Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two children that are in the same age group, a double stroller could be a great investment. These compact tandem strollers or flexible side-by-side buggies allow you to keep your eyes on both kids at the same time braving the grocery aisle, parks and anything else life throws your way.
Comfort
The comfort factor is one of the most important factors to consider when shopping for a double-stroller. This includes both the seating arrangements and the overall dimensions of the stroller which impacts accessibility and storage. "Parents should determine how much the stroller weighs and its folded dimensions," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also consider the recline options for seats and age ranges to ensure the best fit for their family."
A reputable double stroller must be able to handle different surfaces easily from suburban sidewalks to park paths and from toddler booster seats to infant car 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 canopy that shield kids from rain or sun.
Seating options are crucial for many families that will use double strollers from the time of birth until childhood. Billingsley states that there are two major categories: in-line, with one seat in-front of the other and side-byside with seats adjacent to one another. Some parents prefer the in-line model due to its sleek style and versatility. Others prefer the wagon style double stroller to make the most space for groceries or bulky items.
In-line models are more likely to have this kind of discordance. Some products may offer different recline options, with one seat being almost flat and the other remaining relatively upright. Billingsley recommends choosing a product that has a near-flat recline and leg rests that can be adjusted for both seats, so that both children can lie back comfortably.
Then, she suggests looking for a stroller that includes storage compartments that enable parents to quickly access snacks, toys and personal items while out and about. She also suggests that it is helpful to find a stroller which includes a parent console or organizer bag that is attached to the handlebars. This will help parents keep essentials close in their reach.
A few of the most highly-rated double strollers can be expanded that allows parents to modify the layout to meet the needs of their expanding family. For instance, the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly rated double stroller that can be used with just a single seat from birth, and then converted to a tandem (with the addition of a second seat and bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers have to be able to carry the weight of two passengers--plus any additional cargo. Strollers need to be simple to maneuver and push, especially when on rough terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights which allow parents to maintain good form when pushing them. Another nice feature is a non-rethread seat belt harness, which allows for a more comfortable adjustment of the belts on the seat. Safety features include a sturdy brake system, as well as wheels that glide over any surface.
Some parents prefer an arrangement that is side by side to allow both children to be together on family outings. This arrangement can reduce sibling rivalries about who gets to sit in which spot however, it's not 100% secure. If the seats are located at different levels, a child might punch or kick another during a walk when the seats are on different levels.
For parents with twins or siblings close in age, a tandem-style stroller offers the benefit of being able to see both kids at once. However, they can be wider than other double strollers, and they might not fit through all interior doorways. Consider a single-to double stroller that can be transformed from a single to a double in many 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 has been JPMA certified to meet strict safety standards. Be double stroller with infant car seat to check the maximum weight limits for each seat, as over-weighting could lead to frame fatigue or other issues.
While it's easy to concentrate on the additional bells and whistles of a new stroller, it's important to remember that a stroller is an infant carrier that is carried around for long durations of time. It should be easy to clean and maintain, and comfortable for both passengers. It should also have a a familiar, intuitive design that allows the person pushing the stroller to easily maneuver it.
Easy to Use
A double stroller should be easily maneuverable on various of terrains for families that are constantly on the move. Strollers with features like peek-a-boo windows, adjustable canopies and sturdy brake systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children. But there are other factors that make them more convenient to use. A stroller should be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your car, but still have plenty of storage space for groceries or other items. It is also important to consider thoughtful additions such as a cup holder for one parent as well as a console for parents and a snack tray for kids--all things that make life with two kids significantly easier.
In our testing We evaluated the strollers on how it performed on a variety terrains and how easily it maneuvered in tight spaces. We also looked at how easy it was to fold the stroller and then unfold it as well as if a particular feature improved the overall functionality. A stroller without rethread straps is easy to adjust the seat belts. This can be a huge selling point for parents who are on the move, as it saves time and reduces the need to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby V2 Double was a top performer in this measure because it offered a wide range of seating configurations and additional accessories that accommodated families that are growing. The wagon-style double-stroller expands so that it can accommodate an additional seat, a bassinet or even a toddler's riding board. This is perfect for families that plan to spend long days in the car with a variety of children of different ages. It easily glides over pavements, cobblestones, and ball fields. It can be folded flat to fit in a trunk or closet. Our test subject Kerry appreciated the straightforward and easy-to-use nature of the stroller's design. The sleek packaging clear sections, well-marked sections and user guide made it easy to assemble this stroller.
Stores
Double strollers can carry twice as much as one single stroller so be sure to look for plenty of storage space. It is ideal to have a stroller that is able to hold the basic necessities for both kids: nappies bottles, snacks, and toys, as well as parents' belongings like phones, wallets keys, wallets and phones. Look for under-seat baskets as well as other pockets, and think about a stroller that has an expandable cargo area that can carry bulky items like diaper bags and lunch bags.
A good double stroller should be able to adjust as your family grows. For instance certain models come with a bassinet attachment that can accommodate newborns, while others feature child seats that can grow with your children until they're able to switch to riding on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers allow older children to join in on the fun with the rider board.
There are many double strollers on the market. You can choose from models with high-performance features that are great for rough terrain, to more budget-friendly options that you can use on a daily basis. While shopping, double stroller with infant car seat can read reviews and suggestions from families like yours to get an idea of what to expect from the double stroller that you choose.
Double strollers are available in three models: tandem, side by side and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers offer the most versatility and are ideal for twins or kids similar in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers, on other hand, have two seats that are placed next to each other and facing in opposite directions--a great option for children of the same age, or for siblings who like to interact with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces, and less likely to fit into doors.
If you're looking for a wagon-style double stroller, take a look at this top choice from Safety 1st. This budget-friendly model was praised by test participants for its multiple seating configurations. It can be used with two car seats for infants or one child sitting in a convertible toddler chair. 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 requires only a few tugs on the straps underneath each seat (under the seat where children sit) for folding.