What To Look For In The Double Strollers To Be Right For You
Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is a good investment for families with two children with similar ages. These narrow tandem strollers or flexible side-by-side buggies let you keep an eye on both children at the same time while navigating the aisles of the supermarket or the parks, and whatever else life throws your way.
Comfort
When you are looking for a double stroller, comfort is a key consideration. This includes the seating arrangement and overall size, which can have an impact on the ease of use and storage. "Parents should determine how much the stroller weighs and its dimensions folded," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They must also take into consideration the options for recline of the seat as well as the age ranges of their children to ensure it's a perfect fit."
A well-constructed double stroller will be sturdy enough to traverse all surfaces without difficulty, from suburban sidewalks to park trails and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should also have flexible seating arrangements for children of different ages and comfort features like windows that can be opened and closed to keep kids shielded from sun or rain.
Seating double pushchair are important for many families who utilize double strollers from the time of birth until childhood. Billingsley says there are two major categories of in-line seating, with one seat in-front of the other, and side-by-side with seats adjacent to each other. "Some parents prefer an in-line stroller due to its sleek look and versatility, whereas others prefer a wagon-style double stroller to maximize space for bulky items or grocery bags."
In-line models are more likely to show this kind of difference. Some models might offer different recline options, with one being nearly flat, and the other being more upright. Billingsley suggests choosing a model that has an almost flat recline as well as leg rests that can be adjusted for both seats, so that each child can sleep comfortably.
She also suggests parents look for strollers with storage compartments so that they can easily access their snacks, personal items and toys when in motion. She suggests that it's helpful to look for a stroller that has a parent console or organizer bag that is attached to the handlebars. This will help keep things within reach.
A few of the top-rated double strollers can be expanded which allows parents to alter the layout to meet the requirements of their growing 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) when the child gets older.
Safety
Double strollers must be able to support the weight of two adults, as well as any additional cargo. Strollers should also be easy to move and push, particularly in tight spaces and on terrain that is difficult to navigate. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to ensure that parents maintain a good posture while pushing them. A harness that does not need to be rethread which makes the adjustment of seat belts more quickly and easily, is another nice feature to look for. Safety features include a sturdy brake system and wheels which glide over any surface.
Some parents prefer an arrangement that allows both children to view one another during family outings. This arrangement can help prevent siblings arguing over who gets to sit in which spot however, it's not 100% secure. If the seats are placed at different heights, one child could be in a position to punch or kick the other during the course of a walk.
For parents with twins or siblings close in age, a tandem stroller is a great option for being able to see both children at the same time. Double strollers can be wider, and may not fit through certain interior doors. Think about a stroller that is single-to-double that can be converted from a single to a double in many ways. The most popular models are the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you are looking for a tandem or side-by-side stroller, be sure the stroller has been JPMA certified to meet stringent safety standards. Pay attention to the weight limit that applies to each seat. If you exceed these limits, it could cause frame fatigue or other issues.
While it's easy for us to focus on the many bells and whistles on a new stroller, it's important to remember that a stroller is essentially a baby carrier that will be transported for long durations of time. It must be comfortable for both passengers, easy to clean and maintain, and in the ideal case it should feature an easy-to-use, familiar design so that the person pushing it can effortlessly move it around without having to think about how to move forward or turn left or right, or apply the brakes.
Easy to Use
A double stroller should be easily maneuverable on different types of terrains for families always on the move. Features like adjustable canopy windows, peek-aboo windows, and dependable braking systems are critical to help ensure your children's safety, however, there are other elements that influence stroller comfort of use. For example the stroller should be small enough to fit into the trunk of your car yet provide ample storage space for groceries and other belongings. It is also important to consider thoughtful additions like a one-parent cup holder as well as a console for parents and snacks for children--all things that will make life on the go with two kids significantly more manageable.
In our tests we rated each stroller on how well it did on a variety of surfaces and how well it maneuvered in tight spaces. We also examined the ease with which it was possible to fold and unfold, and whether or not a particular feature enhanced the overall functionality of the stroller. For example a stroller that has a no-rethread harness makes adjusting the seat belts quick and simple. This is a huge selling point for parents who are constantly moving around, since it does away with the need to rethread their harness.
The UPPAbaby V2 Double scored highly in this metric as it came with a variety of seating options, as well as additional accessories to accommodate families that are growing. The wagon-style double stroller is able to allow for an additional seat as well as a bassinet, or a toddler riding board--perfect for families with active children who plan long trips with multiple kids of various age groups. It easily glides over pavements, cobblestones, and ballfields. It can fold flat to fit in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is easy and easy to use which was well-loved by our tester Kerry. The sleek packaging with clearly marked sections as well as a user guide made it easy to put together this stroller.
Storage
A double stroller is able to hold twice as much than a single stroller, so make sure you have plenty of storage space. It is ideal to have a stroller that is able to hold the necessities for both kids, including nappies, bottles, snacks and toys, along with parents' items such as wallets, phones keys, wallets and phones. Look for baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller that has an expandable cargo area to accommodate bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags.
A good double stroller will be able to grow with your family. Billingsley says that some models come with an attachment for a bassinet to accommodate infants. Others have child seats which can grow with the child until they are ready to ride on the back. Some double strollers permit a rider's board to allow older siblings to join in the fun.
There's a wide selection of double strollers on the market, ranging from elegant, high-performance models that are able to handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models more suited for daily use. While shopping, read reviews and recommendations of families just like yours to get a better idea of what to expect from the double stroller you pick.
Double strollers come in three different design formats such as tandem, side-byside, and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-byside strollers are the most versatile and suitable for twins or children of a similar age. Tandem double strollers, on the other hand, feature two seats set next to each other and facing in opposite directions--a good option for kids of the same age or for siblings who like to interact with one another. double pram pushchair are more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and are less likely to fit through doorways than their side-by-side counterparts.
Take a look at this top choice by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon-style double stroller. This model is affordable and was praised by test participants for its multiple seating configurations. It can be used with two infant car seats or one child sitting in a 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. And when it's time for you to fold, this model requires only a couple of pulls on the straps of each seat (under the seat where kids sit) to fold it in half.