Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is an excellent investment for families with two children with similar age. These compact tandem buggies or versatile side-by-side buggies will keep both children in the same place while navigating the grocery aisle or in parks, or whatever else life throws at you.
Comfort
When looking for a double stroller for your child, comfort is an important consideration. This can include the seating arrangement and the overall size, which will 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 take a look at the recline options for seats and age ranges to ensure the best fit for their family."
A quality double stroller should be able to handle different surfaces easily, from suburban sidewalks to park paths, and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should have a variety of seating options for children at different ages, as well as comfort features such as a peek-a-boo windows and adjustable canopy options that shield kids from rain or sun.
For many 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 that are next to each other," Billingsley explains. Some parents prefer the in-line model due to its sleek design and versatility. Others like the wagon style double stroller to maximize space for groceries or bulky items.
Although some models may have different recline options, with one seat nearly flat while the other remains relatively upright, this kind of difference is more prevalent in in-line models. Billingsley recommends choosing a product that offers both a near-flat recline and leg rest adjustment for both seats to ensure both children can lie back comfortably.
Finally, she advises looking for strollers that have storage compartments that will allow parents to access their snacks, toys, and personal items while on the move. She adds that it's also helpful to look for the stroller that has a parent console or organizer bag attached to the handlebars, which can help keep essentials within reach.
Some of the top-rated double strollers can be expanded that allows parents to modify the set-up based on the needs of their growing family. The Mockingbird Expandable, for example, is a highly rated double stroller which can be used from birth with a single seat, and then converted into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers should be able to handle the weight of two passengers--plus any additional cargo. Strollers should also be easy to move and push, particularly in tight areas and over challenging terrain. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights which allow parents to maintain a good posture when pushing them. Another nice feature is a no-rethread belt harness, which allows for a more comfortable adjustment of the seat belts. Safety features include a sturdy brake system and wheels which can glide across any surface.
Some parents choose the side-by-side design so that both children can see each other during family outings. This arrangement can reduce sibling rivalries about who gets to sit in which spot however, it's not 100% secure. If the seats are different heights, a child could kick or punch another during a walk when the seats are on different levels.
For parents of twins or siblings who are close in age, a tandem-style stroller offers the benefit of being able to view both kids at once. Double strollers can be wider, and may not fit through certain interior doors. For maximum versatility, consider a single-to-double stroller which can switch from a single stroller to a tandem in different ways, such as the renowned CYBEX Gazelle S. These models are able to accommodate a broad variety of configurations and let you click in infant car seats or cot attachments depending on your requirements.
If you're in the market for a tandem or side-by-side stroller, ensure that the stroller has been JPMA certified to meet strict safety standards. Pay attention to the maximum weight limit for each seat. Overstepping these limits can cause frame fatigue or other issues.
While it's easy to focus on the additional bells and whistles of the latest stroller, it is crucial to be aware that a stroller an infant carrier that will be transported for long periods of time. It should be easy to clean and maintain, and comfortable for both passengers. It should also feature a an easy-to-use, familiar design that lets the person pushing it to maneuver it effortlessly.
Simple to Use
A double stroller must be simple to maneuver over a variety terrains for families who are constantly on the move. Strollers with features such as windows that peek-a-boo, adjustable canopies and reliable brake systems are vital to ensure the safety of your children. However, there are other features that make them simpler to use. A stroller must be compact enough to fit into the trunk of your vehicle, but still have plenty of storage space for food or other things. It's also essential to add thoughtful touches, such as a cup holder for one parent or consoles for parents, as well as snacks on trays. These can help make traveling with two children much more enjoyable.
During our testing, we evaluated each stroller according to 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 then unfold it, and if a particular feature made a difference to the overall performance. A stroller with no-rethread straps is easy to adjust the seat belts. This can be a major selling point for parents who are on the move since it reduces time and reduces the need to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby V2 Double scored well in this metric as it came with a variety of seating configurations, and additional accessories that accommodated expanding families. The wagon-style double-stroller expands so that it can accommodate an additional seat, a bassinet or even a toddler's riding board. This is perfect for families that plan to spend long hours on the road with multiple children of various age groups. It also glides effortlessly over cobblestones, balls and pavements. It can be folded flat for easy storage in a closet or trunk. The design of this stroller is easy and easy to use which was well-loved by our test subject Kerry. The smart packaging, clearly marked sections and user's manual made it easy to put together this stroller.
Stores
A double stroller can be able to hold twice as much stuff as a single stroller so look for ample storage space. It is ideal to have a stroller that is able to hold the essentials for both kids--nappies, bottles, snacks and toys, as well as parents' items such as wallets, phones keys, wallets and phones. Look for baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, consider a stroller with an expandable cargo space that can accommodate bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags.
A quality double stroller should be able to adjust as your family grows. Billingsley states that certain models have an attachment for a bassinet to accommodate infants. Other models come with child seats that can grow with the child until they are able to ride on the back. Some double strollers even include a rider board that allows older children to take part in the fun.
There are many double strollers available. You can choose from high-performance models which are suitable for rough terrain, or more budget-friendly options that can use on a daily basis. While shopping, read reviews and suggestions from families like yours to get an idea of what you can expect from the double stroller that you pick.
Double strollers are available in three designs: tandem, side-by-side and wagon style. Billingsley states that side-by-side strollers are the most adaptable and ideal for twins or children of similar age. Tandem double strollers have two seats set up in a tandem arrangement facing in opposite directions. This is a great option for children of the same age, or siblings who prefer to interact with each other. Tandem strollers can be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and are less likely to fit through doorways than their side-byside counterparts.
If strollers double strollers looking for a wagon-style double stroller, take a look at this top choice from Safety 1st. This affordable model was praised by test participants for its multiple seating configurations. It can be used with two car seats for infants, or one child in a convertible toddler seat. Our testers also loved the comfy memory foam seats, 50+ SPF canopy and foam-filled tires that will never stop running flat. And when it's time for you to fold, this model requires just a couple of tugs on straps on each seat (under the seats where kids are) to fold in half.