Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is a good investment for families with two children of similar age. These narrow tandem strollers or versatile side-by-side buggies help you keep an eye on both children at the same time while braving the grocery aisle or the parks, and whatever else life throws at you.
Comfort
Comfort is an important factor to think about when purchasing a double-stroller. This includes the seating arrangement and lightweight twin buggy (internet) overall size, which can have an impact on the ease of use and storage. “Parents should check how much the stroller weighs and its folded dimensions,” says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. “They should also take a look at the seat recline options and age ranges to ensure a perfect fit for their family.”
A quality double stroller should be able to handle a variety of surfaces with ease from suburban sidewalks to parks and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should also provide flexible seating arrangements for children of varying age and comfort features such as peek-a-boo windows and adjustable canopies to protect children from rain or sun.
For a lot of families, a double stroller will be utilized from birth until the teen years, so it’s essential to think about seating options. Billingsley says there are two major categories of in-line seating which has one seat in front of the other, and side-by-side, with seats next to one another. “Some parents prefer an in-line option for its sleek design 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 nearly flat while the other one remains upright, this type of distinction is more prevalent in the in-line models. Billingsley suggests choosing a model that has a nearly flat recline as well as leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children lie down comfortably.
In the end, she suggests to look for a stroller that includes storage compartments that enable parents to access their snacks, toys, and personal items while out and about. She also suggests that it is helpful to choose a stroller that has a parent console, or organizer bag, that can be attached to the handlebars. This will help parents keep essentials close at hand.
Some of the most compact double stroller highly-rated double strollers are expandable which allows parents to alter the configuration to meet the needs of their growing family. For example, the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly rated double stroller that can be used with just a single seat from birth, and then converted to a tandem (with a second seat and bassinet) as the child gets older.
Safety
Double strollers need to be able to carry the weight of two passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers must also be simple to move and push, particularly in tight areas and on terrain that is difficult to navigate. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height to help parents maintain 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 seat belts. Also, a strong brake system and wheels that glide across any surface are essential safety features.
Some parents opt for a side by side design to allow both children to meet up on family outings. This arrangement can help prevent sibling squabbles over who sits in which spot, but it isn’t foolproof. If the seats are placed at different heights, one child may be able to kick or punch the other during a walk.
If you have twins or siblings who are close in age, a tandem stroller offers the benefit of being able to view both children at the same time. These double strollers can be more spacious, and may not fit through some doors inside. For maximum flexibility, think about a stroller that can change from a single stroller to a tandem in different ways, such as the renowned CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can accommodate a wide range of configurations and let you click in infant car seats or cot attachments, according to your requirements.
If you’re in the market for a tandem or side-by-side stroller, make sure that the product has been JPMA certified to meet strict 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 the many bells and whistles on a new stroller, it’s crucial to remember that a stroller is an infant carrier that is transported for long periods of time. It must be easy to clean and maintain, and comfortable for both the passengers. It should also feature a an intuitive, familiar design that allows the person pushing it to maneuver it effortlessly.
Ease of Use
A double stroller should be easily maneuverable on a variety terrains for families who are always on the move. Features like adjustable canopy, peek-aboo windows and dependable braking systems are crucial to ensure the safety of your children but there are other factors that affect stroller ease of use. For instance the stroller must be compact enough to fit into the trunk of your car, while still offering ample storage space for groceries and other belongings. It’s also essential to add thoughtful details, such as cups holder for one parent, consoles for parents and an eating tray. These can help make traveling with two children significantly easier.
In our tests, we assessed each stroller on the basis of its performance on different terrains, as well as its ability to maneuver in tight spaces. We also looked at how easy it was to fold the stroller and unfold it as well as if a particular feature improved the overall functionality. A stroller that does not have rethread straps makes it easy to adjust the seat belts. This is a huge attraction for parents who are always in motion, as it does away with the need to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby 2 Double scored well in this measure 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 provide two seats as well as a bassinet or a toddler-friendly riding board, which is ideal for families who are active and planning long, tiring days with multiple children of different age. It also glides smoothly over cobblestones, ball fields and pavements. It also folds flat for easy storage in a trunk or closet. Our test subject Kerry was impressed by the simple and easy-to-use nature of the stroller’s design. Its smart packaging, clearly labeled sections and helpful user guides made putting together this stroller a breeze.
Stores
Double strollers can carry twice as much as one stroller So, make sure to search for ample storage space. It is ideal to have an item that can hold the basic necessities for both kids: nappies, bottles, snacks and toys, in addition to parents’ items such as wallets, phones, and keys. Find baskets under the seat as well as other pockets, and think about a stroller that has an expandable cargo area that can hold bulky items like diaper bags and lunch bags.
A good double stroller should be able ready to grow double stroller change as your family grows. Billingsley says that some models have a bassinet attachment to accommodate infants. Other models come with child seats which can expand with the child until they are old enough to ride on the back. Some double strollers allow older children to join in on the fun with the rider board.
There are a variety of double strollers on the market. You can choose from models with high-performance features that are great for rough terrain, to affordable options that you can use every day. While shopping, read reviews and recommendations of families like yours to get a better idea of what you can expect from the double stroller that you select.
double car seat stroller strollers are available in three different styles including tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers offer the most flexibility and are perfect for twins or children close in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers feature two seats that are set in a tandem configuration facing in opposite directions. This is a great option for children who are similar age or siblings who like to play with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces, and are less likely to fit in doorways.
If you prefer a wagon-style double stroller, check out this top model from Safety 1st. This affordable model was highly praised by our testers for its multiple seating configurations. It can be used with two car seats for infants, or one child in a convertible toddler seat. Our experts also praised memory foam seats, canopy with 50+ SPF and foam-filled wheels that never go flat. When it’s time to fold this model requires only just a few nudges on the straps beneath each seat (under the seat where children sit) in order to fold.