Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two children who are close in age, a double stroller can be a valuable investment. These strollers are narrow and narrow, as well as versatile side-by-side buggies help you keep your eyes on both kids at the same time while braving the grocery aisle, parks and anything else life throws at you.
Comfort
When you are looking for a double stroller, the comfort is an important factor to consider. This can include both the seating arrangement as well as the overall size of the stroller, which impacts ease of use and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child expert in development from the Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, suggests parents check the stroller’s weight and folded dimensions. “They should also look at the options for recline and seat age ranges to ensure the best double stroller fit for their family.”
A well-constructed double stroller will be robust enough to navigate different surfaces smoothly–from suburban sidewalks to park trails, and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should also offer versatile seating options for children of varying age and comfort features such as windows that peek out and adjustable canopy to shield children from rain or sun.
For a lot of families, a double stroller is likely to be used from birth and into the age of five, so it’s crucial to think about the seating options. “There are two main categories: in-line with one seat ahead of the other, and side by side with seats adjacent to each other,” Billingsley explains. “Some parents prefer an in-line option for its sleek design and versatility, while others prefer a wagon-style double stroller that can be used to store heavy items or groceries.”
Although some models may have different recline options–with one seat almost flat while the other remains relatively upright, this type of distinction is more prevalent in in-line models. Billingsley suggests selecting a product with a near-flat recline and leg rest adjustment for both seats to ensure both children can lie back comfortably.
Then, she suggests looking for strollers that have storage compartments that allow parents to easily access snacks, toys and other personal items while out and about. She also suggests that it is helpful to find a stroller that comes with a parent console or organizer bag, that can be attached to the handlebars. This can aid parents in keeping their essentials to hand.
Many of the top-rated double strollers can be extended to allow parents to modify the layout based on their family’s needs. For instance the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used with just a single seat as early as birth, and later converted to tandem (with the addition of a second seat and bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers should be able to support the weight of both passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers should also be easy to maneuver and push, especially in tight spaces and on terrain that is difficult to navigate. The best Double stroller strollers feature ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to ensure that parents maintain a good posture when pushing them. A no-rethread harness that makes the adjustment of seat belts faster and easier is another great feature to look for. Also, a strong brake system and wheels that glide over any surface are important safety features.
Some parents prefer an arrangement that allows both children to be able to see each other during family outings. This arrangement can help prevent sibling fights over which child gets to sit where, but it’s not foolproof. If the seats are located at different heights, a child may kick or punch another while walking when the seats are on different levels.
For parents with twins or siblings who are close in age, a tandem stroller is a great option for being able to view both children at the same time. However, they can be more spacious than other double strollers, meaning they may not fit through all doorways in the interior. To maximize versatility, you should consider a stroller that can change from a single to a tandem in a variety of ways, like the popular CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can accommodate a wide range of configurations, and permit you to insert infant car seats or Best double stroller cot attachments, according to your requirements.
Whether you choose a side-by-side or tandem-style stroller, be sure that the stroller is JPMA-certified to meet stringent safety standards. Also pay attention to the maximum weight limits for each seat, since over-weighting could lead to frame fatigue or other issues.
While it’s easy for us to focus on the many bells and whistles of a new stroller, it is crucial to remember that a stroller is essentially a baby carrier that is used for extended durations of time. It must be easy to clean and maintain and comfortable for both of the passengers. It should also feature a an intuitive, familiar design that lets the person pushing it to easily maneuver it.
Easy of Use
A double stroller must be easy to maneuver on various types of terrains for families constantly moving. Strollers with features such as peek-a-boo windows, adjustable canopies and reliable brake systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children. But there are other factors that make them easier to use. For example 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. Also important are thoughtful touches such as a cup holder for one parent or console for parents, as well as snacks for children–all things that will make life with two children significantly easier.
In our tests, we assessed each stroller based on its performance on different terrains and 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 specific feature added to the overall function of the stroller. For instance a stroller with no-rethread harnesses makes adjusting the seat belts easy and quick. This is a huge benefit for parents who are constantly moving around, since it removes the requirement to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored highly in this metric, as it came with a variety of seating configurations as well as additional accessories to help accommodate growing families. The double buggy newborn-stroller in the wagon style can be expanded to accommodate an additional seat, a 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 ages. It glides easily over pavements, cobblestones, and ballfields. It can be folded flat to fit in a trunk or a closet. Our test subject Kerry loved the simple, intuitive nature of this stroller’s design. The clever packaging with clearly marked sections as well as a the user’s guide made it simple to put together this stroller.
Storage
A double stroller can be able to hold twice as much as a single stroller, so make sure you have plenty of storage space. Ideally, you’ll want an item that can hold the necessities for both kids, including nappies bottles, snacks, and toys, as well as parents’ belongings such as phones, wallets keys, wallets and phones. Look for pockets and baskets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller with an expandable cargo space to accommodate bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags.
A good double stroller should have the ability to adapt as your family grows. Billingsley says that some models have the option of a bassinet attachment that can accommodate newborns. Some models have child seats which can be able to grow with your child until they are able to ride on the back. Some double strollers include a rider board to allow older siblings to join in the fun.
There’s a wide selection of double strollers on the market, ranging from sleek, high-performance models that excel on rough terrain to budget-friendly models that are more suited for daily use. When shopping, take a look at reviews and suggestions from families just like yours to get an idea of what you can expect from the double stroller that you choose.
Double strollers are available in three designs: tandem, side-by-side 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 feature two seats set up in a tandem arrangement with the opposite direction facing. This is a great option for children who are the same age, or siblings who like to play with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces, and are less likely to be able to fit through doors.
If you prefer a wagon-style double stroller, take a look at this top choice from Safety 1st. This budget-friendly model was praised by testers for its multiple seating configurations. It can be used with two car seats for infants, or one child in a convertible toddler chair. Our experts also praised the memory foam seats as well as the canopy, which has 50+ SPF, and foam-filled wheels that will never wear out. And when it’s time to fold, this model requires only a couple of pulls on the straps on each seat (under the seats where kids are) to fold it in half.