Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is a good investment if you have two children of similar age. These narrow tandem buggies or flexible side by side buggies allow you to 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 looking for a double stroller, comfort is a major consideration. This could include both seating arrangement as well as the overall size of the stroller which impacts accessibility and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, advises parents to check the stroller's weight and folded dimensions. "They should also consider the recline options for seats and age ranges to ensure a perfect fit for their family."
A good double stroller will be sturdy enough to traverse various surfaces with ease, 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 various age and comfort features like windows that peek out and adjustable canopy to keep kids shielded from rain or sun.
Seating options are important for many families that will use double strollers from birth to the age of. Billingsley explains that there are two main categories: in-line, with one seat in-front of the other and side-byside with seats adjacent to one another. Some parents prefer the in-line model due to its sleek style and versatility. Others like a wagon style double stroller to make the most space for bulky or grocery items.
Although some models may have different recline options - with one seat almost flat while the other one remains upright, this type of distinction is more common in in-line models. Billingsley suggests selecting a model with a near-flat recline and leg rest adjustment for both seats. This will ensure that both children lie down comfortably.
She also suggests that parents search for strollers with storage compartments so that they can easily access their snacks, personal items and toys moving about. She suggests that it's useful to find a stroller that has an organizer console for parents or a parent bag that can be attached to the handlebars, which will help keep things close at hand.
A few of the top-rated double strollers can be extended, allowing parents the flexibility to customize the setup according to their family's requirements. 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 the addition of a second seat and bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers should be able to handle the weight of both passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers need to be easy to maneuver and push, especially on rough terrain or in tight spaces. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height to ensure that parents maintain a good form when pushing them. A harness that is not rethread which makes the adjustment of seat belts quicker and easier, is another nice feature to look for. A sturdy brake system and wheels that glide across any surface are crucial safety features.
Some parents choose a side-by-side design that allows both children to be able to see each other during family outings. This arrangement can prevent sibling fights over which child is allowed to sit where however it's not foolproof. If the seats are at different heights, a child could punch or kick one another during a walk, in the event that the seats are at different levels.
A tandem-style stroller is a ideal option for parents with twins or siblings that are similar in age. It lets parents observe both children at the same time. These double strollers can be larger, and might not be able to fit through some interior doors. You could consider a single-to-double stroller that can be transformed from a single to double in various ways. The most popular models are the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you're looking for a tandem or a side-by-side stroller, be sure the product is JPMA certified to meet the strictest safety standards. Be aware of the weight limit that applies to each seat. Overstepping these limits can cause frame fatigue and other issues.
It's easy to get caught up in the bells and whistles, but it's important to remember that strollers are essentially baby carriers that are carried for long periods of times. It must be easy to clean and maintain, and comfortable for both of the passengers. It should also have an easy-to-use, familiar design that allows the person pushing it to easily maneuver it.
Ease of twin pushchair from birth should be easy to maneuver on a variety types of terrains for families always on the move. Strollers with features such as peek-a-boo windows, adjustable canopies and reliable brake systems are vital to ensure the safety of your children. But there are other factors that make them more convenient to use. A stroller should be compact enough to fit into the trunk of your vehicle, but still have plenty of storage space for food or other things. It's also essential to add thoughtful touches, such as the cup holder for one parent as well as consoles for parents and an eating tray. These will make traveling with two kids much easier.
In our tests We evaluated the strollers on how it performed on a variety of terrains, and how easily it could maneuver in tight spaces. We also assessed how easy it was to fold and unfold and whether or not a particular feature added to the overall function of the stroller. A stroller without rethread straps is easy to adjust the seat belts. This is a major benefit for parents on the go because it cuts down on time and reduces 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 help accommodate growing families. The wagon-style double stroller expands to provide two seats, a bassinet or even a toddler-friendly riding board, which is ideal for families who are active and planning long days on the go with multiple children of different age. It easily glides over cobblestones and pavements and ball fields. It can also be folded flat to store in a trunk or a closet. The design of this stroller is simple and easy to use which was well-loved by our tester Kerry. The clever packaging, clearly marked sections and the user's guide made it simple to put this stroller together.
Storage
Double strollers can carry twice as much as a single one so be sure to search for ample storage space. Ideally, you'll want a stroller that can accommodate the necessities for both kids, including nappies, bottles, snacks and toys, in addition to parents' belongings like wallets, phones keys and wallets. Find baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, consider a stroller with an expandable cargo area to take in bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags.
A good double stroller should be able to expand with your family. For example, some models include the bassinet attachment, which can be used for newborns, and others feature child seats that can expand with your kids until they're ready to move to the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers permit a rider's board to let older siblings take part in the fun.
There are a variety of double strollers in the market, ranging from sleek, high-performance options that can handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models that are more suited for daily use. While shopping, read reviews and opinions of families like yours to get an idea of what you can 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-byside strollers are the most flexible and ideal for twins or children of similar ages. Tandem double strollers, on other hand, feature two seats that are arranged close to each other and facing opposite directions. It's a great option for children of the same age or for siblings who like to interact with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and are less likely to fit into doorways.
If you're looking for 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 snap in two infant car seats or a single child riding in an convertible toddler seat. Our reviewers also praised the memory foam seats, canopy with 50+ SPF, and foam-filled wheels that will never wear out. And when it's time to fold, this model needs only a couple of pulls on the straps on each seat (under where the kids sit) to fold in half.