Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is a great investment for families with two children of similar ages. These compact tandem strollers or flexible side-by-side buggies allow you to keep an eye on both kids at the same time while navigating the aisles of the supermarket, parks and anything else life throws your way.
Comfort
The comfort factor is one of the most important factors to take into consideration when buying a double-stroller. This includes both the seating arrangement and the overall dimensions of the stroller which affects the convenience and storage. "Parents should check how much the stroller weighs and its dimensions when folded," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also consider the recline options for seats and age ranges to ensure a perfect fit for their family."
A well-constructed double stroller will be robust enough to navigate all surfaces without difficulty, from urban sidewalks to parks trails, and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should also offer versatile seating arrangements for children of varying age groups and comfort features such as windows that peek out and adjustable canopy to protect children from rain or sun.
Seating options are crucial for many families who will use double strollers from the time of birth until childhood. "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 the inline option due to its sleek design and versatility. Others prefer a wagon-style double stroller to maximize space for bulky or grocery items.
In-line models are more likely to have this kind of difference. Certain models may provide different recline options, with one seat being nearly flat, and the other one remaining fairly upright. Billingsley suggests choosing a model that has a near-flat recline and leg rest adjustment for both seats to ensure each child can sleep comfortably.
Then, she suggests choosing a stroller that includes storage compartments that enable parents to quickly access snacks, toys and personal items while out and about. She also suggests that it is beneficial to find a stroller that has a parent console, or organizer bag attached on the handlebars. This can help parents keep essentials close at hand.
Some of the top-rated double strollers can be expanded, allowing parents to customize the configuration to meet the requirements of their growing family. The Mockingbird Expandable, for instance, is a highly rated double stroller which can be used from birth with just one seat, and then converted into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers have to be able to carry the weight of two people, plus any additional cargo. Strollers need to be simple to maneuver and push, particularly when on rough terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights which make it easier for parents to maintain a good posture when pushing them. A harness that does not need to be rethread that makes the adjustment of seat belts quicker and easier, is another nice feature to look out for. A sturdy brake system and wheels that glide across any surface are essential safety features.
Some parents opt for an arrangement that allows both children to view each other on family outings. This arrangement can prevent siblings fighting over who is allowed to sit in which spot however it's not foolproof. If the seats are positioned at different heights, one child may be in a position to punch or kick the other on the course of a walk.
For parents with twins or siblings who are close in age, a tandem stroller offers the benefit of being able see both kids at once. Double strollers are typically larger, and might not be able to fit through some interior doors. For maximum versatility, consider a single-to-double stroller which can switch from a single stroller to a tandem in various ways, like the well-known CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can accommodate a wide range of configurations and let you click in infant car seats or cot attachments depending on your needs.
If double buggy sale looking for a tandem or a side-by-side stroller, be sure 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 problems.
It's easy to get caught in the jingles and whistles, but it's important to keep in mind that strollers are essentially baby carriers that will be used for extended time. It must be comfortable for both passengers, easy to clean and maintain, and most importantly it should have an intuitive, familiar design so that the person pushing it can easily maneuver it without having to think twice about how to move forward and turn left or right, or apply the brakes.
Easy of Use
A double stroller must be easy to maneuver on various types of terrains for families always on the move. Strollers with features such as peek-a-boo windows, adjustable canopies and reliable brake systems are vital to ensure the safety of your children. But there are other factors that make them easier to 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. Additionally, you should consider thoughtful features such as a cup holder for one parent as well as a console for parents and an eating tray for children -- all things that can make life with two kids significantly easier.
During our testing, we evaluated the strollers on how it performed on a variety of surfaces and how well it could maneuver in tight spaces. We also looked at how simple it was to fold the stroller and then unfold it, and if a particular feature made a difference to the overall performance. For example a stroller that has a harness that does not rethread makes the adjustment of the seat belts easy and quick. This is a major selling point for parents who are always on the move, as it eliminates the need to rethread their harness.
The UPPAbaby v2 Double scored highly in this metric as it came with a variety of seating configurations, and additional accessories that accommodated growing families. The wagon-style double stroller is able to accommodate two seats, a bassinet or even a toddler riding board--perfect for active families planning long trips with multiple children of different ages. It also glides effortlessly over cobblestones, ball fields and pavements. It also can be folded flat for easy storage in a trunk or closet. Our tester Kerry loved the simple, intuitive nature of this stroller's design. The clever packaging, clearly marked sections and the user's guide made it simple to put this stroller together.
Storage
A double stroller is able to hold twice as much than a single stroller, so look for ample storage space. Ideally, you want a stroller that can accommodate the necessities for both kids, including nappies bottles, snacks, and toys, along with parents' belongings such as phones, wallets keys, wallets and phones. Look for under-seat baskets and other pockets, and look into a stroller with an expandable cargo area that can carry heavy items such as diaper bags and lunch bags.
A quality double stroller will be able to grow with your family. For example certain models come with the bassinet attachment, which can be used for newborns, and others have child seats that can expand with your children until they're ready to move to the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers even permit a rider's board to let older siblings join in the fun.
There are a variety of double strollers on the market. You can choose from high-performance models that are ideal for rough terrain, or more budget-friendly options that can use on a daily basis. While shopping, take a look at reviews and suggestions from families just like yours to get a better sense of what to expect from the double stroller you select.
Double strollers are available in three different design formats including tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Billingsley says that side-by-side strollers are the most adaptable and ideal for twins or children of similar age. Tandem double strollers, on other hand, have two seats that are arranged adjacent to one another and facing opposite directions. It's a good option for kids of the same age or for siblings who like to interact with each other. Tandem strollers may be harder to maneuver in tight spaces, and are less likely to fit through doorways than their side-by-side counterparts.
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 many seating options. It can be used with two car seats for infants, or one child in a convertible toddler seat. Our experts also appreciated the comfy memory foam seats with a 50+ SPF canopy and foam-filled tires that will never go flat. When it's time to fold, this model only requires a few tugs on the straps beneath each seat (under where kids sit) in order to fold.