Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is an excellent investment when you have two kids of similar age. These strollers are narrow and narrow, as well as versatile side-by-side buggies help you keep an eye on both children at the same time while navigating the aisles of the supermarket or the parks, and whatever else life throws your way.
Comfort
When you are looking for a double stroller, the comfort is an important aspect to take into consideration. This can include the seating arrangement and the overall size, which can have an impact on the ease of use and storage. "Parents should determine how much the stroller weighs as well as its dimensions when folded," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also consider the options for recline of the seat as well as the age ranges of their children to ensure that it is a perfect fit."
A reputable double stroller must be able to handle a variety of surfaces easily from suburban sidewalks to park paths and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should also offer versatile seating arrangements for children of varying ages and comfort features such as windows that can be opened and closed to shield children from rain or sun.
For a lot of families, a double stroller is likely to be utilized from birth until the age of five, so it's crucial to consider the seating options. "There are two main categories--in-line with one seat behind the other, and side by side with seats next to each other," Billingsley explains. "Some parents prefer an in-line model due to its sleek design and versatility, whereas others prefer a wagon-style double stroller to make the most space for bulky items or groceries."
In- double stroller with infant car seat are more likely to show this type of discrepancy. Certain models may provide different recline options, with one seat being almost flat, while the other remaining relatively upright. Billingsley suggests selecting a product with a nearly flat recline and leg rests that can be adjusted for both seats to ensure each child can sleep comfortably.
She also suggests that parents look for strollers that have storage compartments so that they can easily access their snacks, personal items and toys when on the move. She also suggests that it's helpful to look for the stroller that has a parent console or organizer bag that can be attached to the handlebars, which will allow you to keep your essentials in reach.
A few of the top-rated double strollers can be expanded to allow parents to customize the setup based on their family's needs. For instance the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used with just a single seat as early as birth, and later converted to a tandem (with an additional seat and bassinet) as the child gets older.
Safety
Double strollers have to be able to support the weight of two adults, as well as any additional cargo. Strollers must also be easy to push and maneuver, especially in tight spots and over challenging terrain. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to ensure that parents maintain a good form when pushing them. A harness that does not need to be rethread which makes the adjustment of seat belts quicker and easier, is another nice feature to look for. Also, a strong brake system and wheels that glide across any surface are crucial safety features.
Some parents prefer side-by-side designs that allow both children to see each other during family outings. This arrangement can help prevent sibling squabbles over who sits in which place however, it's not 100% secure. If the seats are located at different heights, a child could punch or kick another during a walk when the seats are on different levels.
If you have twins or siblings of similar age, a tandem-style stroller is a great option for being able see both kids at once. However, they can be more spacious than other double strollers, so they may not be able to fit through all interior doorways. Think about a stroller that is single-to-double that can be converted from a single to a double in many ways. The most popular models are the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you're in the market for a tandem or a side-by-side stroller, be sure the product has been JPMA certified to meet strict safety standards. Be aware of the maximum weight limits for each seat, since over-weighting could lead to frame fatigue or other issues.
It's easy to be swept in the sound of bells and whistles, however it's important to remember that strollers are essentially baby carriers that are used for a long period of time. It must be comfortable for both the passengers as well as easy to clean and maintain, and ideally it should have an easy-to-use, familiar design so that the person pushing it is able to effortlessly move it around without having to think twice about how to move forward and turn left or right, or apply the brakes.
Simple to Use
A double stroller must be easily maneuverable on various terrains for families who are constantly moving. Features like adjustable canopies, peek-aboo windows and reliable braking systems are crucial to ensure the safety of your children, however, there are other elements that influence stroller comfort of use. For example the stroller must be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your car yet provide ample storage space for food items and other things. Additionally, you should consider thoughtful features such as a cup holder for one parent, parent consoles and an eating tray for children -- all things that will make life with two kids much simpler.
In our tests, we assessed each stroller based on its performance on various terrains and its ability to maneuver through tight spaces. We also assessed how simple it was to fold and unfold, and whether or not a particular feature added to the overall function of the stroller. For example a stroller with a harness that does not rethread makes the adjustment of the seat belts easy and quick. This is a major attraction for parents who are constantly on the move, as it removes the need to rethread their harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double was a top performer in this metric, as it offers a wide range of seating configurations and additional accessories to accommodate families that are growing. The double-stroller in the wagon style can be expanded to accommodate two seats, a bassinet or even a toddler's riding board. This is ideal for families who want to spend a lot of time on the road with multiple children of different age groups. It also glides effortlessly over pavement, cobblestones and ballfields--and folds flat for easy storage in a trunk or closet. Our tester Kerry appreciated the straightforward and easy-to-use nature of the stroller's design. Its smart packaging clear sections, well-labeled sections and helpful user guide made putting together this stroller a breeze.
Stores
A double stroller has the potential to hold twice as much than a single stroller, so look for ample storage space. It is ideal to have an item that can hold the necessities for both kids, including nappies bottles, snacks, and toys, in addition to parents' belongings such as phones, wallets keys and wallets. Look for pockets and baskets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller with an expandable cargo space to accommodate bulky items such as lunch bags and diaper bags.
A good double stroller should have the ability to adapt as your family expands. For instance certain models have a bassinet attachment that can accommodate infants, while others come with child seats that can be adapted to your children until they're ready to ride on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers also allow for a rider board to let older siblings join in the fun.
There are a variety of double strollers in the market, ranging from sleek, high-performance options that are able to handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models more suitable for use in the everyday. While shopping, read reviews and opinions of families similar to yours to get an idea of what you can expect from the double stroller that you pick.
Double strollers are available in three different design formats: side-by-side, tandem, and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-by-side strollers are the most adaptable and ideal for twins or children of a similar age. Tandem double strollers come with two seats that are set in a tandem configuration facing in opposite directions. This is a good option for children who are similar age or siblings who like to interact with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces, and less likely to fit into doorways.
Check out this top pick by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon-style double stroller. Testers loved how this affordable model comes with a variety of seating options and the option to click in two infant car seats or a single child riding in the convertible toddler seat. Our reviewers also praised the memory foam seats as well as the canopy, which has 50+ SPF and foam-filled wheels that never flatten. When it's time for folding, this model only requires a few tugs on the straps beneath each seat (under where kids sit) to fold.