The Reason Double Strollers Is Fast Becoming The Hottest Trend Of 2023
Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two kids who are similar in age, a double stroller could be an invaluable investment. These narrow tandem buggies as well as versatile side-by-side buggies will keep both children in sight while you shop, parks, and whatever else life can throw at you.
Comfort
Comfort is a major factor to think about when purchasing a double-stroller. This can include the seating arrangement as well as the overall size, which will have an impact on ease of use and storage. "Parents must determine what the stroller weighs and its folded dimensions," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also consider the options for recline and seat age ranges to ensure the best fit for their family."
A good double stroller will be sturdy enough to traverse all surfaces without difficulty, from suburban sidewalks to park trails, and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should also have flexible seating arrangements for children of varying age groups and comfort features such as windows that peek out and adjustable canopy to protect children from rain or sun.
For a lot of families, a double stroller is likely to be used from birth and into childhood, so it's important 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 the in-line model due to its sleek style and its versatility. Others like a wagon-style double stroller to maximize space for grocery or bulky items.
Although some models may have different recline options--with one seat being almost flat, while the other is upright, this kind of difference is more common in models that are in-line. Billingsley suggests selecting a product that offers both a near-flat recline and leg rest adjustment for both seats, so that both children can lie back comfortably.
In the end, she suggests to look for strollers with storage compartments that allow parents to access their snacks, toys and personal items while out and about. She also suggests that it's beneficial to choose a stroller that has an organizer or parent console bag that can be attached to the handlebars, which will help keep things close at hand.
A few of the most highly-rated double strollers are expandable, allowing parents to customize the configuration to meet the requirements of their growing family. For instance, the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used with a single seat from birth, and then transformed into tandem (with a second seat and bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers must be able to support the weight of both the passengers as well as any additional cargo. Strollers need to be able to move and push, particularly when on rough terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height, making it easier for parents to maintain a good posture when pushing them. A harness that is not rethread that makes the adjustment of seat belts quicker and easier, is another nice feature to look for. Safety features include a sturdy brake system, as well as wheels that can glide across any surface.
Some parents choose a side-by-side design that allows both children to view each other on family outings. This arrangement can help prevent siblings fighting over who gets to sit where however it's not foolproof. If the seats are set at different heights, one child could be capable of punching or kicking the other during the course of a walk.
For parents of twins or siblings close in age, a tandem-style stroller is a great option for being able to view both kids at once. Double strollers can be more spacious, and may not be able to fit through some doors inside. For maximum versatility, consider a single-to-double stroller which can switch from a single to a tandem in a variety of ways, such as the renowned CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can accommodate a wide variety of configurations and permit you to insert infant car seats or cot attachments according to your requirements.
If you decide to purchase a side-by-side or tandem-style stroller, make sure that the stroller is JPMA-certified to meet strict safety standards. Pay attention to the maximum weight limit for each seat. Overstepping these limits can cause frame fatigue or other issues.
It's easy to get caught in the jingles and whistles, but it's important to keep in mind that strollers are essentially baby carriers that will be used for extended time. It must be easy to clean and maintain, and comfortable for both of the passengers. It should also have a an easy-to-use, familiar design that allows the person pushing it to maneuver it effortlessly.
Easy of Use
For families on the go, a double stroller must be easy to maneuver over a variety of terrains. Features like adjustable canopies windows, peek-aboo windows, and dependable braking systems are crucial to ensure the safety of your children, however, there are other elements that contribute to stroller ease of use. For instance the stroller must be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your car, while still offering ample storage space for your groceries and other items. Also important are thoughtful touches like a one-parent cup holder or console for parents, as well as a snack tray for kids--all things that will make life with two children significantly simpler.
During our testing, we evaluated each stroller according to its performance on various surfaces and its ability to maneuver in tight spaces. We also looked at how easy it was to fold and unfold, and whether or not a specific feature enhanced the overall performance of the stroller. A stroller with no-rethread straps makes it easy to adjust the seat belts. This is a major benefit for parents who are on the move, as it saves time and removes the need to re-thread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double was a top performer in this measure, since it offers a wide range of seating configurations as well as additional accessories to help accommodate growing families. The wagon-style double-stroller expands so that it can accommodate an additional seat, a bassinet, or even a toddler-riding board. This is ideal for families that plan to spend long hours traveling with several children of various ages. It is able to glide effortlessly over pavements, cobblestones, and ballfields. It can also be folded flat to store in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is easy and intuitive which was well-loved by our test subject Kerry. The smart packaging clear sections, well-marked sections and the user's guide made it simple to put together this stroller.
Storage
A double stroller is able to hold twice as much than a single stroller, so look for ample storage space. Ideally, you'll want a stroller that is able to hold the essentials for both kids--nappies bottles, snacks, and toys, as well as parents' belongings such as wallets, phones, and keys. Look for pockets and baskets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller that has an expandable cargo area to accommodate bulky items such as diaper bags and lunchbags.
A quality double stroller should be able to adjust as your family expands. For instance, some models include the bassinet attachment, which can be used for newborns, and others have child seats that can grow with your kids until they're ready to ride on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers allow older children to join in on the fun by riding on a rider board.
There are a variety of double strollers available on the market, from sleek, high-performance options that are able to handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models that are more suitable for use in the everyday. While shopping, take a look at reviews and suggestions from families like yours to get a better sense of what you can expect from the double stroller you select.
Double strollers come in three different design formats such as tandem, side-byside, and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers offer most versatility and are suitable for twins or children who are close in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers, on other hand, feature two seats that are placed adjacent to one another and facing in opposite directions. This is a good option for kids of the same age, or for siblings who like to interact with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through tight spaces, and are less likely to fit through doorways than their side-byside counterparts.
If double buggy pushchairsandprams.uk prefer a wagon-style double stroller, check out this top pick from Safety 1st. This affordable model was praised by testers for its various seating configurations. It can be used with two car seats for infants or one child sitting in a convertible toddler seat. Our reviewers also praised the memory foam seats, canopy with 50+ SPF and foam-filled wheels that never go flat. When it's time to fold this model requires only a few tugs on the straps under each seat (under the seats where kids sit) to fold.