Five Double Strollers Projects For Any Budget
Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is a good investment when you have two kids of similar age. These compact tandem strollers or flexible side-by-side buggies allow you to keep an eye on both kids at the same time while navigating the aisles of the supermarket or the parks, and whatever else life throws your way.
Comfort
When looking for a double stroller for your child, comfort is an important factor to consider. This includes 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 as well as its folded dimensions," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also take a look at the seat recline options and age ranges to ensure the best compact double stroller fit for their family."
A good double stroller will be sturdy enough to traverse various surfaces with ease, from urban sidewalks to parks trails, and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should offer a range of seating options for children of different ages, as well as features that provide comfort, such as a peek-aboo windows and adjustable canopy options which protect children from the sun or rain.
The seating options are important to many families that will use double strollers from birth to childhood. Billingsley says there are two primary categories of in-line seating with one seat in front of the other, and side-by-side with seats adjacent to each other. "Some parents prefer an in-line model due to its sleek look and versatility, while others like a wagon-style double stroller that can be used to store heavy items or grocery bags."
In-line models are more likely to show this type of discrepancy. Some models might offer different recline options, with one seat being almost flat and the other one remaining fairly upright. Billingsley suggests choosing a model with an almost flat recline as well as leg rests that can be adjusted for both seats, so that the children can both lie back comfortably.
She also suggests that parents look for strollers with storage compartments to allow them to quickly access snacks, personal items and toys moving about. She also says that it is helpful to find a stroller which includes a parent console or organizer bag, that can be attached to the handlebars. This will aid parents in keeping their essentials at hand.
Some of the most highly-rated double strollers can be expanded, allowing parents to customize the configuration to meet the needs of their growing family. The Mockingbird Expandable, for instance is a highly rated double stroller which can be used from birth with a single seat, and then converted into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) when the child gets older.
Safety
double buggy converts to single strollers have to be able to handle the weight of two passengers--plus any additional cargo. Strollers should be easy to maneuver and push, particularly on rough terrain or in tight spaces. The best travel double stroller (check out this one from Thoughtlanes) strollers have ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to allow parents to maintain their good posture when pushing them. A harness that is not rethread that makes the adjustment of seat belts faster and easier to do, is a nice feature to look out for. Safety features include a robust brake system and wheels that glide over any surface.
Some parents opt for a side by side design so that both children can be together during family outings. This arrangement can help prevent sibling rivalries about who gets to sit in which seat, but it isn't foolproof. If the seats are different heights, a child may kick or punch another while walking in the event that the seats are at different levels.
A tandem stroller is a great option for parents with twins or siblings that are close in age. It lets parents see both children at once. These double strollers can be more spacious, and may not fit through some doors inside. Think about a stroller that is single to double stroller-to-double that can be transformed from a single to double in various ways. Popular models include the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you are looking for a tandem or a side-by-side stroller, make sure that the stroller has been JPMA certified to meet strict safety standards. Be aware of the weight limit that applies to each seat. Overstepping these limits can cause frame fatigue or other issues.
While it's easy to concentrate on all the extra bells and whistles of the latest stroller, it's crucial to keep in mind that a stroller is essentially a baby carrier that is used for extended durations of time. It should 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 maneuver it effortlessly.
User-Friendliness
A double stroller must be easy to maneuver on various of terrains for families that are always on the move. Strollers that have features like windows that can be opened and closed, adjustable canopy and sturdy brake systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children. But there are also other factors that make them more convenient to use. For instance, a stroller must be small enough to fit into the trunk of your car, but still provide ample storage space for groceries and other belongings. Additionally, you should consider thoughtful features like a cup holder with a single parent as well as a console for parents and snacks for children--all things that can make life on the go with two children significantly more manageable.
During our testing We evaluated each stroller on how well it did on a variety of terrains, and how easily it could maneuver in tight spaces. We also looked at how simple it was to fold the stroller and unfold it in a timely manner, and if a specific feature enhanced the overall functionality. A stroller that does not have rethread straps makes it easy to adjust the seat belts. This is a major benefit for parents who are on the move because it cuts down on time and removes the need to re-thread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored high in this measure, since it offered an impressive range of seating configurations as well as additional accessories to accommodate growing families. The wagon-style double stroller can be expanded to provide a second seat as well as a bassinet, or a toddler riding board--perfect for families with active children who plan long trips with multiple children of different age groups. It also glides effortlessly over cobblestones, balls and pavements. It it folds flat to make simple storage in a trunk or closet. Our test subject Kerry was impressed by the simple, intuitive nature of this stroller's design. Its smart packaging with clearly labeled sections as well as a helpful user guide made putting together this stroller an absolute breeze.
Stores
A double stroller can be able to hold twice as much as a single stroller so make sure you have plenty of storage space. You want a stroller with enough storage space to store the essentials of both children and parents including bottles as well as snacks, toys and diapers. Look for baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller with an expandable cargo area to accommodate bulky items such as lunch bags and diaper bags.
A good double pushchair with car seat stroller must have the ability to adapt as your family grows. For instance certain models come with a bassinet attachment that can accommodate newborns, while others have child seats that can expand with your kids until they're ready to switch to riding on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers also permit a rider's board to allow older siblings to take part in the fun.
There are many double strollers on the market. You can choose from models with high-performance features that are ideal for rough terrain, to affordable options that you can use on a daily basis. When shopping, take a look at reviews and suggestions from families similar to yours to get a better idea of what you can expect from the double stroller that you pick.
Double strollers are available in three models: tandem, side by side and wagon style. Billingsley states that side-by-side strollers are the most flexible and suitable for twins or children of a similar age. Tandem double strollers have two seats that are set in a tandem configuration, facing opposite directions. This is a good option for children of similar age, or siblings who want to play with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through tight spaces, and are less likely to fit in doors.
If you're looking for a wagon-style double stroller, check out this top model from Safety 1st. Testers loved how this affordable model has multiple seating options, including the ability to snap in two infant car seats or a single child riding in a convertible toddler seat. Our experts also praised memory foam seats, canopy with 50+ SPF, and foam-filled wheels that never flatten. When it's time to fold, this model requires only a few tugs on straps on each seat (under the seat where kids sit) to fold it in half.