10 Quick Tips About Double Stroller
What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The most effective double strollers are designed to adapt to the needs of your family and include clever features that keep your kids content and comfortable. The best double strollers offer adjustable footrests as well as a smooth ride over gravel, old sidewalks and trails.
Kerry was thrilled that the stroller came in multiple boxes, however everything was clearly labeled and easy for her to open. She also appreciated that the stroller can accommodate two infant car seats, and it can be paired with a riding board for older children.
Seating Options
Seating options are a major element in determining whether the family will buy a double stroller. You'll have to think about the age of your children, their relative sizes of them and the seating arrangements you prefer.
Alli Cavasino is a senior editor for Consumer Reports. She says that if you're planning to buy a tandem stroller, you should look at one that has child seats that are attached. This model doesn't require car seat adapters. They are generally larger than other double strollers, they might not pass through door frames that are standard in your home.
If your children are different age, you might think about a stroller that has two seats that can be converted into a stand-and ride model. This allows children to observe or ride with their sibling. These types of in-line strollers can also fit infant car seats, should they be required, and are a good choice for children who'll be 3-5 years apart, says Billingsley.
You'll also need to look at the type of seat material, explains Billingsley. Certain fabrics are more breathable than others, and are easier to keep clean. It's also important to consider how easy it is to fold your stroller for transporting it to and from your car. "There's nothing more frustrating than buying your dream stroller only find out that it is too heavy or bulky for your trunk," says the expert.
If you're looking for a budget-friendly option that offers various seating options, check out this award-winning model from Summer Infant, which has two toddler seats, a bassinet attachment and could be expanded to make a triple stroller, with an additional seat or riding board. The seats recline and come with control mechanisms for the calf bar that allow them to adjust independently, which is perfect for when one child is looking to rest while the other wants to take in the surroundings. When folded, it is compact and fits into most trunks.
Age Variations
Sit-and stand strollers are the ideal option for families with children who are close in terms of age. They offer comfort and ease of use. They have a seat in the front for toddlers or infants, and a platform, bench or other surface in the rear that lets older children stand up or hop on/off. These strollers are ideal for older children and toddlers but not suitable for infants or children who do not have the coordination or balance to stand on their own.
A narrow tandem stroller can help you keep your eyes on both children at the same time and get through narrow spaces like the crowded grocery store aisles or family photos in the park. These models are smaller and easier to maneuver than double strollers with side-by-side seating, but they don't have as much storage under the carriage, and they're not able to fit an the infant car seat.
If you're planning to utilize a double stroller for several years--or even over a decade, it's worthwhile investing in an option that will expand with your children. Double strollers are typically more expensive than single strollers. However, if you choose the right one the first time around, it can save you money over the course of time.
Our test subjects put these strollers through a series maneuverability tests as well as off-road adventures, and they found them easy to navigate through a variety of terrain. If you plan to use it in urban areas or cities where the sidewalks and traffic can be bumpy, then you might want something that is more durable and robust that can withstand rough treatment.
Double strollers are made to last, but the seats may get worn out faster than you expect or your children may outgrow them before they're ready for retirement. If you're on a tight budget, consider getting one that has been rated for at least four years and is designed to last for as long as possible.
Easy of Use
It's important to make sure that the double stroller is comfortable to use by both children. This means a comfortable harness for seated kids, and easy-to-grasp handles for toddlers who stand. The stroller can also be easily rolled around and maneuvered through tight spaces. In fact, the top-rated strollers in our Lab tests -- such as the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie and Thule Urban Glide 2 Double among the most easy to push.
It's also essential that a double stroller be easy to fold and store. The most effective models come with an easy one- or two-step process, and they're compact enough to fit into the majority of trunks. It's also a benefit when you can add a second seat or a ride-along stroller. Some can even hold infant car seats, so you don't have to wake up your baby to get them into their stroller when they're ready for a trip home.
A good double stroller is also durable, so it can be used on a variety of types of terrain. For instance, some models can be converted to an jogging stroller that has a front wheel that is specially designed, and some are able to be used as an umbrella stroller. Some even come with a cargo basket which can be attached to the rear of the stroller to carry shopping bags or groceries.
A tandem or side-by-side is another option to consider. Side-by-side strollers are typically bigger than tandem models and they can be difficult to maneuver in narrow spaces like doorways or crowded grocery store aisles. They are convenient because they allow both children to view the same scene. They are also easier to navigate through in stormy weather because they offer more coverage from the elements for both kids.
Many parents decide to purchase an adaptable single-to-double stroller, so they can use it for a newborn and then change to a regular double when their kids are older. After talking with parents, it became clear that it is better to buy what you need today rather than to try to predict what you might require in the near future.
Storage
When you're looking for a double-stroller, you need to consider the amount of storage and the dimensions. A lot of models have large, easy-to-access baskets that can store a large amount of items. Many models also come with numerous cup holders for parents as well as seating configurations that can be reversed to provide the best legroom for children. However, double pushchair of these features can add up in cost and it's crucial to read the descriptions and reviews carefully.
The majority of double strollers can be classified into tandem or side by side models. Tandem strollers feature two seats that are positioned on the same frame and are generally better suited for older children who are already comfortable with unassisted sitting. They typically have larger storage baskets than side-by-side models. However, some models can be difficult to push with the front seat fully reclined.
Side-by-side strollers have two individual seats that are positioned side-by-side, and they're typically better for babies and toddlers who aren't yet able to master independent sitting yet. They are also more maneuverable and easy to push than tandem strollers. However, they usually have smaller storage baskets than tandem models and can be more expensive.
There are also special double strollers specifically designed for biking and jogging. These are usually more expensive than all-terrain strollers, and have fixed front wheels, which restrict their mobility. It is worth looking into them only if you intend to use them for these activities.
There's a double stroller to suit every situation, whether you're buying one for twins or a child who's not yet ready to ride on their own or not yet old enough to be a proper rider. The top options we've found in our tests are affluent and stable. They're also easy to navigate with seating that expands as your children grow. Take a look at our top choices for the top double stroller that will meet your family's needs regardless of whether you are seeking a tandem stroller or one that accommodates your infant car seat.