7 Things You've Never Knew About Double Strollers
Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is an excellent investment for families with two children with similar age. These compact tandem strollers or flexible side-by-side buggies allow you to keep an eye on both kids at the same time navigating the aisles of the supermarket or the parks, and whatever else life throws your way.
Comfort
The comfort factor is one of the most important factors to consider when shopping for a double-stroller. This includes the seating arrangement and the overall size, which has an impact on the ease of use and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, suggests parents examine the stroller's weight as well as folded dimensions. "They should also consider the options for recline and seat age ranges to ensure a good fit for their family."
A quality double stroller should be robust enough to navigate all surfaces without difficulty, from urban sidewalks to parks trails, and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should come with a variety of seating options for children at different age groups, and comfort features such as a peek-a-boo window and adjustable canopy which 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 the seating options. "There are two main categories: in-line with one seat behind the other, and side-byside with seats next to each other," Billingsley explains. " sit and stand double stroller prefer an in-line model due to its sleek appearance and versatility, whereas others prefer a wagon-style double stroller to maximize space for large items or groceries."
While some products may have different recline options, with one seat nearly flat while the other one remains upright, this kind of difference is more common in models that are in-line. Billingsley suggests selecting a product that has a nearly flat recline and leg rest adjustment for both seats to ensure both children can lie back comfortably.
She also suggests that parents look for strollers that have storage compartments so that they can quickly access snacks, personal items and toys on the move. She also suggests that it is beneficial to find a stroller which has a parent console, or organizer bag, that can be attached to the handlebars. This will help parents keep their essentials to hand.
Many of the top-rated double strollers can be enlarged to allow parents to customize the setup according to their family's requirements. The Mockingbird Expandable, for example is a highly rated double stroller that can be used from birth using a single seat, and later converted into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) when the child gets older.
Safety
Double strollers should be able to carry the weight of both passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers must also be simple to move and push, particularly in tight areas and on terrain that is difficult to navigate. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to ensure that parents maintain a good posture when pushing them. A no-rethread harness, which makes adjusting seat belts faster and easier, is another nice feature to look out for. Finally, a sturdy brake system and wheels that can glide over any surface are important safety features.
Some parents choose an arrangement that is side by side to allow both children to be together on family outings. This arrangement can help prevent sibling fights over which child is allowed to sit where however it's not foolproof. If the seats are set at different levels, one child might be able to kick or punch the other on the course of a walk.
A tandem-style stroller is a ideal option for parents with twins or siblings who are close in age. It lets them be able to see both children simultaneously. Double strollers can be larger, and might not fit through some doors inside. You could consider a single-to-double stroller that can be transformed from a single stroller 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, be sure the product is JPMA certified to meet the strictest safety standards. Be aware of the weight limits that apply to each seat, as exceeding them could result in frame fatigue or other issues.
It's easy to get caught in the jingles and whistles, however it's important to keep in mind that strollers are essentially baby carriers that will be used for a long period of durations. It should be easy to clean and maintain and comfortable for both the passengers. It should also have a an intuitive, familiar design that lets the person pushing the stroller to move it easily.
Simple to Use
A double stroller should be easily maneuverable on different terrains for families who are constantly on the move. Features like adjustable canopies windows, peek-aboo windows, and dependable braking systems are critical to help ensure the safety of your children however, there are other elements that influence stroller comfort of use. A stroller should be small enough to fit in the trunk of your vehicle yet have plenty of storage space for groceries or other things. It is also essential to include thoughtful details, such as cups holder for one parent, consoles for parents and snacks on trays. These will make traveling with two children much easier.
During our testing we evaluated each stroller according to its performance on various surfaces and its ability to maneuver through tight spaces. We also looked at 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 no-rethread harnesses makes adjusting the seat belts easy and quick. This is a major selling point for parents who are always moving around, since it eliminates the need to rethread their harness.
The UPPAbaby 2 Double scored highly in this metric as it offered a wide range of seating configurations and additional accessories that accommodated families that are growing. The double-stroller in the wagon style expands so that it can accommodate a second seat, bassinet or even a toddler's riding board. This is perfect for families who plan to spend long days in the car with a variety of children of different age groups. It easily glides over cobblestones, pavements, and ballfields. It can be folded flat to fit in a trunk or closet. Our tester Kerry appreciated the straightforward and intuitive nature of this stroller's design. Its smart packaging, clearly labeled sections and helpful user guide made putting together this stroller an absolute breeze.
Stores
Double strollers can carry twice more than a single one so be sure to look for plenty of storage space. You want a stroller with enough storage space to store the necessities of children and parents including bottles and snacks, toys, and diapers. Find baskets under the seat as well as other pockets, and consider a stroller with an expandable cargo area that can hold bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags.
A good double stroller will be able to grow with your family. For example certain models come with a bassinet attachment that can accommodate infants, while others have child seats that can expand with your kids until they're ready to move to the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers even include a rider board that allows older children to join in the fun.
There's a wide selection of double strollers in the market, from sleek, high-performance models that are able to handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models that are more suitable for use in the everyday. When you're shopping, read reviews from other users and the opinions of families like yours to gain 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 offer most versatility and are ideal for twins or children close in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers on the contrary, have two seats set adjacent to one another and facing in opposite directions--a ideal choice for children who are the same age or for siblings who like to interact with one another. Tandem strollers may be harder to maneuver through tight spaces, and are less likely to pass through doorways than their side-byside counterparts.
If you're looking for a wagon-style double stroller, check out this top pick from Safety 1st. Testers loved how this affordable model comes with a variety of seating options and the option to connect two infant car seats or a single child in an convertible toddler seat. Our reviewers also praised the memory foam seats as well as the canopy, which has 50+ SPF, and foam-filled wheels that never flatten. When it's time to fold, this model needs just a couple of tugs on the straps of each seat (under where the kids sit) to fold it in half.