Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is an excellent investment when you have two kids with similar age. These compact tandem buggies or versatile side-by-side buggies allow you to keep both children within sight while you shop, parks, and whatever else life throws at you.
Comfort
When shopping for a double stroller for your child, comfort is an important factor to consider. This can include the seating arrangement and the overall size, which will have an impact on ease of use and storage. "Parents should determine how much the stroller weighs as well as its folded dimensions," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They must also take into consideration the seat recline options, as well as the age ranges of their children to ensure it is a perfect fit."
A quality double stroller should be sturdy enough to traverse various surfaces with ease, from urban sidewalks to parks trails and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should come with a variety of seating options for children at different stages of development, as well as comfort features like peek-a-boo window and adjustable canopies that protect children from the sun or rain.
Seating options are crucial for many families who use a double stroller from birth to the age of. "There are two main categories--in-line with one seat ahead of the other, and side-byside with seats next to each other," Billingsley explains. Some parents prefer the in-line model due to its sleek design and versatility. Others like the wagon style double stroller for maximum space for bulky or grocery items.
In-line models tend to have this type of discrepancy. Some models might offer different recline options, with one being nearly flat, and the other being more upright. Billingsley suggests selecting a model that has a nearly flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children lay comfortably.
Finally, she advises to look for strollers that have storage compartments that allow parents to access their snacks, toys and other personal items while out and about. She adds that it's also beneficial to choose a stroller with an organizer console for parents or a parent bag attached to the handlebars. This will help keep things within reach.
Some of the top-rated double strollers are expandable which allows parents to alter the layout to meet the needs of their expanding family. For instance the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used with just a single seat from birth, and then transformed into tandem (with the addition of a second seat and bassinet) as the child gets older.
Safety
Double strollers must be able to support the weight of both the passengers as well as any additional cargo. Strollers must also be easy to maneuver and push, especially in tight spaces and on terrain that is difficult to navigate. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to allow parents to maintain their good posture while pushing them. A harness that does not need to be rethread, which makes adjusting seat belts faster and easier is another great feature to look for. Finally, a sturdy brake system and wheels that glide over any surface are essential safety features.
Some parents opt for the side-by-side design to allow both children to be together when they go on family outings. This arrangement can prevent sibling rivalries over who gets to sit in which place however it's not foolproof. If the seats are different heights, a child could kick or punch one another during a walk, when the seats are on different levels.
A tandem-style stroller is great option for parents with twins or siblings that are close in age. It lets them be able to see both children simultaneously. Double strollers can be more spacious, and may not fit through some interior doors. To maximize versatility, you should consider a stroller that can change from a single stroller to a tandem in various ways, such as the popular CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can be adapted to a wide range of configurations and allow you to click in infant car seats or cot attachments according to your requirements.
If you opt for a side-byside or tandem-style stroller, be 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 over-weighting could lead to frame fatigue or other issues.
While it's easy to focus on the many bells and whistles that come with a new stroller, it's crucial to remember that a stroller is an infant carrier that will be transported for long periods of time. It must be easy to clean and maintain, and comfortable for both the passengers. It should also have a an intuitive, familiar design that allows the person pushing it to move it easily.
User-Friendliness
A double stroller should be simple to maneuver over a variety types of terrains for families constantly moving. Strollers with features like windows that peek-a-boo, adjustable canopies and sturdy brake systems are vital to ensure the safety of your children. But there are other features that make them easier to use. For instance the stroller must be small enough to fit in the trunk of your car but still provide ample storage space for your groceries and other items. Also double buggy are thoughtful touches like a cup holder with a single parent, parent consoles and snacks for children--all things that can make life with two children significantly more manageable.
In our tests we rated the strollers on how it performed on a variety of surfaces and how well it maneuvered in tight spaces. We also assessed the ease with which it was possible to fold and unfold and whether or not a specific feature added to the overall functionality of the stroller. A stroller that does not have rethread straps is easy to adjust the seat belts. This can be a huge benefit for parents on the go because it cuts down on time and reduces the need to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby 2 Double was a top performer in this metric as it offered a wide range of seating configurations, and additional accessories to accommodate families that are growing. The wagon-style double stroller can be expanded to accommodate two seats as well as a bassinet or a toddler riding board that is perfect for families with active children who plan long, tiring days with multiple kids of various age. It also glides effortlessly over cobblestones, ball fields and pavements. It also can be folded flat for easy storage in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is simple and easy to use which was well-loved by our test subject Kerry. Its clever packaging with clearly labeled sections as well as a helpful user guide made assembling this stroller a breeze.
Storage
Double strollers can carry twice more than a single one so be sure to search for ample storage space. It is important to find a stroller with enough storage space to hold the necessities of children and parents including bottles, toys, snacks, and diapers. Look for under-seat baskets and other pockets, and look into a stroller with an expandable cargo space that can carry bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags.
A quality double stroller will be able to adapt to the needs of your family. For example certain models come with the bassinet attachment, which can accommodate infants, while others come with child seats that can expand with your children until they're ready to ride on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers also permit a rider's board to allow older siblings to be part of the fun.
There's a wide selection of double strollers available on the market, ranging from elegant, high-performance models that can handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models that are more for everyday use. When you're shopping, read reviews and suggestions from families like yours to get an understanding of what you can expect from the double stroller you select.
Double strollers are available in three designs: tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers offer most versatility and are ideal for twins or children who are similar to their age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers, on other hand, have two seats that are arranged close to each other and facing in opposite directions. This is a ideal choice for children of the same age, or for siblings who enjoy interacting with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through tight spaces, and are less likely to fit in doorways.
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 various seating configurations. 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 as well as the canopy, which has 50+ SPF, and foam-filled wheels that never flatten. When it's time to fold, this model needs just a couple of tugs on the straps of each seat (under where the kids sit) to fold it in half.