Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two children who are similar in age, a double stroller could be a great investment. These compact tandem buggies or flexible side by side buggies let you keep both children within sight while you shop, parks, and whatever else life throws at you.
Comfort
The comfort factor is one of the most important factors to consider when shopping for a double-stroller. This could include both seating arrangement and the overall dimensions of the stroller which can impact the accessibility and storage. "Parents should check how much the stroller weighs and its dimensions when folded," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They must also take into consideration the seat recline options as well as the age ranges of their children to ensure that it is a perfect fit."
A quality double stroller should 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 arrangements for children of different ages and comfort features such as peek-a-boo windows and adjustable canopies to protect children from rain or sun.
Seating options are important for many families who will utilize double strollers from the time of birth until childhood. Billingsley states that there are two main categories that are in-line, with one seat in-front of the other and side-byside with seats adjacent to one another. Some parents prefer the in-line model due to its sleek style and versatility. Others prefer a wagon style double stroller for maximum space for grocery or bulky items.
Some products may offer different recline options--with one seat being almost flat, while the other one remains upright, this kind of difference is more common in in-line models. Billingsley suggests choosing a model with a near-flat recline and leg rest adjustment for both seats, so that each child can sleep comfortably.
Finally, she advises looking for strollers that have storage compartments that allow parents to quickly access snacks, toys and personal belongings while on the go. She also recommends that it is helpful to find a stroller that includes a parent console or organizer bag that is attached to the handlebars. This will help parents keep their essentials in their reach.
Some of the best-rated double strollers can be expanded, allowing parents the flexibility to alter the configuration depending on the needs of their family. The Mockingbird Expandable, for instance is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used from birth using a single seat, then transformed into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) when the child gets older.
Safety
Double strollers must be able to handle the weight of both passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers must also be easy to push and maneuver, especially in tight spots and on difficult terrain. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars and adjustable heights which make it easier for parents to maintain a good posture when pushing them. A harness that is not rethread, which makes adjusting seat belts quicker and easier to do, is a nice feature to look out for. Finally, a sturdy brake system and wheels that can glide over any surface are important safety features.
Some parents prefer side-by-side designs that allow both children to view each other during family outings. This arrangement can stop siblings fighting over who is allowed to sit where but it's not a guarantee. If the seats are at different levels, a child might punch or kick one another during a walk, if the seats are at different levels.
For parents of twins or siblings who are close in age, a tandem-style stroller is a great option for being able see both children at the same time. However, they can be more spacious than other double strollers, so they might not fit through all doorways in the interior. To maximize versatility, you should consider a stroller that can change from a single stroller to a tandem in a variety of ways, like the well-known CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can accommodate a wide range of configurations, and let you click in infant car seats or cot attachments, depending on your requirements.
Whether you choose a side-by-side or tandem-style stroller, make sure the product is certified by JPMA to meet strict safety standards. Be double jogging stroller to check the maximum weight limits for each seat, as over-weighting could lead to frame fatigue or other issues.
While it's easy for us to focus on all the extra bells and whistles on a new stroller, it's crucial to keep in mind that a stroller is basically a baby carrier that is transported for long durations of time. It must be easy to clean and maintain and comfortable for both the passengers. It should also have an easy-to-use, familiar design that lets the person pushing it to easily maneuver it.
Easy of Use
A double stroller must be easily maneuverable on various terrains for families who are constantly moving. Features like adjustable canopy windows, peek-aboo windows, and dependable braking systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children however, there are other elements that contribute to stroller ease of use. A stroller must be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your vehicle yet have plenty of storage space for groceries or other items. Additionally, you should consider thoughtful features like a one-parent cup holder as well as a console for parents and snacks for children--all things that can make life with two kids much easier.
In our testing We evaluated each stroller based on how it did on a variety of terrains and how easily it maneuvered in tight spaces. We also examined the ease with which it was possible to fold and unfold, and whether or not a particular feature added to the overall function of the stroller. A stroller without rethread straps makes it easy to adjust the seat belts. This is a major attraction for parents who are constantly moving around, since it removes the need to rethread their harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double was a top performer in this measure, since it offered an impressive range of seating configurations as well as additional accessories to accommodate growing families. The wagon-style double stroller can be expanded to provide an additional seat, a bassinet or even a toddler riding board that is perfect for active families planning long days on the go with multiple kids of various age groups. It also glides smoothly over cobblestones, balls and pavements. It folds flat for easy storage in a trunk or closet. Our test subject Kerry loved the simple and intuitive nature of this stroller's design. Its smart packaging clear sections, well-labeled sections and helpful user guides made assembling this stroller an absolute breeze.
Storage
A double stroller is able to hold twice as much stuff as a single stroller so look for ample storage space. Ideally, you want an item that can hold the necessities for both kids, including nappies bottles, snacks, and toys, in addition to parents' belongings like phones, wallets keys, wallets and phones. Look for pockets and baskets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller that has an expandable cargo area to take in bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags.
A good double stroller should be able to change as your family expands. Billingsley states that certain models have the option of a bassinet attachment that can accommodate infants. Other models come with child seats that grow with the child until they are ready to ride on the back. Some double strollers even permit a rider's board to allow older siblings to take part in the fun.
There are many different double strollers available. 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, read reviews and opinions of families similar to yours to get an idea of what to expect from the double stroller you choose.
Double strollers are available in three different styles including tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-byside strollers are the most versatile and suitable for twins or children of similar age. Tandem double strollers, on contrary, have two seats that are placed adjacent to one another and facing in opposite directions. This is a ideal choice for children of the same age or for siblings who love to interact with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and are less likely to fit in doors.
Take a look at this top choice by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon style double stroller. Our testers were impressed by the fact that this low-cost model has multiple seating options and the option to snap in two infant car seats or a single child in the convertible toddler seat. Our experts also praised the memory foam seats, canopy with 50+ SPF, and foam-filled wheels that never flatten. When it's time for folding this model requires only a few tugs on the straps under each seat (under the seat where children sit) in order to fold.