Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is an excellent investment when you have two kids of similar ages. These narrow tandem buggies or versatile side-by-side buggies allow you to keep both children in the same place while navigating the grocery aisle or in parks, or whatever else life can throw at you.
Comfort
When shopping for a double stroller, comfort is a key consideration. This could include both seating arrangement as well as the overall dimensions of the stroller which can impact the ease of use and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child expert in child development from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, suggests parents examine the stroller's weight as well as folded dimensions. " double pushchair should also consider the options for recline of the seat, as well as the ages of their children to ensure that it's the perfect fit."
A good double stroller will be durable enough to travel on various surfaces with ease, from suburban sidewalks to park trails and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should offer a range 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 rain or sun.
For a lot of families, a double stroller will be used from birth until childhood, so it's important to consider the seating options. Billingsley explains that there are two major categories that are in-line, with one seat in-front of the other, and side-by-side seating with seats next to each other. "Some parents prefer an in-line model due to its sleek appearance and versatility, while others prefer a wagon-style double stroller to maximize space for bulky items or groceries."
Some products may offer different recline options - with one seat nearly flat while the other is upright, this kind of difference is more common in 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 lay down comfortably.
In the end, she suggests to look for strollers that have storage compartments that enable parents to access their snacks, toys and other personal items while out and about. She suggests that it's helpful to look for a stroller that has an organizer console for parents or a parent bag attached to the handlebars. This will allow you to keep your essentials close at hand.
Many of the top-rated double strollers can be expanded to allow parents to alter the configuration based on their family's needs. The Mockingbird Expandable, for instance is a highly-rated double stroller that 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 have to be able to carry the weight of two passengers--plus any additional cargo. Strollers should be simple to maneuver and push, especially on difficult terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to help parents maintain good posture while pushing them. A harness that is not rethread, which makes adjusting 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 prefer a side by side design to ensure that both children see each other during family outings. This arrangement can help prevent sibling fights over which child is allowed to sit in which spot however it's not foolproof. If the seats are different heights, a child may kick or punch another during a walk when the seats are on different levels.
A tandem stroller is a excellent option for parents with twins or siblings who are similar in age. It lets parents see both children at once. However, they are wider than other double strollers, so they may not be able to fit through all doorways in the interior. Consider a single-to double stroller that can be transformed from a single stroller to a double in a variety ways. The most popular models are the CYBEX gazelle S.
Whether you choose a side-by-side or tandem-style stroller, be sure the product is certified by JPMA to meet the strictest safety standards. Pay attention to the maximum weight limit for each seat. Exceeding these limits could cause frame fatigue and other issues.
It's easy to get caught in the sound of bells and whistles, however it's important to remember that strollers are in essence baby carriers that will be used for a long period of durations. It must be comfortable for both the passengers and easy to clean and maintain, and most importantly, it should offer an intuitive, familiar design so that the person pushing it can effortlessly move it around without having to think about how to move forward and turn left or right, or even apply the brakes.
Ease of Use
A double stroller should be easy to maneuver on different terrains for families who are always on the move. Features like adjustable canopy windows, peek-aboo windows, and dependable brake systems are essential to ensure your children's safety, however, there are other elements that affect stroller ease of use. For instance the 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 is also important to consider thoughtful additions like a one-parent cup holder, parent consoles and snacks for children--all things that make life with two kids significantly easier.
In our testing, we evaluated each stroller based on how it did on a variety of terrains, and how easily it maneuvered in tight spaces. We also examined how easy it was to fold and unfold, and whether or not a specific feature improved the overall function of the stroller. For example a stroller that has no-rethread harnesses makes adjusting the seat belts quick and simple. This is a major selling point for parents on the go because it cuts down on time and reduces the need to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored high in this measure, since it offers a wide range of seating configurations as well as additional accessories to accommodate families that are growing. The wagon-style double stroller can be expanded to allow for two seats, a bassinet or even a toddler riding board--perfect for active families planning long, tiring days with multiple kids of varying ages. It also glides smoothly over pavement, cobblestones and ballfields--and it folds flat to make simple storage in a closet or trunk. The design of this stroller is easy and easy to use, which was appreciated by our tester Kerry. The clever packaging clear sections, well-marked sections and user guide made it easy to put together this stroller.
Storage
Double strollers can hold twice more than one stroller, so make sure you search for ample storage space. You want a stroller with enough storage space to hold the necessities of children and parents, such as bottles, toys, snacks, and diapers. Find baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller with an expandable cargo space that can accommodate bulky items like diaper bags and lunchbags.
A good double stroller should be able to adapt to the needs of your family. Billingsley says that some models come with the option of a bassinet attachment that can accommodate newborns. Some models have child seats which can expand with the child until they are old enough to ride on the back. Some double strollers also include a rider board that allows older children to be part of the fun.
There are a variety of double strollers in the market, ranging from sleek, high-performance models that are able to handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models more suitable for use in the everyday. While shopping, take a look at reviews from other users and the opinions of families like yours to get an understanding of what to expect with the double stroller you pick.
double pushchair are available in three styles: tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-by-side strollers are the most flexible and ideal for twins or children of similar age. Tandem double strollers, on contrary, have two seats that are placed next to each other and facing in opposite directions--a ideal choice for children of the same age or for siblings who enjoy interacting with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces and are less likely to pass through doorways than their side-by-side counterparts.
If you prefer a wagon-style double stroller check out this top pick from Safety 1st. This budget-friendly model was praised by testers for its many seating options. It can be used with two car seats for infants or one child in a convertible toddler chair. Our experts also appreciated the soft memory foam seats and the 50+ SPF canopy, and foam-filled tires that will never go flat. When it's time for folding, this model only requires just a few pulls on the straps underneath each seat (under the seats where kids sit) in order to fold.