Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two children that are in the same age group A double stroller can be an invaluable investment. These narrow tandem strollers or flexible side-by-side buggies allow you to keep your eyes on both kids at the same time while braving the grocery aisle or the parks, and whatever else life throws your way.
Comfort
When shopping for a double stroller for your child, comfort is a key aspect to take into consideration. This can include the seating arrangement as well as the overall size, which has an impact on the ease of use and storage. "Parents should check how much the stroller weighs and its folded dimensions," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also consider the recline options for seats and age ranges to ensure a good fit for their family."
A quality double stroller should be able to handle different surfaces with ease, from suburban sidewalks to parks and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should also have flexible seating options for children of various ages and comfort features such as peek-a-boo windows and adjustable canopies to protect children from rain or sun.
For a majority of families, a double stroller is likely to be utilized from birth until childhood, so it's important to think about the seating options. Billingsley says there are two primary categories of in-line seating, with one seat in-front of the other and side-byside with seats adjacent to one another. "Some parents prefer an in-line stroller due to its sleek design and versatility, whereas others prefer a wagon-style stroller to make the most space for large items or groceries."
While some products may have different recline options--with one seat almost flat while the other is 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 adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children can lay comfortably.
Finally, she advises to look for a stroller that includes storage compartments that enable parents to access their snacks, toys and other personal items while on the move. She also says that it is helpful to find a stroller that comes with a parent console or organizer bag that is attached to the handlebars. This will help parents keep their essentials to hand.
A few of the top-rated double strollers can be expanded which allows parents to alter the layout to meet the needs of their growing family. For instance, the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used with just a single seat from birth and later converted to tandem (with an additional seat and bassinet) as 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 with adjustable heights, making it easier for parents to maintain a good posture when pushing them. A harness that does not need to be rethread which makes the adjustment of seat belts quicker and easier is another great feature to look for. Safety features include a durable brake system and wheels that glide over any surface.
Some parents choose an arrangement that is side by side so that both children can see each other during family outings. This arrangement can help prevent sibling fights over which child gets to sit where however it's not foolproof. If the seats are positioned at different heights, one child may be capable of punching or kicking the other on a walk.
If you have twins or siblings who are close in age, a tandem-style stroller is a great option for being able see both children at the same time. However, they are larger than other double strollers, meaning 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 a double in many ways. The most popular models are the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you are looking for a tandem or a side-by-side stroller, be sure the product is JPMA certified to meet stringent safety standards. Pay attention to 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 concentrate on the additional bells and whistles on a new stroller, it is crucial to remember that a stroller is essentially a baby carrier that is transported for long periods of time. It must be easy to clean and maintain as well as comfortable for both of the passengers. It should also feature a an easy-to-use, familiar design that lets the person pushing the stroller to move it easily.
Ease of Use
For families who are constantly on the move, a double stroller must be able to navigate various terrains. Features like adjustable canopy windows, peek-aboo windows, and dependable brake systems are critical to help ensure your children's safety, but there are many other aspects that affect stroller ease of use. A stroller should be small enough to fit in the trunk of your vehicle, but still have plenty of storage space for groceries or other items. It is also essential to include thoughtful touches, such as a cup holder for one parent or consoles for parents, as well as snacks on trays. These can help 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 could maneuver in tight spaces. We also considered how easy it was to fold the stroller and then unfold it in a timely manner, and if a specific feature made a difference to the overall performance. A stroller with no-rethread straps makes it easy to adjust the seat belts. This can be 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 V2 Double scored highly in this metric as it had a wide variety of seating options, as well as other accessories that could accommodate families that are growing. The wagon-style double stroller is able to accommodate two seats, a bassinet or even a toddler riding board--perfect for families with active children who plan long, tiring days with multiple kids of various ages. It also glides smoothly over pavement, cobblestones and ballfields--and can be folded flat for simple storage in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is easy and intuitive which was well-loved by our tester Kerry. Its stylish packaging, clearly labeled sections and an informative user guide made putting together this stroller a breeze.
Stores
A double stroller can be able to hold twice as much stuff than a single stroller, so look for ample storage space. Ideally, you'll want a stroller that can accommodate the essentials for both kids--nappies, bottles, snacks and toys, in addition to parents' items such as wallets, phones keys, wallets and phones. Look for baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller with an expandable cargo area to accommodate bulky items such as diaper bags and lunchbags.
A good double stroller must have the ability to adapt as your family grows. For instance certain models come with an attachment for a bassinet that can be used for newborns, and others feature child seats that can be adapted to your children until they're able to ride on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers even allow for a rider board to let older siblings be part of the fun.
There are extra resources of double strollers available. You can pick from models with high-performance features that are ideal for rough terrain, or more budget-friendly options that can use on a daily basis. While shopping, read reviews and opinions of families just like yours to get an idea of what to expect from the double stroller that you choose.
Double strollers are available in three different models: tandem, side by side and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-by-side strollers are the most versatile and ideal for twins or children of similar age. Tandem double strollers come with two seats set up in tandem, facing opposite directions. This is a great option for children who are similar age, or siblings who like to play with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through tight spaces, and less likely to be able to fit through doors.
If you prefer a wagon-style double stroller, check out this top pick from Safety 1st. Testers loved how this affordable model comes with a variety of seating options as well as the ability to connect two infant car seats or a single child in the convertible toddler seat. Our experts also praised the memory foam seats, canopy with 50+ SPF and foam-filled wheels that will never wear out. When it's time to fold this model requires only just a few nudges on the straps under each seat (under the seats where kids sit) in order to fold.