Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two kids who are close in age, a double stroller can be a great investment. These strollers are narrow and narrow, as well as flexible side-by-side buggies allow you to keep your eyes on both kids at the same time while navigating the aisles of the supermarket, parks and anything else life throws at you.
Comfort
When looking for a double stroller, the comfort is an important consideration. This could include the seating arrangement as well as the overall size, which has 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 think about the options for recline of the seat as well as the ages of their children to ensure that it's a perfect fit."
A quality double stroller should be able to handle different surfaces with ease from suburban sidewalks to park paths, and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should offer a range of seating options for children at different ages, as well as comfort features like peek-a-boo window and adjustable canopy that protect children from rain or sun.
For a lot of families double strollers will be used from birth until the teen years, so it's essential to think about seating options. "There are two main categories--in-line with one seat in front of the other, and side-byside with seats next to each other," Billingsley explains. Some parents prefer the inline option because of its sleek appearance and its versatility. Others like a wagon-style double stroller to make the most space for groceries or bulky items.
While some products may have different recline options--with one seat being almost flat, while the other one remains upright, this kind of difference is more common in the in-line models. Billingsley recommends choosing a product that offers both a near-flat recline and leg rests that can be adjusted for both seats to ensure the children can both lie back comfortably.
In the end, she suggests to look for strollers that have storage compartments that enable parents to easily access snacks, toys and personal belongings while on the go. 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, which will help keep things within reach.
A few of the most highly-rated double strollers are expandable that allows parents to modify the layout 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 tandem (with an additional seat and bassinet) as the child gets older.
Safety
Double strollers should be able to support the weight of two passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers need to be simple to maneuver and push, particularly on difficult terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars and adjustable heights, making it easier for parents to maintain their form when pushing them. Another great feature is a non-rethread seat belt harness that makes it easier to adjust the belts for your child. A sturdy brake system and wheels that glide over any surface are important safety features.
Some parents opt for side-by-side designs that allow both children to see one another during family outings. This arrangement can help prevent sibling squabbles over who gets to sit in which seat, but it isn't foolproof. If the seats are set at different heights, one child may be in a position to punch or kick the other on the course of a walk.
If you have twins or siblings who are close in age, a tandem-style stroller is a great option for being able to see both children at the same time. Double strollers are typically wider, and may not fit through certain interior doors. For maximum flexibility, think about a stroller that can change from a single to a tandem in various ways, such as the renowned CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can accommodate a wide range of configurations and permit you to insert infant car seats or cot attachments according to your requirements.
If you are looking for a tandem or side-byside stroller, make sure that the stroller has been JPMA certified to meet stringent safety standards. Be aware of the maximum weight limits for each seat, since exceeding them could result in frame fatigue or other issues.
It's easy to be swept in the sound of bells and whistles, but it's important to keep in mind that strollers are essentially baby carriers that are used for extended times. It should be comfortable for both passengers and easy to clean and maintain, and most importantly, it should offer an intuitive, familiar design that the person pushing it is able to effortlessly move it around without having to think about how to move forward and turn left or right, or apply the brakes.
User-Friendliness
For families on the go, a double stroller must be easy to maneuver over a variety of terrains. Features like adjustable canopy windows, peek-aboo windows, and dependable braking systems are essential to ensure your children's safety, but there are other factors that affect stroller ease of use. A stroller must be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your car yet have plenty of storage space for food or other things. It is also important to consider thoughtful additions like a one-parent cup holder as well as a console for parents and an eating tray for children -- all things that can make life with two kids much easier.
During our testing, we evaluated each stroller on the basis of its performance on different surfaces and its ability to maneuver in tight spaces. We also looked at how easy it was to fold and unfold and whether or not a specific feature enhanced the overall performance of the stroller. A stroller without rethread straps makes it simple to adjust the seat belts. This can be a major selling point for parents on the go because it cuts down on time and reduces the need to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored high in this measure, since it offers a wide range of seating configurations as well as additional accessories to accommodate families that are growing. The double-stroller that looks like a wagon can be expanded to accommodate an additional seat, a bassinet, or even a toddler-riding board. This is ideal for families that plan to spend long hours in the car with a variety of children of different age groups. It also glides smoothly over pavement, cobblestones and ballfields--and it folds flat to make simple storage in a trunk or closet. Our tester Kerry was impressed by the simple and intuitive nature of this stroller's design. The smart packaging, clearly marked sections and user's manual made it easy to put this stroller together.
Storage
Double strollers can hold twice as much as a single one, so make sure you ensure you have plenty of storage space. It is important to find a stroller with enough storage space to hold the essentials of both parents and children, such as bottles as well as snacks, toys and diapers. Look for pockets and baskets under the seats. Also, consider a stroller with an expandable cargo area to take in bulky items like diaper bags and lunchbags.
A good double stroller will be able to adapt to the needs of your family. For instance, some models include an attachment for a bassinet that can accommodate newborns, while others come with child seats that can grow with your kids until they're ready to switch to riding on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers allow older siblings to share in the fun by riding on the rider board.
There are many double strollers available. You can choose from high-performance models that are great for rough terrain, as well as more budget-friendly options that you can use every day. While shopping, read reviews and suggestions from families like yours to get an idea of what you can expect from the double stroller that you select.
Double strollers are available in three designs: tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. strollers double strollers states that side-byside strollers are the most adaptable and ideal for twins as well as children of a similar age. Tandem double strollers, on other hand, feature two seats set next to each other and facing opposite directions. It's a ideal choice for children of the same age, or for siblings who love to interact with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces, and are less likely to fit in doorways.
Check out this top selection by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon style double stroller. Our testers were impressed by the fact that this low-cost model has multiple seating options, including the ability to click in two infant car seats or a single child riding in a convertible toddler seat. Our experts also praised memory foam seats and canopy that has 50+ SPF, and foam-filled wheels that never flatten. When it's time to fold this model needs only just a few nudges on the straps under each seat (under the seat where children sit) for folding.