Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two children who are close in age, a double stroller could be a valuable investment. These narrow tandem buggies as well as versatile side by side buggies allow you to keep both children in sight while you shop and parks, as well as whatever else life can throw at you.
Comfort
Comfort is an important factor to think about when purchasing a double-stroller. This includes the seating arrangement as well as the overall size, which can have an impact on ease of use and storage. "Parents should check how much the stroller weighs and 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 the best fit for their family."
A well-constructed double stroller will be durable enough to travel on different surfaces smoothly--from parks trails to suburban sidewalks and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should have a variety of seating options for children of different age groups, and comfort features such as a peek-a-boo windows and adjustable canopy options which 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 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-byside with seats adjacent to one another. Some parents prefer the in-line model due to its sleek style and flexibility. Others prefer the wagon style double stroller for maximum space for groceries or bulky items.
In-line models are more likely to have this kind of difference. twin pushchairs may offer different recline options, with one being almost flat and the other being more upright. Billingsley recommends choosing a product that offers both an almost flat recline as well as leg rests that can be adjusted for both seats to ensure each child can sleep comfortably.
Then, she suggests to look for strollers with storage compartments that allow parents to access their snacks, toys and other personal belongings while on the go. She suggests that it's beneficial to choose a stroller with an organizer or parent console bag that is attached to the handlebars. This will allow you to keep your essentials in reach.
Some of the most highly-rated double strollers are expandable which allows parents to alter the layout to meet the requirements of their growing family. For instance, the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used with just a single seat from birth and then transformed into tandem (with an additional seat and bassinet) as the child gets older.
Safety
Double strollers must be able to support the weight of both passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers need to be able to move and push, particularly on rough terrain or in tight spaces. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height which make it easier for parents to maintain a good posture when pushing them. A harness that is not rethread, which makes adjusting seat belts quicker and easier to do, is a nice feature to look for. Safety features include a robust brake system and wheels that glide over any surface.
Some parents prefer the side-by-side design to ensure that both children meet up during family outings. This arrangement can reduce siblings arguing about who gets to sit in which seat 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 a walk.
A tandem-style stroller is a excellent option for parents with twins or siblings that are close in age. It allows them to see both children at once. Double strollers are typically wider, and may not fit through certain doors inside. For maximum versatility, consider a single-to-double stroller that transitions from a single stroller to a tandem in various ways, such as the popular CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can be adapted to a wide variety of configurations and allow you to click in infant car seats or cot attachments depending on your requirements.
If you're looking for a tandem or side-by-side stroller, make sure that the product has been JPMA certified to meet the strictest safety standards. Be aware of the weight limits that apply to each seat, as exceeding them can lead to frame fatigue or other issues.
While it's easy to concentrate on the additional bells and whistles of a new stroller, it is crucial to be aware that a stroller an infant carrier that is carried around for long periods of time. It must be easy to clean and maintain and comfortable for both the passengers. It should also feature a a familiar, intuitive design that lets the person pushing the stroller to move it easily.
Ease of Use
A double stroller must be easy to maneuver on a variety terrains for families who are constantly moving. Strollers that have features like 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 more convenient to use. A stroller must be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your vehicle yet have plenty of storage space for food or other items. Also important are thoughtful touches like a cup holder with a single parent as well as a console for parents and an eating tray for children -- all things that will make life on the go with two children significantly simpler.
During our testing we rated each stroller on how well it did on a variety of terrains, and how easily it could maneuver in tight spaces. We also looked at how easy it was to fold and unfold, and whether or not a specific feature added to the overall function of the stroller. For instance a stroller that has a harness that does not rethread makes the adjustment of the seat belts quick and simple. This is a major selling point for parents who are on the move because it cuts down on time and removes the need to re-thread the harness.
The UPPAbaby V2 Double scored well in this measure because it offered a wide range of seating configurations, and additional accessories to accommodate families that are growing. The double-stroller that looks like a wagon expands to accommodate two seats, a bassinet, or even a toddler-riding board. This is perfect for families who want to spend a lot of time in the car with a variety of children of various age groups. It also glides effortlessly over cobblestones, ball fields and pavements. It also can be folded flat for simple storage in a closet or trunk. The design of this stroller is easy and intuitive and was a big hit with our tester Kerry. The sleek packaging with clearly marked sections as well as a the user's guide made it simple to assemble this stroller.
Storage
A double stroller can be able to hold twice as much stuff as a single stroller so look for ample storage space. You want a stroller with enough storage space to hold the essentials of both children and parents, such as bottles as well as snacks, toys and diapers. Look for pockets and baskets under the seats. Also, consider a stroller that has an expandable cargo space to accommodate bulky items like diaper bags and lunchbags.
A good double stroller will be able to grow with your family. For example certain models have the bassinet attachment, which can accommodate newborns, while others come with child seats that can be adapted to your children until they're able to switch to riding on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers include a rider board to allow older siblings to take part in the fun.
There's a wide selection of double strollers in the market, from sleek, high-performance models that can handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models that are more for everyday use. While shopping, take a look at reviews from other users and the opinions of families like yours to get an understanding of what to expect from the double stroller you choose.
Double strollers come in three different design formats: side-by-side, tandem, and wagon-style. twin pushchairs states that side-by-side strollers are the most flexible and suitable for twins or children of similar ages. Tandem double strollers feature two seats arranged in a tandem configuration with the opposite direction facing. This is a great option for children who are similar age, or siblings who want to interact with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through tight spaces and are less likely to pass through doors than their side-by-side counterparts.
Check out this top selection by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon-style double stroller. This model is affordable and was praised by testers for its multiple seating configurations. It can be used with two car seats for infants or one child sitting in a convertible toddler seat. Our testers also loved the comfortable memory foam seats with a 50+ SPF canopy, and foam-filled tires that never stop running flat. And when it's time for you to fold, this model requires just a couple of tugs on the straps of each seat (under the seats where kids are) to fold it in half.