Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is a great investment for families with two children of similar ages. These narrow tandem strollers or flexible side-by-side buggies allow you to keep an eye on both children at the same time braving the grocery aisle as well as the parks and other obstacles life throws your way.
Comfort
Comfort is a major factor to consider when shopping for a double-stroller. This includes the seating arrangement and overall size, which has an impact on ease of use and storage. "Parents should check how much the stroller weighs as well as its dimensions when folded," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also look at the recline options for seats and age ranges to ensure the best fit for their family."
A quality double stroller should be able to handle different surfaces easily including suburban sidewalks, park paths and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should come with a variety of seating options for children at different ages, as well as features that provide comfort, such as a peek-aboo windows and adjustable canopy options that shield kids from the sun or rain.
For a majority of families, a double stroller will be used from birth until childhood, so it's important to think about seating options. Billingsley explains that there are two major categories: in-line with one seat in front of the other and side-byside seating with seats next to one another. "Some parents prefer an in-line twin stroller due to its sleek look and versatility, whereas others prefer a wagon-style double stroller to maximize space for bulky items or groceries."
Some products may offer different recline options--with one seat being almost flat, while the other one remains upright--this type of disparity is more common in in-line models. Billingsley recommends choosing a product that has an almost flat recline as well as leg rests that can be adjusted for both seats, so that both children can lie back comfortably.
She also suggests parents look for twin strollers for newborns with storage compartments to allow them to quickly access their snacks, personal items and toys moving about. She also recommends that it's helpful to choose a stroller that has a parent console, or organizer bag attached on the handlebars. This will aid parents in keeping their essentials in their reach.
Many of the top-rated double strollers can be expanded giving parents the ability to modify the layout according to their family's requirements. For instance, the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly rated double stroller that can be used with just a single seat from birth, and later converted to 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 and any additional cargo. Strollers should also be easy to move and push, particularly in tight spots and on difficult terrain. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to help parents maintain good posture when pushing them. A no-rethread harness, which makes adjusting seat belts quicker and easier to do, is a nice feature to look for. Safety features include a sturdy brake system, as well as wheels that slide over any surface.
Some parents opt for a side by side design to allow both children to meet up when they go on family outings. This arrangement can prevent sibling fights over which child is allowed to sit in which spot but it's not a guarantee. If the seats are placed at different heights, one child may be able to kick or punch the other during a walk.
A tandem-style stroller is a excellent option for parents with twins or siblings that are close in age. It lets them observe both children at the same time. Double strollers can be more spacious, and may not be able to fit through some doors inside. For maximum versatility, consider a single-to-double stroller which can switch from a single to a tandem in different ways, like the renowned CYBEX Gazelle S. These models are able to accommodate a broad variety of configurations and permit you to insert infant car seats or cot attachments depending on your needs.
If you decide to purchase a side-by-side or tandem-style stroller, be sure that the stroller is JPMA-certified to meet the strictest safety standards. Be sure to check 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, but it's important to keep in mind that strollers are in essence baby carriers that are carried for long periods of times. It must be comfortable for both the passengers, easy to clean and maintain, and most importantly it should have 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 or turn left or right, or even apply the brakes.
User-Friendliness
A double stroller must be simple to maneuver over various of terrains for families that are constantly moving. Features like adjustable canopy windows, peek-aboo windows, and dependable braking systems are critical to help ensure the safety of your children but there are many other aspects that contribute to stroller ease of use. For instance the stroller must be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your car yet provide ample storage space for food items and other things. It is also important to consider thoughtful additions like a cup holder with a single parent as well as a console for parents and a snack tray for kids--all things that can make life with two kids significantly simpler.
During our testing, we evaluated the strollers on how it performed on a variety of terrains and how easily it maneuvered in tight spaces. We also looked at how simple it was to fold and unfold, and whether or not a particular feature improved the overall function of the stroller. A stroller with no-rethread straps makes it easy to adjust the seat belts. This can be a huge benefit for parents who are on the move because it cuts down on time and removes the need to re-thread the harness.
The UPPAbaby 2 Double scored highly in this metric as it had a wide variety of seating configurations, and additional accessories that accommodated growing families. The wagon-style double stroller is able to accommodate a second seat as well as a bassinet, or a toddler-friendly riding board, which is ideal for families who are active and planning long, tiring days with multiple kids of various age. It also glides effortlessly over cobblestones, ball fields and pavements. It also folds flat for easy storage in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is simple and easy to use which was well-loved by our test participant Kerry. Its stylish packaging with clearly labeled sections as well as a helpful user guide made putting together this stroller an absolute breeze.
Stores
Double strollers can carry twice as much as one single stroller so be sure to ensure you have plenty of storage space. You want a stroller with enough storage space to store the essentials for both children and parents including bottles and snacks, toys, and diapers. Look for pockets and baskets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller with an expandable cargo space to accommodate bulky items such as diaper bags and lunchbags.
A good double stroller must be able to adjust as your family expands. Billingsley states that certain models come with a bassinet attachment to accommodate newborns. Some models have child seats which can be able to grow with your child until they are able to ride on the back. Some double strollers allow older siblings to join in on the fun by riding on the rider board.
You'll find a wide variety of double strollers available on the market, ranging from elegant, high-performance models that excel on rough terrain to budget-friendly models more suited for daily use. When shopping, take a look at reviews and recommendations of families similar to yours to get an idea of what to expect from the double stroller you pick.
double stroller with bassinet strollers are available in three styles: tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-byside strollers are the most versatile and ideal for twins as well as children of a similar age. Tandem double stroller sale strollers have two seats that are set in a tandem arrangement facing in opposite directions. This is a great option for children of similar age or siblings who like to be social with one another. Tandem strollers can be difficult to maneuver through tight spaces and are less likely to pass through doorways than their side-by-side counterparts.
If you're looking for a wagon-style double stroller take a look at this top choice from Safety 1st. Testers loved how this affordable model comes with a variety of seating options, including the ability to click in two infant car seats or a single child in a convertible toddler seat. Our experts also praised memory foam seats and canopy that has 50+ SPF and foam-filled wheels that never flatten. When it's time to fold, this model requires only a couple of pulls on the straps on each seat (under the seats where kids are) to fold in half.