store bulky items or grocery bags."
While some products may have different recline options, with one seat being almost flat, while the other one remains upright, this kind of difference is more prevalent in models that are in-line. Billingsley suggests selecting a model with a near-flat recline as well as leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children can lie down comfortably.
In the end, she suggests choosing strollers with storage compartments that enable parents to quickly access snacks, toys and personal items while out and about. She also suggests that it is beneficial to find a stroller which includes a parent console or organizer bag, that can be attached to the handlebars. This will aid parents in keeping their essentials to hand.
Some of the best-rated double strollers can be expanded to allow parents to modify the layout depending on the needs of their family. For example the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used with a single seat as early as birth, and then converted to tandem (with an additional seat and bassinet) as the child gets older.
Safety
Double strollers must be able to support the weight of two passengers--plus any additional cargo. Strollers should also be easy to push and maneuver, especially in tight spaces and on difficult terrain. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to help parents maintain good posture while pushing them. Another great feature is a non-rethread seat belt harness, which makes it easier to adjust the belts for your child. Safety features include a robust brake system and wheels which slide over any surface.
Some parents opt for a side-by-side design that allows both children to be able to see each other on family outings. This arrangement can reduce sibling squabbles about who gets to sit in which place however, it's not 100% secure. If the seats are located at different heights, a child could punch or kick another while walking when the seats are on different levels.
A tandem-style stroller is great option for parents with twins or siblings who are close in age. It allows them to observe both children at the same time. These double strollers can be wider, and may not fit through some doors inside. For maximum flexibility, think about a single-to-double stroller that transitions from a single stroller to a tandem in a variety of ways, such as the popular CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can accommodate a wide variety of configurations and let you click in infant car seats or cot attachments, depending on your needs.
If you decide to purchase a side-by-side or tandem-style stroller, be sure that the stroller is JPMA-certified to meet stringent safety standards. Be aware of the maximum weight limit for each seat. If you exceed these limits, it could cause frame fatigue or other problems.
While it's easy to focus on all the extra bells and whistles on a new stroller, it's crucial to remember that a stroller is essentially a baby carrier that is carried around for long durations of time. It must be easy to clean and maintain as well as comfortable for both of the passengers. It should also have a an easy-to-use, familiar design that lets the person pushing it to maneuver it effortlessly.
Ease of Use
For families who are constantly on the move, a double stroller needs to be able to maneuver easily over different terrains. Features like adjustable canopies, peek-aboo windows and dependable braking systems are crucial to ensure your children's safety, but there are other factors that affect stroller ease of use. For example, a stroller must be small enough to fit in the trunk of your car yet provide ample storage space for groceries and other belongings. Also important are thoughtful touches like a cup holder with a single parent as well as a console for parents and snacks for children--all things that can make life with two kids significantly easier.
During our testing we evaluated each stroller based on its ability to perform on different surfaces and its ability to maneuver in tight spaces. We also examined the ease with which it was possible to fold and unfold and whether or not a specific feature improved the overall functionality of the stroller. A stroller without rethread straps is easy to adjust the seat belts. This is a huge selling point for parents who are constantly moving around, since it does away with the need to rethread their harness.
The UPPAbaby V2 Double scored well in this test because it had a wide variety of seating options, as well as additional accessories that accommodated families that are growing. The wagon-style double-stroller can be expanded to accommodate a second seat, bassinet, or even a toddler-riding board. This is ideal for families that plan to spend long hours on the road with multiple children of different age groups. It also glides smoothly across cobblestones, balls and pavements. It folds flat for easy storage in a closet or trunk. Our test subject Kerry was impressed by the simple and intuitive nature of this stroller's design. double buggy packaging, clearly labeled sections and helpful user guides made putting together this stroller an absolute breeze.
Storage
Double strollers can carry twice more than a single one So, make sure to ensure you have plenty of storage space. You want a stroller with enough storage space to store the necessities of parents and children like bottles as well as snacks, toys and diapers. Find baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, consider a stroller that has an expandable cargo area to accommodate bulky items such as lunch bags and diaper bags.
A quality double stroller will be able to expand with your family. For example, some models include a bassinet attachment that can accommodate infants, while others come with child seats that can grow with your kids until they're ready to ride on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers permit older siblings to join in the fun with riding boards.
There are a variety of double strollers on the market, from sleek, high-performance models that can handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models more suited for daily use. When shopping, take a look at reviews and recommendations of families like yours to get a better idea of what you can expect from the double stroller you pick.
Double strollers are available in three designs: tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-byside strollers are the most flexible and ideal for twins or children of a similar age. Tandem double strollers feature two seats arranged in a tandem arrangement facing in opposite directions. This is a great option for children who are the same age, or siblings who want to play with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and less likely to be able to fit through doorways.
If you're looking for a wagon-style double stroller, check out this top pick from Safety 1st. 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 in a convertible toddler seat. Our experts also praised memory foam seats, canopy with 50+ SPF and foam-filled wheels that never flatten. And when it's time for you to fold, this model requires just a couple of tugs on straps on each seat (under the seat where kids sit) to fold in half.