Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two kids who are similar in age, a double stroller can be an invaluable investment. These compact tandem strollers or flexible side-by-side buggies allow you to keep an eye on both kids at the same time while braving the grocery aisle or the parks, and whatever else life throws at you.
Comfort
When you are looking for a double stroller for your child, comfort is an important aspect to take into consideration. This can include the seating arrangement and the overall size, which can have an impact on the ease of use and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child expert in development from the Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, says parents should be aware of the stroller's weight and folded dimensions. "They should also take a look at the options for recline and seat age ranges to ensure the best fit for their family."
A well-constructed double stroller will be robust enough to navigate all surfaces without difficulty, from parks trails to suburban sidewalks and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should also offer versatile seating arrangements for children of varying age groups and comfort features like windows that can be opened and closed to protect children from rain or sun.
Seating options are important for many families who will utilize double strollers from birth to childhood. double infant strollers states that there are two primary categories: in-line which has one seat in front of the other, and side-by-side, with seats next to each other. Some parents prefer the in-line option because of its sleek appearance and versatility. Others prefer a wagon-style double stroller to make the most space for grocery or bulky items.
In-line models are more likely to show this type of discrepancy. Some models might offer different recline options, with one seat being almost flat, while the other one remaining fairly upright. Billingsley suggests selecting a model with both a near flat recline as well as leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children can lay down comfortably.
She also suggests that parents look for strollers that have storage compartments so that they can quickly access their snacks, personal items and toys on the move. She adds that it's also helpful to look for the stroller that has an organizer or parent console bag that can be attached to the handlebars. This will allow you to keep your essentials in reach.
Some of the top-rated double strollers can be expanded which allows parents to alter the layout to meet the needs of their expanding family. The Mockingbird Expandable, for example is a highly rated double stroller which can be used from birth using a single seat, then transformed into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers should be able to carry the weight of two people, plus any additional cargo. Strollers must also be easy to move and push, particularly in tight spots and over challenging terrain. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars and adjustable heights which make it easier for parents to maintain good form when pushing them. A no-rethread harness that makes the adjustment of seat belts more quickly and easily, is another nice feature to look out for. Safety features include a robust brake system and wheels that slide over any surface.
Some parents prefer an arrangement that allows both children to view each other during family outings. This arrangement can help prevent sibling fights over which child is allowed to sit in which spot however it's not foolproof. If the seats are set at different levels, one child might be able to kick or punch the other on a walk.
For parents with twins or siblings who are close in age, a tandem-style stroller is a great option for being able see both kids at once. However, they are wider than other double strollers, meaning they may not be able to pass through all doors in your home. For double infant stroller , think about a stroller that can change from a single stroller to a tandem in different ways, like the renowned CYBEX Gazelle S. These models are able to accommodate a broad variety of configurations and let you click in infant car seats or cot attachments depending on your requirements.
If you decide to purchase a side-by-side or tandem-style stroller, make sure the product is certified by JPMA to meet strict safety standards. Also pay attention to the weight limits that apply to each seat, as exceeding them could result in frame fatigue or other issues.
While it's easy for us to focus on the additional bells and whistles on the latest stroller, it is crucial to be aware that a stroller essentially a baby carrier that will be transported for long periods of time. It should be comfortable for both 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 can easily maneuver it without having to think twice about how to move forward and turn left or right, or apply the brakes.
User-Friendliness
A double stroller should be simple to maneuver over different of terrains for families that are constantly on the move. Features like adjustable canopy with windows that peek out and dependable braking systems are crucial to ensure your children's safety, however, there are other elements that contribute to stroller ease of use. For example the stroller must be compact enough to fit into the trunk of your car while still offering ample storage space for food items and other things. It's also important to include thoughtful features, like cups holder for one parent or consoles for parents, as well as a snack tray. These can make traveling with two children significantly easier.
In our testing we rated each stroller on how well it did on a variety of terrains, and how easily it maneuvered in tight spaces. We also looked at how easy it was to fold the stroller and unfold it as well as if a particular feature enhanced the overall functionality. For example a stroller that has a no-rethread harness makes adjusting the seat belts quick and simple. This is a major selling point for parents who are on the move since it reduces time and reduces the need to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby V2 Double was a top performer in this test because it came with a variety of seating configurations and additional accessories that accommodated growing families. The wagon-style double-stroller expands so that it can accommodate two seats, a bassinet or even a toddler's riding board. This is ideal for families who plan to spend long hours in the car with a variety of children of different age groups. It is able to glide effortlessly over cobblestones, pavements, and ballfields. It can also be folded flat to store in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is simple and intuitive and was a big hit with our test subject Kerry. Its stylish packaging with clearly labeled sections as well as a helpful user guide made putting together this stroller a breeze.
Storage
A double stroller is able to hold twice as much stuff as a single stroller therefore, you should look for plenty of storage space. Ideally, you want a stroller that can accommodate the necessities for both kids, including nappies, bottles, snacks and toys, along with parents' belongings such as phones, wallets, and keys. Look for pockets and baskets under the seats. Also, think about 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 grow with your family. Billingsley states that certain models come with a bassinet attachment to accommodate infants. Some models have child seats that grow with the child until they are ready to ride on the back. Some double strollers even permit a rider's board to allow older siblings to be part of the fun.
There are a variety of double strollers available. You can pick from models with high-performance features that are ideal for rough terrain, to more budget-friendly 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 to expect from the double stroller you select.
Double strollers come in three different design formats including tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers offer most versatility and are suitable for twins or kids who are close to each other in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers, on the other hand, feature two seats set next to each other and facing opposite directions. It's a good option for kids of the same age or for siblings who love to interact with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through tight spaces, and are less likely to pass through doorways than their side-by-side counterparts.
If you prefer a wagon-style double stroller, take a look at this top choice from Safety 1st. Testers loved how this affordable model offers multiple seating configurations as well as the ability to click in two infant car seats or a single child riding in the convertible toddler seat. Our testers also loved the comfy memory foam seats and the 50+ SPF canopy and foam-filled tires that will never stop running flat. And when it's time to fold, this model requires just a couple of tugs on the straps of each seat (under where the kids sit) to fold it in half.