Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is an excellent investment when you have two kids of similar age. These compact tandem strollers or versatile side-by-side buggies help you keep your eyes on both kids at the same time while taking on the grocery store as well as the parks and other obstacles life throws your way.
Comfort
When looking for a double stroller, comfort is a major consideration. This could include both seating arrangement as well as the overall size of the stroller, which can impact the ease of use and storage. “Parents must determine what the stroller weighs and its dimensions when folded,” says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. “They should also take a look at the options for recline and seat age ranges to ensure a good fit for their family.”
A reputable double stroller must be able to handle different surfaces easily including suburban sidewalks, parks, and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should also have flexible seating options for children of different ages and comfort features such as peek-a-boo windows and adjustable canopies to protect children from sun or rain.
For many families double strollers will be used from birth until the age of five, so it’s crucial to think about the seating options. Billingsley states that there are two main categories of in-line seating which has one seat in front of the other and side-byside, with seats next to each other. “Some parents prefer an in-line option for its sleek appearance and versatility, while others like a wagon-style double stroller that can be used to store bulky items or grocery bags.”
In-line models are more likely to have this type of discrepancy. Certain models may provide different recline options, with one seat being nearly flat, and the other remaining relatively upright. Billingsley suggests selecting a model with both a near flat recline and leg rest adjustment for both seats. This will ensure that both children lie down comfortably.
She also suggests parents look for strollers with storage compartments to allow them to quickly access personal items, snacks and toys when on the move. She adds that it’s also helpful to look for a stroller with a parent console or organizer bag attached to the handlebars. This can help keep essentials close at hand.
Some of the most highly-rated double strollers can be expanded that allows parents to modify the layout to meet the needs of their expanding family. For example, the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used with a single seat from birth, and then converted to a tandem (with the addition of a second seat and bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers have to be able to support the weight of two adults, as well as any additional cargo. Strollers must be able to move and push, particularly on rough terrain or in tight spaces. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height which make it easier for parents to maintain a good posture when pushing them. A harness that does not need to be rethread, which makes adjusting seat belts more quickly and easily to do, is a nice feature to look for. Finally, a sturdy brake system and wheels that glide over any surface are important safety features.
Some parents prefer an arrangement that allows both children to see each other on family outings. This arrangement can help prevent siblings fighting over who is allowed to sit in which spot but it’s not a guarantee. If the seats are positioned at different heights, one child could be capable of punching or kicking the other during the course of a walk.
For parents of twins or siblings who are close in age, a tandem-style stroller offers the benefit of being able see both children at the same time. These double strollers can be more spacious, and may not fit through certain interior doors. Consider a single-to double stroller that can be transformed from a single stroller to a double in many ways. The most popular models are the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you decide to purchase a side-by-side or tandem-style stroller, make sure that the stroller is JPMA-certified to meet stringent safety standards. Be aware of the weight limit that applies to each seat. Exceeding these limits could cause frame fatigue and other issues.
It’s easy to be swept in the sound of bells and whistles, however it’s important to keep in mind that strollers are essentially baby carriers that are used for a long period of time. It should be comfortable for both parents and children as well as 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 effortlessly move it around without having to think twice about how to move forward or turn left or right, or use the brakes.
Easy of Use
A double buggy that converts to single, www.pushchairsandprams.uk, stroller should be easy to maneuver on a variety terrains for families who are constantly on the move. Features like adjustable canopies with windows that peek out and reliable braking systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children, but there are many other aspects that contribute to stroller ease of use. For example, a stroller must be small enough to fit in the trunk of your car yet provide ample storage space for food items and other things. Also important are thoughtful touches like a cup holder with a single parent or console for parents, as well as snacks for children–all things that make life with two kids significantly easier.
During our testing, we evaluated each stroller based on how it performed on a variety terrains, and how easily it maneuvered in tight spaces. We also considered how easy it was to fold the stroller and unfold it, and if a particular feature improved the overall functionality. For example a stroller with no-rethread harnesses makes adjusting the seat belts easy and quick. This is a major attraction for parents who are always moving around, since it does away with the need to rethread their harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored highly in this metric, as it offered an impressive range of seating configurations and additional accessories to help accommodate growing families. The wagon-style double stroller is able to accommodate a second seat as well as a bassinet, or a toddler riding board–perfect for active families planning long trips with multiple kids of varying age groups. It glides easily over cobblestones and pavements and ballfields. It can fold flat to fit in a trunk or closet. Our test subject Kerry appreciated the straightforward and easy-to-use nature of the stroller’s design. The clever packaging with clearly marked sections as well as a the user’s guide made it simple to assemble this stroller.
Storage
Double strollers can hold twice more than one single stroller So, make sure to search for ample storage space. It is important to find a stroller with enough storage space to hold the essentials for both parents and children like bottles, toys, snacks, and diapers. Look for pockets and baskets under the seats. Also, consider a stroller with an expandable cargo area to take in bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags.
A good double stroller will be able to expand with your family. Billingsley states that certain models have the option of a bassinet attachment that can accommodate newborns. Others have child seats that can expand with the child until they are old enough to ride on the back. Some double strollers even allow for a rider board to allow older siblings to be part of the fun.
There are a variety of double strollers in the market, ranging from sleek, high-performance options that can handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models that are more suitable for use in the everyday. While shopping, take a look at reviews from other users and the opinions of families like yours to gain an idea of what you can expect from the double stroller you select.
Chicco OHlalà Twin Double Stroller: Lightweight Compact Versatile strollers are available in three styles: tandem, side-by-side and wagon style. Side-by-side double strollers provide the most versatility and are ideal for twins or children similar in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers come with two seats that are set in a tandem arrangement with the opposite direction facing. This is a good option for children of the same age or siblings who prefer to interact with each other. Tandem strollers can be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and are less likely to pass through doorways than their side-by-side counterparts.
If you prefer a wagon-style double stroller, check out this top model from Safety 1st. Testers loved how this affordable model comes with a variety of seating options, including the ability to snap in two infant car seats or a single child riding in the convertible toddler seat. Our reviewers also praised the memory foam seats, canopy with 50+ SPF and foam-filled wheels that never flatten. When it’s time to fold, this model requires only a few tugs on the straps of each seat (under the seat where kids sit) to fold in half.
