Buying Guide For double buggy side by side Strollers
If you have two kids who are similar in age, a double stroller can be a valuable investment. These narrow tandem strollers or flexible side-by-side buggies let you keep your eyes on both kids at the same time taking on the grocery store or the parks, and whatever else life throws at you.
Comfort
Comfort is an important factor to think about when purchasing a double-stroller. This can include both the seating arrangement as well as the overall size of the stroller which can impact the ease of use and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child expert in child development from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, says parents should check the stroller’s weight and folded dimensions. “They should also consider the recline options for seats and age ranges to ensure a good fit for their family.”
A quality double stroller should be able to handle a variety of surfaces easily, from suburban sidewalks to park paths, and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should also have flexible seating arrangements for children of various age and comfort features like peek-a-boo windows and adjustable canopies to protect children from rain or sun.
For a lot of families, a double stroller is likely to be utilized from birth until childhood, so it’s important to consider the seating options. “There are two main categories – in-line with one seat ahead of the other, and side-byside with seats adjacent to each other,” Billingsley explains. Some parents prefer the in-line option due to its sleek design and versatility. Others like a wagon style double stroller for maximum space for groceries or bulky items.
In-line models tend to have this kind of discordance. Certain models may provide different recline options, with one being almost flat, while the other being more upright. Billingsley suggests selecting a product that has an almost flat recline as well as leg rest adjustments for both seats to ensure the children can both lie back comfortably.
She also suggests parents search for strollers with storage compartments so that they can quickly access snacks, personal items and toys when on the move. She suggests that it’s useful to find a stroller with an organizer console for parents or a parent bag that is attached to the handlebars. This can help keep essentials close at hand.
A few of the most highly-rated double strollers are expandable which allows parents to alter the layout to meet the needs of their expanding family. The Mockingbird Expandable, for instance is a highly-rated double stroller which can be used from birth with just one seat, then transformed into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers must be able to support the weight of two passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers must be easy to maneuver and push, particularly on difficult terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights, making it easier for parents to maintain their form when pushing them. Another nice feature is a no-rethread seat belt harness that makes it easier to adjust the seat belts. Safety features include a sturdy brake system, as well as wheels that glide over any surface.
Some parents opt for the side-by-side design to allow both children to see each other when they go on family outings. This arrangement can reduce sibling rivalries over who gets to sit in which place however, it’s not 100% secure. If the seats are placed at different heights, one child may be in a position to punch or kick the other during the course of a walk.
A tandem stroller is a ideal option for parents with twins or siblings that are similar in age. It lets parents observe both children at the same time. Double strollers can be wider, and may not be able to fit through some interior doors. You could consider a single-to-Pushchairs Double stroller that can be transformed from a single stroller to a double in a variety ways. The most popular models are the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you opt for a side-byside or tandem-style stroller, be sure the product is certified by JPMA to meet the strictest safety standards. Be sure to check the maximum weight limits for each seat, as over-weighting could lead to frame fatigue or other issues.
It’s easy to be swept up in the bells and whistles, however it’s important to keep in mind that strollers are in essence baby carriers that will be used for extended time. It should be easy to clean and maintain and comfortable for both the passengers. It should also feature a an intuitive, familiar design that allows the person pushing the stroller to move it easily.
Easy to Use
For families that are on the move, a double stroller should be able to maneuver easily over a variety of terrains. Strollers that have features like peek-a-boo windows, adjustable canopies and sturdy brake systems are vital to ensure the safety of your children. But there are also other features that make them easier to use. For example the stroller must be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your car but still provide ample storage space for groceries and other belongings. Also important are thoughtful touches such as a cup holder for one parent, parent consoles and a snack tray for kids–all things that will make life on the go with two children significantly easier.
During our testing, we evaluated each stroller according to its ability to perform on different terrains and its ability to maneuver through 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 instance a stroller that has a harness that does not rethread makes the adjustment of the seat belts easy and quick. This is a major selling point for parents who are always moving around, since it removes the need to rethread their harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double was a top performer in this measure, since it offers a wide range of seating configurations as well as additional accessories to help accommodate growing families. 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 trips with multiple kids of varying age groups. It easily glides over cobblestones, pavements, and ballfields. It can also be folded flat to store in a trunk or closet. Our tester Kerry was impressed by the simple and intuitive nature of this stroller’s design. The smart packaging clear sections, well-marked sections and user guide made it easy to put together this stroller.
Stores
Double strollers can carry twice more than one single to double pushchair stroller so be sure to ensure you have plenty of storage space. You’ll want a stroller that has enough storage space to store the necessities of parents and children like bottles and snacks, toys, and diapers. Find baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller with an expandable cargo space to take in bulky items like diaper bags and lunchbags.
A quality double stroller will be able to adapt to the needs of your family. Billingsley says that some models have the option of a bassinet attachment that can accommodate infants. Some models have child seats which can expand with the child until they are able to ride on the back. Some double strollers also include a rider board to let older siblings join in the fun.
There’s a wide selection of double strollers on the market, ranging from sleek, high-performance models that are able to handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models that are more suited for daily use. While shopping, you can read reviews and suggestions from families like yours to get a better idea of what to expect from the double stroller you choose.
Double strollers are available in three designs: tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Billingsley says that side-by-side strollers are the most flexible and suitable for twins or children of a similar age. Tandem double strollers have two seats that are set in a tandem configuration with the opposite direction facing. This is a great option for children of similar age or siblings who prefer to interact with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces, and less likely to fit into doorways.
Check out this top pick by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon-style double stroller. This budget-friendly model 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 seat. Our experts also praised memory foam seats, canopy with 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 straps on each seat (under the seats where kids are) to fold it in half.