Double Strollers Tips From The Top In The Industry
Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A Double Pram Buggy stroller is a good investment if you have two children of similar ages. 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 your way.
Comfort
When looking for a double stroller, the comfort is an important factor to consider. This can include the seating arrangement and overall size, which has an impact on the ease of use and storage. "Parents must determine what the stroller weighs as well as its dimensions folded," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also look at the recline options for seats and age ranges to ensure a good fit for their family."
A good double stroller will be sturdy enough to traverse various surfaces with ease, from parks trails to suburban sidewalks, and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should have a variety of seating options for children of different age groups, and features that provide comfort, such as a peek-aboo window and adjustable canopy which protect children from the sun or rain.
For many families, a double stroller will be used from birth until the teen years, so it's essential to consider the seating options. Billingsley explains that there are two primary categories that are in-line, with one seat in-front of the other, and side-by-side with seats adjacent to each other. Some parents prefer the inline option due to its sleek design and versatility. Others prefer the wagon style double stroller to make the most space for grocery or bulky items.
While some products may have different recline options--with one seat being almost flat, while the other remains relatively upright, this type of distinction is more prevalent in in-line models. Billingsley suggests choosing a model with an almost flat recline as well as leg rests that can be adjusted for both seats, so that both children can lie back comfortably.
She also suggests parents look for strollers that have storage compartments so that they can quickly access their snacks, personal items and toys when moving about. She adds that it's also beneficial to choose a stroller that has an organizer console for parents or a parent bag that can be attached to the handlebars, which will allow you to keep your essentials in reach.
A few of the top-rated double strollers can be expanded to allow parents to customize the setup according to their family's requirements. For instance the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly rated double stroller that can be used with a single seat as early as birth, and later converted to a tandem (with a second seat and bassinet) as the child gets older.
Safety
Double strollers should be able to carry the weight of two passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers must be able to move and push, especially on difficult terrain and in tight spaces. The best double strollers strollers come with ergonomic handlebars and adjustable heights which allow parents to maintain good form when pushing them. A harness that is not rethread that makes the adjustment of seat belts faster and easier, is another nice feature to look out for. Safety features include a robust brake system and wheels that can glide across any surface.
Some parents prefer the side-by-side design to ensure that both children meet up on family outings. This arrangement can help prevent sibling fights over which child is allowed to sit in which spot however it's not foolproof. If the seats are at different heights, a child may punch or kick another while walking if the seats are at different levels.
For parents with twins or siblings of similar age, a tandem stroller is a great option for being able see both children at the same time. However, these can be more spacious than other double strollers, and they may not be able to fit through all interior doorways. Consider a single-to double stroller that can be converted from a single to double jogging stroller in various ways. The most popular models are the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you decide to purchase a side-by-side or tandem-style stroller, make sure the product is JPMA-certified to meet strict safety standards. Pay attention to the weight limit that applies to each seat. If you exceed these limits, it could cause frame fatigue and other issues.
It's easy to be swept in the jingles and whistles, but it's important to remember that strollers are in essence baby carriers that will be carried for long periods of times. 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 move it easily.
User-Friendliness
For families on the go, a double stroller should be able to navigate a variety of terrains. Features like adjustable canopy windows, peek-aboo windows, and reliable braking systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children but there are many other aspects that influence stroller comfort of use. A stroller should be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your car and still provide plenty of storage space for groceries and other things. Additionally, you should consider thoughtful features like a one-parent cup holder as well as a console for parents and snacks for children--all things that can make life with two kids much simpler.
In our testing We evaluated each stroller based on how it performed on a variety of surfaces and how well it could maneuver in tight spaces. We also considered how easy it was to fold the stroller and then unfold it, and if a particular feature improved the overall functionality. A stroller without rethread straps makes it simple to adjust the seat belts. This is a major selling point for parents who are constantly moving around, since it does away with the need to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored highly in this metric, as it offered an impressive range of seating configurations and additional accessories to accommodate families that are growing. The wagon-style double stroller can be expanded to allow for a second seat, a bassinet or even a toddler-friendly riding board, which is ideal for families with active children who plan long days on the go with multiple kids of varying ages. It also glides effortlessly over cobblestones, balls and pavements. It it folds flat to make easy storage in a closet or Double tandem pushchair trunk. Our test subject Kerry loved the simple and easy-to-use nature of the stroller's design. The smart packaging with clearly marked sections as well as a user's manual made it easy to put this stroller together.
Stores
A double stroller can be able to hold twice as much stuff as a single stroller therefore, you should look for plenty of storage space. You'll want a stroller that has enough storage space to hold the essentials for both children and parents like bottles as well as snacks, toys and diapers. Look for pockets and baskets under the seats. Also, consider a stroller with an expandable cargo space to accommodate bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags.
A good double stroller will be able to grow with your family. Billingsley states that certain models come with an attachment for a bassinet to accommodate newborns. Some models have child seats that can be able to grow with your child until they are able to ride on the back. Some double strollers permit older siblings to join in on the fun with the rider board.
There are many double strollers on the market. You can pick from models with high-performance features which are suitable for rough terrain, or more budget-friendly options that you can use on a daily basis. When shopping, take a look at reviews and opinions of families similar to yours to get a better idea of what you can expect from the double stroller you select.
Double strollers come in three different designs: side-by-side, tandem, and wagon-style. Billingsley says that side-by-side strollers are the most adaptable and suitable for twins or children of a similar age. Tandem double strollers on the other hand, feature two seats set close to each other and facing in opposite directions--a great option for children of the same age, or for siblings who like to interact with one another. Tandem strollers can be difficult to maneuver through tight spaces and are less likely to pass through doorways than their side-by-side counterparts.
If you prefer a wagon-style double stroller, check out this top model from Safety 1st. This affordable model was praised by test participants for its multiple seating configurations. It can be used with two infant car seats, or one child in a convertible toddler chair. Our experts also praised memory foam seats as well as the canopy, which has 50+ SPF, and foam-filled wheels that will never wear out. When it's time to fold this model needs only just a few nudges on the straps underneath each seat (under where kids sit) for folding.