Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is an excellent investment if you have two children with similar ages. These narrow tandem strollers or flexible side-by-side buggies let you keep an eye on both children 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, comfort is a key consideration. This could include the seating arrangement as well as the overall size, which will have an impact on ease of use and storage. "Parents should check how much the stroller weighs as well as its dimensions folded," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also consider the seat recline options and age ranges to ensure a good 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 come with a variety of seating options for children of different ages, as well as comfort features such as a peek-a-boo windows and adjustable canopy options that shield kids from the sun or rain.
For a lot of families double strollers will be utilized from birth until the age of five, so it's crucial to think about the seating options. "There are two main categories: in-line with one seat ahead of the other, and side-byside with seats next to each other," Billingsley explains. "Some parents prefer an in-line model due to its sleek appearance and versatility, while others prefer a wagon-style stroller to make the most space for heavy items or groceries."
While some products may have different recline options, with one seat almost flat while the other one remains upright, this type of distinction is more common in models that are in-line. Billingsley suggests selecting a product that offers both a near-flat recline and leg rests that can be adjusted for both seats, so that both children can lie back comfortably.
Then, she suggests looking for a stroller that includes storage compartments that will allow parents to quickly access snacks, toys, and personal items while on the move. She also suggests that it's useful to find a stroller with an organizer console for parents or a parent bag attached to the handlebars, which will allow you to keep your essentials in reach.
Some of the most highly-rated double strollers are expandable, allowing parents to customize the layout to meet the requirements of their growing family. For example, the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly rated double stroller that can be used with a single seat as early as birth, and then transformed into tandem (with the addition of a second seat and bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers need to be able to handle the weight of both passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers should be able to move and push, especially when on rough terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height to help parents maintain good posture when pushing them. A no-rethread harness, which makes adjusting seat belts faster and easier to do, is a nice feature to look for. A sturdy brake system and wheels that glide across any surface are crucial safety features.
Some parents opt for the side-by-side design so that both children can see each other when they go on family outings. This arrangement can help prevent sibling rivalries over who is allowed to sit in which spot however it's not foolproof. If the seats are set at different heights, one child may be able to kick or punch the other during walks.
For parents of twins or siblings close in age, a tandem stroller can be beneficial in being able to view both kids at once. Double strollers can be more spacious, and may not be able to fit through some interior doors. To maximize versatility, you should consider a single-to-double stroller that transitions from a single to a tandem in different ways, like the popular CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can be adapted to a wide range of configurations, and permit you to insert infant car seats or cot attachments according to your requirements.
If you decide to purchase a side-by-side or tandem stroller, make sure the product is JPMA-certified to meet the strictest safety standards. Be aware of the maximum weight limits for each seat, since over-weighting could lead to frame fatigue or other issues.
While it's easy to concentrate on the many bells and whistles of a new stroller, it's important to remember that a stroller is essentially a baby carrier that will be carried around for long durations of time. It must be easy to clean and maintain and comfortable for both passengers. It should also have a a familiar, intuitive design that lets the person pushing the stroller to maneuver it effortlessly.
Ease of Use
For families who are constantly on the move, a double stroller must be able to navigate various terrains. Features like adjustable canopy systems 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. A stroller should be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your vehicle, but still have plenty of storage space for food or other things. It's also essential to add thoughtful touches, such as cups holder for one parent, consoles for parents and an eating tray. These will make traveling with two kids much easier.
In our tests, 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 specific feature added to the overall function of the stroller. A stroller without rethread straps makes it simple to adjust the seat belts. This is a major benefit for parents who are constantly on the move, as it eliminates the need to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored high in this measure, since it offers a wide range of seating options and accessories to accommodate growing families. The double-stroller that looks like a wagon expands so that it can accommodate an additional seat, a bassinet, or even a toddler-riding board. This is perfect for families who plan to spend a lot of time on the road with multiple children of various age groups. It also glides effortlessly over pavement, cobblestones and ballfields--and it folds flat to make simple storage in a trunk or closet. Our tester Kerry appreciated the straightforward and easy-to-use nature of the stroller's design. The sleek packaging clear sections, well-marked sections and user guide made it easy to assemble this stroller.
Stores
Double strollers can carry twice more than one stroller, so make sure you look for plenty of storage space. You'll want a stroller that has enough storage space to store the essentials for both parents and children including bottles and snacks, toys, and diapers. Look for under-seat baskets and other pockets, and think about a stroller with an expanding cargo area that can carry bulky items like diaper bags and lunch bags.
A quality double stroller should be able to change as your family expands. For instance, some models include a bassinet attachment that can be used for newborns, and others feature child seats that can expand with your children until they're able to move to the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers allow older children to share in the fun by riding on riding boards.
There are a variety of double stroller s on the market. You can choose from high-performance models which are suitable for rough terrain, to more budget-friendly options that you can use on a daily basis. While shopping, read reviews and opinions of families just like yours to get a better idea of what to expect from the double stroller you select.
Double strollers are available in three different design formats such as tandem, side-byside, and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-byside strollers are the most versatile and ideal for twins as well as children of similar ages. Tandem double strollers come with two seats that are set in a tandem arrangement, facing opposite directions. This is a good option for children of similar age or siblings who prefer to be social with one another. double pram pushchair may be harder to maneuver through tight spaces and are less likely to fit through doorways than their side-byside counterparts.
Take a look at this top choice by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon-style double stroller. This budget-friendly model was highly praised by our testers for its various seating configurations. It can be used with two infant car seats, or one child in a convertible toddler chair. Our experts also praised memory foam seats as well as the canopy, which has 50+ SPF and foam-filled wheels that never flatten. And when it's time for you to fold, this model requires only a few tugs on the straps of each seat (under where the kids sit) to fold in half.