Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is an excellent investment for families with two children of similar ages. These narrow tandem strollers or versatile side-by-side buggies help you keep your eyes on both kids at the same time taking on the grocery store as well as the parks and other obstacles life throws your way.
Comfort
When looking for a double stroller for your child, comfort is an important factor to consider. This can include the seating arrangement as well as the overall size, which will have 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 look at the options for recline and seat age ranges to ensure the best fit for their family."
A good double stroller will be robust enough to navigate various surfaces with ease, from urban sidewalks to parks trails and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should have a variety of seating options for children of different ages, as well as comfort features such as a peek-a-boo window and adjustable canopies that protect children from rain or sun.
The seating options are important to many families that will utilize a double stroller from the time of birth until the age of. Billingsley says there are two primary categories: in-line which has one seat in front of the other, and side-by-side with seats adjacent to one another. "Some parents prefer an in-line stroller due to its sleek look and versatility, while others prefer a wagon-style double stroller to maximize space for heavy items or groceries."
In-line models are more likely to show this kind of difference. Some models might offer different recline options, with one seat being nearly flat, and 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, so that each child can sleep 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 also recommends that it is helpful to choose a stroller that includes a parent console or organizer bag attached on the handlebars. This will help parents keep essentials close at hand.
Some of the best-rated double strollers can be extended giving parents the ability 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 a single seat from birth and later converted to tandem (with the addition of a second 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 should also be easy to push and maneuver, especially in tight spots 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. A harness that does not need to be rethread that makes the adjustment of seat belts quicker and easier is another great feature to look for. A sturdy brake system and wheels that glide over any surface are important safety features.
Some parents prefer an arrangement that is side by side to ensure that both children be together when they go on family outings. This arrangement can prevent siblings arguing over who gets to sit in which seat however it's not foolproof. If the seats are at different heights, a child could kick or punch another while walking in the event that the seats are at different levels.
A tandem stroller is a ideal option for parents with twins or siblings who are similar in age. It lets them see both children at once. However, they are wider than other double strollers, meaning they might not be able to pass through all doors in your home. For maximum versatility, consider a single-to-double stroller that transitions from a single to a tandem in various ways, such as the renowned CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can accommodate a wide variety of configurations and let you click in infant car seats or cot attachments, depending on your needs.
If you opt for a side-byside or tandem stroller, make sure the product is certified by JPMA to meet the strictest safety standards. Be aware of the weight limit that applies to each seat. Exceeding these limits could cause frame fatigue or other problems.
While it's easy to focus on the many bells and whistles that come with a new stroller, it's crucial to be aware that a stroller basically a baby carrier that will be used for extended periods of time. It must be comfortable for both the passengers, easy to clean and maintain, and in the ideal case it should feature an intuitive, familiar design so that the person pushing it is able to easily maneuver it without having to think about how to move forward and turn left or right, or apply the brakes.
Simple to Use
For families on the go, a double stroller must be easy to maneuver over various terrains. Features like adjustable canopy windows, peek-aboo windows, and reliable braking systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children, however, there are other elements that influence stroller comfort of use. A stroller should be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your vehicle and still provide plenty of storage space for food or other things. It is also essential to include thoughtful features, like the cup holder for one parent, consoles for parents and an eating tray. These will make traveling with two kids significantly easier.
In our tests we rated each stroller on how well it performed on a variety of terrains and how easily it maneuvered in tight spaces. We also looked at how easy it was to fold the stroller and unfold it in a timely manner, and if a specific feature made a difference to the overall performance. For instance a stroller that has a no-rethread harness makes adjusting the seat belts simple and easy. This can be a major selling point for parents on the go since it reduces time and eliminates the need to re-thread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double was a top performer in this measure, since it came with a variety of seating configurations as well as additional accessories to accommodate families that are growing. The wagon-style double stroller is able to provide a second seat as well as a bassinet, or a toddler-friendly riding board, which is ideal for families who are active and planning long days on the go with multiple children of different ages. It glides easily over pavements, cobblestones, and ball fields. It can also be folded flat to be stored in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is simple and easy to use, which was appreciated by our test participant Kerry. Its clever packaging, clearly labeled sections and helpful user guide made putting together this stroller a breeze.
Storage
Double strollers can carry twice more than one 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 essentials for both children and parents including bottles, toys, snacks, and diapers. Look for lightweight twin buggy and baskets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller with an expandable cargo space that can accommodate bulky items such as lunch bags and diaper bags.
A good double stroller should be able to change as your family grows. For instance 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 ride on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers permit older siblings to share in the fun with a rider board.
There are a variety of double strollers on the market. You can choose from high-performance models that are great for rough terrain, as well as affordable options that you can use daily. When you're shopping, read user reviews and recommendations from families just like yours to get an understanding of what you can expect from the double stroller you choose.
Double strollers are available in three different designs: tandem, side-by-side and wagon style. Billingsley states that side-by-side strollers are the most flexible and suitable for twins or children of a similar age. Tandem double strollers on the contrary, have two seats set close to each other and facing opposite directions. It's a good option for kids of the same age or for siblings who enjoy interacting with one another. Tandem strollers can be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces and are less likely to pass through doorways than their side-by-side counterparts.
If you're looking for a wagon-style double stroller check out this top pick from Safety 1st. The testers loved that this budget model comes with a variety of seating options, including the ability to click in two infant car seats or a single child riding in the 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 requires only a couple of pulls on the straps on each seat (under where the kids sit) to fold it in half.