How To Know If You re All Set To Double Strollers
Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two kids that are in the same age group, a double stroller could be a great investment. These narrow tandem strollers or flexible side-by-side buggies allow you to keep your eyes on both kids at the same time taking on the grocery store, parks and anything else life throws at you.
Comfort
When shopping for a double stroller for your child, comfort is an important aspect to take into consideration. This includes the seating arrangement and the overall size, which will have an impact on the ease of use and storage. "Parents should check how much the stroller weighs and its dimensions folded," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also look at the options for recline and seat age ranges to ensure a perfect fit for their family."
A quality double buggy with carrycot stroller should be able to navigate a variety of surfaces easily including suburban sidewalks, park paths and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should also have flexible seating arrangements for children of varying age groups and comfort features like windows that peek out and adjustable canopy to protect children from rain or sun.
Seating options are important for many families who utilize double strollers from birth to childhood. Billingsley states that there are two main 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 an in-line stroller due to its sleek look and versatility, while others prefer a wagon-style stroller to maximize space for large items or grocery bags."
While some products may have different recline options--with one seat nearly flat while the other one remains upright, this kind of difference is more common in the in-line models. Billingsley recommends choosing a product with a nearly flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats to ensure both children can lie back comfortably.
Finally, she advises looking for a stroller that includes storage compartments that enable parents to access their snacks, toys, and personal belongings while on the go. She also recommends that it's helpful to find a stroller that has a parent console, or organizer bag, that can be attached to the handlebars. This will aid parents in keeping their essentials at hand.
Many of the top-rated double strollers can be expanded giving parents the ability to customize the setup according to their family's requirements. For example the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used with a single seat from birth and then converted to a tandem (with the addition of a second seat and bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers must be able to support the weight of both passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers should also be easy to move and push, particularly in tight spots and on difficult terrain. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to allow parents to maintain their good form while pushing them. Another nice feature is a no-rethread belt harness that makes it easier to adjust the belts on the seat. Finally, a sturdy brake system and wheels that can glide over any surface are crucial safety features.
Some parents opt for a side-by-side design that allows both children to see each other during family outings. This arrangement can prevent siblings fighting over who is allowed to sit in which spot but it's not a guarantee. If the seats are different heights, a child may punch or kick another while walking if the seats are at different levels.
A tandem-style stroller is excellent option for parents with twins or siblings that are similar in age. It lets them observe both children at the same time. These double strollers can be more spacious, and may not fit through some doors inside. For maximum flexibility, think about a single-to-double stroller which can switch from a single to a tandem in a variety of ways, like the popular CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can be adapted to a wide range of configurations, and let you click in infant car seats or cot attachments, according to your requirements.
Whether you choose a side-by-side or tandem-style stroller, make sure the product is certified by JPMA to meet the strictest safety standards. Pay attention to the maximum weight limit for each seat. If you exceed these limits, it could cause frame fatigue or other issues.
While it's easy to concentrate on all the extra bells and whistles on the latest stroller, it's crucial to be aware that a stroller essentially a baby carrier that will be used for extended durations of time. It should be easy to clean and maintain, and comfortable for both passengers. It should also feature a an intuitive, familiar design that allows the person pushing it to move it easily.
User-Friendliness
A pushchairs double stroller must be easily maneuverable on a variety terrains for families who are constantly moving. Features like adjustable canopy systems windows, peek-aboo windows, and reliable braking systems are crucial to ensure your children's safety, but there are many other aspects that contribute to stroller ease of use. A stroller should be small enough to fit into the trunk of your vehicle and still provide plenty of storage space for food or other items. Additionally, you should consider thoughtful features like a one-parent cup holder or console for parents, as well as snacks for children--all things that will make life on the go with two kids significantly simpler.
During our testing we rated each stroller based on how it performed on a variety surfaces and how well it could maneuver in tight spaces. We also assessed the ease with which it was possible to fold and unfold and whether or not a particular feature improved the overall function of the stroller. A stroller that does not have rethread straps makes it easy to adjust the seat belts. This is a huge selling point for parents who are constantly in motion, as it removes the need to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored high in this metric, as it came with a variety of seating configurations as well as additional accessories to accommodate growing families. The wagon-style double twin stroller side by side is able to allow for an additional seat as well as a bassinet or a toddler riding board--perfect for active families planning long days on the go with multiple kids of various ages. It glides easily over pavements, cobblestones, and ball fields. It can also be folded flat to be stored in a trunk or a closet. The design of this stroller is simple and easy to use, which was appreciated by our test participant Kerry. The clever packaging, clearly marked sections and user's manual made it easy to put together this stroller.
Storage
A double stroller can be able to hold twice as much than a single stroller, so look for ample storage space. You want a stroller with enough storage space to accommodate the essentials of both parents and children, such as bottles, toys, snacks, and diapers. Look for pockets and baskets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller with an expandable cargo area to accommodate bulky items such as diaper bags and lunchbags.
A good double stroller will be able to grow with your family. For instance certain models come with a bassinet attachment that can be used for newborns, and others feature child seats that can be adapted to your kids until they're ready to ride on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers allow older children to share in the fun by riding on riding boards.
There are a variety of double travel buggy strollers on the market. You can choose from models with high-performance features that are great for rough terrain, to more budget-friendly options that you can use every day. When you're shopping, read user reviews and recommendations from families like yours to gain a better sense of what you can expect from the double stroller you select.
Double strollers are available in three different styles 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 who are close to their age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers, on other hand, have two seats that are arranged close to each other and facing in opposite directions. This is a good option for kids of the same age, or for siblings who enjoy interacting with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces, and less likely to fit in doorways.
Take a look at this top choice by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon-style double stroller. The testers loved that this budget model offers multiple seating configurations and the option to snap in two infant car seats or a single child in a convertible toddler seat. Our experts also praised memory foam seats and canopy that has 50+ SPF, and foam-filled wheels that will never wear out. When it's time for folding this model requires only just a few nudges on the straps beneath each seat (under where kids sit) to fold.