Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two kids that are in the same age group, a double stroller can be a great investment. These compact tandem strollers or versatile side-by-side buggies help you keep an eye on both kids at the same time while taking on the grocery store as well as the parks and other obstacles life throws your way.
Comfort
Comfort is an important factor to take into consideration when buying a double-stroller. This includes the seating arrangement and overall size, which can have an impact on the ease of use and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, says parents should be aware of the stroller's weight and folded dimensions. "They should also take a look at the seat recline options and age ranges to ensure a good fit for their family."
twin stroller should be able to navigate a variety of surfaces with ease including suburban sidewalks, park paths and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should offer a range of seating options for children of different ages, as well as comfort features like peek-a-boo window and adjustable canopies that shield kids from rain or sun.
For a majority of families, a double stroller will be used from birth and into the age of five, so it's crucial to consider the seating options. Billingsley states that there are two primary categories: in-line, with one seat in-front of the other and side-byside, with seats next to one another. "Some parents prefer an in-line option for its sleek design and versatility, whereas others prefer a wagon-style stroller to maximize space for heavy items or grocery bags."
Some products may offer different recline options, with one seat being almost flat, while the other is upright--this type of disparity is more common in the in-line models. Billingsley recommends selecting a product that has a nearly flat recline and leg rest adjustment for both seats. This will ensure that both children can lay down comfortably.
Finally, she advises to look for a stroller that includes storage compartments that enable parents to quickly access snacks, toys and other personal items while on the move. She suggests that it's helpful to look for a stroller that has an organizer console for parents or a parent bag that can be attached to the handlebars, which will help keep things in reach.
A few of the top-rated double strollers can be expanded which allows parents to alter the configuration to meet the needs of their growing family. For example the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used with a single seat from birth and then transformed into a tandem (with the addition of a second seat and bassinet) as the child gets older.
Safety
Double strollers should be able to support the weight of two passengers--plus any additional cargo. Strollers should also be easy to maneuver and push, especially in tight spaces and over challenging terrain. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights which allow parents to maintain their form 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 for. Also, a strong brake system and wheels that glide over any surface are essential safety features.
Some parents prefer an arrangement that is side by side so that both children can meet up during family outings. This arrangement can help prevent siblings fighting over who gets to sit where however it's not foolproof. If the seats are located at different levels, a child might kick or punch one another during a walk, if the seats are at different levels.
A tandem stroller is a ideal option for parents with twins or siblings who are close in age. It allows them to observe both children at the same time. However, they can be wider than other double strollers, so they may not be able to fit through all doorways in the interior. Consider a single-to double stroller that can be transformed from a single to a double in a variety ways. The most popular models are the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you opt for a side-byside or tandem-style stroller, make sure the product is certified by JPMA to meet the strictest safety standards. Be aware of the maximum weight limits for each seat, as over-weighting could lead to frame fatigue or other issues.
It's easy to be swept up in the bells and whistles, but it's important to remember that strollers are essentially baby carriers that will be used for a long period of durations. It must be comfortable for both passengers, easy to clean and maintain, and most importantly it should feature an easy-to-use, familiar design so that the person pushing it is able to effortlessly maneuver it without having to think twice about how to move forward and turn left or right, or apply the brakes.
Easy of Use
For families who are constantly on the move, a double stroller must be easy to maneuver over a variety of terrains. Features like adjustable canopies with windows that peek out and reliable braking systems are crucial to ensure your children's safety, but there are other factors that contribute to stroller ease of use. A stroller should be compact enough to fit into the trunk of your vehicle, but still have plenty of storage space for groceries and other items. Also important are thoughtful touches such as a cup holder for one parent as well as a console for parents and snacks for children--all things that make life with two kids significantly easier.
During our testing, we evaluated each stroller based on its performance on various surfaces and its ability to maneuver in tight spaces. We also considered how easy it was to fold the stroller in half and then unfold it in a timely manner, and if a specific feature enhanced the overall functionality. A stroller without rethread straps makes it simple to adjust the seat belts. This can be a major selling point for parents who are on the move, as it saves time and reduces the need to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored high in this metric, as it offers a wide range of seating options and accessories to help accommodate growing families. The wagon-style double stroller can be expanded to allow for an additional seat, a bassinet or even a toddler riding board that is perfect for active families planning long, tiring days with multiple children of different ages. It also glides smoothly over cobblestones, ball fields and pavements. It also it folds flat to make simple storage in a trunk or closet. Our tester Kerry loved the simple and intuitive nature of this stroller's design. Its smart packaging clear sections, well-labeled sections and helpful user guide made putting together this stroller a breeze.
Storage
Double strollers can carry twice as much as one stroller so be sure to search for ample storage space. Ideally, you want a stroller that can accommodate the basic necessities for both kids: nappies bottles, snacks, and toys, in addition to parents' items such as phones, wallets keys, wallets and phones. Look for baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller that has an expandable cargo space that can take in bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags.
A good double stroller must be able to change as your family grows. Billingsley says that some models come with the option of a bassinet attachment that can accommodate newborns. Some models have child seats that grow with the child until they are ready to ride on the back. Some double strollers allow older siblings to share in the fun with the rider board.
You'll find a wide variety of double strollers available on the market, from sleek, high-performance options that are able to handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models that are more suited for daily use. While shopping, read reviews and opinions of families like yours to get an idea of what you can expect from the double stroller that you pick.
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 in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers have two seats arranged in a tandem configuration with the opposite direction facing. This is a good option for children of similar age, or siblings who want to interact with each other. Tandem strollers may be harder to maneuver through tight spaces and are less likely to fit through doors than their side-by-side counterparts.
Take a look at this top choice by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon style double stroller. This budget-friendly model was highly praised by our testers for its many seating options. It can be used with two car seats for infants or one child in a convertible toddler chair. Our reviewers also praised the comfortable memory foam seats, 50+ SPF canopy, and foam-filled tires that never stop running flat. When it's time to fold, this model requires only a couple of pulls on the straps on each seat (under where the kids sit) to fold in half.