Are Double Strollers As Important As Everyone Says
Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is an excellent investment when you have two kids of similar age. These narrow tandem strollers or flexible side-by-side buggies let you keep your eyes on both kids at the same time taking on the grocery store as well as the parks and other obstacles life throws at you.
Comfort
When shopping for a double stroller for your child, comfort is an important consideration. This includes both the seating arrangement and the overall dimensions of the stroller which affects the ease of use and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child expert in development from the Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, advises parents to check the stroller's weight and folded dimensions. "They should also consider the recline options for seats, as well as the ages of their children to ensure it's the perfect fit."
A quality double stroller should be able to handle a variety of surfaces with ease, from suburban sidewalks to parks and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should have a variety of seating options for children of different age groups, and comfort features like peek-a-boo window and adjustable canopy that shield kids from the sun or rain.
The seating options are important to many families that will use double strollers from birth to childhood. "There are two main categories: in-line with one seat in front of the other, and side-by-side with seats adjacent to each other," Billingsley explains. "Some parents prefer an in-line model due to its sleek look and versatility, while others prefer a wagon-style stroller to make the most space for large items or grocery bags."
In-line models tend to have this type of discrepancy. Some models might offer different recline options, with one seat being almost flat and the other being more upright. Billingsley suggests choosing a model with both a near flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children lay down comfortably.
She also suggests that parents look for strollers with storage compartments to allow them to quickly access their snacks, personal items and toys when on the move. She adds that it's also useful to find the stroller that has a parent console or organizer bag that can be attached to the handlebars, which can help keep essentials close at second hand double buggy.
Some of the best-rated double strollers can be extended, allowing parents the flexibility to modify the layout based on their family's needs. 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 tandem double stroller (with an additional seat and bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers must be able to handle the weight of two passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers must be able to move and push, especially when on rough terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars and adjustable heights which make it easier for parents to maintain their form when pushing them. Another feature that is great is a no-rethread belt harness, which allows for a more comfortable adjustment of the belts for your child. A sturdy brake system and wheels that can glide over any surface are essential safety features.
Some parents choose an arrangement that allows both children to see each other on family outings. This arrangement can help prevent siblings arguing over who gets to sit in which spot however it's not foolproof. If the seats are at different heights, a child may kick or punch another while walking when the seats are on different levels.
If you have twins or siblings close in age, a tandem stroller can be beneficial in being able to see both children at the same time. Double strollers can be wider, and may not fit through some doors inside. Consider a single-to double stroller that can be converted from a single to double in various ways. Popular models include the CYBEX gazelle S.
Whether you choose a side-by-side or tandem-style stroller, be sure the product is certified by JPMA to meet the strictest safety standards. Pay attention to the weight limit that applies to each seat. If you exceed these limits, it could cause frame fatigue or other problems.
It's easy to get caught in the jingles and whistles, however it's important to keep in mind that strollers are basically baby carriers that will be used for a long period of time. It must be comfortable for both the passengers, easy to clean and maintain, and most importantly it should have an intuitive, familiar design that the person pushing it can effortlessly maneuver it without having to think twice about how to move forward, turn left or right, or use the brakes.
Easy to Use
For families on the go, a double stroller must be able to navigate various terrains. Strollers with features like windows that can be opened and closed, adjustable canopy and sturdy brake systems are vital to ensure the safety of your children. But there are other features that make them more convenient to use. A stroller should be compact enough to fit into the trunk of your car yet have plenty of storage space for food or other items. It is also important to consider thoughtful additions like a one-parent cup holder, parent consoles and snacks for children--all things that will make life on the go with two kids significantly simpler.
During our testing we evaluated each stroller on the basis of its performance on different terrains, as well as its ability to maneuver in tight spaces. We also looked at the ease with which it was possible to fold and unfold, and whether or not a particular feature enhanced the overall function of the stroller. A stroller that does not have rethread straps makes it easy to adjust the seat belts. This can be a huge benefit for parents who are on the move since it reduces time and reduces the need to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby V2 Double was a top performer in this measure because it had a wide variety of seating configurations and other accessories that could accommodate families that are growing. The wagon-style double stroller expands to provide an additional seat, a bassinet or even a toddler riding board that is perfect for families with active children who plan long trips with multiple kids of various ages. It glides easily over cobblestones and pavements and ball fields. It can also be folded flat to store in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is simple and intuitive, which was appreciated by our test participant Kerry. Its stylish packaging with clearly labeled sections as well as a helpful user guide made putting together this stroller an absolute breeze.
Storage
A thule double stroller stroller is 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 accommodate the essentials for both parents and children, such as bottles, toys, snacks, and diapers. Look for baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller with an expandable cargo space that can accommodate bulky items like diaper bags and lunchbags.
A good double stroller must have the ability to adapt as your family grows. For instance certain models have a bassinet attachment that can accommodate infants, while others come with 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 join in on the fun by riding on a rider board.
There's a wide selection of double buggy newborn strollers on the market, ranging from elegant, high-performance models that excel on rough terrain to budget-friendly models that are more suitable for use in the everyday. While shopping, read reviews and recommendations of families like yours to get a better idea of what you can expect from the double stroller that you choose.
Double strollers are available in three different designs including tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Billingsley says that side-by-side strollers are the most adaptable and ideal for twins or children of similar ages. Tandem double strollers, on the other hand, feature two seats set close to each other and facing in opposite directions. This is a good option for kids of the same age or for siblings who love to interact with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces and are less likely to pass through doorways than their side-by-side counterparts.
If you prefer a wagon-style double stroller take a look at this top choice from Safety 1st. Testers loved how this affordable model comes with a variety of seating options and the option to click 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 never flatten. When it's time for folding this model needs only just a few nudges on the straps beneath each seat (under where kids sit) for folding.