Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two children who are close in age, a double stroller can be a valuable investment. These compact tandem buggies or versatile side-by-side buggies let you keep both children in sight while navigating the grocery aisle or in parks, or whatever 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 includes both the seating arrangement and the overall size of the stroller which affects the accessibility and storage. "Parents should determine how much the stroller weighs and its dimensions when folded," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also take a look at the options for recline and seat age ranges to ensure the best fit for their family."
A quality double stroller should be durable enough to travel on various surfaces with ease, from urban sidewalks to parks trails and from infant car seats to toddler booster 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 window and adjustable canopies that protect children from the sun or rain.
Seating options are crucial for many families that will utilize double strollers from the time of birth until childhood. "There are two main categories: in-line with one seat ahead of the other, and side by side with seats that are next to each other," Billingsley explains. "Some parents prefer an in-line stroller due to its sleek look and versatility, whereas others prefer a wagon-style double stroller to maximize space for bulky items or groceries."
Although some models may have different recline options--with one seat almost flat while the other is upright--this type of disparity is more common in the 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 lay down comfortably.
In the end, she suggests choosing a stroller that includes storage compartments that allow parents to quickly access snacks, toys and other personal items while on the move. She adds that it's also helpful to look for the stroller that has an organizer or parent console bag that is attached to the handlebars, which will allow you to keep your essentials in reach.
Some of the top-rated double strollers can be expanded, allowing parents to customize the configuration to meet the requirements of their growing family. For instance, the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly rated double stroller that can be used with just a single seat as early as birth, and then transformed into tandem (with a second seat and bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers have to be able to carry the weight of two people, plus any additional cargo. Strollers should also be easy to push and maneuver, especially in tight areas and on difficult terrain. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height to ensure that parents maintain a good posture when pushing them. Another feature that is great is a non-rethread seat belt harness, which makes it easier to adjust the belts for your child. Also, a strong brake system and wheels that can glide over any surface are important safety features.
Some parents opt for an arrangement that is side by side so that both children can be together when they go on family outings. This arrangement can reduce sibling squabbles over who sits in which place however, it's not 100% secure. If the seats are different heights, a child may punch or kick one another during a walk, if the seats are at different levels.
If you have twins or siblings of similar age, a tandem-style stroller can be beneficial in being able see both kids at once. Double strollers can be more spacious, and may not be able to fit through some doors inside. For maximum flexibility, think about a stroller that can change from a single stroller to a tandem in different ways, such as the popular CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can be adapted to a wide range of configurations and allow you to click in 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 product is JPMA certified to meet the strictest safety standards. Be aware of the weight limits that apply to each seat, as over-weighting could lead to frame fatigue or other issues.
It's easy to get caught up in the bells and whistles, but it's important to keep in mind that strollers are essentially baby carriers that are carried for long periods of time. It should be comfortable for both the passengers as well as easy to clean and maintain, and ideally, it should offer an intuitive, familiar design that the person pushing it can effortlessly move it around without having to think about how to move forward and turn left or right, or use the brakes.
Easy to Use
A double stroller should be easily maneuverable on a variety of terrains for families that are always on the move. Strollers with features like windows that peek-a-boo, adjustable canopies and sturdy brake systems are vital to ensure the safety of your children. But there are other features that make them more convenient to use. For example, a stroller must be small enough to fit in the trunk of your car, but still provide ample storage space for your groceries and other items. It's also essential to add thoughtful features, like cups holder for one parent as well as consoles for parents and snacks on trays. These can help make traveling with two children much easier.
During our testing We evaluated each stroller based on how it performed on a variety terrains, and how easily it could maneuver in tight spaces. We also looked at how easy it was to fold the stroller in half and then unfold it as well as if a particular feature improved the overall functionality. For example a stroller with a harness that does not rethread makes the adjustment of the seat belts quick and simple. This is a major benefit for parents who are constantly in motion, as it does away with the need to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby 2 Double scored highly in this metric as it had a wide variety of seating configurations, and other accessories that could accommodate expanding families. The wagon-style double-stroller expands so that it can accommodate a second seat, bassinet, or even a toddler-riding board. This is perfect for families who want to spend long hours on the road with multiple children of various ages. It is able to glide effortlessly over cobblestones, pavements, and ballfields. It can be folded flat to store in a trunk or a closet. The design of this stroller is easy and intuitive and was a big hit with our tester Kerry. The clever packaging, clearly marked sections and user's manual made it easy to assemble this stroller.
Storage
Double strollers can carry twice as much as one single stroller so be sure to look for plenty of storage space. It is important to find a stroller with enough storage space to hold the necessities of parents and children, such as bottles, toys, snacks, and diapers. Look for pockets and baskets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller that has an expandable cargo area to accommodate bulky items such as lunch bags and diaper bags.
A quality double stroller will be able to expand with your family. Billingsley states that certain models come with an attachment for a bassinet to accommodate infants. Some models have child seats which can be able to grow with your child until they are ready to ride on the back. Some double strollers include a rider board that allows older children to join in the fun.
There are many double strollers available. You can choose from high-performance models that are ideal for rough terrain, as well as more budget-friendly options that can use every day. While shopping, read reviews and opinions of families like yours to get a better idea of what you can expect from the double stroller you select.
Double strollers are available in three different designs: side-by-side, tandem, and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers provide the most flexibility and are perfect for twins or children close to each other in age, Billingsley explains. double pram buggy , on the other hand, have two seats that are arranged adjacent to one another and facing in opposite directions--a ideal choice for children of the same age or for siblings who like to interact with one another. Tandem strollers may be harder to maneuver through tight spaces and are less likely to pass 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 comes with a variety of seating options and the option to connect two infant car seats or a single child riding in an convertible toddler seat. Our reviewers 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 requires just a couple of tugs on straps on each seat (under the seat where kids sit) to fold it in half.