10 Quick Tips About Double Stroller
What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The best double strollers grow with families and have thoughtful features to keep kids at ease and content. This includes adjustable foot rests as well as an easy ride on trails, gravel and old sidewalks.
Kerry loved that the stroller arrived in multiple boxes, but everything was labeled well and was easy to open. She also liked that the stroller is able to accommodate two infant car seats, and it can be paired with a ride-board for older children.
Seating Options
Seating options are an important element in determining whether the family will buy a double stroller. You'll need to consider the age of your children, the relative sizes of them, and the seating arrangements you like.
Alli Cavasino is a senior editor for Consumer Reports. She says that if you're looking to buy a tandem stroller, you should consider one with child seats attached together. This model is not required to have car seat adapters. These double strollers are usually wider than other cheap double pushchair strollers. They may not be able to fit through doors that are standard in your home.
If your children are of a different age, you may want to consider a stroller with two seats that can be converted into a stand-and-ride model. This allows children to watch or ride with their sibling. These in-line strollers are also capable of accommodating infant car seats if needed and are suitable for children who are 3 to 5 years apart.
You'll also need to look at the type of seat material, explains Billingsley. Some offer more breathable fabrics than others, and are easier to keep clean. It is also important to consider how easy it is to fold your stroller to store it or for transporting it to and from your vehicle. "Nothing is more frustrating than purchasing the perfect stroller, only you realize it's too heavy to lift or too big for your trunk," she says.
If you are looking for an affordable option that offers multiple configurations take a look at this award-winning stroller from Summer Infant. It has two toddler seats as well as the bassinet. It can be converted to a triple stroller by adding an additional seat or riding board. The seats recline and the control of the calf bar can be adjusted independently. This is ideal when one child needs to take a nap while the other wants to explore their surroundings. When folded, the seat is compact and fits into most trunks.
Age Variations
For families with kids who are near in age, a sit-and-stand stroller is the perfect combination of comfort for both children and user-friendliness. These strollers typically have a seat for an infant or toddler in the front, and a bench or platform that lets an older child stand or take a ride in the back. These strollers are ideal for toddlers and older children but not suitable for infants or children who do not have the coordination and balance to stand up on their own.
A narrow tandem stroller can help you keep your eyes on both children at once and fit through difficult areas like crowded grocery store aisles or family photos in the park. These models are smaller and easier to maneuver than side-byside double strollers, but they don't have as much storage under the carriage and aren't able to accommodate an the infant car seat.
If you plan to use a double stroller over several years--or even longer than a decade, it's worth purchasing a model that can expand with your children. Double strollers are generally more expensive than single to double stroller to double pushchair (great post to read) strollers. However, If you choose the right one the first time around it could help you save money over time.
Our testers took each stroller through a series maneuverability tests and off-road excursions. They found that they were easy to navigate on a variety terrain. But if you're planning to be using it in cities or other urban areas where traffic and sidewalks are prone to bumps, you might want something more sturdy and durable to withstand the rough treatment.
Double strollers are made to last, however the seats may be worn out earlier than you expect or your kids may outgrow them before they're ready to retire. If you're looking for a bargain, consider getting one that's been evaluated for at least four years and is designed to last for as long as possible.
Easy of Use
It's crucial to ensure that the double stroller is comfortable to use by both children. This means a comfortable harness for kids who are seated and handles that are easy to grasp for toddlers who stand. The stroller can also be easily rolled and moved over obstacles and tight spaces. In fact the top-rated strollers from our Lab tests--such as the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie and Thule Urban Glide 2 Double among the most easy to push.
A double stroller must be able to fold and take down and store. The most effective models come with an easy one- or two-step procedure, and are small enough to fit in most trunks. It's also beneficial when the stroller is a versatile, with options to add a second hand double buggy seat or a ride-along board. Some strollers can hold infant car seats, so you don't need to wake your baby up to move them into the stroller when it's time to go home.
Furthermore, a quality double stroller should be sturdy to be able to be used on a variety of terrain. Some can be converted into a jogging scooter with a specific front wheel and others can be used as umbrella strollers. Some strollers come with a cargo bag that can be tacked to the back of the vehicle to carry shopping bags and other items.
A tandem stroller or side-byside is another option worth considering. Side-by-side strollers tend to be wider than tandems, and may be difficult to navigate through narrow spaces like the aisles of doors or grocery stores. They are useful because they allow both children to see the same scenery. They are also much easier to navigate in bad weather as they offer more protection from the elements.
Many parents opt to purchase an adaptable stroller that can be used by a baby and then converted to a double stroller when their children get older. But after talking to parents, we've learned that it's best twin stroller to get what you require at the moment, rather than trying to predict what your family will require in the future.
Stores
When you're looking for double-strollers, it's crucial to think about the amount of storage and the size. A lot of models have large, easy-to access baskets that hold plenty of stuff. They also typically have numerous cup holders for parents and seats that can be reversible to provide the most comfortable legroom for children. Some of these features may increase the cost so make sure you go through the reviews and descriptions carefully.
Most double strollers are categorized as either tandem or side-by-side designs. Tandem strollers include two seats in one frame, and are best suited to older babies who are able to sit without assistance. They typically have larger storage baskets than side-by-side models. However, some can be difficult to push when the front seat is fully reclined.
The side-by-side stroller has two separate seats that are placed side-by-side. They're generally best suited to infants or toddlers who haven't yet mastered independent sitting. They also have the added benefit of being generally easier to maneuver and pushing than tandem strollers. They can be more expensive and come with smaller baskets.
There are double strollers that are designed specifically for biking or jogging. They are more expensive than standard all-terrain strollers and typically come with fixed front wheels that limit their flexibility. They're worth considering only if you plan to use them for these activities.
If you're looking for twins, an infant and an older toddler, or a child who's not quite ready to walk on their own, there's a perfect double stroller for you. The top options we've found that we tested are flexible, stable, and easy to maneuver with seating that expands as your children get older. So whether you're looking for a tandem stroller or one that can accommodate your infant car seat, check out our top choices to find the right double stroller for your family.