Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two kids who are similar in age, a double stroller can be a valuable investment. These narrow tandem strollers or versatile side-by-side buggies help you keep an eye on both kids at the same time while braving the grocery aisle or the parks, and whatever else life throws your way.
double buggy
When shopping for a double stroller, the comfort is a key consideration. This could include the seating arrangement and the overall size, which will have an impact on ease of use and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child expert in development from the Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, says parents should examine the stroller's weight as well as folded dimensions. "They should also take a look at the options for recline and seat age ranges to ensure the best fit for their family."
A quality double stroller should be durable enough to travel on all surfaces without difficulty, from urban sidewalks to parks trails, and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should offer a range of seating options for children at different age groups, and comfort features like peek-a-boo windows and adjustable canopy options that shield kids from rain or sun.
For a lot of families, a double stroller will be used from birth until childhood, so it's important 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 next to each other. "Some parents prefer an in-line stroller due to its sleek look and versatility, while others prefer a wagon-style double stroller that can be used to store bulky items or groceries."
Some products may offer different recline options - with one seat almost flat while the other is upright--this type of disparity is more prevalent in in-line models. Billingsley recommends choosing a product that has an almost flat recline as well as leg rest adjustment for both seats, so that each child can sleep comfortably.
She also suggests that parents look for strollers that have storage compartments so that they can quickly access snacks, personal items and toys when moving about. She adds that it's also beneficial to choose the stroller that has an organizer or parent console bag that is attached to the handlebars, which will help keep things close at hand.
Some of the top-rated double strollers can be expanded that allows parents to modify the configuration to meet the needs of their growing family. For example the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used with just a single seat from birth and later converted to a tandem (with the addition of a second seat and bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers must be able to carry the weight of both the passengers as well as any additional cargo. Strollers must also be simple to maneuver and push, especially in tight spaces and over challenging terrain. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height to ensure that parents maintain a good form while pushing them. A harness that does not need to be rethread that makes the adjustment of seat belts more quickly and easily is another great feature to look for. Safety features include a durable brake system, as well as wheels that glide over any surface.
Some parents prefer the side-by-side design to allow both children to see each other during family outings. This arrangement can help prevent siblings fighting over who gets to sit where, but it's not foolproof. If the seats are placed at different levels, one child might be in a position to punch or kick the other on walks.
A tandem-style stroller is a great option for parents with twins or siblings who are similar in age. It lets them be able to see both children simultaneously. However, they can be wider than other double strollers, and they may not fit through all interior doorways. Think about a stroller that is single-to-double that can be transformed from a single stroller to a double in a variety ways. Popular models include the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you are looking for a tandem or side-by-side stroller, make sure that the stroller has been JPMA certified to meet stringent safety standards. Also pay attention to the weight limits that apply to each seat, as exceeding them can 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 basically baby carriers that will be used for a long period of durations. It must be comfortable for both parents and children and easy to clean and maintain, and most importantly it should feature an intuitive, 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 even apply the brakes.
Easy of Use
A double stroller must be easily maneuverable on a variety terrains for families who are constantly on the move. Features like adjustable canopy systems windows, peek-aboo windows, and reliable braking systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children, however, there are other elements that influence stroller comfort of use. For example the stroller should be small enough to fit in the trunk of your car, while still offering ample storage space for your groceries and other items. Also important are thoughtful touches like a one-parent cup holder, parent consoles and snacks for children--all things that can make life with two children significantly easier.
During our testing, we evaluated each stroller according to its ability to perform on different surfaces and its ability to maneuver through tight spaces. We also examined the ease with which it was possible to fold and unfold and whether or not a specific feature improved the overall function of the stroller. For instance a stroller that has a no-rethread harness makes adjusting the seat belts simple and easy. This is a major selling point for parents who are on the move because it cuts down on time and eliminates the need to re-thread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double was a top performer in this metric, as it came with a variety of seating options and accessories to help accommodate growing families. The wagon-style double stroller expands to allow for two seats as well as a bassinet, or a toddler riding board that is perfect for families who are active and planning long, tiring days with multiple kids of varying age. It also glides effortlessly over cobblestones, balls and pavements. It can be folded flat for easy storage in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is easy and intuitive and was a big hit with our test participant Kerry. The sleek packaging with clearly marked sections as well as a the user's guide made it simple to put together this stroller.
Stores
Double strollers can carry twice as much as a single one so be sure to ensure you have plenty of storage space. It is important to find a stroller with enough storage space to store the essentials for both parents and children including bottles as well as snacks, toys and diapers. Look for pockets and baskets under the seats. Also, consider a stroller with an expandable cargo space to take in bulky items like diaper bags and lunchbags.
A good double stroller will be able to expand with your family. For example, some models include an attachment for a bassinet that can be used for newborns, and others feature child seats that can expand with 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 the rider board.
There are double pushchair of double strollers in the market, from sleek, high-performance models that are able to handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models more suitable for use in the everyday. While shopping, take a look at reviews and suggestions from families just like yours to get an understanding of what to expect with the double stroller you choose.
Double strollers come in three different designs including tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-by-side strollers are the most versatile and suitable for twins or children of similar age. Tandem double strollers have two seats set up in a tandem arrangement, facing opposite directions. This is a good option for children who are the same age or siblings who want to be social with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces and are less likely to pass through doors than their side-by-side counterparts.
Check out this top pick by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon style double stroller. This model is affordable and was highly praised by our testers for its multiple seating configurations. It can be used with two car seats for infants or one child sitting in a convertible toddler chair. Our reviewers also praised the soft memory foam seats with a 50+ SPF canopy and foam-filled tires that will never stop running flat. And when it's time to fold, this model needs just a couple of tugs on the straps of each seat (under the seat where kids sit) to fold it in half.