The Best Double Strollers Tricks To Transform Your Life
Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double to single buggy stroller is a good investment for families with two children with similar ages. These compact tandem strollers or flexible side-by-side buggies let you keep an eye on both children at the same time while braving the grocery aisle, parks and anything else life throws your way.
Comfort
When you are looking for a double stroller, the comfort is an important consideration. This can include the seating arrangement as well as the overall size, which will have an impact on the ease of use and storage. "Parents should determine how much the stroller weighs as well as its dimensions folded," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also consider the recline options for seats and age ranges to ensure the best fit for their family."
A quality double stroller should be sturdy enough to traverse different surfaces smoothly--from suburban sidewalks to park trails, and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should come with a variety of seating options for children at different age groups, and comfort features such as a peek-a-boo window and adjustable canopies which protect children from rain or sun.
Seating options are crucial for many families who use a double stroller from the time of birth until childhood. "There are two main categories--in-line with one seat in front of the other, and side-by-side with seats that are next to each other," Billingsley explains. "Some parents prefer an in-line model due to its sleek appearance and versatility, while others like a wagon-style double stroller to maximize space for heavy items or grocery bags."
While some products may have different recline options - with one seat almost flat while the other remains relatively upright--this type of disparity is more prevalent in the in-line models. Billingsley suggests selecting a model with both a near flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children can lay comfortably.
She also suggests parents look for strollers with storage compartments to allow them to quickly access personal items, snacks and toys when moving about. She also recommends that it is helpful to choose a stroller that has a parent console, or organizer bag, that can be attached to the handlebars. This will help parents keep their essentials in their reach.
Many of the top-rated double strollers can be extended, allowing parents the flexibility to modify the layout depending on the needs of their family. For example the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used with just a single seat from birth, and then converted to tandem (with a second seat and bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers should be able to carry the weight of both the passengers as well as any additional cargo. Strollers need to be simple to maneuver and push, particularly when on rough terrain and in tight spaces. The Best double Strollers strollers come with ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height which make it easier for parents to maintain good form when pushing them. Another nice feature is a non-rethread seat belt harness, which makes it easier to adjust the seat belts. Safety features include a sturdy brake system, as well as wheels that can glide across any surface.
Some parents choose the side-by-side design to ensure that both children meet up during family outings. This arrangement can reduce sibling rivalries over who sits in which place, but it isn't foolproof. If the seats are different heights, a child may kick or punch another while walking in the event that the seats are at different levels.
A tandem-style stroller is a great option for parents with twins or siblings that are close in age. It lets parents see both children at once. Double strollers are typically larger, and might not fit through some doors inside. For maximum versatility, consider a single-to-double stroller which can switch from a single stroller to a tandem in different 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, depending on your needs.
Whether you choose a side-by-side or tandem stroller, make sure the product is JPMA-certified to meet strict safety standards. Be sure to check the maximum weight limits for each seat, since over-weighting could lead to frame fatigue or other issues.
While it's easy to focus on all the extra bells and whistles that come with a new stroller, it is crucial to keep in mind that a stroller is basically a baby carrier that will be transported for long periods of time. It should be comfortable for both passengers and easy to clean and maintain, and ideally it should feature an easy-to-use, familiar design so that the person pushing it can effortlessly move it around without having to think twice about how to move forward, turn left or right, or even apply the brakes.
Easy to Use
For families who are constantly on the move, a double stroller needs to be able to navigate a variety of terrains. Strollers with features such as peek-a-boo windows, adjustable canopies and sturdy brake systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children. But there are other features that make them easier to use. A stroller should be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your car yet have plenty of storage space for groceries or other items. It's also essential to add thoughtful details, such as the cup holder for one parent, consoles for parents and an eating tray. These can make traveling with two kids significantly easier.
During our testing, we evaluated the strollers on how it performed on a variety of terrains and how easily it maneuvered in tight spaces. We also considered how easy it was to fold the stroller and then unfold it in a timely manner, and if a specific feature made a difference to the overall performance. A stroller without rethread straps is easy to adjust the seat belts. This can be a huge benefit for parents who are on the move, as it saves time and removes the need to re-thread the harness.
The UPPAbaby V2 Double scored well in this measure because it came with a variety of seating configurations, and additional accessories to accommodate expanding families. The wagon-style smallest double buggy stroller can be expanded to allow for two seats as well as a bassinet, or a toddler-friendly riding board, which is ideal for families who are active and planning long trips with multiple children of different age. It also glides smoothly over pavement, cobblestones and ballfields--and can be folded flat for easy storage in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is easy and easy to use which was well-loved by our test participant Kerry. The clever packaging, clearly marked sections and user guide made it easy to put this stroller together.
Stores
Double strollers can carry twice as much as a single one So, make sure to look for plenty of storage space. You'll want a stroller that has enough storage space to store the necessities of children and parents, such as bottles as well as snacks, toys and diapers. Look for under-seat baskets as well as other pockets, and think about a stroller with an expanding cargo area that can carry heavy items such as lunch bags and diaper bags.
A good double stroller must be able to adjust as your family expands. For example certain models have an attachment for a bassinet that can be used for newborns, and others feature 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 even include a rider board to allow older siblings to be part of the fun.
There are a variety of double strollers available. You can choose from high-performance models that are ideal for rough terrain, as well as more budget-friendly options that you can use daily. While shopping, take a look at user reviews and recommendations from families like yours to get a better sense of what you can expect from the double stroller you select.
Double strollers are available in three different designs: tandem, side-by-side and wagon style. Billingsley states that side-by-side strollers are the most adaptable and suitable for twins or children of similar ages. Tandem double strollers on the other hand, have two seats that are placed adjacent to one another and facing opposite directions. It's a ideal choice for children who are the same age or for siblings who enjoy interacting with each other. Tandem strollers can be difficult to maneuver through tight spaces and are less likely to pass through doorways than their side-byside counterparts.
Check out this top selection by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon style double pram pushchair stroller. Our testers were impressed by the fact that this low-cost model offers multiple seating configurations and the option to connect two infant car seats or a single child riding in the convertible toddler seat. Our reviewers also praised the comfortable memory foam seats with a 50+ SPF canopy, and foam-filled tires that never stop running flat. When it's time to fold this model needs only a few tugs on the straps under each seat (under the seats where kids sit) for folding.