Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is a great investment when you have two kids of similar ages. 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 throws at you.
Comfort
When shopping for a double stroller, comfort is a major factor to consider. This includes the seating arrangement and the overall size, which will have an impact on the ease of use and storage. "Parents should check how much the stroller weighs as well as its dimensions when folded," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also take a look at the options for recline and seat age ranges to ensure a perfect fit for their family."
A good double stroller will be sturdy enough to traverse various surfaces with ease, from urban sidewalks to parks trails and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should have a variety of seating options for children at different stages of development, as well as features that provide comfort, such as a peek-aboo window and adjustable canopies that protect children from the sun or rain.
Seating options are important for many families who will utilize double strollers from birth to childhood. "There are two main categories - in-line with one seat in front of the other, and side-byside with seats that are next to each other," Billingsley explains. Some parents prefer the inline option because of its sleek appearance and its versatility. Others like the wagon style double stroller to make the most space for grocery or bulky items.
In-line models tend to have this kind of difference. Some models might offer different recline options, with one being almost flat and the other remaining relatively upright. Billingsley suggests selecting a product that has a nearly flat recline and leg rests that can be adjusted for both seats, so that each child can sleep comfortably.
Then, she suggests to look for strollers with storage compartments that allow parents to easily access snacks, toys and personal items while out and about. She also suggests that it's beneficial to choose a stroller that has an organizer console for parents or a parent bag that is attached to the handlebars. This will allow you to keep your essentials close at hand.
Some of the most highly-rated double strollers are expandable that allows parents to modify the layout to meet the needs of their expanding family. For instance, the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly rated double stroller that can be used with a single seat from birth, and then transformed into a tandem (with the addition of a second seat and bassinet) as the child gets older.
Safety
Double strollers must be able to carry the weight of two adults, as well as any additional cargo. Strollers must also be easy to push and maneuver, especially in tight spots and on terrain that is difficult to navigate. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height which make it easier for parents to maintain a good posture when pushing them. A harness that is not rethread that makes the adjustment of seat belts quicker and easier to do, is a nice feature to look for. Safety features include a durable brake system and wheels which can glide across any surface.
Some parents choose an arrangement that is side by side to allow both children to see each other on family outings. This arrangement can prevent sibling fights over which child gets to sit where, but it's not foolproof. If the seats are positioned at different heights, one child may be in a position to punch or kick the other on walks.
For parents of twins or siblings of similar age, a tandem-style stroller can be beneficial in being able see both kids at once. Double strollers can be wider, and may not fit through some interior doors. Consider a single-to double stroller that can be transformed from a single stroller to double in various ways. The most popular models are the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you decide to purchase a side-by-side or tandem-style stroller, be sure the product is certified by JPMA to meet stringent safety standards. Be sure to check the weight limits that apply to each seat, as exceeding them could result in frame fatigue or other issues.
It's easy to get caught in the jingles and whistles, but it's important to remember that strollers are essentially baby carriers that will be used for a long period of times. It should be comfortable for both parents and children as well as easy to clean and maintain, and ideally it should feature an intuitive, familiar design so that the person pushing it can effortlessly maneuver it without having to think twice about how to move forward or turn left or right, or use the brakes.
User-Friendliness
A double stroller should be simple to maneuver over a variety terrains for families who are constantly moving. Features like adjustable canopies with windows that peek out and dependable braking systems are crucial to ensure the safety of your children, but there are many other aspects that affect stroller ease of use. For instance the stroller should be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your car but still provide ample storage space for your groceries and other items. It is also essential to include thoughtful details, such as a cup holder for one parent as well as consoles for parents and a snack tray. These are able to make traveling with two kids much more enjoyable.
In our testing we rated each stroller based on how it did on a variety of surfaces and how well it could maneuver in tight spaces. We also looked at how simple it was to fold the stroller and then unfold it, and if a particular feature improved the overall functionality. For instance a stroller that has a no-rethread harness makes adjusting the seat belts easy and quick. This can be a huge selling point for parents on the go since it reduces time and removes the need to re-thread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored high in this metric, as it offers a wide range of seating options and accessories to accommodate families that are growing. The wagon-style double stroller expands to accommodate an additional seat as well as a bassinet or a toddler-friendly riding board, which is ideal for families with active children who plan long, tiring days with multiple children of different ages. It also glides smoothly across cobblestones, balls and pavements. It it folds flat to make simple storage in a trunk or closet. Our tester Kerry was impressed by the simple, intuitive nature of this stroller's design. Its stylish packaging, clearly labeled sections and helpful user guides made assembling this stroller a breeze.
Stores
Double strollers can carry twice as much as one stroller so be 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 like bottles as well as snacks, toys and diapers. Look for baskets that fit under the seat as well as other pockets, and look into a stroller with an expanding cargo area that can carry heavy items such as lunch bags and diaper bags.
A good double stroller should be able to change as your family grows. double stroller for twins says that some models have a bassinet attachment to accommodate infants. Other models come with child seats that grow with the child until they are old enough to ride on the back. Some double strollers allow older children to share in the fun by riding on the rider board.
There are many double strollers available. You can pick from models with high-performance features which are suitable for rough terrain, or affordable options that you can use every day. While shopping, you can read reviews and recommendations of families like yours to get an idea of what to expect from the double stroller you select.
Double strollers come in three different designs such as tandem, side-byside, and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-byside strollers are the most versatile and ideal for twins or children of similar ages. Tandem double strollers come with two seats arranged in a tandem configuration with the opposite direction facing. This is a great option for children who are similar age, or siblings who like to be social with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through tight spaces, and are less likely to be able to fit through doorways.
Check out this top selection by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon-style double stroller. This affordable model was praised by testers for its various seating configurations. It can be used with two car seats for infants, or one child in a convertible toddler seat. Our reviewers also praised the memory foam seats and canopy that has 50+ SPF and foam-filled wheels that never go flat. And when it's time to fold, this model needs only a few tugs on the straps on each seat (under the seat where kids sit) to fold it in half.