Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two kids who are similar in age, a double stroller could be an invaluable investment. These narrow tandem strollers or flexible side-by-side buggies allow you to keep an eye on both children at the same time while braving the grocery aisle, parks and anything else life throws at you.
Comfort
When looking for a double stroller, comfort is an important consideration. This includes both the seating arrangements and the overall size of the stroller which affects the convenience and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, advises parents to be aware of the stroller's weight and folded dimensions. "They should also take a look at the seat recline options and age ranges to ensure a good fit for their family."
A well-constructed double stroller will be sturdy enough to traverse all surfaces without difficulty, from urban sidewalks to parks trails and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should also have flexible seating arrangements for children of different age and comfort features like peek-a-boo windows and adjustable canopies to keep kids shielded from sun or rain.
For a lot of families, a double stroller will be used from birth until childhood, so it's important to think about seating options. Billingsley says there are two main 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 appearance and versatility, whereas others prefer a wagon-style double stroller to maximize space for heavy items or grocery bags."
While some products may have different recline options--with one seat nearly flat while the other remains relatively upright, this kind of difference is more common in models that are in-line. Billingsley suggests choosing a model with an almost flat recline as well as leg rest adjustments for both seats to ensure each child can sleep comfortably.
She also suggests parents look for strollers with storage compartments so that they can easily access their snacks, personal items, and toys while in motion. She also says that it is beneficial to find a stroller which has a parent console, or organizer bag, that can be attached to the handlebars. This will help parents keep essentials close to hand.
Some of the most highly-rated double strollers are expandable, allowing parents to customize the configuration to meet the needs of their expanding family. The Mockingbird Expandable, for example is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used from birth using a single seat, and then converted into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) when the child is older.
compact twin stroller must be able to support the weight of two passengers and any additional cargo. double buggy with carrycot must also be easy to move and push, particularly in tight areas and on difficult terrain. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height to ensure that parents maintain a good form when pushing them. A no-rethread harness, which makes adjusting seat belts quicker and easier, is another nice feature to look for. Safety features include a robust brake system, as well as wheels that can glide across any surface.
Some parents choose side-by-side designs that allow both children to see each other during family outings. This arrangement can help prevent sibling squabbles over who gets to sit in which spot however, it's not 100% secure. If the seats are different heights, a child may punch or kick another while walking when the seats are on different levels.
If you have twins or siblings close in age, a tandem stroller is a great option for being able to view both kids at once. However, these can be larger than other double strollers, and they may not be able to fit through all interior doorways. Think about a stroller that is single-to-double that can be transformed from a single stroller to double in various ways. Popular models include the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you decide to purchase a side-by-side or tandem-style stroller, make sure the product is JPMA-certified to meet strict safety standards. Be aware of the maximum weight limits for each seat, since exceeding them could result in frame fatigue or other issues.
It's easy to get caught up in the bells and whistles, however it's important to keep in mind that strollers are basically baby carriers that will be used for extended durations. It should be easy to clean and maintain, and comfortable for both passengers. It should also feature a an intuitive, familiar design that lets the person pushing it to maneuver it effortlessly.
Easy of Use
For families who are constantly on the move, a double stroller should be able to maneuver easily over a variety of terrains. Strollers with features such as windows that can be opened and closed, adjustable canopy and sturdy brake systems are crucial to ensure the safety of your children. However, there are other factors that make them more convenient to use. For example, a 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 is also important to consider thoughtful additions like a one-parent cup holder or console for parents, as well as a snack tray for kids--all things that make life with two kids much simpler.
In our tests, we assessed each stroller on the basis of its performance on different surfaces and its ability to maneuver in tight spaces. We also assessed how easy it was to fold and unfold and whether or not a particular feature improved the overall function of the stroller. For example a stroller that has no-rethread harnesses makes adjusting the seat belts quick and simple. This is a major benefit for parents who are always in motion, as it removes the need to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double was a top performer in this metric, as it offers a wide range of seating configurations as well as additional accessories to accommodate growing families. The double-stroller in the wagon style can be expanded to accommodate two seats, a bassinet or even a toddler's riding board. This is ideal for families who want to spend long hours in the car with a variety of children of various ages. It also glides effortlessly over pavement, cobblestones and ballfields--and can be folded flat for easy storage in a trunk or closet. Our tester Kerry appreciated the straightforward and intuitive nature of this stroller's design. Its clever packaging with clearly labeled sections as well as a an informative user guide made assembling this stroller an absolute breeze.
Stores
A double stroller can be able to hold twice as much than a single stroller, so look for ample storage space. You want a stroller with enough storage space to store the essentials for both children and parents, such as bottles, toys, snacks, and diapers. Look for baskets that fit under the seat as well as other pockets, and look into a stroller with an expandable cargo space that can carry heavy items such as lunch bags and diaper bags.
A quality double stroller should be able to adjust as your family expands. For instance, some models include an attachment for a bassinet that can be used for newborns, and others come with child seats that can expand with your children until they're ready to move to the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers allow older children to join in the fun with a rider board.
There are a variety of double strollers in the market, from sleek, high-performance options that excel on rough terrain to budget-friendly models that are more suitable for use in the everyday. When shopping, take a look at reviews and suggestions from families like yours to get a better idea of what you can expect from the double stroller that you select.
Double strollers are available in three different design formats such as tandem, side-byside, and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-byside strollers are the most flexible and ideal for twins or children of similar age. Tandem double strollers have two seats set up in a tandem configuration with the opposite direction facing. This is a good option for children of similar age or siblings who prefer to play with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and less likely to fit into doors.
Check out this top pick by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon-style double stroller. This affordable model was praised by test participants for its multiple seating configurations. It can be used with two car seats for infants, or one child in a convertible toddler chair. Our experts also appreciated the soft memory foam seats with a 50+ SPF canopy, and foam-filled tires that will never get flat. When it's time to fold, this model only requires just a few pulls on the straps underneath each seat (under the seat where children sit) for folding.