The Top Double Strollers Experts Have Been Doing 3 Things
Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is a good investment for families with two children with similar ages. These narrow tandem buggies or versatile side-by-side buggies let you keep both children within sight when you are navigating the aisles of your grocery store or in parks, or whatever else life can throw at you.
Comfort
Comfort is a major factor to think about when purchasing a double-stroller. This can include both the seating arrangements and the overall size of the stroller, which impacts accessibility and storage. "Parents should check how much 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 consider the options for recline and seat age ranges to ensure a good fit for their family."
A good double stroller should be able to handle a variety of surfaces with ease, from suburban sidewalks to park paths and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should also provide flexible seating options for children of different age groups and comfort features such as peek-a-boo windows and adjustable canopies to protect children from rain or sun.
For many families double strollers will be used from birth and into childhood, so it's important to think about seating options. "There are two main categories: in-line with one seat behind the other, and side-by-side with seats adjacent to each other," Billingsley explains. Some parents prefer the inline option due to its sleek design and its versatility. Others like the wagon style double stroller for maximum space for bulky or grocery items.
While some products may have different recline options, with one seat nearly flat while the other remains relatively upright, this kind of difference is more common in in-line models. Billingsley suggests selecting a model with a near-flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children lay comfortably.
She also suggests parents search for strollers with storage compartments so that they can easily access personal items, snacks, and toys while in motion. She also suggests that it's helpful to find a stroller that comes with a parent console or organizer bag, that can be attached to the handlebars. This will help parents keep essentials close at hand.
Many of the top-rated double strollers can be extended to allow parents to customize the setup based on their family's needs. The Mockingbird Expandable, for example is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used from birth with just one seat, then transformed into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers must be able to support the weight of two adults, as well as any additional cargo. Strollers need to be easy to maneuver and push, especially on rough terrain or in tight spaces. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights, making it easier for parents to maintain their form when pushing them. Another great feature is a no-rethread seat belt harness that allows for a more comfortable adjustment of the belts on the seat. Also, a strong brake system and wheels that glide over any surface are essential safety features.
Some parents opt for an arrangement that allows both children to be able to see each other on family outings. This arrangement can prevent sibling rivalries about who gets to sit in which spot however, it's not 100% secure. If double pushchair are located at different heights, a child could kick or punch 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 lets parents see both children at once. Double strollers can be larger, and might not be able to fit through some doors inside. You could consider a single-to-double stroller that can be transformed from a single to a double in many ways. Popular models include the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you are looking for a tandem or side-by-side stroller, make sure that the product has been JPMA certified to meet the strictest safety standards. Be aware of the weight limits that apply to each seat, since exceeding them can lead to frame fatigue or other issues.
While it's easy for us to focus on all the extra bells and whistles of a new stroller, it is crucial to keep in mind that a stroller is essentially a baby carrier that will be carried around for long periods of time. It must be easy to clean and maintain and comfortable for both of the passengers. It should also have a an intuitive, familiar design that allows the person pushing the stroller to maneuver it effortlessly.
Easy of Use
A double stroller should be simple to maneuver over a variety types of terrains for families constantly on the move. Strollers with features like peek-a-boo windows, adjustable canopies and reliable brake systems are vital to ensure the safety of your children. But there are other factors that make them simpler to use. For example, a stroller must be compact enough to fit into the trunk of your car while still offering ample storage space for your groceries and other items. It is also essential to include thoughtful features, like the cup holder for one parent, consoles for parents and snacks on trays. These can make traveling with two children much more enjoyable.
In our testing, we evaluated the strollers on how it performed on a variety of surfaces and how well it maneuvered in tight spaces. We also looked at how simple it was to fold the stroller and unfold it as well as if a particular feature made a difference to the overall performance. For instance, a stroller with no-rethread harnesses makes adjusting the seat belts quick and simple. This is a huge selling point for parents who are always in motion, as it eliminates the need to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double was a top performer in this metric, as it offers a wide range of seating configurations and additional accessories to accommodate families that are growing. The wagon-style double stroller is able to allow for an additional seat, a bassinet or even a toddler-friendly riding board, which is ideal for families who are active and planning long days on the go with multiple kids of varying age. It also glides smoothly over pavement, cobblestones and ballfields--and folds flat for easy storage in a closet or trunk. Our tester Kerry loved the simple and intuitive nature of this stroller's design. The sleek packaging, clearly marked sections and user's manual made it easy to assemble this stroller.
Storage
A double stroller has the potential to hold twice as much as a single stroller, so make sure you have plenty of storage space. You'll want a stroller that has enough storage space to hold the necessities of parents and children, such as bottles and snacks, toys, and diapers. Look for baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller that has an expandable cargo space that can accommodate bulky items such as diaper bags and lunchbags.
A quality double stroller should be able to adjust as your family expands. Billingsley says that some models come with the option of a bassinet attachment that can accommodate infants. Other models come with child seats that expand with the child until they are old enough to ride on the back. Some double strollers also allow for a rider board that allows older children to take part in the fun.
You'll find a wide variety of double strollers available on the market, ranging from sleek, high-performance options that are able to handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models that are more for everyday use. While shopping, take a look at user reviews and recommendations from families just like yours to get an idea of what you can expect from the double stroller you pick.
Double strollers come in three different styles such as tandem, side-byside, and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-byside strollers are the most adaptable and suitable for twins or children of a similar age. Tandem double strollers have two seats that are set in a tandem configuration facing in opposite directions. This is a good option for children of the same age, or siblings who like to interact with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and less likely to be able to fit through doors.
If you're looking for a wagon-style double stroller check out this top model from Safety 1st. The testers loved that this budget model offers multiple seating configurations and the option to click in two infant car seats or a single child in the convertible toddler seat. Our experts also appreciated the comfy memory foam seats and the 50+ SPF canopy, and foam-filled tires that never stop running flat. When it's time to fold this model needs only a few tugs on the straps beneath each seat (under the seats where kids sit) in order to fold.