Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is a great investment when you have two kids of similar age. These compact tandem buggies or versatile side-by-side buggies let you keep both children in the same place while navigating the grocery aisle, parks, and whatever else life can throw at you.
Comfort
When looking for a double stroller, the comfort is a major consideration. This includes both the seating arrangement as well as the overall size of the stroller, which impacts convenience and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child expert in development from the Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, suggests parents check the stroller's weight and folded dimensions. "They should also consider the seat recline options and age ranges to ensure a good fit for their family."
A good double stroller should be able to navigate a variety of surfaces with ease including suburban sidewalks, park paths and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should also offer versatile seating arrangements for children of different ages and comfort features like windows that can be opened and closed to keep kids shielded from sun or rain.
For a majority of families double strollers will be used from birth until childhood, so it's important to think about seating options. Billingsley says there are two major categories: in-line which has one seat in front of the other, and side-by-side, with seats next to one another. Some parents prefer the in-line model due to its sleek design and flexibility. Others prefer the wagon style double stroller for maximum space for bulky or grocery items.
While some products may have different recline options - with one seat almost flat while the other remains relatively upright, this kind of difference is more common in the in-line models. Billingsley suggests selecting a model with a near-flat recline and leg rest adjustment for both seats. This will ensure that both children can lay down comfortably.
In the end, she suggests to look for strollers with storage compartments that will allow parents to easily access snacks, toys and other personal items while on the move. She suggests that it's helpful to look for the stroller that has an organizer console for parents or a parent bag that can be attached to the handlebars, which will help keep things close at hand.
A few of the top-rated double strollers can be extended, 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 that 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 people, plus any additional cargo. Strollers should be able to move and push, especially on rough terrain or in tight spaces. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to ensure that parents maintain a good form when pushing them. Another nice feature is a non-rethread seat belt harness that makes it easier to adjust the belts for your child. Safety features include a durable brake system, as well as wheels that glide over any surface.
Some parents opt for the side-by-side design to ensure that both children meet up on family outings. This arrangement can stop siblings fighting over who is allowed to sit in which spot, but it's not foolproof. If the seats are different levels, a child might kick or punch another while walking in the event that the seats are at different levels.
A tandem-style stroller is a excellent option for parents with twins or siblings who are similar in age. It lets them observe both children at the same time. Double strollers are typically larger, and might not be able to fit through some interior doors. For maximum flexibility, think about a single-to-double stroller that transitions from a single stroller to a tandem in various ways, such as the well-known CYBEX Gazelle S. These models are able to accommodate a broad variety of configurations and permit you to insert infant car seats or cot attachments according to your requirements.
If you decide to purchase a side-by-side or tandem-style stroller, make sure the product is JPMA-certified to meet the strictest safety standards. Be aware of the weight limit that applies to each seat. Overstepping these limits can cause frame fatigue and other issues.
how you can help to be swept up in the bells and whistles, however it's important to keep in mind that strollers are essentially baby carriers that will be carried for long periods of time. It should be comfortable for both the passengers as well as easy to clean and maintain, and in the ideal case, it should offer an intuitive, familiar design so 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 apply the brakes.
Easy of Use
For families who are constantly on the move, a double stroller needs to be easy to maneuver over a variety of terrains. Strollers with features like windows that can be opened and closed, adjustable canopy and reliable brake systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children. But there are other factors that make them more convenient to use. A stroller should be small enough to fit in the trunk of your vehicle yet have plenty of storage space for groceries and other items. It is also essential to include thoughtful details, such as the cup holder for one parent as well as consoles for parents and a snack tray. These can make traveling with two kids significantly easier.
In our tests We evaluated each stroller based on how it performed on a variety surfaces and how well it maneuvered in tight spaces. We also considered how easy it was to fold the stroller in half and then unfold it as well as if a particular feature made a difference to the overall performance. A stroller with no-rethread straps makes it simple to adjust the seat belts. This is a major benefit for parents who are on the move because it cuts down on time and removes 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 accommodate growing families. The double-stroller that looks like a wagon expands to accommodate an additional seat, a bassinet or even a toddler's riding board. This is ideal for families who plan to spend long days 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 be stored in a trunk or a closet. The design of this stroller is easy and easy to use which was well-loved by our test participant Kerry. The smart packaging with clearly marked sections as well as a user guide made it easy to put together this stroller.
Storage
Double strollers can hold twice as much as one stroller, so make sure you search for ample storage space. You want a stroller with enough storage space to accommodate the essentials for both parents and children like bottles as well as snacks, toys and diapers. Look for pockets and baskets under the seats. Also, consider a stroller with an expandable cargo space to accommodate bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags.
A good double stroller should be able to adapt to the needs of your family. Billingsley says that some models have a bassinet attachment to accommodate newborns. Others have child seats that can expand with the child until they are able to ride on the back. Some double strollers also allow for a rider board to let older siblings be part of the fun.
There are a variety of double strollers on the market. You can pick from high-performance models that are great for rough terrain, to affordable options that you can use on a daily basis. While shopping, take a look at user reviews and recommendations from families like yours to get an understanding of what to expect from the double stroller you pick.
Double strollers are available in three models: tandem, side by side and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers provide the most flexibility and are perfect for twins or children who are similar in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers come with two seats that are set in tandem, facing opposite directions. This is a great option for children who are the same age, or siblings who like to play with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through tight spaces and are less likely to fit through doorways than their side-by-side counterparts.
Check out this top selection by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon style double stroller. The testers loved that this budget model offers multiple seating configurations as well as the ability to snap in two infant car seats or a single child riding in a convertible toddler seat. Our testers also loved the soft memory foam seats and the 50+ SPF canopy and foam-filled tires that will never get flat. And when it's time to fold, this model needs only a few tugs on the straps of each seat (under the seats where kids are) to fold in half.