Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is an excellent investment if you have two children of similar age. These compact tandem strollers or flexible side-by-side buggies let you keep an eye on both children at the same time navigating the aisles of the supermarket or the parks, and whatever else life throws your way.
Comfort
When you are looking for a double stroller, comfort is a major consideration. This includes the seating arrangement and overall size, which can have an impact on ease of use and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child expert in child development from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, advises parents to check the stroller's weight and folded dimensions. "They should also look at the options for recline and seat age ranges to ensure a perfect fit for their family."
A well-constructed double stroller will be sturdy enough to traverse different surfaces smoothly--from suburban sidewalks to park trails, and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should have a variety of seating options for children at different age groups, and comfort features such as a peek-a-boo window and adjustable canopy which protect children from the sun or rain.
The seating options are important to many families who will utilize a double stroller from birth to childhood. Billingsley explains that there are two primary categories that are in-line with one seat in front of the other, and side-by-side with seats adjacent to one another. "Some parents prefer an in-line stroller due to its sleek design and versatility, whereas others like a wagon-style double stroller to maximize space for bulky items or groceries."
In-line models tend to have this kind of difference. Certain models may provide different recline options, with one being almost flat, while the other being more upright. Billingsley suggests choosing a model with both a near flat recline and leg rest adjustment for both seats. This will ensure that both children lie down comfortably.
Finally, she advises choosing strollers with storage compartments that enable parents to quickly access snacks, toys and personal belongings while on the go. compact double stroller says that it's helpful to find a stroller that includes a parent console or organizer bag, that can be attached to the handlebars. This can aid parents in keeping their essentials in their reach.
Many of the top-rated double strollers can be enlarged, allowing parents the flexibility 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 just a single seat from birth, and then transformed into 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 the passengers as well as any additional cargo. Strollers should be easy to maneuver and push, especially on rough terrain or in tight spaces. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights, making it easier for parents to maintain their form when pushing them. A no-rethread harness which makes the adjustment of seat belts faster and easier, is another nice feature to look for. Safety features include a sturdy brake system, as well as wheels that glide over any surface.
Some parents prefer side-by-side designs that allow both children to view one another during family outings. This arrangement can help prevent sibling rivalries over who is allowed to sit in which spot but it's not a guarantee. If the seats are positioned at different heights, one child may be in a position to punch or kick the other on a walk.
If you have twins or siblings close in age, a tandem stroller offers the benefit of being able to view both kids at once. However, they can be larger than other double strollers, so they might not be able to pass through all doors in your home. You could consider a single-to-double stroller that can be converted from a single to a double in a variety ways. The most popular models are the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you're in the market for a tandem or side-byside stroller, ensure that the product 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.
It's easy to get caught in the sound of bells and whistles, however it's important to keep in mind that strollers are basically baby carriers that are used for a long period of time. It should be easy to clean and maintain as well as comfortable for both passengers. It should also feature a an intuitive, familiar design that allows the person pushing the stroller to easily maneuver it.
User-Friendliness
For families who are constantly on the move, a double stroller must be able to maneuver easily over various terrains. Features like adjustable canopy, peek-aboo windows and dependable brake systems are crucial to ensure the safety of your children but there are other factors that contribute to stroller ease of use. For instance, a stroller must be small enough to fit in the trunk of your car yet provide ample storage space for groceries and other belongings. Also important are thoughtful touches like a one-parent cup holder as well as a console for parents and a snack tray for kids--all things that can make life on the go with two kids significantly more manageable.
In our tests, we assessed each stroller based on its performance on different surfaces and its ability to maneuver through tight spaces. We also looked at how easy it was to fold and unfold, and whether or not a specific feature added to the overall functionality of the stroller. For example, a stroller with a no-rethread harness makes adjusting the seat belts easy and quick. This can be a big attraction for parents who are constantly moving around, since it does away with the need to rethread their harness.
The UPPAbaby 2 Double scored highly in this metric as it had a wide variety of seating options, as well as additional accessories that accommodated families that are growing. The wagon-style double stroller is able to provide an additional seat as well as a bassinet or a toddler riding board--perfect for families with active children who plan long days on the go with multiple children of different ages. It also glides effortlessly over pavement, cobblestones and ballfields--and folds flat for simple storage in a trunk or closet. Our test subject Kerry loved the simple and intuitive nature of this stroller's design. Its stylish packaging with clearly labeled sections as well as a an informative user guide made assembling this stroller an absolute breeze.
Storage
A double stroller has the potential to hold twice as much than a single stroller, so make sure you have plenty of storage space. It is important to find a stroller with enough storage space to store the necessities of children and parents including bottles, toys, snacks, and diapers. Look for pockets and baskets under the seats. Also, consider a stroller with an expandable cargo area to accommodate bulky items such as diaper bags and lunchbags.
A quality double stroller will be able to adapt to the needs of your family. For example certain models have the bassinet attachment, which can accommodate infants, while others come with child seats that can be adapted to your children until they're able to move to the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers even allow for a rider board that allows older children to join in the fun.
There are many different double strollers available. You can pick from high-performance models that are great for rough terrain, or affordable options that you can use daily. As you shop, read reviews from other users and the opinions of families like yours to gain an idea of what you can expect from the double stroller you select.
Double strollers come in three different design formats including tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers offer most flexibility and are perfect for twins or children who are similar in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers, on the other hand, feature two seats set adjacent to one another and facing in opposite directions--a ideal choice for children who are 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 be able to fit through doors.
Take a look at this top choice by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon-style double stroller. This budget-friendly model was praised by test participants for its many seating options. It can be used with two car seats for infants or one child sitting in a convertible toddler chair. Our testers also loved the comfy memory foam seats and the 50+ SPF canopy and foam-filled tires that never go flat. When it's time to fold this model requires only a few tugs on the straps beneath each seat (under the seat where children sit) for folding.