Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two children who are close in age, a double stroller can be an invaluable investment. These compact tandem strollers or flexible side-by-side buggies let you keep an eye on both kids at the same time braving the grocery aisle, parks and anything else life throws at you.
Comfort
The comfort factor is one of the most important factors to take into consideration when buying a double-stroller. This can include the seating arrangement and overall size, which can have an impact on the ease of use and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, says parents should be aware of the stroller's weight and folded dimensions. "They should also take a look at the options for recline and seat age ranges to ensure a perfect fit for their family."
A good double stroller should be able to handle a variety of 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 at different stages of development, as well as features that provide comfort, such as a peek-aboo windows and adjustable canopy options that protect children from the sun or rain.
The seating options are important to many families who use double strollers from birth to the age of. "There are two main categories: in-line with one seat in front of the other, and side by side with seats that are next to each other," Billingsley explains. "Some parents prefer an in-line option for its sleek look and versatility, while others prefer a wagon-style stroller to maximize space for bulky items or groceries."
Some products may offer different recline options--with one seat being almost flat, while the other is upright, this kind of difference is more common in models that are in-line. Billingsley suggests selecting a product that offers both a nearly flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats to ensure each child can sleep comfortably.
In the end, she suggests choosing a stroller that includes storage compartments that allow parents to access their snacks, toys and other personal belongings while on the go. She also suggests that it's useful to find a stroller with an organizer or parent console bag that can be attached to the handlebars, which can help keep essentials close at hand.
A few of the top-rated double strollers can be expanded which allows parents to alter the configuration to meet the requirements of their growing family. The Mockingbird Expandable, for example is a highly-rated double stroller which can be used from birth with a single seat, then transformed into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) when the child is older.
Safety
Double strollers must be able to handle the weight of both passengers and any additional cargo. off road double buggy must also be simple to move and push, particularly in tight spots and on terrain that is difficult to navigate. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights, making it easier for parents to maintain good form when pushing them. Another nice feature is a no-rethread seat belt harness, which makes it easier to adjust the seat belts. Safety features include a durable brake system, as well as wheels that can glide across any surface.
Some parents prefer an arrangement that is side by side so that both children can be together on family outings. This arrangement can prevent sibling rivalries over who gets to sit in which seat however, it's not 100% secure. If the seats are positioned at different heights, one child could be in a position to punch or kick the other on a walk.
If you have twins or siblings of similar age, a tandem-style stroller offers the benefit of being able to see both children at the same time. Double strollers are typically wider, and may not be able to fit through some doors inside. Think about a stroller that is single-to-double that can be transformed from a single stroller to double in various ways. The most popular models are the CYBEX gazelle S.
Whether you choose a side-by-side or tandem-style stroller, be sure the product is JPMA-certified to meet strict safety standards. Be sure to check the maximum weight limits for each seat, since over-weighting could lead to frame fatigue or other issues.
While it's easy to concentrate on the many bells and whistles on a new stroller, it's important to keep in mind that a stroller is essentially a baby carrier that is carried around for long durations of time. It should be comfortable for both the passengers, easy to clean and maintain, and most importantly, it should offer an intuitive, familiar design so that the person pushing it can effortlessly maneuver it without having to think about how to move forward and turn left or right, or even apply the brakes.
Easy of Use
For families on the go, a double stroller needs to be able to navigate a variety of terrains. Strollers that have features like peek-a-boo windows, adjustable canopies and reliable brake systems are crucial to ensure the safety of your children. But there are other factors that make them simpler to use. A stroller must be compact enough to fit into the trunk of your vehicle and still provide plenty of storage space for food or other things. It is also important to consider thoughtful additions like a one-parent cup holder as well as a console for parents and a snack tray for kids--all things that will make life with two kids significantly more manageable.
In our tests, we assessed each stroller based on its performance on different terrains, as well as its ability to maneuver in tight spaces. We also considered 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 that does not have rethread straps is easy to adjust the seat belts. This is a major selling point for parents on the go, as it saves time and eliminates the need to re-thread the harness.
The UPPAbaby v2 Double scored highly in this metric as it had a wide variety of seating configurations, and additional accessories that accommodated expanding families. The double-stroller in the wagon style expands to accommodate two seats, a bassinet, or even a toddler-riding board. This is ideal for families that plan to spend long days on the road with multiple children of different age groups. It easily glides over cobblestones, pavements, and ball fields. It can be folded flat to be stored in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is simple and intuitive, which was appreciated by our test subject Kerry. The sleek packaging, clearly marked sections and user guide made it easy to put together this stroller.
Storage
Double strollers can hold twice more than one single stroller, so make sure you look for plenty of storage space. Ideally, you want a stroller that can accommodate the necessities for both kids, including nappies bottles, snacks, and toys, as well as parents' belongings such as phones, wallets keys and wallets. Look for under-seat baskets as well as other pockets, and look into a stroller with an expandable cargo space that can carry heavy items such as lunch bags and diaper bags.
A good double stroller should be able to grow with your family. Billingsley says that some models have a bassinet attachment to accommodate newborns. Others have child seats that can be able to grow with your child until they are ready to ride on the back. Some double strollers even include a rider board to allow older siblings to take part in the fun.
There are many double strollers available. You can choose from high-performance models that are ideal for rough terrain, or more budget-friendly options that can use every day. While shopping, take a look at reviews from other users and the opinions of families just like yours to get an understanding of what to expect from the double stroller you select.
Double strollers come in three different design formats such as tandem, side-byside, and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-by-side strollers are the most adaptable and ideal for twins or children of a similar age. Tandem double strollers feature two seats arranged in a tandem arrangement, facing opposite directions. This is a great option for children of similar age or siblings who want to interact with each other. Tandem strollers can be difficult to maneuver through tight spaces, and are less likely to fit through doorways than their side-byside counterparts.
Check out this top selection by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon-style double stroller. The testers loved that this budget model comes with a variety of seating options and the option to connect two infant car seats or a single child riding in a convertible toddler seat. Our experts also appreciated the soft memory foam seats with a 50+ SPF canopy, and foam-filled tires that never get flat. And when it's time to fold, this model requires just a couple of tugs on the straps of each seat (under the seats where kids are) to fold in half.