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 buggies or versatile side-by-side buggies let you keep both children in sight when you are navigating the aisles of your grocery store, parks, and whatever else life throws at you.
Comfort
When you are looking for a double stroller, comfort is a major aspect to take into consideration. This can include both the seating arrangements and the overall dimensions of the stroller which impacts accessibility and storage. "Parents should check how much the stroller weighs as well as its dimensions when folded," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also think about the seat recline options, as well as the ages of their children to ensure that it's a perfect fit."
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 come with a variety of seating options for children at different ages, as well as comfort features such as a peek-a-boo window and adjustable canopy which protect children from the sun or rain.
For a lot of families, a double stroller will be utilized from birth until the teen years, so it's essential to consider the seating options. Billingsley says there are two major 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 the in-line option because of its sleek appearance and versatility. Others like the wagon style double stroller to maximize space for grocery or bulky items.
In-line models tend to have this kind of difference. Some models might offer different recline options, with one being nearly flat, and the other one remaining fairly upright. Billingsley recommends choosing a product with a nearly flat recline and leg rest adjustment for both seats to ensure each child can sleep comfortably.
Then, she suggests looking for strollers with storage compartments that enable parents to access their snacks, toys and other personal items while on the move. She also says that it is beneficial to choose a stroller that has a parent console, or organizer bag, that can be attached to the handlebars. This can aid parents in keeping their essentials at hand.
A few of the top-rated double strollers can be enlarged, allowing parents the flexibility to customize the setup based on their family's needs. The Mockingbird Expandable, for instance is a highly-rated double stroller which can be used from birth using a single seat, and later converted into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) when the child is older.
Safety
Double strollers should be able to support the weight of two adults, as well as any additional cargo. Strollers must also be easy to move and push, particularly in tight spaces and on difficult terrain. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights which make it easier for parents to maintain good form when pushing them. Another nice feature is a no-rethread seat belt harness that makes it easier to adjust the seat belts. Also, double pram and pushchair and wheels that glide over any surface are important safety features.
Some parents opt for the side-by-side design to allow both children to meet up during family outings. This arrangement can prevent siblings arguing over who sits in which place, but it isn't foolproof. If the seats are located at different heights, a child may kick or punch another while walking if the seats are at different levels.
A tandem stroller is a ideal option for parents with twins or siblings who are close in age. It lets them observe both children at the same time. Double strollers are typically wider, and may not fit through certain interior doors. You could consider a single-to-double stroller that can be converted from a single to double in various ways. The most popular models are the CYBEX gazelle S.
Whether you choose a side-by-side or tandem-style stroller, make sure the product is certified by JPMA to meet the strictest safety standards. Also pay attention to the maximum weight limits for each seat, as exceeding them can 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 is crucial to be aware that a stroller basically a baby carrier that is used for extended durations of time. It must be easy to clean and maintain and comfortable for both passengers. It should also have a familiar, intuitive design that allows the person pushing the stroller to easily maneuver it.
Easy of Use
A double stroller must be easily maneuverable on a variety terrains for families who are always on the move. Strollers that have features like peek-a-boo windows, adjustable canopies and sturdy brake systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children. However, there are other factors that make them simpler to use. For instance, a stroller must be small enough to fit into the trunk of your car but still provide ample storage space for food items and other things. It's also essential to add thoughtful details, such as cups holder for one parent as well as consoles for parents and an eating tray. These will make traveling with two children much more enjoyable.
In our testing, we evaluated the strollers on how it did on a variety of surfaces and how well it could maneuver in tight spaces. We also looked at the ease with which it was possible to fold and unfold, and whether or not a specific feature improved the overall functionality of the stroller. A stroller with no-rethread straps is easy to adjust the seat belts. This can be a big benefit for parents who are always on the move, as it removes the need to rethread their harness.
The UPPAbaby 2 Double was a top performer in this metric as it offered a wide range of seating options, as well as additional accessories that accommodated growing families. The wagon-style double-stroller can be expanded to accommodate an additional seat, a bassinet or even a toddler's riding board. This is ideal for families that plan to spend long days traveling with several children of different age groups. It also glides smoothly over cobblestones, ball fields and pavements. It also it folds flat to make simple storage in a trunk or closet. Our tester Kerry loved the simple and intuitive nature of this stroller's design. Its smart packaging, clearly labeled sections and an informative user guide made putting together this stroller a breeze.
Storage
A double stroller can be able to hold twice as much than a single stroller, so make sure you have plenty of storage space. Ideally, you'll want a stroller that is able to hold the essentials for both kids--nappies, bottles, snacks and toys, in addition to parents' belongings such as phones, wallets keys and wallets. Look for pockets and baskets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller with an expandable cargo space to accommodate bulky items such as diaper bags and lunchbags.
A good double stroller will be able to grow with your family. For instance, some models include an attachment for a bassinet that can accommodate newborns, while others have child seats that can grow with your children until they're able to switch to riding on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers permit older siblings to share in the fun with riding boards.
There are many double strollers available. You can pick from models with high-performance features which are suitable for rough terrain, or affordable options that you can use on a daily basis. While shopping, read reviews and opinions of families similar to yours to get an idea of what you can expect from the double stroller that you choose.
Double strollers come in three different design formats: side-by-side, tandem, and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-byside strollers are the most flexible and ideal for twins as well as children of a similar age. Tandem double strollers come with two seats that are set in a tandem arrangement with the opposite direction facing. This is a good option for children who are similar age, or siblings who want to play with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces, and less likely to fit in doors.
If you prefer a wagon-style double stroller take a look at this top choice from Safety 1st. The testers loved that this budget model offers multiple seating configurations and the option to click in two infant car seats or a single child in an convertible toddler seat. Our reviewers also praised the memory foam seats and canopy that has 50+ SPF and foam-filled wheels that never flatten. When it's time for folding, this model only requires a few tugs on the straps underneath each seat (under where kids sit) to fold.