Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two children that are in the same age group, a double stroller can be an invaluable investment. These compact tandem buggies or versatile side-by-side buggies allow you to keep both children in sight while navigating the grocery aisle and parks, as well as whatever else life throws at you.
Comfort
Comfort is a major factor to think about when purchasing a double-stroller. This could include both seating arrangements and the overall size of the stroller which impacts ease of use 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 recline options for seats and age ranges to ensure a perfect fit for their family.”
A well-constructed double stroller will be sturdy enough to traverse different surfaces smoothly–from parks trails to suburban sidewalks, and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should come with a variety of seating options for children of different age groups, and features that provide comfort, such as a peek-aboo windows pushchairs and prams adjustable canopy options that shield kids from the sun or rain.
Seating options are crucial for many families who utilize double strollers from the time of birth until childhood. “There are two main categories – in-line with one seat ahead of the other, and side by side with seats that are next to each other,” Billingsley explains. Some parents prefer the in-line model because of its sleek appearance and versatility. Others like a 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 prevalent in in-line models. Billingsley suggests choosing a model with a near-flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats, so that both children can lie back comfortably.
Then, she suggests to look for strollers with storage compartments that enable parents to easily access snacks, toys, and personal belongings while on the go. She also suggests that it’s beneficial to choose a stroller with a parent console or organizer bag that is attached to the handlebars. This will allow you to keep your essentials within reach.
A few of the top-rated double strollers can be expanded giving parents the ability to customize the setup based on their family’s needs. The Mockingbird Expandable, for example is a highly-rated cheap double pushchair stroller which can be used from birth with just one seat, and then converted into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers need to be able to handle the weight of two passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers must also be easy to move and push, particularly in tight spaces and on difficult terrain. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to allow parents to maintain their good form while pushing them. Another feature that is great is a no-rethread belt harness, which makes it easier to adjust the belts for your child. Safety features include a durable brake system, as well as wheels that slide over any surface.
Some parents prefer the side-by-side design to allow both children to see each other on family outings. This arrangement can prevent sibling squabbles over who gets to sit in which place however, it’s not 100% secure. If the seats are different levels, a child might punch or kick another during a walk in the event that the seats are at different levels.
A tandem-style stroller is excellent option for parents with twins or siblings who are similar in age. It allows them to observe both children at the same time. Double strollers are typically more spacious, and may not fit through some doors inside. For maximum versatility, consider a stroller that can change from a single to a tandem in various ways, such as the popular CYBEX Gazelle S. These models are able to accommodate a broad range of configurations, and allow you to click in infant car seats or cot attachments according to your requirements.
If you opt for a side-byside or tandem stroller, make sure the product is JPMA-certified to meet strict safety standards. Also pay attention to the weight limits that apply to each seat, since exceeding them can lead to frame fatigue or other issues.
It’s easy to be swept in the sound of bells and whistles, but it’s important to keep in mind that strollers are in essence baby carriers that are used for a long period of durations. It should be easy to clean and maintain as well as comfortable for both passengers. It should also feature a an easy-to-use, familiar design that allows the person pushing it to easily maneuver it.
Easy of Use
A double stroller should be easily maneuverable on different types of terrains for families constantly on the move. Strollers with features like windows that peek-a-boo, adjustable canopies and sturdy brake systems are crucial to ensure the safety of your children. But there are other factors that make them easier to use. For instance the stroller should be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your car, while still offering ample storage space for your groceries and other items. Also important are thoughtful touches like a cup holder with a single parent as well as a console for parents and snacks for children–all things that can make life on the go with two kids significantly more manageable.
In our tests, we assessed each stroller based on its ability to perform on different terrains and its ability to maneuver in tight spaces. We also looked at how easy it was to fold the stroller in half and then unfold it in a timely manner, and if a specific feature made a difference to the overall performance. A stroller without rethread straps makes it simple to adjust the seat belts. This is a major attraction for parents who are always moving around, since it does away with the requirement to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby 2 Double scored highly in this test because it offered a wide range of seating configurations and other accessories that could accommodate growing families. The wagon-style double stroller can be expanded to accommodate an additional seat, a bassinet or even a toddler riding board–perfect for families who are active and planning long trips with multiple kids of varying age groups. It also glides smoothly over pavement, cobblestones and ballfields–and it folds flat to make easy storage in a closet or trunk. Our tester Kerry appreciated the straightforward, intuitive nature of this stroller’s design. Its stylish packaging clear sections, well-labeled sections and helpful user guides made assembling this stroller a breeze.
Stores
Double strollers can hold twice as much as one stroller so be sure to ensure you have plenty of storage space. It is important to find a stroller with enough storage space to hold the necessities of parents and children, such as bottles and snacks, toys, and diapers. Find baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller with an expandable cargo space to accommodate bulky items such as lunch bags and diaper bags.
A quality double stroller should be able to change as your family grows. For example certain models have a bassinet attachment that can accommodate newborns, while others have child seats that can be adapted to your children until they’re able to ride on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers permit a rider’s board to allow older siblings to join in the fun.
There are a variety of double strollers available. You can pick from models with high-performance features that are great for rough terrain, to more budget-friendly options that you can use every day. While shopping, take a look at user reviews and recommendations from families like yours to get a better sense of what you can expect from the double stroller you select.
Double strollers are available in three different models: tandem, side by side and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers offer the most versatility and are suitable for twins or children similar in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers on the contrary, have two seats set close to each other and facing in opposite directions. This is a ideal choice for children of the same age, or for siblings who enjoy interacting with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver in 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 model from Safety 1st. Our testers were impressed by the fact that this low-cost model offers multiple seating configurations and the option to connect two infant car seats or a single child riding in the convertible toddler seat. Our reviewers also praised the comfy memory foam seats with a 50+ SPF canopy, and foam-filled tires that will never go flat. And when it’s time to fold, this model requires just a couple of tugs on the straps of each seat (under where the kids sit) to fold in half.
