Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two kids who are similar in age A double stroller can be an invaluable investment. These narrow tandem buggies or flexible side by side buggies will keep both children within sight when you are navigating the aisles of your grocery store, parks, and whatever else life throws at you.
Comfort
Comfort is a major factor to think about when purchasing a double-stroller. This could include the seating arrangement as well as the overall size, which has an impact on ease of use and storage. "Parents should check how much the stroller weighs as well as its folded dimensions," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They must also take into consideration the recline options for seats as well as the ages of their children to ensure it's the perfect fit."
A well-constructed double stroller will be durable enough to travel on all surfaces without difficulty, from urban sidewalks to parks trails and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should also offer versatile seating arrangements for children of varying age groups and comfort features like peek-a-boo windows and adjustable canopies to keep kids shielded from sun or rain.
For many families, a double stroller will be utilized from birth until childhood, so it's important to consider the seating options. Billingsley states that there are two major categories of in-line seating with one seat in front of the other and side-byside, with seats next to each other. "Some parents prefer an in-line stroller due to its sleek appearance and versatility, whereas others like a wagon-style double stroller to make the most space for bulky items or grocery bags."
In-line models are more likely to have this type of discrepancy. Some products may offer different recline options, with one being almost flat and the other remaining relatively upright. Billingsley recommends selecting a product with both a near flat recline and leg rest adjustment for both seats. This will ensure that both children can lay down comfortably.
She also suggests that parents look for strollers that have storage compartments so that they can easily access snacks, personal items, and toys while moving about. She adds that it's also useful to find a stroller that has a parent console or organizer bag attached to the handlebars. This will help keep things close at hand.
A few of the most highly-rated double strollers can be expanded, allowing parents to customize the configuration to meet the requirements of their growing family. The Mockingbird Expandable, for instance is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used from birth using a single seat, and later converted into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers must be able to carry the weight of two adults, as well as any additional cargo. Strollers need to be easy to maneuver and push, particularly when on rough terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights, making it easier for parents to maintain a good posture when pushing them. A no-rethread harness that makes the adjustment of seat belts more quickly and easily is another great feature to look out for. A sturdy brake system and wheels that glide across any surface are important safety features.
Some parents choose an arrangement that allows both children to view each other during family outings. This arrangement can prevent siblings arguing over who sits in which place however it's not foolproof. If the seats are positioned at different heights, one child may be in a position to punch or kick the other during a walk.
A tandem-style stroller is ideal option for parents with twins or siblings who are close in age. It allows them to be able to see both children simultaneously. These double strollers can be wider, and may not be able to fit through some doors inside. Think about a stroller that is single-to-double that can be converted from a single to double in various ways. The most popular models are the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you opt for a side-byside or tandem-style stroller, be sure the product is JPMA-certified to meet the strictest safety standards. Pay attention to the maximum weight limit for each seat. If you exceed these limits, it could cause frame fatigue and other issues.
While it's easy to focus on the additional bells and whistles on a new stroller, it's crucial to remember that a stroller is basically a baby carrier that will be used for extended durations of time. It must be comfortable for both the passengers and easy to clean and maintain, and most importantly it should have an easy-to-use, familiar design so that the person pushing it is able to effortlessly maneuver it without having to think twice about how to move forward or turn left or right, or apply the brakes.
User-Friendliness
For families on the go, a double stroller should be able to maneuver easily over various terrains. Features like adjustable canopy systems, peek-aboo windows and reliable braking systems are critical to help ensure your children's safety, however, there are other elements that influence stroller comfort of use. A stroller should be compact enough to fit into the trunk of your car yet have plenty of storage space for groceries or other items. Also important are thoughtful touches like a cup holder with a single parent as well as a console for parents and a snack tray for kids--all things that make life with two children significantly simpler.
During our testing we rated the strollers on how it did on a variety of surfaces and how well it could maneuver in tight spaces. We also assessed how easy it was to fold and unfold, and whether or not a particular feature enhanced the overall functionality of the stroller. A stroller with no-rethread straps makes it simple to adjust the seat belts. This is a huge selling point for parents who are constantly in motion, as it eliminates the need to rethread their harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored highly in this metric, as it offers a wide range of seating configurations and additional accessories to accommodate families that are growing. The wagon-style double-stroller expands to accommodate two seats, a bassinet or even a toddler's riding board. This is ideal for families who want to spend long hours traveling with several children of different age groups. It is able to glide effortlessly over cobblestones and pavements and ballfields. It can fold flat to be stored in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is simple and intuitive which was well-loved by our test participant Kerry. The smart packaging with clearly marked sections as well as a the user's guide made it simple to put together this stroller.
Storage
A double stroller has the potential to hold twice as much stuff as a single stroller, so make sure you have plenty of storage space. It is important to find a stroller with enough storage space to store the essentials of both parents and children, such as bottles as well as snacks, toys and diapers. Look for under-seat baskets as well as other pockets, and think about a stroller that has an expandable cargo area that can carry heavy items such as diaper bags and lunch bags.
A quality double stroller should be able to adjust as your family grows. For instance certain models come with an attachment for a bassinet that can be used for newborns, and others come with child seats that can be adapted to 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 with a rider board.
You'll find a wide variety of double strollers on the market, ranging from sleek, high-performance models that excel on rough terrain to budget-friendly models that are more for everyday use. As you shop, read reviews and suggestions from families like yours to get a better sense of what to expect with the double stroller you choose.
Double strollers are available in three different styles: tandem, side-by-side and wagon style. Side-by-side double strollers offer the most versatility and are ideal for twins or kids close in age, Billingsley explains. Push Chairs And Prams UK come with two seats arranged in tandem with the opposite direction facing. This is a good option for children who are the same age or siblings who want to play with one another. Tandem strollers can be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and are less likely to pass through doorways than their side-byside counterparts.
If you're looking for a wagon-style double stroller, check out this top model from Safety 1st. This budget-friendly model was praised by testers for its many seating options. It can be used with two car seats for infants, or one child in a convertible toddler chair. Our reviewers also praised the comfy memory foam seats with a 50+ SPF canopy, and foam-filled tires that will never get flat. When it's time to fold, this model requires only a couple of pulls on the straps of each seat (under where the kids sit) to fold in half.