Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two kids that are in the same age group, a double stroller could be an invaluable investment. These narrow tandem strollers or flexible side-by-side buggies let you keep your eyes on both kids at the same time braving the grocery aisle, parks and anything else life throws at you.
Comfort
Comfort is a major factor to think about when purchasing a double-stroller. This can include both the seating arrangements and the overall size of the stroller, which affects the convenience and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, says parents should examine the stroller's weight as well as folded dimensions. "They should also take a look at the seat recline options and age ranges to ensure a perfect fit for their family."
A well-constructed double stroller will be robust enough to navigate all surfaces without difficulty, from parks trails to suburban sidewalks and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should come with a variety of seating options for children of different stages of development, as well as comfort features such as a peek-a-boo window and adjustable canopies that shield kids from the sun or rain.
The seating options are important to many families who will use double strollers from birth to the age of. 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 one another. "Some parents prefer an in-line stroller due to its sleek appearance and versatility, while others prefer a wagon-style double stroller to maximize space for bulky items or groceries."
In-line models are more likely to have this type of discrepancy. Some products may offer different recline options, with one seat being almost flat and the other one remaining fairly upright. Billingsley suggests choosing a model with a near-flat recline as well as leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children can lay down comfortably.
In the end, she suggests looking for a stroller that includes storage compartments that enable parents to easily access snacks, toys and personal items while on the move. She also suggests that it's useful to find a stroller that has an organizer or parent console bag attached to the handlebars, which will help keep things close at hand.
Some of the best-rated double strollers can be enlarged, allowing parents the flexibility to customize the setup depending on the needs of their family. 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 gets older.
Safety
Double strollers need to be able to handle the weight of both passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers should also be easy to move and push, particularly in tight spaces and on difficult terrain. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height to help parents maintain good posture when pushing them. Another nice feature is a no-rethread seat belt harness that allows for a more comfortable adjustment of the seat belts. Safety features include a sturdy brake system, as well as wheels that glide over any surface.
Some parents opt for a side-by-side design that allows both children to see one another during family outings. This arrangement can prevent sibling squabbles over who gets to sit in which seat however, it's not 100% secure. If the seats are different heights, a child could punch or kick another while walking when the seats are on different levels.
If you have twins or siblings who are close in age, a tandem-style stroller can be beneficial in being able see both children at the same time. Double strollers can be wider, and may not fit through some interior doors. Think about a stroller that is single-to-double that can be transformed from a single stroller to a double in many ways. Popular models include the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you opt for a side-byside or tandem-style stroller, make sure the product is JPMA-certified to meet stringent safety standards. Be aware of the weight limit that applies to each seat. If you exceed these limits, it could cause frame fatigue or 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 extended times. It should be comfortable for both parents and children and easy to clean and maintain, and most importantly it should feature an easy-to-use, familiar design so that the person pushing it is able to easily maneuver it without having to think twice about how to move forward and turn left or right, or even apply the brakes.
Ease of Use
For families that are on the move, a double stroller must be able to maneuver easily over different terrains. Features like adjustable canopy systems windows, peek-aboo windows, and dependable brake systems are critical to help ensure the safety of your children, but there are many other aspects that influence stroller comfort of use. twin pushchairs must be compact enough to fit into the trunk of your vehicle and still provide plenty of storage space for groceries or other things. It is also important to consider thoughtful additions such as a cup holder for one parent, parent consoles and an eating tray for children -- all things that will make life on the go with two kids much simpler.
In our testing We evaluated the strollers on how it did 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 particular feature enhanced the overall performance of the stroller. A stroller without rethread straps makes it easy to adjust the seat belts. This can be a major selling point for parents who are on the move since it reduces time and eliminates the need to re-thread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double was a top performer in this metric, as it offered an impressive range of seating options and accessories to accommodate families that are growing. The double-stroller that looks like a wagon can be expanded to accommodate an additional seat, a bassinet, or even a toddler-riding board. This is perfect for families who plan to spend long hours traveling with several children of various 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 intuitive, which was appreciated by our test participant Kerry. Its stylish 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 than a single stroller, so make sure you have plenty of storage space. You'll want a stroller that has enough storage space to store the essentials for both children and parents, such as bottles, toys, snacks, and diapers. Look for baskets that fit under the seat as well as other pockets, and consider a stroller with an expanding cargo area that can carry heavy items such as lunch bags and diaper bags.
A good double stroller will be able to expand with your family. Billingsley states that certain models have an attachment for a bassinet to accommodate infants. Others have child seats that grow with the child until they are old enough to ride on the back. Some double strollers also allow for a rider board to let older siblings be part of the fun.
There are a variety of double strollers on the market. You can choose from high-performance models that are great for rough terrain, to more budget-friendly options that can use on a daily basis. When you're shopping, read user reviews and recommendations from families just like yours to get an understanding of what to expect from the double stroller you choose.
Double strollers come in three different designs such as tandem, side-byside, and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-by-side strollers are the most versatile and ideal for twins or children of a similar age. Tandem double strollers, on the other hand, have two seats set adjacent to one another and facing in opposite directions--a great option for children of the same age, or for siblings who like to interact with one another. Tandem strollers can be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and are less likely to fit through doors than their side-by-side counterparts.
Check out this top selection by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon-style double stroller. Testers loved how this affordable model offers multiple seating configurations and the option to snap in two infant car seats or a single child in a convertible toddler seat. Our experts also appreciated the comfy memory foam seats and the 50+ SPF canopy, and foam-filled tires that will never stop running flat. When it's time to fold, this model requires only a couple of pulls on the straps on each seat (under where the kids sit) to fold in half.