Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is a great investment when you have two kids of similar age. These strollers are narrow and narrow, as well as versatile side-by-side buggies help you keep an eye on both children at the same time while taking on the grocery store, parks and anything else life throws your way.
Comfort
Comfort is a major factor to consider when shopping for a double-stroller. This includes both the seating arrangement and the overall size of the stroller which affects the ease of use 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 recline options for seats, as well as the age ranges of their children to ensure that it's the perfect fit."
A well-constructed double stroller will be sturdy enough to traverse various surfaces with ease, 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 at different stages of development, as well as features that provide comfort, such as a peek-aboo windows and adjustable canopy options that shield kids from rain or sun.
Seating options are important for many families who use a double stroller from the time of birth until the age of. Billingsley explains that there are two main categories that are in-line which has one seat in front of the other and side-byside with seats adjacent to each other. " double buggy prefer an in-line stroller due to its sleek look and versatility, while others prefer a wagon-style double stroller to maximize space for heavy items or grocery bags."
While some products may have different recline options, with one seat almost flat while the other is upright, this type of distinction is more common in in-line models. Billingsley suggests choosing a model with both a near flat recline and leg rest adjustment for both seats. This will ensure that both children can lay comfortably.
She also suggests parents search for strollers with storage compartments to allow them to easily access personal items, snacks and toys when moving about. She also suggests that it is helpful to choose a stroller that has a parent console, or organizer bag that is attached to the handlebars. This will help parents keep their essentials at hand.
A few of the top-rated double strollers can be enlarged giving parents the ability to modify the layout depending on the needs of their family. The Mockingbird Expandable, for instance, 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 is older.
Safety
Double strollers must be able to handle the weight of two people, plus any additional cargo. Strollers must also be easy to move and push, particularly in tight areas and over challenging terrain. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height to allow parents to maintain their good form when pushing them. A no-rethread harness which makes the adjustment of seat belts quicker and easier, is another nice feature to look out for. Safety features include a sturdy brake system and wheels that can glide across any surface.
Some parents opt for an arrangement that allows both children to see one another during family outings. This arrangement can stop siblings fighting over who is allowed to sit in which spot but it's not a guarantee. If the seats are at different heights, a child may punch or kick one another during a walk, in the event that the seats are at different levels.
If you have twins or siblings close in age, a tandem stroller can be beneficial in being able to see both children at the same time. However, they can be larger than other double strollers, and they may not be able to fit through all interior doorways. For maximum flexibility, think about a single-to-double stroller that transitions from a single to a tandem in a variety of ways, such as the popular CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can accommodate a wide variety of configurations and permit you to insert infant car seats or cot attachments, depending on your needs.
If you are looking for a tandem or side-byside stroller, make sure that the stroller has been JPMA certified to meet strict safety standards. Also pay attention to the maximum weight limits for each seat, as exceeding them could result in frame fatigue or other issues.
While it's easy for us to focus on all the extra bells and whistles on a new stroller, it's crucial to remember that a stroller is an infant carrier that will be used for extended periods of time. It should be easy to clean and maintain and comfortable for both the passengers. It should also have an easy-to-use, familiar design that lets the person pushing it to easily maneuver it.
Easy of Use
For families who are constantly on the move, a double stroller must be able to navigate a variety of terrains. Features like adjustable canopies windows, peek-aboo windows, and reliable braking systems are critical to help ensure the safety of your children however, there are other elements that influence stroller comfort of use. A stroller must be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your car and still provide plenty of storage space for groceries and other items. It's also important to include thoughtful touches, such as the cup holder for one parent or consoles for parents, as well as snacks on trays. These can help make traveling with two children much more enjoyable.
During our testing We evaluated each stroller on how well it performed on a variety surfaces and how well it could maneuver in tight spaces. We also assessed the ease with which it was possible to fold and unfold and whether or not a specific feature improved the overall performance of the stroller. 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 removes the need to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby V2 Double scored well in this test because it offered a wide range of seating configurations and additional accessories to accommodate families that are growing. The double-stroller that looks like a wagon expands so that it can accommodate a second seat, 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 ages. It also glides effortlessly over cobblestones, balls and pavements. It can be folded flat for simple storage in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is simple and intuitive which was well-loved by our test subject Kerry. The sleek packaging with clearly marked sections as well as a user guide made it easy to put this stroller together.
Storage
A double stroller can be able to hold twice as much stuff than a single stroller, so look for ample storage space. It is ideal to have an item that can hold the necessities for both kids, including nappies, bottles, snacks and toys, along with parents' belongings like wallets, phones, and keys. Find baskets under the seat as well as other pockets, and look into a stroller with an expandable cargo area that can carry bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags.
A quality double stroller will be able to adapt to the needs of your family. For example certain models come with an attachment for a bassinet that can accommodate infants, while others have child seats that can grow with your children until they're able to switch to riding on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers also permit a rider's board to allow older siblings to join in the fun.
There are a variety of double strollers available on the market, ranging from sleek, high-performance options that can handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models that are more suitable for use in the everyday. As you shop, read reviews from other users and the opinions of families like yours to gain an understanding of what you can expect from 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 most versatility and are suitable for twins or kids close to each other in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers have two seats set up in a tandem arrangement facing in opposite directions. This is a good option for children of the same age or siblings who want to play with one another. Tandem strollers may be harder to maneuver in tight spaces and are less likely to fit through doors than their side-by-side counterparts.
Take a look at this top choice by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon style double stroller. Testers loved how this affordable model has multiple seating options and the option to snap in two infant car seats or a single child riding in an convertible toddler seat. Our experts also praised memory foam seats and canopy that has 50+ SPF, and foam-filled wheels that never flatten. When read what he said to fold, this model requires just a couple of tugs on the straps on each seat (under the seat where kids sit) to fold it in half.