Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two children who are close in age A double stroller can be a valuable investment. These narrow tandem buggies as well as versatile side by side buggies will keep both children in the same place while navigating the grocery aisle, parks, and whatever else life throws 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 and the overall size, which will have an impact on the ease of use and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child expert in development from the Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, advises parents to examine the stroller's weight as well as folded dimensions. "They should also consider the seat recline options as well as the ages of their children to ensure that it is a perfect fit."
A quality double stroller should be able to handle a variety of surfaces easily from suburban sidewalks to parks and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should also provide flexible seating arrangements for children of various age and comfort features like peek-a-boo windows and adjustable canopies to keep kids shielded from rain or sun.
Seating options are important for many families that will utilize a double stroller from birth to childhood. Billingsley states that there are two major categories of in-line seating which has one seat in front of the other and side-byside seating with seats next to each other. Some parents prefer the in-line model due to its sleek style and flexibility. Others like the wagon style double stroller to make the most space for groceries or bulky items.
While some products may have different recline options--with one seat almost flat while the other one remains upright, this kind of difference is more common in models that are in-line. Billingsley recommends selecting a product with both a near flat recline as well as leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children can lie down comfortably.
She also suggests parents search for strollers with storage compartments so that they can quickly access personal items, snacks and toys when in motion. She also suggests that it is helpful to choose a stroller that comes with a parent console or organizer bag, that can be attached to the handlebars. This will help parents keep their essentials to hand.
A few of the top-rated double strollers can be expanded, allowing parents to customize the layout to meet the needs of their growing family. The Mockingbird Expandable, for example is a highly-rated double stroller which can be used from birth using a single seat, and later converted into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) when the child is older.
Safety
Double strollers have to be able to carry the weight of two people, plus any additional cargo. Strollers should be simple to maneuver and push, especially on rough terrain or in tight spaces. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars and adjustable heights which allow parents to maintain good form when pushing them. A harness that does not need to be rethread, which makes adjusting seat belts quicker and easier, is another nice feature to look for. Finally, a sturdy brake system and wheels that glide over any surface are crucial safety features.
Some parents choose a side-by-side design that allows both children to be able to see each other during family outings. This arrangement can reduce sibling rivalries over who sits in which spot however, it's not 100% secure. If the seats are at different heights, a child may punch or kick one another during a walk, in the event that the seats are at different levels.
For parents with twins or siblings close in age, a tandem stroller can be beneficial in being able to view both children at the same time. However, they are wider than other double strollers, meaning they may not be able to fit through all interior doorways. For maximum versatility, consider a stroller that can change from a single stroller to a tandem in various ways, such as the well-known CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can be adapted to a wide range of configurations and permit you to insert infant car seats or cot attachments according to your requirements.
If you decide to purchase a side-by-side or tandem stroller, make sure that the stroller is JPMA-certified to meet the strictest safety standards. Also pay attention to the maximum weight limits for each seat, since exceeding them can lead to frame fatigue or other issues.
It's easy to get caught up in the bells and whistles, however it's important to remember that strollers are basically baby carriers that are carried for long periods of durations. It must be comfortable for both parents and children and easy to clean and maintain, and in the ideal case 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 about how to move forward and turn left or right, or use the brakes.
Simple to Use
For families that are on the move, a double stroller must be able to navigate various terrains. thule double stroller like adjustable canopies windows, peek-aboo windows, and dependable braking systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children, but there are other factors that influence stroller comfort of use. For example the stroller must be small enough to fit in the trunk of your car, but still provide ample storage space for food items and other things. Also important are thoughtful touches like a one-parent cup holder or console for parents, as well as a snack tray for kids--all things that will make life with two kids much simpler.
In our tests, we assessed each stroller on the basis of its performance on various terrains, as well as its ability to maneuver in tight spaces. We also assessed how easy it was to fold and unfold and whether or not a specific feature enhanced the overall performance of the stroller. For double buggy side by side with a no-rethread harness makes adjusting the seat belts quick and simple. This can be a huge benefit for parents who are on the move since it reduces time and removes the need to re-thread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored highly in this measure, since it offered an impressive range of seating configurations and additional accessories to accommodate growing families. The wagon-style double-stroller expands so that it can accommodate a second seat, bassinet, or even a toddler-riding board. This is perfect for families who want to spend long days traveling with several children of different ages. It also glides smoothly across pavement, cobblestones and ballfields--and can be folded flat for simple storage in a trunk or closet. Our test subject Kerry appreciated the straightforward, intuitive nature of this stroller's design. Its smart packaging, clearly labeled sections and helpful user guide made assembling this stroller a breeze.
Stores
A double stroller has the potential to hold twice as much stuff than a single stroller, so look for ample storage space. It is ideal to have a stroller that is able to hold the essentials for both kids--nappies bottles, snacks, and toys, along with parents' belongings like phones, wallets keys, wallets and phones. Look for baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller that has an expandable cargo area to take in bulky items like diaper bags and lunchbags.
A quality double stroller should have the ability to adapt as your family expands. For example, some models include an attachment for a bassinet that can accommodate newborns, while others come with child seats that can be adapted to your children until they're able to ride on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers also include a rider board to let older siblings join in the fun.
You'll find a wide variety of double strollers on the market, ranging from sleek, high-performance options that are able to handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models more suited for daily use. When you're shopping, read reviews from other users and the opinions of families like yours to gain a better sense of what to expect with the double stroller you choose.
Double strollers come in three different design formats: side-by-side, tandem, and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers provide the most versatility and are suitable for twins or children who are similar to each other in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers feature two seats that are set in a tandem arrangement facing in opposite directions. This is a great option for children who are the same age or siblings who prefer to interact with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces and are less likely to fit through doorways than their side-byside counterparts.
If you prefer a wagon-style double stroller, check out this top pick from Safety 1st. The testers loved that this budget model has multiple seating options and the option to click in two infant car seats or a single child in the convertible toddler seat. Our testers also loved the soft memory foam seats and the 50+ SPF canopy, and foam-filled tires that never go flat. When it's time to fold this model requires only just a few pulls on the straps underneath each seat (under the seats where kids sit) in order to fold.