Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is an excellent investment when you have two kids of similar age. These compact tandem strollers or flexible side-by-side buggies let you keep your eyes on both kids at the same time while taking on the grocery store as well as the parks and other obstacles life throws your way.
Comfort
Comfort is a major factor to consider when shopping for 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 expert in child development from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, advises parents to examine the stroller's weight as well as folded dimensions. "They should also consider the options for recline and seat age ranges to ensure the best fit for their family."
A well-constructed double stroller will be robust enough to navigate various surfaces with ease, from parks trails to suburban sidewalks, and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should also provide flexible seating arrangements for children of varying ages and comfort features like windows that peek out and adjustable canopy to protect children from sun or rain.
The seating options are important to many families that will utilize double strollers from the time of birth until childhood. Billingsley states that there are two main categories of in-line seating with one seat in front of the other and side-byside seating with seats next to each other. Some parents prefer the in-line option due to its sleek style and flexibility. Others like the wagon style double stroller to make the most space for bulky or grocery items.
While some products may have different recline options--with one seat nearly flat while the other one remains upright, this kind of difference is more prevalent in in-line models. Billingsley suggests selecting a product that has an almost flat recline as well as leg rests that can be adjusted for both seats, so that the children can both lie back comfortably.
lightweight double stroller suggests that parents look for strollers with storage compartments to allow them to easily access their snacks, personal items and toys when on the move. She also suggests that it is helpful to choose a stroller that comes with a parent console or organizer bag that is attached to the handlebars. This will aid parents in keeping their essentials in their reach.
Some of the most highly-rated double strollers are expandable which allows parents to alter the configuration 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 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 passengers and 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 have ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height to ensure that parents maintain a good form when pushing them. Another nice feature is a no-rethread seat belt harness, which allows for a more comfortable adjustment of the belts on the seat. Safety features include a durable brake system, as well as wheels that glide over any surface.
Some parents prefer an arrangement that allows both children to view each other on family outings. This arrangement can reduce sibling squabbles about who gets to sit in which place, but it isn't foolproof. If the seats are different heights, a child may kick or punch one another during a walk, in the event that the seats are at different levels.
A tandem-style stroller is ideal option for parents with twins or siblings who are similar in age. It lets them see both children at once. These double strollers can be larger, and might not fit through some doors inside. For maximum versatility, consider a stroller that can change from a single stroller to a tandem in different ways, like the renowned CYBEX Gazelle S. These models are able to accommodate a broad range of configurations and allow you to click in infant car seats or 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 strict safety standards. Pay attention to the weight limit that applies to each seat. Overstepping these limits can cause frame fatigue and other issues.
While it's easy to concentrate on all the extra bells and whistles on a new stroller, it is crucial to remember that a stroller is essentially a baby carrier that will be carried around for long durations of time. It should be easy to clean and maintain as well as comfortable for both passengers. It should also have an easy-to-use, familiar design that lets the person pushing it to maneuver it effortlessly.
Easy of Use
A double stroller must be simple to maneuver over different types of terrains for families always on the move. Features like adjustable canopy systems windows, peek-aboo windows, and dependable brake systems are crucial to ensure your children's safety, but there are other factors that influence stroller comfort of use. For example the stroller should be compact enough to fit into the trunk of your car but still provide ample storage space for your groceries and other items. It is also essential to include thoughtful touches, such as the cup holder for one parent or consoles for parents, as well as snacks on trays. These can help make traveling with two children much easier.
In our tests We evaluated the strollers on how it performed on a variety of terrains, and how easily it maneuvered in tight spaces. We also examined how simple it was to fold and unfold, and whether or not a particular feature enhanced the overall function of the stroller. A stroller with no-rethread straps is easy to adjust the seat belts. This is a huge benefit for parents who are always in motion, as it does away with the need to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby v2 Double scored highly in this measure because it offered a wide range of seating configurations and additional accessories to accommodate growing families. The wagon-style double-stroller expands to accommodate an additional seat, a bassinet, or even a toddler-riding board. This is perfect for families who plan to spend a lot of time on the road with multiple children of various age groups. It also glides smoothly over cobblestones, ball fields and pavements. It also it folds flat to make easy storage in a closet or trunk. Our test subject Kerry loved the simple and easy-to-use nature of the stroller's design. The smart packaging clear sections, well-marked sections and user's manual made it easy to put together this stroller.
Stores
Double strollers can carry twice more than one stroller, so make sure you ensure you have plenty of storage space. You'll want a stroller that has enough storage space to store the necessities of children and parents like bottles, toys, snacks, and diapers. Look for pockets and baskets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller with an expandable cargo space that can accommodate bulky items like diaper bags and lunchbags.
A quality double stroller will be able to expand with your family. Billingsley says that some models come with an attachment for a bassinet to accommodate infants. Other models come with child seats that can grow with the child until they are old enough to ride on the back. Some double strollers permit a rider's board to let older siblings join in the fun.
There are a variety of double strollers on the market. You can pick from models with high-performance features which are suitable for rough terrain, to affordable options that you can use daily. While shopping, take a look at user reviews and recommendations from families like yours to gain an understanding of what you can expect from the double stroller you pick.
Double strollers are available in three styles: tandem, side-by-side and wagon style. Side-by-side double strollers provide the most versatility and are suitable for twins or children who are close to their age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers feature two seats set up in a tandem configuration, facing opposite directions. This is a good option for children who are similar age, or siblings who want to play with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces and are less likely to fit through doors than their side-by-side counterparts.
Check out this top selection by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon style double stroller. The testers loved that this budget model has multiple seating options and the option to click in two infant car seats or a single child riding in an convertible toddler seat. Our experts also appreciated the comfortable memory foam seats, 50+ SPF canopy and foam-filled tires that never go flat. And when it's time for you to fold, this model requires just a couple of tugs on straps on each seat (under the seats where kids are) to fold it in half.