An All-Inclusive List Of Double Strollers Dos And Don'ts
Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is a great investment when you have two kids with similar ages. These narrow tandem buggies as well as versatile side by side buggies allow you to keep both children in sight while navigating the grocery aisle, parks, and whatever else life can throw at you.
Comfort
When looking for a double stroller for your child, comfort is a key aspect to take into consideration. This includes both the seating arrangement as well as the overall dimensions of the stroller which impacts accessibility and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, advises parents to be aware of the stroller's weight and folded dimensions. "They should also 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 various surfaces with ease, from parks trails to suburban sidewalks and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should also provide flexible seating arrangements for children of different age and comfort features like windows that peek out and adjustable canopy to protect children from rain or sun.
For a lot of families, a double stroller will be used from birth until the teen years, so it's essential to consider the seating options. "There are two main categories: in-line with one seat in front of the other, and side-byside with seats adjacent to each other," Billingsley explains. Some parents prefer the in-line option because of its sleek appearance and its versatility. Others like a wagon style double stroller for maximum space for bulky or grocery items.
Although some models may have different recline options - with one seat being almost flat, while the other remains relatively upright--this type of disparity is more prevalent in the in-line models. Billingsley recommends choosing a product with an almost flat recline as well as leg rest adjustments for both seats, so that the children can both lie back comfortably.
She also suggests that parents look for strollers with storage compartments so that they can easily access snacks, personal items, and toys while in motion. She also suggests that it is beneficial to choose a stroller that includes a parent console or organizer bag attached on the handlebars. This will help parents keep essentials close to hand.
Some of the best-rated double strollers can be expanded to allow parents to alter the configuration depending on the needs of their family. For example the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly rated double stroller that can be used with just a single seat as early as birth, and then converted to a tandem (with a second seat and bassinet) as the child gets older.
Safety
Double strollers must be able to carry the weight of two adults, as well as any additional cargo. Strollers need to be simple to maneuver and push, especially on difficult terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars and adjustable heights which make it easier for parents to maintain a good posture when pushing them. A harness that is not rethread which makes the adjustment of seat belts faster and easier to do, is a nice feature to look for. Safety features include a robust brake system, as well as wheels that glide over any surface.
Some parents prefer 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 in which spot however it's not foolproof. If the seats are located at different heights, a child could kick or punch another while walking if the seats are at different levels.
For parents with twins or siblings close in age, a tandem-style stroller is a great option for being able to view both children at the same time. Double strollers can be more spacious, and may not fit through some interior doors. For maximum flexibility, think about a single-to-double stroller which can switch from a single stroller to a tandem in different ways, like the well-known CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can be adapted to a wide range of configurations and let you click in infant car seats or cot attachments depending on your requirements.
If you opt for a side-byside or tandem-style stroller, make sure the product is JPMA-certified to meet the strictest safety standards. Pay attention to the weight limit that applies to each seat. Exceeding these limits could cause frame fatigue or other problems.
It's easy to get caught up in the bells 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 times. It must be comfortable for both passengers, easy to clean and maintain, and in the ideal case, it should offer an intuitive, familiar design that the person pushing it is able to easily maneuver it without having to think twice about how to move forward and turn left or right, or apply the brakes.
Easy of Use
A double stroller should be simple to maneuver over a variety types of terrains for families always on the move. Strollers with features like windows that peek-a-boo, adjustable canopies and reliable brake systems are crucial to ensure the safety of your children. But there are also other factors that make them simpler to use. A stroller should be small enough to fit in the trunk of your car, but still have plenty of storage space for groceries or other items. Also important are thoughtful touches such as a cup holder for one parent, parent consoles and snacks for children--all things that will make life with two children significantly simpler.
During our testing we rated each stroller on how well it did on a variety of terrains, and how easily it maneuvered in tight spaces. We also assessed how easy it was to fold and unfold, and whether or not a particular feature enhanced the overall functionality of the stroller. For double buggy from birth , a stroller with a no-rethread harness makes adjusting the seat belts simple and easy. This can be a huge selling point for parents on the go, as it saves time and removes the need to re-thread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored highly in this metric, as it offers a wide range of seating configurations and additional accessories to help accommodate growing families. The double-stroller that looks like a wagon expands so that it can accommodate an additional seat, a bassinet, or even a toddler-riding board. This is ideal for families who want to spend long days on the road with multiple children of different ages. It is able to glide effortlessly over cobblestones and pavements and ball fields. It can be folded flat to be stored in a trunk or a closet. Our tester Kerry was impressed by the simple and intuitive nature of this stroller's design. Its clever packaging, clearly labeled sections and an informative user guide made putting together this stroller a breeze.
Stores
Double strollers can carry twice as much as one single stroller so be sure to look for plenty of storage space. It is ideal to have a stroller that can accommodate the basic necessities for both kids: nappies, bottles, snacks and toys, in addition to parents' belongings like phones, wallets keys, wallets and phones. Look for under-seat baskets as well as other pockets, and look into a stroller with an expanding cargo space that can carry heavy items such as lunch bags and diaper bags.
A good double stroller should be able to adjust as your family grows. Billingsley states that certain models have the option of a bassinet attachment that can accommodate newborns. Some models have child seats that can expand with the child until they are ready to ride on the back. Some double strollers allow for a rider board to let older siblings take part in the fun.
There's a wide selection of double strollers on the market, ranging from elegant, high-performance models that excel on rough terrain to budget-friendly models more suited for daily use. As you shop, read reviews and suggestions from families just like yours to get an understanding of what to expect from the double stroller you pick.
Double strollers are available in three different styles including tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-by-side strollers are the most flexible and ideal for twins or children of similar ages. Tandem double strollers, on other hand, have two seats set next to each other and facing in opposite directions--a ideal choice for children who are the same age or for siblings who love to interact with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and less likely to fit in doorways.
If you're looking for a wagon-style double stroller check out this top model from Safety 1st. 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 reviewers also praised the comfortable memory foam seats, 50+ SPF canopy, and foam-filled tires that will never get flat. When it's time to fold, this model only requires just a few nudges on the straps under each seat (under the seats where kids sit) to fold.