"Ask Me Anything": Ten Responses To Your Questions About Double Stroller
What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The best double strollers are made to adapt to the needs of your family and include clever features that keep your kids at ease and happy. This includes adjustable foot rests as well as a smooth ride on trails, gravel and old sidewalks.
Kerry appreciated the fact that the stroller was delivered in multiple boxes, however everything was labeled well and was easy to open. double pushchair liked that the stroller can accept two infant car seats and it can be paired with a riding board for older children.
Seating Options
Seating options are an important aspect in determining whether or an entire family will invest in a double stroller. You'll have to think about the age of your children, the relative sizes and seating configurations you prefer.
Alli Cavasino is a senior editor at Consumer Reports. She says that if you're looking to buy a tandem stroller, it is best to look at one that has child seats that are attached. This model doesn't require car seat adapters. These double strollers are typically larger than other double strollers. They may not be able to fit through doors that are standard in your home.
If you have an age gap between your kids you should consider a stroller with two seats that can convert to a stand-and-ride model with an elevated or small bench seat in the back for a child who would like to ride with or observe their sibling. These types of strollers can also be adapted to fit infant car seats should they be required and are a great option for children who are three to five years apart, according to Billingsley.
Billingsley advises that you must also consider the type of material you choose for your seat. Certain fabrics are more breathable than others, and easier to clean. It's also important to consider how easy it is to fold your stroller for transporting it to and from your car. "Nothing is more frustrating than purchasing your dream stroller but you realize it's too heavy to carry or too big for your trunk," she says.
If you're looking for an affordable option that offers multiple seating configurations, check out this award winner from Summer Infant that comes with two toddler seats with a bassinet attachment. It could be expanded to make triple stroller by adding an additional seat or riding board. The seats recline and the calf bar controls can be adjusted independently. This is great the time when one child is in need of a nap while another wants to explore their surroundings. When folded, the seat is small and easily fits into most trunks.
Age Variations
Sit-and stand strollers are the ideal option for families with children who are similar in age. They offer convenience and comfort. These strollers usually have a seat for an infant or toddler in front and a bench or platform that allows an older child to stand or hop on and off in the back. They are great for big toddlers and preschoolers, but won't work well for younger babies or children who don't have the balance and coordination to stand on their own.
A narrow tandem stroller can help you keep an eye on both kids at the same time and get through difficult areas like aisles of the grocery store that are crowded or family photos in the park. These models are narrower and easier to maneuver than double strollers that are side-by-side however they don't offer as much storage under the carriage and can't accommodate infant car seat.
If you are planning to utilize a double stroller for many years, or even over a decade, it's worthwhile buying a stroller that will expand with your children. Double strollers are generally 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 testers ran each of these strollers through a series of maneuverability tests and off-road adventures and found them easy to maneuver over various terrains. However, if you're going to use it in cities or other urban zones where sidewalks and traffic are prone to bumps, you might want something stronger and more durable to withstand the rough treatment.
A lot of double strollers are made to last for a long time, but you may notice that the seats are more worn than you expected or your children outgrow it before it's time to retire. If double pram and pushchair on the tightest budget, go for a model with a rating of at least four years. It should last as long as possible.
Ease of Use
It is essential to ensure that the double stroller is simple to use by both children. This means that the harnesses need to be comfortable for children who are seated and the handles must be easy to grasp for toddlers. This also means that the stroller rolls easily and is able to be maneuvered around tight spaces and around obstacles. 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 easiest to push.
It's also crucial that a double stroller is easy to fold and store. The best models fold in just a couple of steps and are small enough to fit into the majority of trunks. It's also an advantage when the stroller is a versatile and has the option of adding an additional seat or ride-along board. Some can even hold infant car seats, so you don't need to wake up your baby to transfer them into their stroller when they're ready for a trip home.
A good double stroller is also strong and can be used on a variety of kinds of terrains. For example, some can be converted into a jogging stroller with a front wheel that is specially designed, and some can be used as an umbrella stroller. Some even come with an accessory basket that can be affixed to the rear of the stroller to carry groceries or shopping bags.
Another consideration is whether you'd like either a side-byside stroller or a tandem. Side-by-side strollers are typically larger than tandem models, and aren't easy to maneuver in tight spaces such as doorways and aisles of grocery stores that are crowded. They are practical because they allow each child to see the same scenery. They are also easier to navigate in a storm as they provide greater protection from the elements for both children.
Many parents choose to purchase a stroller that is convertible from single to double so they can use it with a baby and later switch to a regular double when their children are older. But after speaking with parents we've learned it's best to buy what you require at the moment, rather than trying to predict what your family will require in the future.
Storage
If you're looking for a double stroller, you may be interested in the size and quantity of storage space. Many models come with large, easy-to-access baskets that can store a lot of cargo. They often also have numerous cup holders for parents and seats that can be reversible to provide best-in-class legroom for children. However, certain features can add up in price, so it's important to read descriptions and reviews carefully.
The majority of double strollers are classified as either tandem or side-by-side designs. Tandem strollers are two seats in one frame and are best suited to older babies who can stand unaided. They tend to have larger storage baskets than side-by-side models. However, some models can be difficult to push when the front seat is 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. They also have the advantage of usually being easier to push and maneuver than tandem strollers. They can be more expensive and come with smaller baskets.
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 limit their mobility. It is worth looking into them only if you intend to use them for such activities.
If you're looking for twins or a baby and an older toddler, or a child who's not yet ready to walk on their own, there's a great double stroller out there. Our top choices are easy to maneuver, flexible and stable, with seating that grows with your child. 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 find the perfect double stroller for your family.