Learn About Double Strollers While Working From At Home
Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is a great investment when you have two kids of similar age. These compact tandem strollers or flexible side-by-side buggies let you keep an eye on both children at the same time while taking on the grocery store as well as the parks and other obstacles life throws your way.
Comfort
When you are looking for a double stroller for your child, comfort is a key consideration. This includes the seating arrangement and the overall size, which has an impact on ease of use and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child expert in development from the Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, says parents should check the stroller's weight and folded dimensions. "They should also consider the options for recline of the seat and the age ranges of their children to ensure that it is a perfect fit."
A good double stroller will be robust enough to navigate different surfaces smoothly--from parks trails to suburban sidewalks and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should also provide flexible seating options for children of varying ages and comfort features such as peek-a-boo windows and adjustable canopies to shield children from rain or sun.
Seating options are important for many families who utilize double strollers from the time of birth until childhood. Billingsley says there are two primary categories of in-line seating with one seat in front of the other and side-byside seating with seats next to one another. Some parents prefer the inline option due to its sleek style and flexibility. Others prefer the wagon style double stroller to maximize space for bulky or grocery items.
In-line models tend to have this kind of discordance. Some models might offer different recline options, with one seat being nearly flat, and the other being more upright. Billingsley suggests selecting a product that has a near-flat recline and leg rest adjustment for both seats to ensure each child can sleep comfortably.
In the end, she suggests choosing strollers with storage compartments that allow parents to easily access snacks, toys and other personal belongings while on the go. She also says that it's helpful to find a stroller which includes a parent console or organizer bag, that can be attached to the handlebars. This can aid parents in keeping their essentials to hand.
Many of the top-rated double strollers can be extended, allowing parents the flexibility to modify the layout based on their family's needs. For example, the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used with just a single seat as early as birth, and then converted to tandem (with an additional seat and bassinet) as the child gets older.
Safety
Double strollers should be able to support the weight of two passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers must also be simple to push and maneuver, especially in tight spaces and over challenging terrain. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to help parents maintain good form when pushing them. A harness that is not rethread that makes the adjustment of seat belts more quickly and easily is another great feature to look out for. Safety features include a durable brake system, as well as wheels that glide over any surface.
Some parents prefer side-by-side designs that allow both children to be able to see each other on family outings. This arrangement can prevent sibling rivalries over who gets to sit in which seat however it's not foolproof. If the seats are positioned at different levels, one child might be in a position to punch or kick the other on a walk.
For parents with twins or siblings of similar age, a tandem stroller is a great option for being able see both children at the same time. However, they are more spacious than other double strollers, and they might not fit through all doorways in the interior. You could consider a single-to-double stroller that can be transformed from a single stroller to double in various ways. Popular models include the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you decide to purchase a side-by-side or tandem-style stroller, be sure the product is certified by JPMA to meet stringent safety standards. Be sure to check the weight limits that apply to each seat, as over-weighting could lead to frame fatigue or other issues.
It's easy to be swept in the sound of bells and whistles, but it's important to remember that strollers are essentially baby carriers that will be used for extended durations. It must be easy to clean and maintain and comfortable for both passengers. It should also have an intuitive, familiar design that allows the person pushing it to move it easily.
Simple to Use
For families that are on the move, a double stroller needs to be easy to maneuver over a variety of terrains. Features like adjustable canopy systems windows, peek-aboo windows, and dependable braking systems are critical to help ensure the safety of your children, however, there are other elements that influence stroller comfort of use. For instance the stroller must be compact enough to fit into the trunk of your car, yet provide ample storage space for food items and other things. It is also important to consider thoughtful additions such as a cup holder for one parent or console for parents, as well as a snack tray for kids--all things that make life with two kids significantly simpler.
During our testing, we evaluated each stroller according to its ability to perform on different terrains, as well as its ability to maneuver in tight spaces. We also looked at how easy it was to fold the stroller and unfold it in a timely manner, and if a specific feature improved the overall functionality. For example a stroller with no-rethread harnesses makes adjusting the seat belts quick and simple. This can be a major benefit for parents on the go, as it saves time and eliminates the need to re-thread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored highly in this measure, since it offers a wide range of seating options and accessories to help accommodate growing families. The wagon-style double stroller expands to allow for a second seat as well as a bassinet or a toddler riding board that is perfect for families with active children who plan long trips with multiple kids of various age. It also glides effortlessly over cobblestones, ball fields and pavements. It also can be folded flat for simple storage in a closet or trunk. Our tester Kerry appreciated the straightforward, intuitive nature of this stroller's design. Its smart packaging, clearly labeled sections and helpful user guides made putting together this stroller a breeze.
Stores
A double stroller has the potential to hold twice as much stuff than a single stroller, so look for ample storage space. You'll want a stroller that has enough storage space to hold the essentials of both parents and children like bottles, toys, snacks, and diapers. Look for under-seat baskets and other pockets, and look into a stroller with an expanding cargo area that can carry heavy items such as diaper bags and lunch bags.
A good double stroller must have the ability to adapt as your family expands. For example certain models have an attachment for a bassinet that can be used for newborns, and others feature child seats that can expand with your children until they're ready to switch to riding on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers include a rider board to let older siblings be part of the fun.
There are a variety of double strollers in the market, from elegant, high-performance models that are able to handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models more suitable for use in the everyday. When you're shopping, read reviews and suggestions from families like yours to gain a better sense of what to expect with the double stroller you pick.
Double strollers are available in three different design formats: side-by-side, tandem, and wagon-style. Billingsley says that side-by-side strollers are the most flexible and suitable for twins or children of similar age. Tandem double strollers, on contrary, have two seats that are arranged adjacent to one another and facing opposite directions. It's a ideal choice for children who are the same age or for siblings who love to interact with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces and are less likely to pass through doorways than their side-by-side counterparts.
Take sit and stand double stroller at this top choice by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon-style double stroller. This model is affordable and was praised by testers for its many seating options. It can be used with two infant car seats or one child in a convertible toddler chair. Our reviewers also praised the comfy memory foam seats, 50+ SPF canopy and foam-filled tires that will never get flat. And when it's time to fold, this model needs only a couple of pulls on straps on each seat (under the seat where kids sit) to fold it in half.