The Often Unknown Benefits Of Double Strollers
Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is a great investment for families with two children of similar age. These narrow tandem buggies as well as versatile side by side buggies let you keep both children in sight while navigating the grocery aisle, parks, and whatever else life throws at you.
Comfort
The comfort factor is one of the most important factors to think about when purchasing a double-stroller. This can include the seating arrangement as well as the overall size, which can have an impact on the ease of use and storage. "Parents should determine how much the stroller weighs as well as its folded dimensions," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also take a look at the seat recline options and age ranges to ensure the best fit for their family."
A reputable double stroller must be able to handle different surfaces easily, from suburban sidewalks to parks, and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should also offer versatile seating arrangements for children of different age and comfort features like windows that can be opened and closed to protect children from rain or sun.
For a majority of families double strollers will be utilized from birth until the teen years, so it's essential to think about the seating options. "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 inline option due to its sleek design and its versatility. Others like a wagon style double stroller to maximize space for grocery or bulky items.
In-line models are more likely to have this type of discrepancy. Certain models may provide different recline options, with one seat being almost flat, while the other one remaining fairly upright. Billingsley suggests choosing a model that offers both an almost flat recline as well as leg rest adjustment for both seats to ensure 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 in motion. She also suggests that it's helpful to choose a stroller that comes with a parent console or organizer bag, that can be attached to the handlebars. This will aid parents in keeping their essentials at hand.
A few of the top-rated double strollers can be expanded, allowing parents to customize the layout to meet the needs of their growing family. For instance the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used with just a single seat as early as birth, and then converted to a tandem (with a second seat and bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers have to be able to handle the weight of two adults, as well as any additional cargo. Strollers should also be easy to maneuver and push, especially in tight spots and on terrain that is difficult to navigate. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars and adjustable heights which allow parents to maintain a good posture when pushing them. A harness that does not need to be rethread that makes the adjustment of seat belts quicker and easier is another great feature to look out for. Also, a strong brake system and wheels that glide across any surface are essential safety features.
Some parents prefer a side by side design to allow both children to see each other when they go on family outings. This arrangement can prevent sibling fights over which child gets to sit where, but it's not foolproof. If the seats are set at different levels, one child might be in a position to punch or kick the other on the course of a walk.
For parents with twins or siblings of similar age, a tandem stroller is a great option for being able see both kids at once. Double strollers are typically wider, and may not fit through some doors inside. You could consider a single-to-double stroller that can be converted from a single to double in various ways. Popular models include 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 or other issues.
It's easy to get caught in the jingles and whistles, but it's important to remember that strollers are in essence baby carriers that will be used for a long period of times. It must be easy to clean and maintain, and comfortable for both passengers. It should also have a an intuitive, familiar design that lets the person pushing it to move it easily.
Easy of Use
A double stroller must be easily maneuverable on various terrains for families who are constantly moving. 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 affect stroller ease of use. For instance the stroller should be compact enough to fit into the trunk of your car, but still provide ample storage space for your groceries and other items. It's also essential to add thoughtful features, like cups holder for one parent or consoles for parents, as well as snacks on trays. These are able to make traveling with two kids much easier.
In our testing we rated each stroller on how well it did on a variety of terrains and how easily it maneuvered in tight spaces. We also looked at how easy it was to fold and unfold and whether or not a particular feature added to the overall performance of the stroller. For instance, a stroller with a harness that does not rethread makes the adjustment of the seat belts quick and simple. This is a huge benefit for parents who are constantly on the move, as it eliminates the requirement to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double was a top performer in this metric, as it offered an impressive range of seating configurations and additional accessories to accommodate families that are growing. The wagon-style double stroller can be expanded to allow for an additional seat as well as a bassinet or a toddler-friendly riding board, which is ideal for families with active children who plan long, tiring days with multiple kids of various ages. It easily glides over cobblestones and pavements and ballfields. It can be folded flat to fit in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is simple and intuitive which was well-loved by our tester Kerry. Its stylish packaging, clearly labeled sections and an informative user guide made putting together this stroller a breeze.
Storage
Double strollers can hold twice more than one single stroller, so make sure you ensure you have plenty of storage space. It is important to find a stroller with enough storage space to hold the essentials of both children and parents like bottles, toys, snacks, and diapers. Look for baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller that has an expandable cargo space to take in bulky items like diaper bags and lunchbags.
A good double stroller will be able to expand with your family. Billingsley says that some models have the option of a bassinet attachment that can accommodate newborns. Others have child seats that be able to grow with your child until they are able to ride on the back. Some double strollers also allow for a rider board that allows older children to be part of the fun.
There are a variety of double strollers in the market, from sleek, high-performance options that excel on rough terrain to budget-friendly models that are more suited for daily use. When you're shopping, read reviews from other users and the opinions of families just like yours to get an idea of what you can expect from the double stroller you choose.
Double strollers are available in three different styles such as tandem, side-byside, and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers offer most versatility and are ideal for twins or kids similar in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers on the other hand, feature two seats that are placed next 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 through narrow spaces, and less likely to fit in doorways.
If you're looking for a wagon-style double stroller, check out this top model from Safety 1st. This affordable model was praised by testers for its various seating configurations. It can be used with two infant car seats or one child sitting in a convertible toddler chair. Our testers also loved the soft memory foam seats and the 50+ SPF canopy and foam-filled tires that will never get flat. When it's time for folding, this model only requires just a few pulls on the straps under each seat (under the seat where children sit) in order to fold.