Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two children who are close in age A double stroller can be a great investment. These strollers are narrow and narrow, as well as flexible side-by-side buggies let you keep an eye on both children at the same time braving the grocery aisle or the parks, and whatever else life throws at you.
Comfort
When looking for a double stroller, the comfort is a key consideration. This includes both the seating arrangements and the overall size of the stroller, which impacts accessibility and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child expert in development from the Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, advises parents to check the stroller's weight and folded dimensions. "They should also consider the options for recline and seat age ranges to ensure a perfect fit for their family."
A good double stroller should be able to navigate a variety of surfaces with ease, from suburban sidewalks to park paths, and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should come with a variety of seating options for children of different ages, as well as comfort features such as a peek-a-boo window and adjustable canopies that protect children from the sun or rain.
For many families, a double stroller is likely to be used from birth and into the age of five, so it's crucial to think about seating options. "There are double pram pushchair - in-line with one seat ahead of the other, and side-byside with seats adjacent to each other," Billingsley explains. "Some parents prefer an in-line stroller due to its sleek design and versatility, while others prefer a wagon-style stroller to make the most space for heavy items or grocery bags."
In-line models tend to have this type of discrepancy. Some models might offer different recline options, with one seat being nearly flat, and the other being more upright. Billingsley recommends selecting a product with both a near flat recline as well as leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children can lay comfortably.
She also suggests that parents look for strollers that have storage compartments so that they can easily access personal items, snacks and toys when on the move. double pram and pushchair suggests that it's beneficial to choose a stroller that has an organizer or parent console bag that is attached to the handlebars. This can help keep essentials in reach.
Some of the most highly-rated double strollers can be expanded that allows parents to modify the layout to meet the requirements of their growing family. The Mockingbird Expandable, for instance is a highly rated double stroller which can be used from birth with just one seat, then transformed into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers must be able to carry the weight of two passengers--plus any additional cargo. Strollers need to be able to move and push, particularly on difficult terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to help parents maintain good posture while pushing them. A harness that does not need to be rethread which makes the adjustment of seat belts faster and easier is another great feature to look for. A sturdy brake system and wheels that can glide over any surface are important safety features.
Some parents opt for an arrangement that allows both children to see one another during family outings. This arrangement can stop sibling rivalries over who gets to sit where but it's not a guarantee. If the seats are located at different heights, a child could kick or punch another during a walk if the seats are at different levels.
For parents with twins or siblings who are close in age, a tandem stroller is a great option for being able to see both children at the same time. However, they are larger than other double strollers, meaning they may not be able to pass through all doors in your home. You could consider a single-to-double stroller that can be transformed from a single stroller to double in various ways. The most popular models are the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you're in the market for a tandem or a side-by-side stroller, ensure that the product is JPMA certified to meet stringent safety standards. Be aware of the maximum weight limits for each seat, since 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 in essence baby carriers that are used for a long period of times. It must be comfortable for both passengers and easy to clean and maintain, and most importantly it should feature an intuitive, familiar design so that the person pushing it can easily maneuver it without having to think twice about how to move forward and turn left or right, or even apply the brakes.
Ease of Use
For families that are on the move, a double stroller should be easy to maneuver over various terrains. Features like adjustable canopy systems with windows that peek out and reliable braking systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children, but there are other factors that contribute to stroller ease of use. For instance the stroller should be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your car yet provide ample storage space for groceries and other belongings. It is also essential to include thoughtful touches, such as the cup holder for one parent or consoles for parents, as well as snacks on trays. These will help make traveling with two children significantly easier.
During our testing we evaluated each stroller based on its performance on various surfaces and its ability to maneuver through tight spaces. We also assessed the ease with which it was possible to fold and unfold and whether or not a particular feature improved the overall performance of the stroller. For instance, a stroller with no-rethread harnesses makes adjusting the seat belts simple and easy. This can be a huge selling point for parents on the go, as it saves time and removes the need to re-thread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored highly in this measure, since it offered an impressive range of seating options and accessories to accommodate families that are growing. The wagon-style double stroller can be expanded to allow for two seats, a bassinet or even a toddler-friendly riding board, which is ideal for active families planning long days on the go with multiple kids of varying age. It easily glides over cobblestones and pavements and ball fields. It can fold flat to store in a trunk or a closet. The design of this stroller is easy and intuitive, which was appreciated by our test subject Kerry. The smart packaging clear sections, well-marked sections and user's manual made it easy to put together this stroller.
Storage
A double stroller is able to hold twice as much as a single stroller so look for ample storage space. Ideally, you want an item that can hold the necessities for both kids, including nappies bottles, snacks, and toys, in addition to parents' belongings such as wallets, phones keys and wallets. Look for pockets and baskets under the seats. Also, consider a stroller that has an expandable cargo space that can accommodate bulky items such as diaper bags and lunchbags.
A quality double stroller will be able to adapt to the needs of your family. Billingsley says that some models come with the option of a bassinet attachment that can accommodate infants. Others have child seats that be able to grow with your child until they are ready to ride on the back. Some double strollers allow for a rider board to let older siblings join in the fun.
There are a variety of double strollers on the market. You can choose from models with high-performance features that are great for rough terrain, as well as more budget-friendly options that you can use daily. While shopping, take a look at reviews and suggestions from families just like yours to get a better sense of what to expect with the double stroller you pick.
Double strollers are available in three different designs including tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers provide the most versatility and are ideal for twins or kids close to each other in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers, on other hand, have two seats set adjacent to one another and facing in opposite directions--a good option for kids who are the same age or for siblings who enjoy interacting with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces, and are less likely to fit into doorways.
Check out this top pick by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon style double stroller. This budget-friendly model was praised by testers for its multiple seating configurations. It can be used with two car seats for infants or one child in a convertible toddler seat. Our reviewers also praised the memory foam seats, canopy with 50+ SPF and foam-filled wheels that never flatten. And when it's time to fold, this model requires just a couple of tugs on the straps of each seat (under the seats where kids are) to fold in half.