Why Double Strollers Is Relevant 2023
Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two kids that are in the same age group, a double twin stroller can be an invaluable investment. These narrow tandem buggies as well as versatile side-by-side buggies will keep both children in the same place when you are navigating the aisles of your grocery store or in parks, or whatever else life can throw at you.
Comfort
The comfort factor is one of the most important factors to consider when shopping for a double-stroller. This can include the seating arrangement as well as the overall size, which has 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 think about the options for recline of the seat, as well as the age ranges of their children to ensure that it is a perfect fit."
A good double stroller will be durable enough to travel on different surfaces smoothly--from suburban sidewalks to park trails, and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should come with a variety of seating options for children at different ages, as well as comfort features like peek-a-boo window and adjustable canopy which protect children from rain or sun.
For many families double strollers will 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 behind the other, and side by side with seats adjacent to each other," Billingsley explains. Some parents prefer the inline option due to its sleek design and flexibility. Others prefer a wagon style double stroller to make the most space for groceries or bulky items.
In-line models are more likely to show this kind of difference. Some models might offer different recline options, with one seat being almost flat and the other remaining relatively upright. Billingsley recommends selecting a product with both a near flat recline and leg rest adjustment for both seats. This will ensure that both children lay down comfortably.
Finally, she advises looking for a stroller that includes storage compartments that enable parents to quickly access snacks, toys and personal belongings while on the go. She also recommends that it's helpful to choose a stroller that comes with a parent console or organizer bag attached on the handlebars. This will aid parents in keeping their essentials in their reach.
A few of the top-rated double strollers can be expanded giving parents the ability to modify the layout based on their family's needs. For example, the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly-rated cheap double pushchair stroller that can be used with just a single seat from birth, and later converted to tandem (with the addition of a second seat and bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers have to be able to handle the weight of two adults, as well as any additional cargo. Strollers should also be easy to maneuver and push, especially in tight spots and over challenging terrain. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height to ensure that parents maintain a good form when pushing them. Another great feature is a non-rethread seat belt harness, which allows for a more comfortable adjustment of the seat belts. A sturdy brake system and wheels that can glide over any surface are important safety features.
Some parents opt for a side by side design so that both children can be together when they go on family outings. This arrangement can reduce siblings arguing about who gets to sit in which seat however, it's not 100% secure. 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.
A tandem-style stroller is a great option for parents with twins or siblings who are close in age. It lets them be able to see both children simultaneously. Double strollers are typically wider, and may not be able to fit through some doors inside. For maximum versatility, consider a single double stroller-to-double stroller that transitions from a single stroller to a Tandem double stroller in a variety of ways, such as the popular CYBEX Gazelle S. These models are able to accommodate a broad variety of configurations and allow you to click in infant car seats or cot attachments, depending on your needs.
If you are looking for a tandem or side-byside stroller, make sure that the product has been JPMA certified to meet stringent safety standards. Be sure to check the weight limits that apply to each seat, as exceeding them can lead to frame fatigue or other issues.
While it's easy for us to focus on all the extra bells and whistles of the latest stroller, it's important to keep in mind that a stroller is basically a baby carrier that will be carried around for long durations of time. It should be comfortable for both parents and children as well as easy to clean and maintain, and ideally it should feature an intuitive, familiar design so that the person pushing it can easily maneuver it without having to think twice about how to move forward and turn left or right, or apply the brakes.
User-Friendliness
For families on the go, a double stroller needs to be able to maneuver easily over different terrains. Features like adjustable canopies, peek-aboo windows and dependable brake systems are essential to ensure your children's safety, but there are many other aspects that contribute to stroller ease of use. A stroller should be compact twin stroller enough to fit into the trunk of your vehicle yet have plenty of storage space for groceries 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 an eating tray for children -- all things that make life on the go with two kids much easier.
During our testing we evaluated each stroller according to its performance on different surfaces and its ability to maneuver in tight spaces. We also looked at how easy it was to fold the stroller in half and then unfold it, and if a particular feature improved the overall functionality. For example, a stroller with a harness that does not rethread makes the adjustment of the seat belts simple and easy. This can be a huge benefit for parents on the go since it reduces 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 configurations as well as additional accessories to help accommodate growing families. The double-stroller in the wagon style can be expanded to accommodate two seats, a bassinet or even a toddler's riding board. This is ideal for families who plan to spend a lot of time in the car with a variety of children of different age groups. It also glides smoothly across cobblestones, balls and pavements. It can be folded flat for simple storage in a trunk or closet. Our test subject Kerry loved the simple, intuitive nature of this stroller's design. Its smart packaging with clearly labeled sections as well as a helpful user guides made putting together this stroller a breeze.
Storage
Double strollers can hold twice as much as one single stroller, so make sure you search for ample storage space. You'll want a stroller that has enough storage space to accommodate the necessities of parents and children, such as bottles as well as snacks, toys and diapers. Look for under-seat baskets and other pockets, and consider a stroller with an expanding cargo space that can carry bulky items like diaper bags and lunch bags.
A quality double stroller should have the ability to adapt as your family grows. Billingsley states that certain models have the option of a bassinet attachment that can accommodate infants. Other models come with child seats which can expand with the child until they are old enough to ride on the back. Some double strollers allow older children to join in the fun with a rider board.
There are a variety of double strollers on the market, from elegant, high-performance models that can handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models that are more suited for daily use. When you're shopping, read user reviews and recommendations from families like yours to get an idea of what to expect from the double stroller you choose.
Double strollers are available in three different designs: tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers provide the most flexibility and are perfect for twins or children who are close to each other in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers on the other hand, have two seats that are arranged next to each other and facing in opposite directions. This is a ideal choice for children of the same age or for siblings who like to interact with one another. Tandem strollers may be harder to maneuver in 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 stroller. This affordable model was highly praised by our testers for its various seating configurations. It can be used with two infant car seats, or one child in a convertible toddler chair. Our reviewers also praised the memory foam seats and canopy that has 50+ SPF, and foam-filled wheels that never flatten. When it's time to fold, this model requires only a couple of pulls on the straps of each seat (under where the kids sit) to fold it in half.