Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two kids who are similar in age, a double stroller can be an invaluable investment. These narrow tandem strollers or versatile side-by-side buggies help you keep your eyes on both kids at the same time while navigating the aisles of the supermarket, parks and anything else life throws at you.
Comfort
Comfort is an important factor to think about when purchasing a double-stroller. This could include both seating arrangement as well as the overall size of the stroller which affects the convenience and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child expert in development from the Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, suggests parents examine the stroller's weight as well as folded dimensions. "They should also think about the recline options for seats, as well as the age ranges of their children to ensure it is a perfect fit."
A good double stroller will be sturdy enough to traverse different surfaces smoothly--from urban sidewalks to parks trails, and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should offer a range of seating options for children of different age groups, and comfort features like peek-a-boo window and adjustable canopies that protect children from rain or sun.
For many families double strollers will be used from birth and into the age of five, so it's crucial to consider the seating options. "There are two main categories--in-line with one seat behind the other, and side by side with seats adjacent to each other," Billingsley explains. Some parents prefer the in-line option because of its sleek appearance and flexibility. Others like the wagon style double stroller for maximum space for groceries or bulky items.
In-line models are more likely to show this type of discrepancy. Certain models may provide different recline options, with one seat being almost flat and the other one remaining fairly upright. Billingsley recommends selecting a product with a near-flat recline and leg rest adjustment for both seats. This will ensure that both children lie down comfortably.
In the end, she suggests to look for a stroller that includes storage compartments that will allow parents to access their snacks, toys and personal items while on the move. She also suggests that it's helpful to choose a stroller that includes a parent console or organizer bag that is attached to the handlebars. This will help parents keep essentials close at hand.
Many of the top-rated double strollers can be enlarged to allow parents to alter the configuration according to their family's requirements. For instance the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly rated double stroller that can be used with just a single seat from birth and later converted to a tandem (with a second seat and bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers should be able to handle the weight of both passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers need to be simple to maneuver and push, especially on difficult terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to allow parents to maintain their good posture when pushing them. Another feature that is great is a no-rethread seat belt harness that makes it easier to adjust the belts on the seat. Safety features include a robust brake system and wheels which slide over any surface.
Some parents prefer an arrangement that is side by side to ensure that both children see each other on family outings. This arrangement can help prevent sibling rivalries over who is allowed to sit in which spot but it's not a guarantee. If the seats are at different levels, a child might punch or kick one another during a walk, in the event that the seats are at different levels.
If you have twins or siblings who are close in age, a tandem-style stroller is a great option for being able see both children at the same time. However, these can be wider than other double strollers, meaning they may not fit through all doorways in the interior. You could 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 opt for a side-byside or tandem stroller, make sure that the stroller is JPMA-certified to meet the strictest safety standards. Also pay attention to 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 up in the 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 times. It must be comfortable for both parents and children, easy to clean and maintain, and most importantly, it should offer an intuitive, familiar design that the person pushing it is able to easily maneuver it without having to think twice about how to move forward or turn left or right, or even apply the brakes.
Easy to Use
A double stroller must be easily maneuverable on a variety terrains for families who are always on the move. Features like adjustable canopy with windows that peek out and dependable braking systems are essential to ensure your children's safety, however, there are other elements that influence stroller comfort of use. A stroller must be compact enough to fit into the trunk of your car yet have plenty of storage space for groceries or other items. It's also essential to add thoughtful details, such as the cup holder for one parent or consoles for parents, as well as a snack tray. These will make traveling with two kids much more enjoyable.
In our tests, we assessed each stroller on the basis of its performance on various terrains, as well as its ability to maneuver through tight spaces. We also looked at how easy it was to fold the stroller and unfold it in a timely manner, and if a specific feature enhanced the overall functionality. A stroller that does not have rethread straps makes it easy to adjust the seat belts. This can be a major selling point for parents on the go because it cuts down on time and eliminates the need to re-thread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored highly in this metric, as it offers a wide range of seating configurations as well as additional accessories to accommodate families that are growing. The double-stroller in the wagon style can be expanded to accommodate an additional seat, a bassinet, or even a toddler-riding board. This is ideal for families who want to spend long days on the road with multiple children of different age groups. It also glides smoothly over cobblestones, ball fields and pavements. It also it folds flat to make easy storage in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is simple and intuitive which was well-loved by our test participant Kerry. The smart packaging, clearly marked sections and the user's guide made it simple to put together this stroller.
Stores
A double stroller is able to hold twice as much as a single stroller so make sure you have plenty of storage space. You want a stroller with enough storage space to accommodate the essentials of both children and parents including bottles as well as snacks, toys and diapers. Look for under-seat baskets and other pockets, and consider a stroller with an expanding cargo area that can carry heavy items such as lunch bags and diaper bags.
A quality double stroller should be able to change as your family grows. For instance certain models come with the bassinet attachment, which can accommodate infants, while others have child seats that can expand with your children until they're ready to switch to riding on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers include a rider board that allows older children to join in the fun.
You'll find a wide variety of double strollers in the market, from sleek, high-performance models that excel on rough terrain to budget-friendly models more suited for daily use. While shopping, you can read reviews and opinions of families like yours to get an idea of what to expect from the double stroller you select.
pushchairsandprams.uk are available in three styles: tandem, side-by-side and wagon style. Billingsley states that side-byside strollers are the most flexible and ideal for twins or children of similar ages. Tandem double strollers, on contrary, have two seats set close to each other and facing in opposite directions. This is a good option for kids who are the same age or for siblings who love to interact with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through tight spaces, and are less likely to fit into doorways.
If you prefer a wagon-style double stroller take a look at this top choice from Safety 1st. This model is affordable and was highly praised by our testers for its multiple seating configurations. It can be used with two infant car seats or one child in a convertible toddler seat. Our experts also praised memory foam seats, canopy with 50+ SPF, and foam-filled wheels that will never wear out. When it's time for folding, this model only requires just a few nudges on the straps underneath each seat (under the seat where children sit) for folding.