Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two kids who are similar in age, a double stroller can be an invaluable investment. These narrow
Tandem double stroller buggies as well as flexible side by side buggies let you keep both children within sight when you are navigating the aisles of your grocery store, parks, and whatever else life can throw at you.
Comfort
Comfort is an important factor to consider when shopping for a double-stroller. This could include the seating arrangement as well as the overall size, which will have an impact on the ease of use and storage. "Parents should check how much the stroller weighs and 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 and the ages of their children to ensure that it's the perfect fit."
A quality double stroller should be robust enough to navigate different surfaces smoothly--from suburban sidewalks to park trails, and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should also offer versatile seating options for children of different age groups and comfort features such as peek-a-boo windows and adjustable canopies to keep kids shielded from sun or rain.
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 think about seating options. Billingsley states that there are two main categories of in-line seating with one seat in front of the other, and side-by-side with seats adjacent to one another. Some parents prefer the in-line option because of its sleek appearance and versatility. Others prefer a wagon-style double stroller to maximize space for bulky or grocery items.
In-line models are more likely to show this kind of discordance. Some products may offer different recline options, with one being almost flat, while the other being more upright. Billingsley recommends choosing a product that has a near-flat recline and leg rest adjustment for both seats to ensure each child can sleep comfortably.
She also suggests that parents look for strollers that have storage compartments to allow them to easily access snacks, personal items and toys on the move. She also suggests that it is helpful to find a stroller which includes a parent console or organizer bag attached on the handlebars. This will help parents keep their essentials in their reach.
A few of the most highly-rated double strollers can be expanded that allows parents to modify the layout to meet the needs of their expanding family. For instance the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly rated
lightweight double pushchair stroller that can be used with a single seat from birth and then transformed into tandem (with an additional seat and bassinet) as the child gets older.
Safety
Double
twin strollers for newborns have to be able to handle the weight of two passengers--plus any additional cargo. Strollers must also be easy to maneuver and push, especially in tight spots and on difficult terrain. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height to allow parents to maintain their good posture while pushing them. A harness that does not need to be rethread which makes the adjustment of seat belts more quickly and easily is another great feature to look for. Safety features include a sturdy brake system and wheels which slide over any surface.
Some parents opt for side-by-side designs that allow both children to view one another during family outings. This arrangement can reduce sibling rivalries about who gets to
sit n stand double stroller in which spot however, it's not 100% secure. If the seats are placed at different heights, one child could be in a position to punch or kick the other on walks.
For parents of twins or siblings close in age, a tandem stroller can be beneficial in being able see both kids at once. Double strollers are typically larger, and might not fit through certain doors inside. Think about a stroller that is single-to-double that can be transformed from a single stroller to a double in many ways. Popular models include the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you opt for a side-byside or tandem-style stroller, be sure that the stroller is JPMA-certified to meet stringent safety standards. Pay attention to the maximum weight limit for each seat. Exceeding these limits could cause frame fatigue or other issues.
While it's easy for us to focus on all the extra bells and whistles on a new stroller, it's important to be aware that a stroller essentially a baby carrier that will be used for extended periods of time. It must be comfortable for both passengers, easy to clean and maintain, and in the ideal case, it should offer 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 or turn left or right, or even apply the brakes.
Simple to Use
For families that are on the move, a double stroller must be able to navigate a variety of terrains. Features like adjustable canopy, peek-aboo windows and dependable braking systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children, but there are other factors that contribute to stroller ease of use. A stroller must be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your vehicle, but still have plenty of storage space for food or other things. Additionally, you should consider thoughtful features such as a cup holder for one parent, parent consoles and a snack tray for kids--all things that make life on the go with two kids significantly easier.
During our testing we rated the strollers on how it performed on a variety surfaces and how well it maneuvered in tight spaces. We also looked at how simple it was to fold the stroller and then unfold it as well as if a particular feature enhanced the overall functionality. For instance, a stroller with a harness that does not rethread makes the adjustment of the seat belts easy and quick. This is a huge selling point for parents who are constantly moving around, since it eliminates the need to rethread their harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored high in this measure, since it offers a wide range of seating options and accessories to help accommodate growing families. The wagon-style double-stroller expands so that it can accommodate a
second hand double buggy seat, bassinet, or even a toddler-riding board. This is perfect for families who want to spend long hours in the car with a variety of children of various age groups. It also glides smoothly across cobblestones, ball fields and pavements. It also can be folded flat for easy storage in a trunk or closet. Our test subject Kerry appreciated the straightforward and easy-to-use nature of the stroller's design. The sleek packaging with clearly marked sections as well as a user's manual made it easy to put this stroller together.
Stores
A double stroller has the potential to hold twice as much as a single stroller, so look for ample storage space. It is important to find a stroller with enough storage space to accommodate the essentials of both parents and children including bottles and snacks, toys, and diapers. Look for pockets and baskets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller with an expandable cargo space that can accommodate bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags.
A good double stroller must have the ability to adapt as your family grows. For instance certain models come with an attachment for a bassinet that can accommodate infants, while others come with child seats that can be adapted to your children until they're able to ride on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers allow older siblings to join in on the fun with riding boards.
There are many different double strollers available. You can pick from high-performance models which are suitable for rough terrain, as well as more budget-friendly options that you can use every day. While shopping, you can read reviews and recommendations of families similar to yours to get an idea of what to expect from the double stroller you pick.
Double strollers come in three different styles including tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-byside strollers are the most adaptable and suitable for twins or children of similar age. Tandem double strollers, on the other hand, have two seats set adjacent to one another and facing in opposite directions--a ideal choice for children who are the same age or for siblings who like to interact with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and less likely to fit into doors.
Check out this top pick by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon style double stroller. This model is affordable and was praised by test participants for its various seating configurations. It can be used with two infant car seats or one child sitting in a convertible toddler seat. Our reviewers also praised the comfy memory foam seats, 50+ SPF canopy, and foam-filled tires that never go flat. When it's time to fold, this model requires only a few tugs on the straps on each seat (under the seats where kids are) to fold it in half.
