Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is an excellent investment for families with two children of similar ages. These narrow tandem buggies as well as versatile side-by-side buggies let you keep both children in the same place while you shop or in parks, or whatever else life can throw at you.
Comfort
When you are looking for a double stroller, the comfort is a major consideration. This could include the seating arrangement as well as the overall size, which has an impact on ease of use and storage. "Parents must determine what the stroller weighs and 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 a perfect fit for their family."
A well-constructed double stroller will be durable enough to travel on various surfaces with ease, from parks trails to suburban sidewalks and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should also offer versatile seating options for children of different ages and comfort features such as peek-a-boo windows and adjustable canopies to shield children from rain or sun.
The seating options are important to many families who utilize double strollers from birth to childhood. "There are double infant strollers - in-line with one seat behind the other, and side-by-side with seats adjacent to each other," Billingsley explains. Some parents prefer the in-line option because of its sleek appearance and its versatility. Others prefer the wagon style double stroller to maximize space for grocery or bulky items.
While some products may have different recline options, with one seat being almost flat, while the other remains relatively upright--this type of disparity is more common in the in-line models. Billingsley recommends selecting a product with both a near flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats. double running buggy will ensure that both children can lay comfortably.
She also suggests parents look for strollers with storage compartments so that they can easily access personal items, snacks, and toys while in motion. She suggests that it's helpful to look for a stroller with an organizer or parent console bag attached to the handlebars. twin pushchair from birth will allow you to keep your essentials close at hand.
A few of the most highly-rated double strollers can be expanded which allows parents to alter the set-up based on the needs of their growing family. For example the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly rated double stroller that can be used with a single seat from birth and later converted to a tandem (with a second seat and bassinet) as the child gets older.
Safety
Double strollers need to be able to support the weight of two passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers must also be easy to maneuver and push, especially in tight spots and on terrain that is difficult to navigate. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to allow parents to maintain their good posture while pushing them. Another feature that is great is a non-rethread seat belt harness, which allows for a more comfortable adjustment of the seat belts. Safety features include a durable brake system and wheels which slide over any surface.
Some parents prefer side-by-side designs that allow both children to view each other on family outings. This arrangement can help prevent sibling squabbles over who gets to sit in which place however, it's not 100% secure. If the seats are located at different levels, a child might punch or kick one another during a walk, if the seats are at different levels.
If you have twins or siblings of similar age, a tandem stroller is a great option for being able see both kids at once. However, they are larger than other double strollers, meaning they might not fit through all doorways in the interior. Consider a single-to double stroller that can be transformed from a single stroller 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, ensure that the product is JPMA certified to meet stringent safety standards. Pay attention to the maximum weight limit for each seat. If you exceed these limits, it could cause frame fatigue or other problems.
While it's easy to focus on the many bells and whistles on a new stroller, it's important to keep in mind that a stroller is an infant carrier that will be used for extended periods of time. It must be comfortable for both the passengers as well as easy to clean and maintain, and in the ideal case it should have an intuitive, familiar design that the person pushing it is able to effortlessly maneuver it without having to think about how to move forward and turn left or right, or use the brakes.
User-Friendliness
For families who are constantly on the move, a double stroller must be easy to maneuver over various terrains. Strollers that have features like windows that can be opened and closed, adjustable canopy and sturdy brake systems are crucial to ensure the safety of your children. But there are also other factors that make them more convenient to use. For example the stroller should be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your car yet provide ample storage space for your groceries and other items. Also important are thoughtful touches like a one-parent cup holder, parent consoles and snacks for children--all things that make life with two kids much more manageable.
During our testing 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 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 benefit for parents on the go, as it saves time and reduces the need to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored high in this metric, as it offered an impressive range of seating options and accessories to accommodate families that are growing. The double-stroller in the wagon style can be expanded to accommodate a second seat, bassinet or even a toddler's riding board. This is perfect for families who want to spend long hours traveling with several children of different ages. It also glides effortlessly over pavement, cobblestones and ballfields--and can be folded flat for simple storage in a closet or trunk. The design of this stroller is simple and intuitive, which was appreciated by our tester Kerry. Its clever packaging with clearly labeled sections as well as a helpful user guide made putting together this stroller an absolute breeze.
Storage
Double strollers can hold twice as much as one single stroller, so make sure you look for 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. Find baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, consider a stroller that has an expandable cargo space to take in bulky items like diaper bags and lunchbags.
A good double stroller should be able to adapt to the needs of your family. Billingsley says that some models come with a bassinet attachment to accommodate newborns. Some models have child seats that can expand with the child until they are old enough to ride on the back. Some double strollers allow older siblings to join in on the fun with riding boards.
There are a variety of double strollers available on the market, from sleek, high-performance options that are able to handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models that are more suitable for use in the everyday. While shopping, read reviews and opinions of families like yours to get an idea of what you can expect from the double stroller that you pick.
Double strollers are available in three models: tandem, side by side and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-by-side strollers are the most versatile and ideal for twins as well as children of a similar age. Tandem double strollers on the other hand, feature two seats set adjacent to one another and facing in opposite directions--a great option for children of the same age or for siblings who enjoy interacting with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through tight spaces, and less likely to be able to fit through doors.
Check out this top selection by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon-style double stroller. This affordable model was praised by testers 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 testers also loved the comfortable memory foam seats and the 50+ SPF canopy and foam-filled tires that never go flat. When it's time for folding this model requires only just a few pulls on the straps under each seat (under the seat where children sit) in order to fold.