Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two children who are close in age A double stroller can be a valuable investment. These narrow tandem strollers or flexible side-by-side buggies let you keep your eyes on both kids at the same time while braving the grocery aisle or the parks, and whatever else life throws your way.
Comfort
When looking for a double stroller, the comfort is a key factor to consider. This can include the seating arrangement and overall size, which has an impact on the ease of use and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, advises parents to examine the stroller's weight as well as folded dimensions. "They should also think about the options for recline of the seat and the age ranges of their children to ensure it's a perfect fit."
A good 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 also offer versatile seating options for children of varying age groups and comfort features like peek-a-boo windows and adjustable canopies to keep kids shielded from rain or sun.
The seating options are important to many families who will use double strollers from birth to childhood. Billingsley says there are two main 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 the in-line option because of its sleek appearance and its versatility. Others prefer a wagon-style double stroller to maximize space for grocery or bulky items.
In-line models are more likely to show this kind of difference. Some products may offer different recline options, with one being nearly flat, and the other being more upright. Billingsley suggests choosing a model with both a near flat recline as well as leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children can lay comfortably.
Then, she suggests to look for a stroller that includes storage compartments that allow parents to quickly access snacks, toys, and personal items while out and about. She adds that it's also beneficial to choose a stroller that has a parent console or organizer bag that can be attached to the handlebars, which will help keep things within reach.
Many of the top-rated double strollers can be enlarged, allowing parents the flexibility to customize the setup depending on the needs of their family. The Mockingbird Expandable, for instance is a highly-rated double stroller which can be used from birth using a single seat, then transformed into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers should be able to support the weight of two passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers must be simple to maneuver and push, particularly on rough terrain or in tight spaces. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to allow parents to maintain their good form when pushing them. A no-rethread harness that makes the adjustment of seat belts more quickly and easily, is another nice feature to look for. Safety features include a durable brake system and wheels which slide over any surface.
Some parents opt for a side by side design to ensure that both children meet up during family outings. This arrangement can prevent sibling fights over which child is allowed to sit in which spot but it's not a guarantee. If the seats are located at different heights, a child may punch or kick another during a walk in the event that the seats are at different levels.
A tandem stroller is a excellent option for parents with twins or siblings who are close in age. It lets them observe both children at the same time. However, they are more spacious than other double strollers, and they may not be able to be able to pass through all doors in your home. You could consider a single-to-double stroller that can be transformed from a single stroller to double in various ways. The most popular models are the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you opt for a side-byside or tandem-style stroller, make sure that the stroller is JPMA-certified to meet the strictest safety standards. Also pay attention to the weight limits that apply to each seat, since exceeding them could result in frame fatigue or other issues.
While it's easy to focus on the many bells and whistles on the latest stroller, it's important to remember that a stroller is an infant carrier that is carried around for long durations of time. It must be comfortable for both the passengers and easy to clean and maintain, and ideally it should feature an intuitive, familiar design that the person pushing it is able to effortlessly maneuver it without having to think about how to move forward, turn left or right, or even apply the brakes.
User-Friendliness
For families on the go, a double stroller needs to be easy to maneuver over various terrains. Features like adjustable canopy windows, peek-aboo windows, and dependable brake systems are essential to ensure your children's safety, but there are other factors that affect stroller ease of use. A stroller should be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your car, but still have plenty of storage space for food or other items. Also important are thoughtful touches like a one-parent cup holder, parent consoles and a snack tray for kids--all things that can make life with two kids significantly easier.
During our testing we evaluated each stroller based on its ability to perform on different surfaces and its ability to maneuver through tight spaces. We also looked at how easy it was to fold the stroller in half and then unfold it as well as if a particular feature made a difference to the overall performance. compact double stroller without rethread straps makes it simple to adjust the seat belts. This can be a big benefit for parents who are constantly in motion, as it does away with the need to rethread their harness.
The UPPAbaby v2 Double was a top performer in this test because it had a wide variety of seating configurations, and other accessories that could accommodate families that are growing. The wagon-style double stroller is able to allow for a second seat as well as a bassinet, or a toddler-friendly riding board, which is ideal for active families planning long, tiring days with multiple kids of various age. It is able to glide effortlessly over pavements, cobblestones, and ballfields. It can fold flat to be stored in a trunk or closet. Our tester Kerry loved the simple, intuitive nature of this stroller's design. The clever packaging with clearly marked sections as well as a the user's guide made it simple to put together this stroller.
Storage
A double stroller can be able to hold twice as much stuff than a single stroller, so look for ample storage space. Ideally, you want a stroller that is able to hold the necessities for both kids, including nappies, bottles, snacks and toys, along with parents' belongings such as wallets, phones, and keys. Look for baskets that fit under the seat and other pockets, and think about a stroller that has an expandable cargo space that can carry heavy items such as lunch bags and diaper bags.
A quality double stroller will be able to expand with your family. Billingsley states that certain models come with the option of a bassinet attachment that can accommodate infants. Others have child seats that expand with the child until they are old enough to ride on the back. Some double strollers permit older siblings to join in on the fun with the rider board.
There are a variety of double strollers on the market. You can pick from models with high-performance features which are suitable for rough terrain, to more budget-friendly options that can use every day. While shopping, you can read reviews and suggestions from families like yours to get a better idea of what you can expect from the double stroller you pick.
Double strollers are available in three different models: tandem, side by side and wagon style. Side-by-side double strollers provide the most flexibility and are perfect for twins or children who are who are close to their age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers have two seats set up in tandem facing in opposite directions. This is a good option for children who are the same age or siblings who like to play with one another. Tandem strollers may be harder to maneuver through tight spaces and are less likely to pass through doorways than their side-byside counterparts.
If you prefer a wagon-style double stroller take a look at this top choice from Safety 1st. This budget-friendly model was praised by testers for its many seating options. It can be used with two infant car seats or one child in a convertible toddler seat. Our experts also praised memory foam seats as well as the canopy, which has 50+ SPF, and foam-filled wheels that will never wear out. When it's time to fold, this model only requires just a few pulls on the straps beneath each seat (under the seat where children sit) for folding.