Speak "Yes" To These 5 Double Strollers Tips
Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double single pushchair stroller is an excellent investment if you have two children of similar ages. These compact tandem buggies or versatile side-by-side buggies will keep both children within sight while navigating the grocery aisle and parks, as well as whatever else life can throw at you.
Comfort
Comfort is a major factor to take into consideration when buying a double-stroller. This includes the seating arrangement as well as the overall size, which has an impact on ease of use and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child expert in child development from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, says parents should check the stroller's weight and folded dimensions. "They should also look at the options for recline and seat age ranges to ensure the best fit for their family."
A quality double stroller should be able to handle different surfaces easily including suburban sidewalks, park paths, and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should also offer versatile seating options for children of various ages and comfort features such as windows that can be opened and closed to shield children from rain or sun.
For many families double strollers will be utilized from birth until the age of five, so it's crucial to think about seating options. Billingsley says there are two main categories: in-line with one seat in front of the other, and side-by-side seating with seats next to one another. Some parents prefer the in-line option due to its sleek style and flexibility. Others prefer a wagon-style double stroller for maximum space for bulky or grocery items.
In-line models are more likely to show this kind of discordance. Some models might offer different recline options, with one seat being almost flat, while the other one remaining fairly upright. Billingsley suggests selecting a model that has a nearly flat recline as well as leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children lay down comfortably.
Finally, she advises choosing strollers that have storage compartments that enable parents to easily access snacks, toys and other personal items while out and about. She adds that it's also helpful to look for the stroller that has an organizer console for parents or a parent bag attached to the handlebars. This will allow you to keep your essentials within reach.
Some of the most highly-rated double strollers are expandable, allowing parents to customize the layout to meet the requirements of their growing family. For instance the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly rated double stroller that can be used with a single seat from birth, and then converted to tandem (with an additional seat and bassinet) as the child gets older.
Safety
Double strollers should be able to carry the weight of two passengers--plus any additional cargo. Strollers must also be easy to maneuver and push, especially in tight spots and on difficult terrain. The best compact double stroller strollers feature ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to allow parents to maintain their good form when pushing them. A harness that is not rethread which makes the adjustment of seat belts more quickly and easily to do, is a nice feature to look for. Safety features include a durable brake system and wheels that glide over any surface.
Some parents choose side-by-side designs that allow both children to see each other during family outings. This arrangement can reduce sibling rivalries over who gets to sit n stand double stroller in which place however it's not foolproof. If the seats are positioned at different levels, one child might be in a position to punch or kick the other during walks.
For parents of twins or siblings who are close in age, a tandem-style stroller is a great option for being able see both kids at once. Double strollers are typically wider, and may not fit through some interior doors. You could consider a single double stroller-to-double stroller that can be transformed from a single to a double buggy with car seat in many ways. Popular models include the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you decide to purchase a side-by-side or tandem-style stroller, be sure the product is JPMA-certified to meet stringent safety standards. Also pay attention to the maximum weight limits for each seat, as over-weighting could lead to frame fatigue or other issues.
While it's easy to concentrate on all the extra bells and whistles that come with a new stroller, it's important to be aware that a stroller essentially a baby carrier that is transported for long durations of time. It should be comfortable for both the passengers and easy to clean and maintain, and most importantly, it should offer an intuitive, familiar design so that the person pushing it is able to easily maneuver it without having to think about how to move forward or turn left or right, or use the brakes.
Easy to Use
A double stroller should be easily maneuverable on a variety terrains for families who are constantly moving. Features like adjustable canopy windows, peek-aboo windows, and dependable brake systems are crucial to ensure the safety of your children, however, there are other elements that influence stroller comfort of use. For instance the stroller should be small enough to fit into the trunk of your car, yet provide ample storage space for groceries and other belongings. It's also important to include thoughtful details, such as a cup holder for one parent, consoles for parents and snacks on trays. These can make traveling with two children significantly easier.
During our testing we rated each stroller on how well it did on a variety of terrains and how easily it maneuvered in tight spaces. We also examined how simple it was to fold and unfold, and whether or not a specific feature enhanced the overall performance of the stroller. For example, a stroller with no-rethread harnesses makes adjusting the seat belts easy and quick. This can be a huge benefit for parents who are on the move, as it saves time and eliminates the need to re-thread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored high in this measure, since it offers a wide range of seating configurations as well as additional accessories to accommodate growing families. The wagon-style double stroller is able to provide two seats, a bassinet or even a toddler-friendly riding board, which is ideal for families who are active and planning long days on the go with multiple kids of various age. It also glides smoothly over cobblestones, balls and pavements. It folds flat for easy storage in a closet or trunk. The design of this stroller is simple and intuitive which was well-loved by our tester Kerry. The clever packaging with clearly marked sections as well as a user guide made it easy to assemble this stroller.
Storage
Double strollers can hold twice as much as one stroller so be sure to look for plenty of storage space. It is important to find a stroller with enough storage space to accommodate the essentials for both children and parents, such as bottles, toys, snacks, and diapers. Look for under-seat baskets as well as other pockets, and think about a stroller that has an expandable cargo space that can carry bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags.
A quality double pushchair stroller will be able to grow with your family. For example certain models come with the bassinet attachment, which can accommodate infants, while others feature child seats that can grow with your kids until they're ready to ride on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers also include a rider board to let older siblings be part of the fun.
There's a wide selection of double strollers on the market, from sleek, high-performance models that can handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models more for everyday use. When you're shopping, read reviews and suggestions from families like yours to get an understanding of what you can expect from the double stroller you select.
Double strollers are available in three different designs: tandem, side-by-side and wagon style. Billingsley states that side-byside strollers are the most flexible and suitable for twins or children of similar ages. Tandem double strollers, on the other hand, feature two seats that are placed next to each other and facing in opposite directions--a good option for kids of the same age, or for siblings who enjoy interacting with one another. Tandem strollers may be harder to maneuver through tight spaces and are less likely to fit through doorways than their side-by-side counterparts.
Check out this top pick by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon-style double stroller. This affordable model was praised by test participants for its various seating configurations. It can be used with two infant car seats or one child in a convertible toddler chair. Our experts also praised the memory foam seats, canopy with 50+ SPF, and foam-filled wheels that never flatten. When it's time to fold, this model only requires a few tugs on the straps underneath each seat (under where kids sit) in order to fold.