You re About To Expand Your Double Strollers Options
Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is a great investment when you have two kids of similar age. These compact tandem buggies or versatile side-by-side buggies let you keep both children in the same place while you shop, parks, and whatever else life can throw at you.
Comfort
When looking for a double stroller, the comfort is a key factor to consider. This could include the seating arrangement and overall size, which will have an impact on ease of use and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child expert in development from the Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, advises parents to check the stroller's weight and folded dimensions. "They should also take a look at the options for recline and seat age ranges to ensure a good fit for their family."
A well-constructed double push Chair stroller will be robust enough to navigate all surfaces without difficulty, twin pushchair from birth urban sidewalks to parks trails, and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should offer a range of seating options for children of different stages of development, as well as comfort features like peek-a-boo window and adjustable canopies that shield kids from rain or sun.
For a lot of families double strollers double strollers will be used from birth and into the age of five, so it's crucial to consider the seating options. Billingsley states that there are two major categories of in-line seating which has one seat in front of the other, and side-by-side, with seats next to each other. "Some parents prefer an in-line stroller due to its sleek appearance and versatility, while others prefer a wagon-style stroller that can be used to store bulky items or grocery bags."
In-line models tend to have this type of discrepancy. Some products may offer different recline options, with one seat being nearly flat, and the other remaining relatively upright. 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 that parents look for strollers that have storage compartments to allow them to easily access their snacks, personal items and toys on the move. 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 can aid parents in keeping their essentials to hand.
Many of the top-rated double strollers can be expanded to allow parents 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 a single seat from birth, and then transformed into a tandem (with the addition of a second seat and bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers must be able to carry the weight of two adults, as well as any additional cargo. Strollers must also be easy to push and maneuver, especially in tight areas and over challenging terrain. The best double strollers strollers come with ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to help parents maintain good form when pushing them. A no-rethread harness that makes the adjustment of seat belts more quickly and easily is another great feature to look out for. Safety features include a durable brake system, as well as wheels that slide over any surface.
Some parents opt for a side-by-side design that allows both children to see each other on family outings. This arrangement can stop sibling rivalries over who is allowed to sit where however it's not foolproof. If the seats are set at different levels, one child might be in a position to punch or kick the other on the course of a walk.
If you have twins or siblings of similar age, a tandem stroller can be beneficial in being able to see both kids at once. Double strollers are typically 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 a double in a variety ways. Popular models include the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you are looking for a tandem or a side-by-side stroller, ensure that the product is JPMA certified to meet the strictest safety standards. Pay attention to the maximum weight limit for each seat. Exceeding these limits could cause frame fatigue or other problems.
It's easy to get caught up in the bells and whistles, but it's important to remember that strollers are basically baby carriers that will be used for extended durations. It must be comfortable for both passengers as well as easy to clean and maintain, and ideally, it should offer an intuitive, familiar design that the person pushing it is able to effortlessly maneuver it without having to think about how to move forward and turn left or right, or even apply the brakes.
Easy of Use
A double stroller must be easy to maneuver on different types of terrains for families always on the move. Features like adjustable canopy with windows that peek out and dependable brake systems are critical to help ensure the safety of your children, but there are other factors that affect stroller ease of use. For example, a stroller must be small enough to fit into the trunk of your car but still provide ample storage space for groceries and other belongings. It's also important to include thoughtful details, such as a cup holder for one parent or consoles for parents, as well as an eating tray. These can make traveling with two children much easier.
During our testing we rated each stroller based on how it performed on a variety of terrains and how easily it could maneuver in tight spaces. We also looked at how simple it was to fold and unfold and whether or not a specific feature improved the overall performance of the stroller. A stroller without rethread straps is easy to adjust the seat belts. This can be a major benefit for parents on the go since it reduces time and reduces the need to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby 2 Double scored well in this measure because it came with a variety of seating configurations, and other accessories that could accommodate growing families. The wagon-style double stroller can be expanded to provide two seats as well as a bassinet or a toddler riding board that is perfect for families who are active and planning long trips with multiple kids of varying age groups. It glides easily over cobblestones, pavements, and ball fields. It can be folded flat to fit in a trunk or a closet. The design of this stroller is simple and intuitive which was well-loved by our test participant Kerry. Its smart packaging, clearly labeled sections and helpful user guides made assembling this stroller a breeze.
Stores
A double stroller can be able to hold twice as much stuff as a single stroller, so make sure you have plenty of storage space. You'll want a stroller that has enough storage space to hold the necessities of parents and children, such as bottles, toys, snacks, and diapers. Look for under-seat baskets and other pockets, and look into a stroller with an expanding cargo space that can carry bulky items like diaper bags and lunch bags.
A good double stroller should be able to adjust as your family grows. Billingsley says that some models have a bassinet attachment to accommodate infants. Some models have child seats that can expand with the child until they are able to ride on the back. Some double strollers allow older siblings to join in on the fun by riding on a rider board.
There are a variety of double strollers available on the market, from sleek, high-performance options that are able to handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models more suited for daily use. As you shop, read user reviews and recommendations from families like yours to get an idea of what you can expect from the double stroller you choose.
Double strollers are available in three different styles: tandem, side-by-side and wagon style. Billingsley states that side-by-side strollers are the most adaptable and ideal for twins or children of similar age. Tandem double strollers have two seats that are set in a tandem arrangement with the opposite direction facing. This is a good option for children who are the same age or siblings who prefer to interact with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and less likely to be able to fit through doors.
If you prefer a wagon-style double stroller, check out this top model from Safety 1st. This model is affordable and was praised by test participants for its multiple seating configurations. It can be used with two infant car seats or one child sitting in a convertible toddler seat. Our experts also praised the memory foam seats as well as the canopy, which has 50+ SPF and foam-filled wheels that never go flat. When it's time to fold this model needs only a few tugs on the straps beneath each seat (under where kids sit) in order to fold.