Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is an excellent investment for families with two children of similar age. These compact tandem buggies or flexible side by side buggies let you keep both children in the same place while navigating the grocery aisle and parks, as well as whatever else life throws at you.
Comfort
Comfort is an important factor to take into consideration when buying a double-stroller. This includes the seating arrangement and the overall size, which can have an impact on ease of use and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, says parents should check the stroller's weight and folded dimensions. "They should also take a look at the options for recline and seat age ranges to ensure a good fit for their family."
A good double stroller will be durable enough to travel on different surfaces smoothly--from suburban sidewalks to park trails, and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should come with a variety of seating options for children at different age groups, and comfort features like peek-a-boo windows and adjustable canopy options which protect children from the sun or rain.
For a lot of families double strollers will be used from birth until the age of five, so it's crucial to think about the seating options. Billingsley explains that there are two major categories that are in-line which has one seat in front of the other and side-byside, with seats next to one another. "Some parents prefer an in-line stroller due to its sleek look and versatility, whereas others prefer a wagon-style double stroller that can be used to store bulky items or grocery bags."
In-line models tend to have this type of discrepancy. Some models might offer different recline options, with one being nearly flat, and the other being more upright. Billingsley recommends selecting a product with a near-flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children lay down comfortably.
She also suggests parents look for strollers with storage compartments to allow them to quickly access snacks, personal items and toys when on the move. She adds that it's also helpful to look for a stroller with an organizer console for parents or a parent bag that can be attached to the handlebars. This can help keep essentials close at hand.
Some of the top-rated double strollers can be expanded that allows parents to modify the layout to meet the requirements of their growing family. The Mockingbird Expandable, for example is a highly rated double stroller that can be used from birth with a single seat, and later converted into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) when the child is older.
Safety
Double strollers must be able to support the weight of both passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers must also be simple to move and push, particularly in tight spaces and on terrain that is difficult to navigate. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height to help parents maintain good form when pushing them. Another nice feature is a no-rethread seat belt harness that allows for a more comfortable adjustment of the belts on the seat. Safety features include a sturdy brake system and wheels which glide over any surface.
Some parents opt for side-by-side designs that allow both children to view one another during family outings. This arrangement can prevent sibling fights over which child gets to sit where, but it's not foolproof. If twin pushchair are at different levels, a child might kick or punch one another during a walk, when the seats are on different levels.
For parents with twins or siblings who are close in age, a tandem stroller can be beneficial in being able to see both kids at once. pushchair twin can be wider, and may not fit through certain doors inside. Consider a single-to double stroller that can be converted from a single to a double in a variety ways. Popular models include the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you're looking for a tandem or a side-by-side stroller, make sure that the product is JPMA certified to meet the strictest 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 for us to focus on the many bells and whistles that come with the latest stroller, it is crucial to remember that a stroller is basically a baby carrier that will be transported for long durations of time. It should be comfortable for both parents and children and easy to clean and maintain, and in the ideal case it should have an intuitive, familiar design so 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.
Easy of Use
A double stroller should be easy to maneuver on different types of terrains for families constantly moving. Strollers with features such as windows that can be opened and closed, adjustable canopy and reliable brake systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children. But there are other factors that make them easier to use. A stroller must be compact enough to fit into the trunk of your car, but still have plenty of storage space for groceries or other things. It is also essential to include thoughtful details, such as the cup holder for one parent or consoles for parents, as well as a snack tray. These are able to make traveling with two kids significantly easier.
In our tests, we assessed each stroller on the basis of its performance on different surfaces and its ability to maneuver through tight spaces. We also looked at how easy it was to fold the stroller in half and then unfold it, and if a particular feature made a difference to the overall performance. A stroller with no-rethread straps makes it simple to adjust the seat belts. This is a major benefit for parents on the go because it cuts down on time and reduces the need to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby 2 Double scored highly in this measure because it had a wide variety of seating configurations, and additional accessories to accommodate expanding families. The wagon-style double-stroller can be expanded to accommodate two seats, a bassinet or even a toddler's riding board. This is ideal for families that plan to spend a lot of time in the car with a variety of children of various age groups. It is able to glide effortlessly over pavements, cobblestones, and ball fields. It can fold flat to store in a trunk or a closet. The design of this stroller is easy and easy to use, which was appreciated by our tester Kerry. Its smart packaging clear sections, well-labeled sections and helpful user guide made assembling this stroller a breeze.
Stores
Double strollers can hold twice more than one stroller so be sure to search for ample storage space. You'll want a stroller that has enough storage space to accommodate the essentials for both children and parents including bottles as well as snacks, toys and diapers. Find baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, consider a stroller with an expandable cargo space that can accommodate bulky items such as diaper bags and lunchbags.
A quality double stroller will be able to grow with your family. For example certain models come with the bassinet attachment, which can accommodate infants, while others feature 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 include a rider board that allows older children to join in the fun.
There are a variety of double strollers on the market, ranging from sleek, high-performance options that are able to handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models more for everyday use. While shopping, you can read reviews and opinions of families similar to yours to get an idea of what to expect from the double stroller you choose.
Double strollers come in three different design formats such as tandem, side-byside, and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers offer the most versatility and are ideal for twins or children who are similar in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers, on the contrary, have two seats that are placed adjacent to one another and facing opposite directions. It's a great option for children who are the same age or for siblings who enjoy interacting with each other. Tandem strollers may be harder to maneuver through tight spaces, and are less likely to pass through doorways than their side-by-side counterparts.
Check out this top pick 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 snap in two infant car seats or a single child in an convertible toddler seat. Our experts also praised memory foam seats and canopy that has 50+ SPF, and foam-filled wheels that never go flat. When it's time for folding, this model only requires just a few nudges on the straps beneath each seat (under where kids sit) in order to fold.