Double Strollers Tips From The Best In The Industry
Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two kids that are in the same age group, a double stroller could be a valuable investment. These narrow tandem buggies or versatile side by side buggies will keep both children within sight while navigating the grocery aisle and parks, as well as whatever else life throws at you.
Comfort
Comfort is a major factor to take into consideration when buying a double-stroller. This can include the seating arrangement and the overall size, which will have an impact on ease of use and storage. "Parents should check how much the stroller weighs as well as its folded dimensions," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They must also take into consideration the seat recline options, as well as the ages of their children to ensure that it's the perfect fit."
A good double stroller should be able to navigate a variety of surfaces with ease from suburban sidewalks to parks and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should offer a range of seating options for children of different ages, as well as comfort features like peek-a-boo windows and adjustable canopy options that protect children from rain or sun.
For many families, a double stroller is likely to be used from birth and into the teen years, so it's essential to think about seating options. "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 stroller due to its sleek appearance and versatility, while others prefer a wagon-style stroller to maximize space for bulky items or grocery bags."
Although some models may have different recline options, with one seat being almost flat, while the other remains relatively upright, this type of distinction is more prevalent in in-line models. Billingsley suggests choosing a model with a near-flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children can lie down comfortably.
In the end, she suggests choosing strollers with storage compartments that will allow parents to easily access snacks, toys and other personal belongings while on the go. She also suggests that it's useful to find a stroller with a parent console or organizer bag that can be attached to the handlebars, which will allow you to keep your essentials in reach.
Some of the most highly-rated double strollers are expandable, allowing parents to customize the set-up based on the requirements of their growing family. The Mockingbird Expandable, for instance, 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 should be able to handle the weight of two people, plus any additional cargo. Strollers should be easy to maneuver and push, especially when on rough terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars and adjustable heights which allow parents to maintain a good posture when pushing them. A no-rethread harness that makes the adjustment of seat belts quicker and easier to do, is a nice feature to look for. Also, a strong brake system and wheels that can glide over any surface are crucial safety features.
Some parents prefer the side-by-side design to ensure that both children be together when they go on family outings. This arrangement can stop sibling fights over which child is allowed to sit where however it's not foolproof. If the seats are located at different heights, a child could punch or kick another while walking if the seats are at different levels.
A tandem-style stroller is a ideal option for parents with twins or siblings that are close in age. It allows them to see both children at once. However, these can be larger than other double strollers, so they may not be able to be able to pass through all doors in your home. For maximum versatility, consider a single-to-double stroller which can switch from a single stroller to a tandem in different ways, like the popular CYBEX Gazelle S. These models are able to accommodate a broad range of configurations and allow you to click in infant car seats or cot attachments, according to your requirements.
If you are looking for a tandem or side-by-side stroller, be sure the product has been JPMA certified to meet the strictest safety standards. Also pay attention to the weight limits that apply to each seat, as over-weighting could lead to frame fatigue or other issues.
It's easy to get caught in the sound of bells and whistles, however it's important to keep in mind that strollers are basically baby carriers that will be used for a long period of durations. It must be comfortable for both the passengers and easy to clean and maintain, and in the ideal case it should feature an intuitive, familiar design so that the person pushing it can effortlessly move it around without having to think about how to move forward, turn left or right, or even apply the brakes.
User-Friendliness
For families that are on the move, a double stroller needs to be able to maneuver easily over a variety of terrains. Features like adjustable canopies with windows that peek out and dependable brake systems are essential to ensure your children's safety, however, there are other elements that affect stroller ease of use. For example the stroller must be compact enough to fit into the trunk of your car while still offering ample storage space for food items and other things. It is also essential to include thoughtful touches, such as a cup holder for one parent, consoles for parents and a snack tray. These are able to make traveling with two kids much easier.
During our testing we evaluated each stroller based on its performance on various terrains, as well as its ability to maneuver in tight spaces. We also considered how easy it was to fold the stroller in half and then unfold it, and if a particular feature made a difference to the overall performance. For instance, a stroller with a harness that does not rethread makes the adjustment of the seat belts quick and simple. This can be a huge 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 scored highly in this measure, since it offered an impressive range of seating configurations as well as additional accessories to help accommodate growing families. The wagon-style double stroller expands to allow for an additional seat as well as a bassinet or a toddler riding board--perfect for active families planning long trips with multiple kids of various age. lightweight twin stroller glides easily over pavements, cobblestones, and ballfields. It can also be folded flat to store in a trunk or a closet. The design of this stroller is simple and intuitive, which was appreciated by our test participant Kerry. The clever packaging, clearly marked sections and the user's guide made it simple to assemble this stroller.
Stores
A double stroller has the potential to hold twice as much as a single stroller therefore, you should look for plenty of storage space. Ideally, you'll want a stroller that is able to hold the essentials for both kids--nappies bottles, snacks, and toys, in addition to parents' items such as wallets, phones keys, wallets and phones. Find baskets under the seat and other pockets, and consider a stroller with an expandable cargo area that can carry heavy items such as diaper bags and lunch bags.
A quality double stroller should be able to adjust as your family expands. For instance certain models have an attachment for a bassinet that can be used for newborns, and others come with child seats that can grow with your kids until they're ready to switch to riding on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers also permit a rider's board to allow older siblings to join in the fun.
There are many different double strollers on the market. You can choose from models with high-performance features which are suitable for rough terrain, or more budget-friendly options that you can use every day. While shopping, read reviews and recommendations of families just like yours to get an idea of what to expect from the double stroller you select.
Double strollers are available in three styles: tandem, side-by-side and wagon style. Side-by-side double strollers offer most versatility and are suitable for twins or kids who are close to each other in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers, on other hand, have two seats that are arranged next to each other and facing opposite directions. It's a good option for kids of the same age, or for siblings who enjoy interacting 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're looking for a wagon-style double stroller, check out this top model from Safety 1st. This affordable model was highly praised by our testers 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 with a 50+ SPF canopy, and foam-filled tires that never stop running flat. When it's time to fold this model requires only just a few nudges on the straps beneath each seat (under the seats where kids sit) to fold.