A Step-By-Step Guide To Choosing Your Double Strollers
Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two children who are similar in age, a double stroller could be a great investment. These narrow tandem buggies or versatile side-by-side buggies will keep both children in the same place when you are navigating the aisles of your grocery store and parks, as well as whatever else life throws at you.
Comfort
Comfort is a major factor to take into consideration when buying a double-stroller. This can include both the seating arrangement and the overall size of the stroller, which affects the ease of use and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, suggests parents check the stroller's weight and folded dimensions. "They should also take a look at the seat recline options and age ranges to ensure a perfect fit for their family."
A good double stroller will be durable enough to travel on various surfaces with ease, from suburban sidewalks to park trails, and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should come with a variety of seating options for children at different stages of development, as well as comfort features like peek-a-boo window and adjustable canopies that shield kids from the sun or rain.
For many families double strollers will be used from birth until the teen years, so it's essential to consider the seating options. "There are two main categories--in-line with one seat in front of the other, and side by side with seats next to each other," Billingsley explains. "Some parents prefer an in-line model due to its sleek design and versatility, whereas others prefer a wagon-style double stroller to make the most space for large items or grocery bags."
In-line models tend to have this type of discrepancy. Some products may offer different recline options, with one seat being almost flat, while the other remaining relatively upright. Billingsley suggests choosing a model that has a near-flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats, so that both children can lie back comfortably.
Finally, she advises to look for strollers with storage compartments that allow parents to easily access snacks, toys, and personal belongings while on the go. She also says that it is beneficial to find a stroller that comes with a parent console or organizer bag attached on the handlebars. This will aid parents in keeping their essentials at hand.
double buggy from birth of the most highly-rated double strollers can be expanded which allows parents to alter the configuration to meet the needs 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 later converted to a tandem (with the addition of a second seat and bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers should be able to carry the weight of both passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers must be easy to maneuver and push, particularly on rough terrain or in tight spaces. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights, making it easier for parents to maintain their form when pushing them. Another nice feature is a no-rethread seat belt harness that makes it easier to adjust the belts for your child. Finally, a sturdy brake system and wheels that glide over any surface are essential safety features.
Some parents choose a side by side design to allow both children to be together when they go on family outings. This arrangement can prevent siblings fighting over who gets to sit where, but it's not foolproof. If the seats are positioned at different heights, one child could be in a position to punch or kick the other during a walk.
If you have twins or siblings close in age, a tandem stroller can be beneficial in being able see both kids at once. Double strollers can be larger, and might not fit through certain interior doors. Consider a single-to double stroller that can be transformed from a single stroller to double in various ways. The most popular models are the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you're in the market for a tandem or side-byside stroller, ensure that the product is JPMA certified to meet the strictest safety standards. Be aware of the maximum weight limit for each seat. Exceeding these limits could cause frame fatigue or other issues.
It's easy to be swept in the jingles and whistles, but it's important to keep in mind that strollers are in essence baby carriers that will be used for extended time. It must be comfortable for both the passengers as well as easy to clean and maintain, and most importantly it should feature an intuitive, familiar design that the person pushing it is able to easily maneuver it without having to think twice about how to move forward or turn left or right, or apply the brakes.
Easy to Use
For families on the go, a double stroller must be able to navigate a variety of terrains. Strollers that have features like windows that can be opened and closed, adjustable canopy and sturdy brake systems are crucial to ensure the safety of your children. However, there are other features that make them simpler to 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 is also essential to include thoughtful touches, such as a cup holder for one parent, consoles for parents and an eating tray. These are able to make traveling with two children significantly easier.
In our testing, we evaluated each stroller based on how it performed on a variety of terrains, and how easily it could maneuver in tight spaces. We also assessed how simple it was to fold and unfold and whether or not a particular feature enhanced the overall performance of the stroller. A stroller that does not have rethread straps is easy to adjust the seat belts. This can be a major selling point for parents on the go because it cuts down on time and removes the need to re-thread the harness.
The UPPAbaby v2 Double was a top performer in this test because it had a wide variety of seating configurations, and other accessories that could accommodate families that are growing. The double-stroller in the wagon style expands so that it can accommodate a second seat, bassinet or even a toddler's riding board. This is perfect for families who want to spend long days traveling with several children of various age groups. twin pushchair from birth glides easily over cobblestones and pavements and ballfields. It can be folded flat to fit in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is easy and intuitive which was well-loved by our test participant Kerry. The smart packaging clear sections, well-marked sections and the user's guide made it simple to put together this stroller.
Stores
Double strollers can carry twice as much as one stroller, so make sure you search for ample storage space. You want a stroller with enough storage space to store the essentials of both children and parents, such as bottles and snacks, toys, and diapers. Look for baskets that fit under the seat as well as other pockets, and look into a stroller with an expandable cargo area that can hold heavy items such as lunch bags and diaper bags.
A good double stroller must be able to change as your family grows. Billingsley says that some models come with an attachment for a bassinet to accommodate infants. Other models come with child seats which can expand with the child until they are able to ride on the back. Some double strollers also include a rider board to allow older siblings to take part in the fun.
There are many different double strollers available. You can choose from high-performance models that are ideal for rough terrain, as well as affordable options that you can use every day. While shopping, read reviews and suggestions from families similar to yours to get an idea of what to expect from the double stroller you pick.
Double strollers are available in three different designs including tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers offer most versatility and are ideal for twins or children similar in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers have two seats that are set in tandem with the opposite direction facing. This is a great option for children who are the same age, or siblings who want to interact with each other. Tandem strollers may be harder to maneuver through tight spaces and are less likely to pass through doorways than their side-byside counterparts.
If you prefer a wagon-style double stroller, check out this top pick from Safety 1st. This affordable model was praised by test participants for its multiple seating configurations. It can be used with two infant car seats or one child sitting in a convertible toddler chair. Our reviewers also praised the memory foam seats as well as the canopy, which has 50+ SPF, and foam-filled wheels that will never wear out. When it's time to fold, this model only requires just a few pulls on the straps under each seat (under the seats where kids sit) in order to fold.