Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is a good investment if you have two children of similar ages. These narrow tandem buggies or versatile side by side buggies let you keep both children in the same place while navigating the grocery aisle and parks, as well as whatever else life can throw at you.
Comfort
Comfort is a major factor to think about when purchasing a double-stroller. This includes the seating arrangement as well as the overall size, which can have an impact on the ease of use and storage. "Parents should determine how much the stroller weighs as well as its dimensions when folded," 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 that it is a 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 provide flexible seating options for children of various ages and comfort features like windows that peek out and adjustable canopy to protect children from rain or sun.
Seating options are important for many families who will utilize a double stroller from birth to the age of. Billingsley explains that there are two major categories that are in-line with one seat in front of the other and side-byside with seats adjacent to each other. "Some parents prefer an in-line option for its sleek appearance and versatility, whereas others like a wagon-style double stroller to make the most space for large items or grocery bags."
While some products may have different recline options, with one seat almost flat while the other one remains upright, this type of distinction is more prevalent in in-line models. Billingsley suggests selecting a product with a near-flat recline and leg rest adjustment for both seats, so that the children can both lie back comfortably.
She also suggests parents search for strollers with storage compartments to allow them to easily access personal items, snacks and toys on the move. She suggests that it's helpful to look for a stroller with a parent console or organizer bag that is attached to the handlebars, which will allow you to keep your essentials close at hand.
Some of the best-rated double strollers can be extended to allow parents to modify the layout based on their family's needs. The Mockingbird Expandable, for example is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used from birth with just one seat, and later converted into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) when the child gets older.
Safety
Double strollers should be able to support the weight of two people, plus any additional cargo. Strollers need to be simple to maneuver and push, particularly when on rough terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height which allow parents to maintain their form when pushing them. smallest double buggy that is great is a non-rethread seat belt harness that makes it easier to adjust the seat belts. Finally, a sturdy brake system and wheels that can glide over any surface are essential safety features.
Some parents choose side-by-side designs that allow both children to see each other on family outings. This arrangement can prevent sibling rivalries over who sits in which spot however it's not foolproof. If the seats are located at different heights, a child may punch or kick another while walking in the event that the seats are at different levels.
For parents with twins or siblings of similar age, a tandem stroller is a great option for being able see both kids at once. However, smallest double buggy can be more spacious than other double strollers, meaning they might not be able to pass through all doors in your home. You could consider a single-to-double stroller that can be transformed from a single to double in various ways. Popular models include the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you are looking for a tandem or side-byside stroller, be sure the product has been JPMA certified to meet the strictest safety standards. Pay attention to the weight limit that applies to each seat. Exceeding these limits could cause frame fatigue or other issues.
While it's easy to concentrate on the many bells and whistles of a new stroller, it's crucial to keep in mind that a stroller is an infant carrier that is transported for long durations of time. It should be comfortable for both passengers and easy to clean and maintain, and ideally it should feature an intuitive, familiar design so that the person pushing it can easily maneuver it without having to think twice about how to move forward and turn left or right, or even apply the brakes.
User-Friendliness
For families on the go, a double stroller should be easy to maneuver over different terrains. Features like adjustable canopies windows, peek-aboo windows, and reliable braking systems are critical to help ensure your children's safety, however, there are other elements that contribute to stroller ease of use. A stroller should be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your vehicle and still provide plenty of storage space for food or other items. Additionally, you should consider thoughtful features like a one-parent cup holder or console for parents, as well as snacks for children--all things that will make life on the go with two kids significantly simpler.
During our testing We evaluated the strollers on how it performed on a variety of surfaces and how well it maneuvered 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 made a difference to the overall performance. A stroller with no-rethread straps makes it simple to adjust the seat belts. This can be a big benefit for parents who are constantly moving around, since it does away with the need to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby 2 Double scored highly in this metric as it offered a wide range of seating configurations, and other accessories that could accommodate expanding families. The double-stroller that looks like a wagon can be expanded to accommodate two seats, a bassinet, or even a toddler-riding board. This is ideal for families that plan to spend long hours traveling with several children of various age groups. It also glides smoothly across pavement, cobblestones and ballfields--and can be folded flat for easy storage in a closet or trunk. The design of this stroller is easy and easy to use which was well-loved by our tester Kerry. The smart packaging with clearly marked sections as well as a user guide made it easy to put together this stroller.
Storage
Double strollers can hold twice as much as a single one so be sure to ensure you have plenty of storage space. You want a stroller with enough storage space to hold the necessities of parents and children like bottles, toys, snacks, and diapers. Look for under-seat baskets and other pockets, and look into a stroller with an expandable cargo space that can carry bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags.
A good double stroller will be able to adapt to the needs of your family. Billingsley states that certain models have a bassinet attachment to accommodate infants. Other models come with child seats that expand with the child until they are able to ride on the back. Some double strollers allow older children to share in the fun with riding boards.
There are many different double strollers available. You can pick from models with high-performance features which are suitable for rough terrain, to affordable options that you can use on a daily basis. While shopping, read reviews and opinions of families like yours to get an idea of what you can expect from the double stroller you pick.
Double strollers are available in three models: tandem, side by side and wagon style. Billingsley says that side-by-side strollers are the most versatile and suitable for twins or children of similar age. Tandem double strollers on the other hand, feature two seats that are arranged adjacent to one another and facing opposite directions. It's a ideal choice for children of the same age or for siblings who like to interact with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through tight spaces, and are less likely to fit into doors.
Check out this top selection by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon-style double stroller. This budget-friendly model was highly praised by our testers for its many seating options. It can be used with two infant car seats, or one child in a convertible toddler chair. Our reviewers also praised the comfy memory foam seats, 50+ SPF canopy and foam-filled tires that will never stop running flat. When it's time for folding this model requires only a few tugs on the straps beneath each seat (under the seats where kids sit) in order to fold.