How To Identify The Double Strollers Right For You
Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is a great investment if you have two children of similar ages. These narrow tandem buggies as well as flexible side by side buggies allow you to keep both children in sight while you shop or in parks, or whatever else life can throw at you.
Comfort
When shopping for a double stroller, comfort is an important aspect to take into consideration. This could include both seating arrangement and the overall size of the stroller, which can impact the convenience and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child expert in development from the Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, suggests parents be aware of the stroller's weight and folded dimensions. "They should also consider the seat recline options and age ranges to ensure the best 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 offer a range of seating options for children at different stages of development, as well as comfort features like peek-a-boo window and adjustable canopies that protect children from rain or sun.
For many families, a double stroller will be utilized from birth until the teen years, so it's essential to consider the seating options. "There are two main categories--in-line with one seat behind the other, and side by side with seats that are next to each other," Billingsley explains. "Some parents prefer an in-line model due to its sleek design and versatility, while others prefer a wagon-style stroller that can be used to store large items or groceries."
In-line models are more likely to show this kind of discordance. Certain models may provide different recline options, with one seat being almost flat and the other one remaining fairly upright. Billingsley recommends choosing a product that has a nearly flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats, so that each child can sleep comfortably.
In the end, she suggests to look for strollers that have storage compartments that will allow parents to access their snacks, toys and personal items while on the move. She adds that it's also useful to find a stroller with a parent console or organizer bag that can be attached to the handlebars. This will help keep things in reach.
Some of the Best travel double stroller-rated double strollers can be expanded giving parents the ability to modify the layout based on their family's needs. For instance, the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly rated double stroller that can be used with a single seat from birth and then converted to tandem (with an additional seat and bassinet) as the child gets older.
Safety
Double strollers should be able to handle the weight of both the passengers as well as any additional cargo. Strollers must also be simple to move and push, particularly in tight spots and on difficult terrain. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height to allow parents to maintain their good posture when pushing them. Another feature that is great is a non-rethread seat belt harness that allows for a more comfortable adjustment of the belts for your child. Finally, a sturdy brake system and wheels that can glide over any surface are crucial safety features.
Some parents prefer the side-by-side design to allow both children to be together during family outings. This arrangement can reduce sibling squabbles over who sits in which seat however it's not foolproof. If the seats are positioned at different heights, one child could be able to kick or punch the other during walks.
A tandem stroller is a excellent option for parents with twins or siblings who are similar in age. It lets them see both children at once. Double strollers can be more spacious, and may not be able to fit through some interior doors. Consider a single-to double stroller that can be converted from a single to double in various ways. The most popular models are the CYBEX gazelle S.
Whether you choose a side-by-side or tandem-style stroller, make sure the product is JPMA-certified to meet stringent safety standards. Pay attention to the weight limit that applies to each seat. If you exceed these limits, it could cause frame fatigue or other issues.
While it's easy to focus on all the extra bells and whistles on the latest stroller, it's crucial to keep in mind that a stroller is basically a baby carrier that is used for extended durations of time. It should be easy to clean and maintain, and comfortable for both of the passengers. It should also have a familiar, intuitive design that allows the person pushing the stroller to move it easily.
Easy of Use
A double stroller must be easily maneuverable on a variety types of terrains for families constantly moving. Features like adjustable canopy systems windows, peek-aboo windows, and dependable brake systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children however, there are other elements that influence stroller comfort of use. A stroller must be compact enough to fit into the trunk of your car and still provide plenty of storage space for food or other things. It is also important to consider thoughtful additions such as a cup holder for one parent or console for parents, as well as snacks for children--all things that make life on the go with two children significantly simpler.
During our testing we evaluated each stroller according to its performance on various surfaces and its ability to maneuver through tight spaces. We also considered how easy it was to fold the stroller in half and then unfold it in a timely manner, and if a specific feature made a difference to the overall performance. For instance a stroller with no-rethread harnesses makes adjusting the seat belts easy and quick. This can be a big attraction for parents who are always moving around, since it removes the requirement to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored highly in this metric, as it offered an impressive range of seating configurations as well as additional accessories to accommodate families that are growing. The wagon-style thule double stroller stroller can be expanded to accommodate a second seat as well as a bassinet, or a toddler riding board--perfect for families who are active and planning long days on the go with multiple kids of varying age groups. It also glides smoothly across pavement, cobblestones and ballfields--and folds flat for easy storage in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is easy and easy to use which was well-loved by our test participant Kerry. Its stylish packaging clear sections, well-labeled sections and an informative user guide made assembling this stroller a breeze.
Stores
A double travel buggy stroller has the potential to hold twice as much as a single stroller so make sure you have plenty of storage space. You'll want a stroller that has enough storage space to accommodate the necessities of children and parents including bottles and snacks, toys, and diapers. Find baskets under the seat and other pockets, and consider a stroller that has an expandable cargo space that can carry bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags.
A good double stroller should be able to adjust as your family expands. Billingsley states that certain models come with the option of a bassinet attachment that can accommodate newborns. Other models come with child seats that can grow with the child until they are old enough to ride on the back. Some double twin strollers for newborns even include a rider board to allow older siblings to join in the fun.
There are many double strollers on the market. You can pick from high-performance models that are great for rough terrain, or more budget-friendly options that you can use daily. While shopping, read reviews and opinions of families like yours to get a better idea of what you can expect from the double stroller that you select.
Double strollers are available in three different designs: tandem, side-by-side and wagon style. Side-by-side double strollers offer the most versatility and are suitable for twins or children who are who are close to each other in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers, on other hand, feature two seats that are placed adjacent to one another and facing in opposite directions--a good option for kids of the same age, or for siblings who love to interact with each other. Tandem strollers can be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and are less likely to pass through doorways than their side-byside counterparts.
Check out this top pick by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon-style double stroller. Our testers were impressed by the fact that this low-cost model offers multiple seating configurations, including the ability to connect two infant car seats or a single child riding in an convertible toddler seat. Our experts also praised the memory foam seats as well as the canopy, which has 50+ SPF, and foam-filled wheels that will never wear out. And when it's time to fold, this model needs just a couple of tugs on straps on each seat (under the seat where kids sit) to fold in half.
