Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two children who are similar in age, a double stroller can be a great investment. These compact tandem buggies or flexible side by side buggies will keep both children in the same place when you are navigating the aisles of your grocery store or in parks, or whatever else life can throw at you.
Comfort
Comfort is an important factor to take into consideration when buying a double-stroller. This could include the seating arrangement and the overall size, which can have an impact on the ease of use and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, suggests parents check the stroller's weight and folded dimensions. "They should also consider the options for recline of the seat, as well as the age ranges of their children to ensure it is a perfect fit."
A reputable double stroller must be able to navigate a variety of surfaces easily, from suburban sidewalks to park paths, and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should also offer versatile seating arrangements for children of different ages and comfort features like peek-a-boo windows and adjustable canopies to keep kids shielded from rain or sun.
Seating options are crucial for many families that will utilize a double stroller from birth to childhood. "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, whereas others like a wagon-style double stroller to make the most space for large items or groceries."
In-line models are more likely to show this type of discrepancy. Some products may offer different recline options, with one being almost flat and the other one remaining fairly upright. Billingsley recommends choosing a product that offers both a nearly flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats, so that each child can sleep comfortably.
Finally, she advises looking for strollers that have storage compartments that will allow parents to access their snacks, toys and other personal belongings while on the go. She also says that it is beneficial to find a stroller which comes with a parent console or organizer bag attached on the handlebars. This can help parents keep essentials close to hand.
A few of the most highly-rated double strollers are expandable which allows parents to alter the configuration to meet the needs of their growing family. The Mockingbird Expandable, for instance is a highly-rated double stroller which can be used from birth using a single seat, and later converted into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) when the child is older.
Safety
Double strollers need to be able to support the weight of two passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers need to be easy to maneuver and push, particularly on rough terrain or in tight spaces. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height which make it easier for parents to maintain a good posture when pushing them. Another nice feature is a non-rethread seat belt harness, which allows for a more comfortable adjustment of the belts on the seat. A sturdy brake system and wheels that can glide over any surface are essential safety features.
Some parents choose side-by-side designs that allow both children to be able to see each other on family outings. This arrangement can prevent sibling squabbles over who sits in which seat, but it isn't foolproof. If the seats are positioned at different heights, one child may be in a position to punch or kick the other during walks.
For parents with twins or siblings close in age, a tandem stroller is a great option for being able to view both kids at once. However, they can be wider than other double strollers, meaning they may not fit through all doorways in the interior. Think about a stroller that is single-to-double that can be converted from a single to a double in a variety ways. The most popular models are the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you decide to purchase a side-by-side or tandem-style stroller, make sure the product is JPMA-certified to meet strict safety standards. Be aware of the weight limit that applies to each seat. If you exceed these limits, it could cause frame fatigue or other issues.
While it's easy to concentrate on all the extra bells and whistles of the latest stroller, it's crucial to remember that a stroller is essentially a baby carrier that is transported for long periods of time. It should be easy to clean and maintain and comfortable for both passengers. It should also feature a a familiar, intuitive design that allows the person pushing the stroller to easily maneuver it.
Easy of Use
For families on the go, a double stroller should be able to navigate a variety of terrains. Features like adjustable canopy, peek-aboo windows and dependable brake systems are crucial to ensure your children's safety, however, there are other elements that affect stroller ease of use. A stroller should be small enough to fit in the trunk of your car and still provide plenty of storage space for food or other items. It is also important to consider thoughtful additions like a cup holder with a single parent or console for parents, as well as snacks for children--all things that make life on the go with two kids significantly easier.
During our testing, we evaluated each stroller based on its ability to perform on different terrains and its ability to maneuver in tight spaces. We also assessed how easy it was to fold and unfold, and whether or not a particular feature improved the overall functionality of the stroller. For example a stroller with a no-rethread harness makes adjusting the seat belts quick and simple. This is a major selling point for parents who are constantly in motion, as it does away with the requirement to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored high in this measure, since it came with a variety of seating configurations as well as additional accessories to accommodate families that are growing. The wagon-style double-stroller can be expanded to accommodate a second seat, bassinet, or even a toddler-riding board. This is ideal for families who want to spend a lot of time traveling with several children of different age groups. It also glides smoothly over cobblestones, ball fields and pavements. It also can be folded flat for simple storage in a closet or trunk. Our test subject Kerry appreciated the straightforward, intuitive nature of this stroller's design. Its stylish packaging with clearly labeled sections as well as a helpful user guide made assembling this stroller an absolute breeze.
Storage
Double strollers can hold twice more than one stroller So, make sure to look for plenty of storage space. You'll want a stroller that has enough storage space to store the necessities of parents and children, such as bottles as well as snacks, toys and diapers. Find baskets under the seat as well as other pockets, and think about a stroller that has an expandable cargo area that can hold bulky items like diaper bags and lunch bags.
A quality double stroller should have the ability to adapt as your family expands. 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 ready to move to the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers allow older children to join in the fun by riding on a rider board.
There are double buggy of double strollers in the market, from elegant, high-performance models that excel on rough terrain to budget-friendly models more suitable for use in the everyday. When you're shopping, read reviews from other users and the opinions of families like yours to gain an idea of what to expect with the double stroller you select.
Double strollers are available in three different models: tandem, side by side and wagon style. Side-by-side double strollers offer the most versatility and are suitable for twins or children similar to their age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers feature two seats arranged in tandem, facing opposite directions. This is a good option for children of the same age or siblings who like to be social with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through tight spaces, and less likely to fit into doorways.
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 comes with a variety of seating options, including the ability to click in two infant car seats or a single child in an convertible toddler seat. double buggy praised the memory foam seats as well as the canopy, which has 50+ SPF and foam-filled wheels that never flatten. When it's time for folding this model needs only a few tugs on the straps beneath each seat (under the seats where kids sit) in order to fold.