Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two kids who are similar in age A double stroller can be an invaluable investment. These compact tandem strollers or flexible side-by-side buggies let you keep an eye on both children at the same time while navigating the aisles of the supermarket as well as the parks and other obstacles life throws at you.
Comfort
When shopping for a double stroller, the comfort is a key consideration. This could include both seating arrangement and the overall dimensions of the stroller which impacts convenience and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child expert in child development from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, advises parents to check the stroller's weight and folded dimensions. "They should also consider the options for recline and seat age ranges to ensure a perfect fit for their family."
A quality double stroller should be able to handle a variety of surfaces with ease including suburban sidewalks, park paths, and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should also offer versatile seating options for children of different age groups and comfort features like windows that peek out and adjustable canopy to protect children from sun or rain.
For a majority of families, a double stroller is likely to be used from birth until childhood, so it's important to consider the seating options. "There are two main categories - in-line with one seat ahead of the other, and side-by-side with seats adjacent to each other," Billingsley explains. Some parents prefer the in-line option due to its sleek style and its versatility. Others like a wagon-style double stroller to make the most space for grocery or bulky items.
While some products may have different recline options--with one seat being almost flat, while the other remains relatively upright--this type of disparity is more common in the in-line models. Billingsley suggests selecting a product with a near-flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats, so that both children can lie back comfortably.
Then, she suggests to look for strollers with storage compartments that will allow parents to access their snacks, toys and personal items while on the move. She adds that it's also helpful to look for a stroller with an organizer or parent console bag attached to the handlebars, which will help keep things within reach.
Some of the best-rated double strollers can be enlarged, allowing parents the flexibility to modify the layout 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 as early as birth, and then 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 two adults, as well as any additional cargo. Strollers should also be easy to push and maneuver, especially in tight spaces and over challenging 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. Another feature that is great is a no-rethread seat belt harness that allows for a more comfortable adjustment of the belts on the seat. Also, a strong brake system and wheels that glide over any surface are crucial safety features.
Some parents opt for a side by side design to ensure that both children see each other on family outings. This arrangement can reduce sibling squabbles over who gets to sit in which place however, it's not 100% secure. If the seats are different levels, a child might kick or punch 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 close in age. It allows them to observe both children at the same time. However, they are more spacious than other double strollers, so they may not be able to be able to pass through all doors in your home. 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 side-byside stroller, make sure that the product has been JPMA certified to meet stringent safety standards. Be aware of the weight limits that apply to each seat, as exceeding them could result in frame fatigue or other issues.
While it's easy to concentrate on the many bells and whistles on the latest 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 comfortable for both parents and children as well as easy to clean and maintain, and most importantly it should feature an intuitive, familiar design so that the person pushing it can easily maneuver it without having to think twice about how to move forward, turn left or right, or use the brakes.
Simple to Use
For families on the go, a double stroller should be easy to maneuver over different terrains. Strollers with features like windows that can be opened and closed, adjustable canopy and sturdy brake systems are vital to ensure the safety of your children. But there are also other factors that make them more convenient to use. A stroller should be small enough to fit in the trunk of your car and still provide plenty of storage space for groceries or other items. It is also essential to include thoughtful features, like cups holder for one parent, consoles for parents and a snack tray. These will make traveling with two kids much more enjoyable.
During our testing, we evaluated each stroller on the basis of its performance on different terrains, as well as its ability to maneuver in tight spaces. We also looked at how easy it was to fold the stroller in half and then unfold it as well as if a particular feature enhanced the overall functionality. A stroller that does not have rethread straps makes it simple to adjust the seat belts. This can be a big benefit for parents who are constantly on the move, as it removes the need to rethread the harness.
lightweight double stroller scored high in this measure, since it came with a variety of seating configurations and additional accessories to accommodate growing families. The double-stroller that looks like a wagon can be expanded to accommodate a second seat, bassinet, or even a toddler-riding board. This is ideal for families who want to spend a lot of time on the road with multiple children of different age groups. It easily glides over pavements, cobblestones, and ball fields. It can be folded flat to fit in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is simple and intuitive and was a big hit with our test participant Kerry. Its stylish packaging, clearly labeled sections and an informative user guide made putting together this stroller a breeze.
Storage
A double stroller has the potential to hold twice as much stuff than a single stroller, so make sure you have plenty of storage space. Ideally, you'll want an item that can hold the essentials for both kids--nappies bottles, snacks, and toys, as well as parents' belongings such as phones, wallets, and keys. Find baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller with an expandable cargo area to accommodate bulky items like diaper bags and lunchbags.
A quality double stroller should be able to adjust as your family grows. Billingsley states that certain models have the option of a bassinet attachment that can accommodate newborns. Other models come with child seats that can grow with the child until they are ready to ride on the back. Some double strollers allow for a rider board to allow older siblings to take part in the fun.
There are a variety of double strollers on the market. You can pick from high-performance models that are ideal for rough terrain, to affordable options that you can use every day. When you're shopping, read user reviews and recommendations from families just like yours to get a better sense of what to expect with the double stroller you choose.
Double strollers come in three different design formats including tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-by-side strollers are the most flexible and suitable for twins or children of similar age. Tandem double strollers, on the other hand, have two seats set adjacent to one another and facing in opposite directions. This is a great option for children who are the same age or for siblings who enjoy interacting with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces, and are less likely to fit in doors.
If you're looking for a wagon-style double stroller, check out this top pick from Safety 1st. Testers loved how this affordable model offers multiple seating configurations as well as the ability to connect two infant car seats or a single child riding 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 needs only a few tugs on the straps underneath each seat (under the seat where children sit) in order to fold.