Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is an excellent investment for families with two children of similar ages. These narrow tandem buggies or versatile side by side buggies will keep both children in sight when you are navigating the aisles of your grocery store or in parks, or whatever else life throws at you.
Comfort
Comfort is an important factor to take into consideration when buying a double-stroller. This could include both seating arrangement as well as the overall size of the stroller, which impacts accessibility and storage. "Parents should check how much the stroller weighs and its dimensions folded," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also consider the options for recline of the seat as well as the ages of their children to ensure that it is a perfect fit."
A reputable double stroller must be able to navigate a variety of surfaces easily including suburban sidewalks, park paths, and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should come with a variety of seating options for children of different age groups, and features that provide comfort, such as a peek-aboo window and adjustable canopies that protect children from rain or sun.
The seating options are important to many families who utilize double strollers from birth to the age of. "There are two main categories--in-line with one seat behind the other, and side by side with seats that are next to each other," Billingsley explains. "Some parents prefer an in-line stroller due to its sleek design and versatility, while others prefer a wagon-style stroller that can be used to store heavy items or grocery bags."
In-line models are more likely to show this type of discrepancy. Some models might offer different recline options, with one being almost flat, while the other remaining relatively upright. Billingsley recommends choosing a product that has an almost flat recline as well as leg rest adjustments for both seats, so that each child can sleep comfortably.
Finally, she advises choosing strollers with storage compartments that allow parents to quickly access snacks, toys and personal items while on the move. She also says that it is helpful to find a stroller that has a parent console, or organizer bag attached on the handlebars. This can help parents keep their essentials to hand.
Some of the most highly-rated double strollers can be expanded which allows parents to alter the layout to meet the needs of their expanding family. For example, the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly rated double stroller that can be used with just a single seat as early as birth, and then transformed into a tandem (with an additional seat and bassinet) as the child gets older.
Safety
Double strollers have to be able to carry the weight of two people, plus any additional cargo. Strollers should also be easy to maneuver and push, especially in tight areas and on difficult terrain. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height to ensure that parents maintain a good posture when pushing them. Another great feature is a no-rethread seat belt harness, which makes it easier to adjust the belts for your child. Safety features include a sturdy brake system and wheels which glide over any surface.
Some parents prefer the side-by-side design to ensure that both children see each other during family outings. This arrangement can help prevent sibling rivalries about who gets to sit in which seat, but it isn't foolproof. If the seats are positioned at different levels, one child might be able to kick or punch the other during a walk.
For parents of twins or siblings close in age, a tandem-style stroller can be beneficial in being able see both kids at once. Double strollers are typically wider, and may not be able to fit through some doors inside. To maximize versatility, you should consider a single-to-double stroller that transitions from a single to a tandem in a variety of ways, like the popular CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can be adapted to a wide range of configurations, and permit you to insert infant car seats or cot attachments depending on your requirements.
If you decide to purchase a side-by-side or tandem-style stroller, make sure the product is certified by JPMA to meet stringent safety standards. Pay attention to the weight limit that applies to each seat. If you exceed these limits, it could cause frame fatigue and other issues.
While it's easy to focus on all the extra bells and whistles on the latest stroller, it is crucial to remember that a stroller is an infant carrier that will be used for extended periods of time. It must be comfortable for both passengers, easy to clean and maintain, and ideally it should have an intuitive, familiar design that the person pushing it is able to easily maneuver it without having to think twice about how to move forward or turn left or right, or even apply the brakes.
Ease of Use
For families on the go, a double stroller needs to be able to maneuver easily over various terrains. Features like adjustable canopy systems windows, peek-aboo windows, and dependable braking systems are critical to help ensure the safety of your children, but there are other factors that contribute to stroller ease of use. For example the stroller should be small enough to fit in the trunk of your car while still offering ample storage space for groceries and other belongings. It is also important to consider thoughtful additions like a cup holder with a single parent, parent consoles and an eating tray for children -- all things that make life with two kids significantly easier.
In our testing, we evaluated each stroller on how well it did on a variety of surfaces and how well it could maneuver in tight spaces. We also considered how easy it was to fold the stroller and unfold it, and if a particular feature improved the overall functionality. For instance, a stroller with no-rethread harnesses makes adjusting the seat belts simple and easy. This is a major benefit for parents who are on the move since it reduces time and reduces the need to rethread the harness.
double pram pushchair scored highly in this test because it had a wide variety of seating configurations and additional accessories to accommodate growing families. The wagon-style double-stroller expands to accommodate a second seat, bassinet or even a toddler's riding board. This is ideal for families who want to spend long hours in the car with a variety of children of various age groups. It glides easily over cobblestones, pavements, and ball fields. It can also be folded flat to be stored in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is easy and intuitive which was well-loved by our test subject Kerry. The sleek packaging, clearly marked sections and user guide made it easy to put together this stroller.
Storage
A double stroller has the potential to hold twice as much as a single stroller so make sure you have plenty of storage space. You want a stroller with enough storage space to hold the essentials for both children and parents, such as bottles, toys, snacks, and diapers. Look for baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller that has an expandable cargo space to accommodate bulky items such as diaper bags and lunchbags.
A quality double stroller will be able to adapt to the needs of your family. For example certain models come with a bassinet attachment that can be used for newborns, and others have child seats that can expand with your kids until they're ready to move to the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers allow older children to join in on the fun by riding on a rider board.
You'll find a wide variety of double strollers available on the market, from elegant, high-performance models that can handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models more for everyday use. While shopping, take a look at user reviews and recommendations from families like yours to get an idea of what to expect from the double stroller you select.
Double strollers are available in three different designs: tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-byside strollers are the most versatile and suitable for twins or children of a similar age. Tandem double strollers feature two seats that are set in a tandem arrangement, facing opposite directions. This is a great option for children of similar age or siblings who like to be social with one another. 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. Testers loved how this affordable model comes with a variety of seating options and the option to connect two infant car seats or a single child riding in an convertible toddler seat. Our experts also praised memory foam seats, canopy with 50+ SPF and foam-filled wheels that will never wear out. When it's time to fold, this model needs only a couple of pulls on straps on each seat (under where the kids sit) to fold in half.