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 strollers or flexible side-by-side buggies allow you to keep an eye on both children at the same time while navigating the aisles of the supermarket as well as the parks and other obstacles life throws your way.
Comfort
When looking for a double stroller, the comfort is an important aspect to take into consideration. This includes the seating arrangement as well as the overall size, which will have an impact on ease of use and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, suggests parents be aware of the stroller's weight and folded dimensions. "They should also take a look at the options for recline and seat age ranges to ensure the best fit for their family."
A quality double stroller should be durable enough to travel on all surfaces without difficulty, from suburban sidewalks to park trails, and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should also have flexible seating options for children of various ages and comfort features like windows that can be opened and closed to keep kids shielded from rain or sun.
Seating options are important for many families who utilize double strollers from the time of birth until the age of. "There are two main categories - in-line with one seat ahead of the other, and side-by-side with seats that are next to each other," Billingsley explains. Some parents prefer the in-line model due to its sleek style and flexibility. Others like a wagon-style double stroller to make the most space for bulky or grocery items.
In-line models are more likely to show this type of discrepancy. Some products may offer different recline options, with one being almost flat, while the other remaining relatively upright. Billingsley suggests selecting a product that has a near-flat recline and leg rests that can be adjusted for both seats, so that both children can lie back comfortably.
In the end, she suggests choosing strollers that have storage compartments that will allow parents to access their snacks, toys and personal belongings while on the go. She also suggests that it's beneficial to choose the stroller that has a parent console or organizer bag that can be attached to the handlebars. This will help keep things within reach.
Some of the most highly-rated double strollers are expandable, allowing parents to customize the configuration to meet the needs of their growing family. For instance, the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used with a single seat from birth and later converted to tandem (with a second seat and bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers must be able to support the weight of two passengers--plus any additional cargo. Strollers must also be easy to move and push, particularly in tight spaces and on difficult terrain. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height to allow parents to maintain their good form while pushing them. A harness that does not need to be rethread that makes the adjustment of seat belts quicker and easier, is another nice feature to look out for. Safety features include a robust brake system and wheels that glide over any surface.
Some parents choose a side-by-side design that allows both children to see each other on family outings. This arrangement can prevent sibling rivalries over who is allowed to sit where, but it's not foolproof. If the seats are at different levels, a child might punch or kick another during a walk when the seats are on different levels.
A tandem-style stroller is excellent option for parents with twins or siblings that are similar in age. It lets parents observe both children at the same time. However, these can be wider than other double strollers, so they might not fit through all interior doorways. You could consider a single-to-double stroller that can be transformed from a single stroller 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 stringent safety standards. Be aware of the maximum weight limit for each seat. If you exceed these limits, it could cause frame fatigue or other issues.
It's easy to be swept in the jingles and whistles, but it's important to keep in mind that strollers are in essence baby carriers that are used for extended times. It must be easy to clean and maintain as well as comfortable for both of the passengers. It should also have a an easy-to-use, familiar design that lets the person pushing it to easily maneuver it.
Simple to Use
For families that are on the move, a double stroller should be able to navigate different terrains. Strollers that have features like windows that can be opened and closed, adjustable canopy and reliable brake systems are vital to ensure the safety of your children. But there are other features that make them easier to use. For example the stroller must be small enough to fit in the trunk of your car but still provide ample storage space for your groceries and other items. Additionally, you should consider thoughtful features like a cup holder with a single parent, parent consoles and an eating tray for children -- all things that can make life on the go with two kids much more manageable.
In our testing, we evaluated the strollers on how it did on a variety of surfaces and how well it could maneuver in tight spaces. We also assessed the ease with which it was possible to fold and unfold and whether or not a specific feature improved the overall performance of the stroller. For instance a stroller that has a no-rethread harness makes adjusting the seat belts easy and quick. This can be a major benefit for parents on the go because it cuts down on time and reduces the need to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double was a top performer in this measure, since it came with a variety of seating options and accessories to help accommodate growing families. The double-stroller that looks like a wagon expands to accommodate an additional seat, a bassinet or even a toddler's riding board. This is ideal for families who plan to spend a lot of time on the road with multiple children of different ages. It glides easily over cobblestones, pavements, and ball fields. It can be folded flat to be stored in a trunk or closet. Our test subject Kerry loved the simple and easy-to-use nature of the stroller's design. The clever packaging, clearly marked sections and the user's guide made it simple to put this stroller together.
Storage
A double stroller can be able to hold twice as much as a single stroller, therefore, you should look for plenty of 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' belongings like wallets, phones keys and wallets. Find baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, consider a stroller that has an expandable cargo area to take in bulky items like diaper bags and lunchbags.
A good double stroller should be able to grow with your family. Billingsley states that certain models come with a bassinet attachment to accommodate infants. Other models come with child seats that can be able to grow with your child until they are old enough to ride on the back. Some double strollers allow older siblings to share in the fun by riding on the rider board.
You'll find a wide variety of double strollers available on the market, ranging from sleek, high-performance models that can handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models that are more suited for daily use. As you shop, read reviews from other users and the opinions of families like yours to get an idea of what you can expect from the double stroller you pick.
Double strollers are available in three different styles such as tandem, side-byside, and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers offer the most flexibility and are perfect for twins or children who are close to their age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers, on the other hand, have two seats that are placed close to each other and facing in opposite directions. This is a good option for kids of the same age or for siblings who enjoy interacting with one another. double pram pushchair are more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and are less likely to fit through doors than their side-by-side counterparts.
Check out this top pick by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon-style double stroller. Our testers were impressed by the fact that this low-cost model offers multiple seating configurations as well as the ability to click in two infant car seats or a single child in a convertible toddler seat. Our experts also praised the memory foam seats, canopy with 50+ SPF, and foam-filled wheels that will never wear out. When it's time to fold, this model only requires just a few pulls on the straps underneath each seat (under the seat where children sit) to fold.