Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two kids who are close in age, a double stroller could be a great investment. These narrow tandem strollers or versatile side-by-side buggies help you keep your eyes on both kids at the same time taking on the grocery store, parks and anything else life throws your way.
Comfort
When looking for a double stroller for your child, comfort is a key aspect to take into consideration. This could include the seating arrangement and overall size, which has an impact on the ease of use and storage. sit n stand double stroller should check how much the stroller weighs as well as its folded dimensions," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also consider the recline options for seats and age ranges to ensure the best fit for their family."
A quality double stroller should be durable enough to travel on different surfaces smoothly--from suburban sidewalks to park trails, and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. best travel double stroller should also offer versatile seating options for children of varying age groups and comfort features like peek-a-boo windows and adjustable canopies to shield children from rain or sun.
The seating options are important to many families who will use a double stroller from birth to the age of. Billingsley says there are two primary categories that are in-line which has one seat in front of the other and side-byside with seats adjacent to each other. " sit n stand double stroller prefer an in-line stroller due to its sleek look and versatility, whereas others prefer a wagon-style double stroller to make the most space for large items or grocery bags."
In-line models tend to have this kind of difference. Some products may offer different recline options, with one seat being almost flat, while the other remaining relatively upright. Billingsley recommends choosing a product with a nearly flat recline and leg rest adjustment for both seats to ensure both children can lie back comfortably.
Then, she suggests looking for a stroller that includes storage compartments that enable parents to easily access snacks, toys and personal items while out and about. She adds that it's also useful to find a stroller that has a parent console or organizer bag that is attached to the handlebars, which will allow you to keep your essentials close at hand.
A few of the top-rated double strollers can be extended giving parents the ability to alter the configuration depending on the needs of their family. The Mockingbird Expandable, for example, is a highly rated double stroller which can be used from birth with a single seat, and later converted 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 people, plus any additional cargo. Strollers must also be simple to move and push, particularly in tight areas and over challenging terrain. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars and adjustable heights, making it easier for parents to maintain a good posture when pushing them. Another feature that is great is a no-rethread belt harness, which allows for a more comfortable adjustment of the belts on the seat. Safety features include a robust brake system and wheels which can glide across any surface.
Some parents prefer an arrangement that allows both children to view each other on family outings. This arrangement can prevent sibling rivalries over who is allowed to sit where but it's not a guarantee. If the seats are located at different heights, a child could punch or kick another during a walk if the seats are at different levels.
A tandem-style stroller is a 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 larger than other double strollers, so they may not be able to be able to pass through all doors in your home. For maximum versatility, consider a stroller that can change from a single stroller to a tandem in different ways, such as the renowned CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can be adapted to a wide variety of configurations and let you click in infant car seats or cot attachments, depending on your needs.
Whether you choose a side-by-side or tandem-style stroller, be sure that the stroller is JPMA-certified to meet strict safety standards. Be aware of the weight limits that apply to each seat, as exceeding them can lead to frame fatigue or other issues.
While it's easy for us to focus on the additional bells and whistles on a new stroller, it is crucial to keep in mind that a stroller is essentially a baby carrier that is transported for long periods of time. It must be comfortable for both the passengers as well as easy to clean and maintain, and ideally it should feature an intuitive, familiar design that the person pushing it can easily maneuver it without having to think twice about how to move forward and turn left or right, or apply the brakes.
Easy to Use
For families who are constantly on the move, a double stroller should be easy to maneuver over different terrains. Strollers that have features like windows that peek-a-boo, adjustable canopies and sturdy brake systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children. However, there are other factors that make them easier to use. For instance the stroller should be small enough to fit in the trunk of your car but still provide ample storage space for groceries and other belongings. It's also important to include thoughtful touches, such as the cup holder for one parent, consoles for parents and a snack tray. These can help make traveling with two children much more enjoyable.
During our testing, we evaluated each stroller based on its ability to perform on different terrains and its ability to maneuver through tight spaces. We also looked at how easy it was to fold the stroller and unfold it, and if a particular feature made a difference to the overall performance. A stroller that does not have rethread straps is easy to adjust the seat belts. This can be a big attraction for parents who are always in motion, as it eliminates the need to rethread their harness.
The UPPAbaby 2 Double scored highly in this test because it came with a variety of seating options, as well as additional accessories that accommodated expanding families. The double-stroller that looks like a wagon expands so that it can accommodate two seats, a bassinet, or even a toddler-riding board. This is perfect for families who plan to spend long hours in the car with a variety of children of different ages. It is able to glide effortlessly over pavements, cobblestones, and ball fields. It can also be folded flat to fit in a trunk or closet. Our test subject Kerry loved the simple and easy-to-use nature of the stroller's design. The smart packaging clear sections, well-marked sections and user's manual made it easy to assemble this stroller.
Storage
Double strollers can hold twice as much as one stroller, so make sure you look for plenty of storage space. Ideally, you want an item that can hold the basic necessities for both kids: nappies bottles, snacks, and toys, in addition to parents' belongings like phones, wallets keys and wallets. Find baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, consider a stroller that has an expandable cargo area to accommodate bulky items such as lunch bags and diaper bags.
A quality double stroller will be able to adapt to the needs of your family. Billingsley says that some models have an attachment for a bassinet to accommodate newborns. Some models have child seats that can be able to grow with your child until they are able to ride on the back. Some double strollers permit older siblings to share in the fun with riding boards.
You'll find a wide variety of double strollers on the market, ranging from elegant, high-performance models that excel on rough terrain to budget-friendly models more suitable for use in the everyday. As you shop, read user reviews and recommendations from families like yours to get a better sense of what to expect from the double stroller you select.
Double strollers come in three different styles including tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers provide the most flexibility and are perfect for twins or children similar to their age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers on the contrary, have two seats that are placed adjacent to one another and facing in opposite directions. This is a great option for children who are the same age or for siblings who love to interact with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces, and less likely to fit into doorways.
If you prefer a wagon-style double stroller check out this top pick from Safety 1st. This model is affordable and was praised by test participants for its many seating options. It can be used with two infant car seats or one child sitting in a convertible toddler seat. Our experts also praised memory foam seats, canopy with 50+ SPF, and foam-filled wheels that never flatten. And when it's time for you to fold, this model needs only a few tugs on straps on each seat (under the seats where kids are) to fold in half.