Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two kids who are close in age, a double stroller can be a valuable investment. strollers double strollers or versatile side-by-side buggies help you keep your eyes on both kids at the same time navigating the aisles of the supermarket as well as the parks and other obstacles life throws your way.
Comfort
When shopping for a double stroller, comfort is an important consideration. This includes both the seating arrangement as well as the overall size of the stroller which affects the ease of use and storage. "Parents must determine what the stroller weighs and its dimensions when folded," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also look at the recline options for seats and age ranges to ensure a good fit for their family."
A good double stroller should be able to handle a variety of surfaces with ease from suburban sidewalks to parks and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should also provide flexible seating arrangements for children of different age and comfort features like windows that peek out and adjustable canopy to shield children from sun or rain.
Seating options are important for many families that will use double strollers from the time of birth until the age of. Billingsley says there are two main categories that are in-line, with one seat in-front of the other, and side-by-side with seats adjacent to one another. "Some parents prefer an in-line option for its sleek design and versatility, whereas others prefer a wagon-style double stroller to make the most space for bulky items or grocery bags."
In-line models are more likely to show this kind of discordance. Certain models may provide different recline options, with one seat being almost flat and the other being more upright. Billingsley suggests choosing a model that offers both an almost flat recline as well as leg rest adjustment for both seats to ensure the children can both lie back comfortably.
In the end, she suggests to look for strollers with storage compartments that enable parents to access their snacks, toys and personal items while on the move. She also says that it is helpful to choose a stroller that includes a parent console or organizer bag attached on the handlebars. This will aid parents in keeping their essentials in their reach.
Some of the top-rated double strollers are expandable that allows parents to modify the set-up based on the requirements of their growing family. For instance the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly rated double stroller that can be used with a single seat from birth, and then converted to a tandem (with an additional seat and bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers must be able to carry the weight of two 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 to ensure that parents maintain a good form when pushing them. Another great feature is a no-rethread belt harness that makes it easier to adjust the seat belts. A sturdy brake system and wheels that can glide over any surface are essential safety features.
Some parents prefer the side-by-side design so that both children can see each other on family outings. This arrangement can prevent siblings arguing over who sits in which spot, but it isn't foolproof. If the seats are at different heights, a child may 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 stroller is a great option for being able to view both children at the same time. However, these can be more spacious than other double strollers, meaning they may not be able to fit through all interior doorways. For maximum flexibility, think about a stroller that can change from a single stroller to a tandem in various ways, like the renowned CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can accommodate a wide variety of configurations and permit you to insert infant car seats or cot attachments, depending on your needs.
If you opt for a side-byside or tandem-style stroller, be sure the product is JPMA-certified to meet strict safety standards. Be aware of the maximum weight limits for each seat, since exceeding them could result in frame fatigue or other issues.
It's easy to be swept in the sound of bells and whistles, however it's important to keep in mind that strollers are in essence baby carriers that are carried for long periods of durations. It must be comfortable for both passengers and easy to clean and maintain, and most importantly it should have an easy-to-use, familiar design so that the person pushing it is able to effortlessly maneuver it without having to think twice about how to move forward, turn left or right, or use the brakes.
User-Friendliness
A double stroller should be easy to maneuver on various of terrains for families that are always on the move. Strollers with features such as windows that can be opened and closed, adjustable canopy and reliable brake systems are vital to ensure the safety of your children. But there are also other factors that make them simpler to use. For example, a stroller must be small enough to fit into the trunk of your car but still provide ample storage space for groceries and other belongings. It is also essential to include thoughtful touches, such as the cup holder for one parent as well as consoles for parents and a snack tray. These can help make traveling with two children much easier.
During strollers double strollers evaluated each stroller on the basis of its performance on different terrains, as well as its ability to maneuver through tight spaces. We also assessed the ease with which it was possible to fold and unfold and whether or not a particular feature improved the overall performance of the stroller. A stroller that does not have rethread straps makes it easy to adjust the seat belts. This is a major selling point for parents who are on the move because it cuts down on time and reduces the need to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby V2 Double scored well in this measure because it had a wide variety of seating options, as well as other accessories that could accommodate growing families. The wagon-style double stroller expands to accommodate an additional seat, a bassinet or even a toddler riding board that is perfect for active families planning long days on the go with multiple kids of various age. It is able to glide effortlessly over cobblestones, pavements, and ball fields. It can also be folded flat to be stored in a trunk or closet. Our tester Kerry appreciated the straightforward and easy-to-use nature of the stroller's design. Its clever packaging clear sections, well-labeled sections and an informative user guide made assembling this stroller a breeze.
Stores
A double stroller is able to hold twice as much as a single stroller so make sure you have plenty of 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 like wallets, phones, and keys. Find baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller that has an expandable cargo space to accommodate bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags.
A quality double stroller will be able to adapt to the needs of your family. For example, some models include the bassinet attachment, which can accommodate infants, while others feature 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 the fun with a rider board.
There are a variety of double strollers on the market, ranging from sleek, high-performance models that can handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models that are more for everyday use. When shopping, take a look at reviews and suggestions from families similar to yours to get a better idea of what you can expect from the double stroller that you pick.
Double strollers are available in three different design formats such as tandem, side-byside, and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-byside strollers are the most flexible and ideal for twins or children of similar age. Tandem double strollers feature two seats that are set in a tandem arrangement facing in opposite directions. This is a great option for children who are similar age or siblings who prefer to interact with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and less likely to fit into doors.
Take a look at this top choice by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon-style double stroller. The testers loved that this budget model has multiple seating options and the option to connect two infant car seats or a single child riding in a convertible toddler seat. Our reviewers also praised the comfy memory foam seats, 50+ SPF canopy, and foam-filled tires that never stop running flat. And when it's time for you to fold, this model needs only a couple of pulls on the straps on each seat (under the seat where kids sit) to fold in half.