Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is an excellent investment if you have two children of similar ages. These narrow tandem buggies as well as versatile side-by-side buggies let you keep both children within sight while navigating the grocery aisle, parks, and whatever else life throws at you.
Comfort
When shopping for a double stroller, the comfort is a key aspect to take into consideration. This could include both seating arrangement as well as the overall dimensions of the stroller which can impact the ease of use and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child expert in child development from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, says parents should be aware of the stroller’s weight and folded dimensions. “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 good 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 also provide flexible seating options for children of varying age groups and comfort features like peek-a-boo windows and adjustable canopies to protect children from rain or sun.
Seating options are important for many families that will use a double stroller from the time of birth until the age of. “There are two main categories: in-line with one seat behind the other, and side by side with seats adjacent to each other,” Billingsley explains. “Some parents prefer an in-line option for its sleek appearance and versatility, whereas others prefer a wagon-style stroller that can be used to store bulky items or grocery bags.”
While some products may have different recline options – with one seat nearly flat while the other one remains upright, this kind of difference is more prevalent in models that are in-line. Billingsley suggests choosing a model with both a near flat recline and leg rest adjustment for both seats. This will ensure that both children can lay down comfortably.
Finally, she advises choosing a stroller that includes storage compartments that enable parents to access their snacks, toys and personal items while out and about. She also says that it is helpful to find a stroller that comes with a parent console or organizer bag attached on the handlebars. This can help parents keep essentials close in their reach.
Some of the best double stroller-rated double strollers can be enlarged to allow parents to alter the configuration based on their family’s needs. The Mockingbird Expandable, for example is a highly-rated double stroller which can be used from birth with a single seat, then transformed into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers must be able to support the weight of two passengers–plus any additional cargo. Strollers should also be easy to maneuver and push, especially in tight spaces and on difficult terrain. The best double stroller strollers come with ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height to ensure that parents maintain a good form when pushing them. Another nice feature is a no-rethread seat belt harness that makes it easier to adjust the belts on the seat. Safety features include a sturdy brake system and wheels that glide over any surface.
Some parents opt for a side by side design to ensure that both children see each other during family outings. This arrangement can prevent sibling rivalries over who sits in which spot, but it isn’t foolproof. If the seats are placed at different heights, one child could be able to kick or punch the other on walks.
For parents of twins or siblings of similar age, a tandem stroller is a great option for being able to view both children at the same time. However, they are larger than other double strollers, so they may not fit through all doorways in the interior. You could consider a single-to-double stroller that can be transformed from a single to a double seat stroller in many ways. The most popular models are the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you decide to purchase a side-by-side or tandem-style stroller, make sure that the stroller is JPMA-certified to meet strict safety standards. Be aware of the maximum weight limit for each seat. Overstepping these limits can cause frame fatigue and other issues.
While it’s easy to focus on the additional bells and whistles on a new stroller, it’s important to remember that a stroller is an infant carrier that will be used for extended periods of time. It should be easy to clean and maintain as well as comfortable for both of the passengers. It should also have a an easy-to-use, familiar design that lets the person pushing the stroller to easily maneuver it.
Easy of Use
For families that are on the move, a double stroller must be easy to maneuver over different terrains. Features like adjustable canopies, peek-aboo windows and dependable braking systems are crucial to ensure your children’s safety, however, there are other elements that contribute to stroller ease of use. For example the stroller must be small enough to fit into the trunk of your car but still provide ample storage space for groceries and other belongings. Additionally, you should consider thoughtful features like a cup holder with a single parent as well as a console for parents and a snack tray for kids–all Terrain Double buggy things that will make life with two kids much easier.
In our tests, we assessed each stroller according to its ability to perform on different terrains, as well as its ability to maneuver in tight spaces. We also considered how easy it was to fold the stroller and then unfold it in a timely manner, and if a specific feature enhanced the overall functionality. For instance, a stroller with a no-rethread harness makes adjusting the seat belts simple and easy. This is a major benefit for parents who are on the move since it reduces time and eliminates the need to re-thread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double was a top performer in this measure, since it offers a wide range of seating configurations as well as additional accessories to help accommodate growing families. The wagon-style smallest double buggy stroller is able to allow for two seats as well as a bassinet, or a toddler riding board–perfect for families with active children who plan long, tiring days with multiple children of different age groups. It easily glides over pavements, cobblestones, and ballfields. It can also be folded flat to be stored in a trunk or closet. Our tester Kerry loved the simple, intuitive nature of this stroller’s design. Its smart packaging with clearly labeled sections as well as a helpful user guide made putting together this stroller an absolute breeze.
Storage
A double stroller is able to hold twice as much as a single stroller so look for ample storage space. You’ll want a stroller that has enough storage space to store the essentials for both parents and children including bottles as well as snacks, toys and diapers. Look for pockets and baskets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller with an expandable cargo space to accommodate bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags.
A good double stroller must be able to adjust as your family expands. For example certain models come with the bassinet attachment, which can be used for newborns, and others come with child seats that can be adapted to your kids until they’re ready to switch to riding on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers also allow for a rider board that allows older children to join in the fun.
You’ll find a wide variety of double strollers in the market, from sleek, high-performance models that can handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models more suitable for use in the everyday. While shopping, take a look at user reviews and recommendations from families like yours to get a better sense of what to expect with the compact double buggy stroller you select.
Double strollers are available in three different designs: side-by-side, tandem, and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers offer most versatility and are ideal for twins or children who are who are close to their age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers, on other hand, have two seats that are arranged adjacent to one another and facing opposite directions. It’s a great option for children who are the same age or for siblings who like to interact with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and less likely to fit into doorways.
If you prefer a wagon-style double stroller, check out this top model from Safety 1st. The testers loved that this budget model offers multiple seating configurations and the option to snap in two infant car seats or a single child riding in the convertible toddler seat. Our experts also appreciated the comfortable memory foam seats and the 50+ SPF canopy and foam-filled tires that never stop running flat. And when it’s time for you to fold, this model needs only a few tugs on the straps of each seat (under where the kids sit) to fold in half.