7 Small Changes You Can Make That'll Make An Enormous Difference To Your Double Stroller
What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The most effective double strollers are designed to grow with your family. They include clever features that keep your kids at ease and happy. This includes adjustable foot rests as well as an easy ride on gravel, trails and old sidewalks.
Kerry was thrilled that the stroller arrived in multiple boxes, but everything was clearly labeled and easy to open. She also loved the fact that it can accommodate two infant car seats and can be used with a riding board for older children.
Seating Options
When it comes to double strollers, seating options are what determines the success or failure of the purchase of many families. You'll need to take into consideration the age of your children, their relative sizes of them, and the seating arrangements you like.
For instance, if you have children of similar age and will be sitting side-by-side, you should consider a tandem model that comes with child seats linked to each other and doesn't require you to use car seat adapters, explains Alli Cavasino, a senior editor at Consumer Reports. They are generally larger than other types of double strollers, however they might not pass through door frames that are standard within your home.
If your children are of a older age, you might think about a stroller with two seats that can be transformed into a stand-and ride model. This allows children to watch or ride along with their sibling. These strollers are able to accommodate infant car seats if necessary, and are good for children aged 3-5 years apart.
Billingsley explains that you should take into consideration the fabric used to make the seat. Certain fabrics are more breathable than others, and are easier to keep clean. It is also important to consider how easy it is to fold your stroller to store it or for transport to and from your vehicle. "There's nothing more frustrating than buying the perfect stroller only to find out that it is too heavy or big for your trunk," says the expert.
If you are looking for an affordable option that has multiple configurations, then check out this award-winning stroller from Summer Infant. pushchair twin features two toddler seats as well as an infant bassinet. It can be expanded to a triple stroller by adding a seat or a riding board. The seats recline and have the calf bar controls that can be adjusted independently, which is great for those times when one child needs to sleep while the other wants observe their surroundings. When folded, the seat is compact and can fit easily into the majority of trunks.
Age ranges
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. These strollers have a seat in the front for an infant or toddler and a bench, platform or other surface at the rear which allows older children to stand up and walk on/off. They are great for big toddlers and preschoolers, but won't work well for younger babies or children who don't have the balance or coordination to stand on their own.
A narrow tandem stroller lets you to keep both children in sight all at once, and it can fit through tight spaces like grocery store aisles or for family photos in the parks. These models are narrower and more maneuverable than double strollers with side-by-side seating, but they don't have as much storage space under the carriage, and they're not able to fit an infant car seats.
If you are planning to utilize a double stroller for many years, or even a decade or more--it's worth purchasing a model that can grow with your kids. Double strollers are generally more expensive than single strollers. However, if you choose the right one first time around it can help you save money over time.
Our testers put each stroller through several maneuverability tests, as well as off-road adventures. They found that they were easy to navigate on a variety terrain. However, if you're going to be using it in urban areas where traffic and sidewalks are prone to bumps and uneven, you may want something more robust and durable that can handle the rough treatment.
Double strollers are designed to last, but the seats may be worn out earlier than you think or your children may outgrow them before they're ready for retirement. If you're on a tight budget look into a model that has been tested for at least 4 years and aims to last as long as you can.
Ease of Use
It is essential to ensure that the double stroller is easy to use by both children. This means that the harnesses should be comfortable for children sitting and the handles must be simple to grasp for toddlers. The stroller can also be easily rolled and maneuvered over obstacles and tight spaces. In fact the top strollers in our Lab tests, such as the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie and Thule Urban Glide 2 Double--are among the most comfortable to push.
It's also essential that a double stroller be easy to fold and put away. The best models fold down in just a couple of steps and are small enough to fit into the majority of trunks. It's also a plus if the stroller is versatile and has the option of adding another seat or a ride-along board. Some strollers can accommodate infant car seats, meaning you don't have to wake your baby to transfer them to the stroller when it's time to go home.
Additionally, a great double stroller should be sturdy so that it can be used on different types of terrain. Some can be converted into a jogging scooter with a specific front wheel and others can be used as umbrella strollers. Some even have an accessory basket that can be affixed to the back of the stroller to carry groceries or shopping bags.
A tandem or side-by-side stroller is an alternative to think about. Side-by-side strollers are typically larger than tandem models, and aren't easy to maneuver through narrow spaces like doorways or crowded grocery store aisles. They do offer the convenience of allowing each child to view the same scenery. They can also be easier to navigate in a storm because they offer more coverage from the elements for both kids.
Many parents opt to buy an adaptable single-to-double stroller, to use it as a baby, and then later switch to a regular double once their kiddos are older. After speaking with parents, we've learned that it's best to buy what you need at the time instead of trying to predict what your family might need in the future.
Stores
If you're considering a double stroller, you may need to think about the size and the amount of storage space. Many models come with spacious easy-to-access baskets that are able to hold lots of cargo. Many models also have multiple cup holders for parents, as well as seating configurations that can be reversed to provide the most legroom for children. However, some of these features can add up in cost, so it's important to read descriptions and reviews carefully.
Most double strollers are categorized as either tandem or side-by-side designs. Tandem strollers come with two seats on the same frame and are typically more suitable for older children who have already mastered unassisted sitting. They also typically have a much larger storage basket than side-byside models, however some can be awkward or difficult to push when the front seat is reclined fully.
Side-byside strollers have two distinct seats that are placed side-by-side and are generally for babies and toddlers who haven't yet learned independence sitting yet. They are also more maneuverable and easy to push than tandem strollers. However, they tend to have smaller storage baskets than tandem strollers, and can be more expensive.
There are also specially designed double strollers that are designed specifically for jogging and biking. They are generally more expensive than all-terrain strollers, and have fixed front wheels which limit their flexibility. These strollers are worth considering if you plan to use them in these types of activities.
Whether you're shopping for twins or an infant and a toddler, or another child who's not quite ready to walk on their own, there's a perfect double stroller available. The top options we've found in our tests are versatile and stable. They're also easy to navigate with seating that expands as your kids do. So whether you're in search of a tandem stroller or one that can accommodate your infant car seat, take a look at our top picks to choose the perfect double stroller for your family.