What's Everyone Talking About Double Strollers This Moment
Buying Guide For Double Strollers If you have two kids that are in the same age group, a double stroller can be a valuable investment. These compact tandem strollers or versatile side-by-side buggies help you keep your eyes on both kids at the same time taking on the grocery store, parks and anything else life throws your way. small double buggy When you are looking for a double stroller, the comfort is a key aspect to take into consideration. This can include both the seating arrangement and the overall size of the stroller, which impacts convenience and storage. “Parents should determine how much the stroller weighs and its folded dimensions,” says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. “They should also consider the seat recline options and age ranges to ensure the best fit for their family.” A quality double stroller should be able to handle different surfaces easily including suburban sidewalks, park paths and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should also have flexible seating options for children of varying ages and comfort features such as windows that peek out and adjustable canopy to protect children from rain or sun. For a lot of families, a double stroller will be utilized from birth until the teen years, so it's essential to think about the seating options. Billingsley explains that there are two main categories of in-line seating with one seat in front of the other and side-byside, with seats next to one another. “Some parents prefer an in-line model due to its sleek look and versatility, while others like a wagon-style double stroller that can be used to store large items or groceries.” In-line models are more likely to show this type of discrepancy. Some products may offer different recline options, with one seat being almost flat, while the other being more upright. Billingsley suggests selecting a model with both a near flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children lie down comfortably. She also suggests parents search for strollers with storage compartments so that they can easily access their snacks, personal items and toys on the move. She also says that it is beneficial to choose a stroller that has a parent console, or organizer bag, that can be attached to the handlebars. This can help parents keep essentials close at hand. A few of the most highly-rated double strollers can be expanded which allows parents to alter the set-up based on the needs of their growing family. The Mockingbird Expandable, for instance 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 should be able to handle the weight of two people, plus any additional cargo. Strollers should be easy to maneuver and push, particularly on difficult terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height to allow parents to maintain their good posture while pushing them. Another nice feature is a no-rethread belt harness that allows for a more comfortable adjustment of the belts for your child. Safety features include a robust brake system, as well as wheels that can glide across any surface. Some parents prefer an arrangement that is side by side so that both children can be together when they go on family outings. This arrangement can help prevent siblings fighting over who is allowed to sit where, but it's not foolproof. If the seats are different heights, a child may punch or kick one another during a walk, when the seats are on different levels. For parents of twins or siblings of similar age, a tandem-style stroller offers the benefit of being able to see both kids at once. Double strollers are typically wider, and may not be able to fit through some interior doors. 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. Be sure to check the maximum weight limits for each seat, as over-weighting could lead to frame fatigue or other issues. While it's easy to focus on the additional bells and whistles on the latest stroller, it's important to remember that a stroller is an infant carrier that is transported for long periods of time. It should be easy to clean and maintain and comfortable for both of the passengers. It should also have a a familiar, intuitive design that lets the person pushing the stroller to maneuver it effortlessly. User-Friendliness For families who are constantly on the move, a double stroller needs to be able to navigate a variety of terrains. Features like adjustable canopy systems windows, peek-aboo windows, and dependable braking systems are critical to help ensure the safety of your children however, there are other elements that affect stroller ease of use. For example the stroller must be small enough to fit into the trunk of your car yet provide ample storage space for your groceries and other items. Also important are thoughtful touches such as a cup holder for one parent as well as a console for parents and an eating tray for children — all things that make life on the go with two children significantly simpler. During our testing we evaluated 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 then unfold it, and if a particular feature made a difference to the overall performance. For instance a stroller with a no-rethread harness makes adjusting the seat belts quick and simple. This is 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 high in this measure, since it offered an impressive range of seating configurations as well as additional accessories to accommodate families that are growing. The wagon-style double stroller expands to allow for an additional seat, a bassinet or even a toddler riding board—perfect for active families planning long, tiring days with multiple children of different ages. It glides easily 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 appreciated by our test participant Kerry. Its stylish packaging, clearly labeled sections and helpful user guides made putting together this stroller an absolute breeze. Storage A double stroller has the potential 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 hold the essentials of both children and parents, such as bottles, toys, snacks, and diapers. Look for pockets and baskets under the seats. Also, consider a stroller with an expandable cargo space that can take in bulky items like diaper bags and lunchbags. A good double stroller should be able to grow with your family. Billingsley says that some models have a bassinet attachment to accommodate newborns. Some models have child seats which can expand with the child until they are old enough to ride on the back. Some double strollers also permit a rider's board to let older siblings join in the fun. There's a wide selection of double strollers available on the market, ranging from sleek, high-performance options that can handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models more suitable for use in the everyday. As you shop, read reviews from other users and the opinions of families like yours to get an idea of what to expect with the double stroller you select. Double strollers are available in three different styles: side-by-side, tandem, and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers offer the most versatility and are suitable for twins or kids similar in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers have two seats set up in tandem, facing opposite directions. This is a good option for children who are the same age, or siblings who like to be social with one another. Tandem strollers can be difficult to maneuver through tight spaces, and are less likely to fit through doorways than their side-by-side counterparts. If you're looking for a wagon-style double stroller check out this top model from Safety 1st. Testers loved how this affordable model offers multiple seating configurations, including the ability to click in two infant car seats or a single child in an convertible toddler seat. 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 to fold this model requires only just a few nudges on the straps underneath each seat (under the seat where children sit) for folding.