Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is an excellent investment if you have two children with similar age. These narrow tandem buggies as well as versatile side-by-side buggies will keep both children in sight while navigating the grocery aisle, parks, and whatever else life throws at you.
Comfort
Comfort is a major factor to take into consideration when buying a double-stroller. This includes the seating arrangement and overall size, which will have an impact on the ease of use and storage. "Parents should determine how much the stroller weighs and its dimensions when folded," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also take a look at the seat recline options and age ranges to ensure a perfect fit for their family."
A quality double stroller should be sturdy enough to traverse all surfaces without difficulty, from parks trails to suburban sidewalks and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should offer a range of seating options for children of different ages, as well as features that provide comfort, such as a peek-aboo windows and adjustable canopy options that shield kids from rain or sun.
For a lot of families
double strollers will be used from birth until childhood, so it's important to consider the seating options. "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 the inline option due to its sleek style and versatility. Others prefer a wagon style double stroller for maximum space for bulky or grocery items.
In-line models tend to have this kind of discordance. Some products may offer different recline options, with one seat being nearly flat, and the other being more upright. Billingsley suggests choosing a model with a near-flat recline and leg rest adjustment for both seats. This will ensure that both children can lay down comfortably.
She also suggests parents look for strollers with storage compartments to allow them to quickly access snacks, personal items, and toys while in motion. She also suggests that it is helpful to find a stroller that has a parent console, or organizer bag that is attached to the handlebars. This will aid parents in keeping their essentials to hand.
A few of the most highly-rated double strollers can be expanded, allowing parents to customize the layout to meet the needs of their expanding family. The Mockingbird Expandable, for example, is a highly rated double stroller which can be used from birth with just one seat, then transformed into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) when the child is older.
Safety
Double strollers should be able to handle the weight of two people, plus any additional cargo. Strollers need to be able to move and push, particularly on rough terrain or in tight spaces. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars and adjustable heights, making it easier for parents to maintain their form when pushing them. Another feature that is great is a no-rethread belt harness that makes it easier to adjust the seat belts. A sturdy brake system and wheels that can glide over any surface are essential safety features.
Some parents choose the side-by-side design so that both children can see each other during family outings. This arrangement can stop siblings fighting over who is allowed to sit where but it's not a guarantee. If the seats are placed at different levels, one child might be in a position to punch or kick the other on a walk.
For parents of twins or siblings who are close in age, a tandem-style stroller offers the benefit of being able to view both kids at once. However, they can be wider than other double strollers, and they may not fit through
all terrain double stroller interior doorways. Think about a stroller that is single-to-double that can be transformed from a single stroller to a double in a variety ways. The most popular models are the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you're in the market for a tandem or a side-by-side stroller, ensure that the product is JPMA certified to meet strict safety standards. Be aware of the maximum weight limit for each seat. Overstepping these limits can cause frame fatigue or other issues.
While it's easy for us to focus on the many bells and whistles that come with a new stroller, it's important to remember that a stroller is an infant carrier that is transported for long durations of time. It must be easy to clean and maintain, and comfortable for both of the passengers. It should also have a an easy-to-use, familiar design that lets the person pushing the stroller to easily maneuver it.
Easy to Use
For families that are on the move, a double stroller needs to be easy to maneuver over various terrains. Strollers with features such as windows that peek-a-boo, adjustable canopies and sturdy brake systems are vital to ensure the safety of your children. But there are also other features that make them easier to use. A stroller must be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your car and still provide plenty of storage space for food or other items. It is also essential to include thoughtful features, like cups holder for one parent as well as consoles for parents and an eating tray. These are able to make traveling with two children much more enjoyable.
In our tests, we assessed each stroller based on its performance on various surfaces and its ability to maneuver through tight spaces. We also examined the ease with which it was possible to fold and unfold, and whether or not a specific feature added to the overall function of the stroller. For example a stroller with a harness that does not rethread makes the adjustment of the seat belts quick and simple. This can be a major selling point for parents who are on the move, as it saves time and eliminates the need to re-thread the harness.
The UPPAbaby 2 Double scored highly in this test because it had a wide variety of seating configurations and additional accessories that accommodated expanding families. The wagon-style double stroller can be expanded to accommodate a second seat as well as a bassinet,
Double Strollers or a toddler riding board--perfect for families who are active and planning long trips with multiple kids of varying age. It glides easily over pavements, cobblestones, and ballfields. It can fold flat to store in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is easy and easy to use and was a big hit with our test participant Kerry. Its clever packaging, clearly labeled sections and an informative user guide made putting together this stroller a breeze.
Storage
Double strollers can carry twice as much as a single one, so make sure you look for plenty of storage space. Ideally, you'll want an item that can hold the necessities for both kids, including nappies bottles, snacks, and toys, in addition to parents' items such as phones, wallets keys and wallets. Look for under-seat baskets and other pockets, and consider a stroller with an expandable cargo area that can hold heavy items such as lunch bags and diaper bags.
A quality double stroller should be able to change as your family grows. For instance, some models include a bassinet attachment that can accommodate infants, while others feature child seats that can expand with your children until they're able to move to the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some
cheap double stroller strollers include a rider board that allows older children to join in the fun.
You'll find a wide variety of double strollers in the market, from sleek, high-performance models that can handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models that are more suited for daily use. As you shop, read reviews from other users and the opinions of families just like yours to get an idea of what to expect from the double stroller you choose.