5 Double Strollers Lessons From The Professionals
Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two children that are in the same age group, a double stroller can be a great investment. These compact tandem strollers or versatile side-by-side buggies help you keep an eye on both children at the same time braving the grocery aisle or the parks, and whatever else life throws your way.
Comfort
When shopping for a double stroller for your child, comfort is a key factor to consider. This can include both the seating arrangements and the overall size of the stroller which can impact the convenience and storage. "Parents should determine how much the stroller weighs as well as its dimensions when folded," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also consider the recline options for seats and age ranges to ensure a good fit for their family."
A good double stroller should be able to handle different surfaces with ease, from suburban sidewalks to parks, and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should also provide flexible seating options for children of different ages and comfort features such as windows that can be opened and closed to keep kids shielded from sun or rain.
For a majority of families, a double stroller is likely to be used from birth and into childhood, so it's important to think about the seating options. Billingsley states that there are two main categories: in-line which has one seat in front of the other, and side-by-side with seats adjacent to each other. Some parents prefer the inline option because of its sleek appearance and versatility. Others prefer the wagon style double stroller to maximize space for grocery or bulky items.
In-line models are more likely to show this type of discrepancy. Some models might offer different recline options, with one being almost flat, while the other one remaining fairly upright. Billingsley suggests choosing a model with a near-flat recline and leg rests that can be adjusted for both seats to ensure each child can sleep comfortably.
In the end, she suggests choosing a stroller that includes storage compartments that enable parents to access their snacks, toys and other personal items while on the move. She also suggests that it is beneficial to find a stroller which includes a parent console or organizer bag attached on the handlebars. This will help parents keep essentials close to hand.
Some of the top-rated Pushchair double strollers can be expanded which allows parents to alter the configuration to meet the needs of their expanding 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 a tandem (with a second seat and bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers need to be able to handle the weight of both the passengers as well as any additional cargo. Strollers should be simple 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 good form when pushing them. Another great feature is a non-rethread seat belt harness, which allows for a more comfortable adjustment of the belts for your child. Finally, a sturdy brake system and wheels that glide over any surface are important safety features.
Some parents opt for a side by side design to ensure that both children be together during family outings. This arrangement can stop siblings fighting over who gets to sit where but it's not a guarantee. If the seats are different heights, a child may kick or punch another during a walk if the seats are at different levels.
For parents of twins or siblings who are close in age, a tandem stroller offers the benefit of being able to view both kids at once. These double strollers can be larger, and might not fit through some doors inside. Think about a stroller that is single-to-double buggy that converts to single that can be transformed from a single to a double in a variety ways. Popular models include the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you're in the market for a tandem or side-byside stroller, make sure that the product is JPMA certified to meet strict safety standards. Pay attention to the maximum weight limit for each seat. Exceeding these limits could cause frame fatigue and other issues.
While it's easy to focus on the additional bells and whistles of the latest stroller, it's crucial to keep in mind that a stroller is basically a baby carrier that is used for extended durations of time. It must be comfortable for both passengers, easy to clean and maintain, and ideally it should have an intuitive, familiar design so that the person pushing it is able to effortlessly move it around without having to think about how to move forward or turn left or right, or even apply the brakes.
User-Friendliness
A double stroller should be simple to maneuver over different terrains for families who are constantly moving. Strollers that have features like peek-a-boo windows, adjustable canopies and reliable brake systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children. But there are also other features that make them simpler to use. A stroller should be compact enough to fit into the trunk of your vehicle and still provide plenty of storage space for groceries and other items. It's also essential to add thoughtful features, like the cup holder for one parent, consoles for parents and an eating tray. These will make traveling with two children significantly easier.
In our tests We evaluated each stroller on how well it performed on a variety terrains and how easily it could maneuver in tight spaces. We also looked at how easy it was to fold the stroller and unfold it, and if a particular feature made a difference to the overall performance. A stroller with no-rethread straps makes it simple to adjust the seat belts. This is a huge selling point for parents who are constantly on the move, as it removes the need to rethread their harness.
The UPPAbaby V2 Double scored well in this test because it had a wide variety of seating configurations, and additional accessories that accommodated expanding families. The wagon-style double stroller expands to provide an additional seat, a bassinet or even a toddler-friendly riding board, which is ideal for families with active children who plan long, tiring days with multiple kids of various ages. It also glides smoothly across cobblestones, balls and pavements. It can be folded flat for easy storage in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is easy and intuitive which was well-loved by our tester Kerry. The clever packaging clear sections, well-marked sections and user's manual made it easy to assemble this stroller.
Storage
A double stroller can be able to hold twice as much as a single stroller so look for ample storage space. You want a stroller with enough storage space to hold the essentials of both parents and children like bottles as well as snacks, toys and diapers. Look for baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller that has an expandable cargo space that can accommodate bulky items such as diaper bags and lunchbags.
A good double stroller with car seat stroller should be able to adapt to the needs of your family. Billingsley states that certain models have an attachment for a bassinet to accommodate newborns. Others have child seats that grow with the child until they are ready 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 on the market. You can choose from models with high-performance features that are great for rough terrain, to affordable options that you can use daily. While shopping, read reviews and opinions of families similar to yours to get an idea of what you can expect from the double stroller you choose.
Double strollers are available in three different styles: tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Billingsley says that side-by-side strollers are the most flexible and ideal for twins as well as children of similar age. Tandem double strollers, on other hand, have two seats that are placed adjacent to one another and facing in opposite directions--a good option for kids of the same age or for siblings who like to interact with each other. Tandem strollers may be harder to maneuver through tight spaces, and are less likely to fit through doorways than their side-byside counterparts.
Check out this top pick by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon style double seat stroller stroller. This affordable model was praised by test participants for its various seating configurations. It can be used with two infant car seats or one child in a convertible toddler seat. Our reviewers also praised the comfy memory foam seats and the 50+ SPF canopy, and foam-filled tires that will never go flat. And when it's time for you to fold, this model requires just a couple of tugs on the straps on each seat (under where the kids sit) to fold it in half.