Why All The Fuss About Double Strollers?

Buying Guide For Double Strollers

If you have two children who are similar in age A double stroller can be a valuable investment. These narrow tandem strollers or flexible side-by-side buggies let you keep an eye on both kids at the same time braving the grocery aisle or the 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 both the seating arrangements and the overall size of the stroller which affects the accessibility and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child expert in child development from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, advises parents to examine the stroller's weight as well as folded dimensions. "They should also consider the seat recline options, as well as the age ranges of their children to ensure that it is a perfect fit."

A good double stroller with car seat stroller will be durable enough to travel on all surfaces without difficulty, from suburban sidewalks to park trails and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should also provide flexible seating options for children of varying ages and comfort features such as windows that can be opened and closed to protect children from sun or rain.

For a majority of families double strollers will be used from birth until 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 an in-line option for its sleek appearance and versatility, whereas others prefer a wagon-style stroller to maximize space for bulky items or groceries."

Some products may offer different recline options--with one seat nearly flat while the other one remains upright, this kind of difference is more common in models that are in-line. Billingsley suggests selecting a model that has a nearly flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children can lie down comfortably.

Finally, she advises to look for strollers that have storage compartments that allow parents to quickly access snacks, toys and personal belongings while on the go. She adds that it's also helpful to look for a stroller with an organizer console for parents or a parent bag that can be attached to the handlebars, which will allow you to keep your essentials close at hand.

A few of the top-rated double strollers can be expanded, allowing parents the flexibility to customize the setup based on their family's needs. The Mockingbird Expandable, for instance, is a highly rated double stroller that can be used from birth with a single seat, then transformed into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) when the child is older.

Safety

Double strollers should be able to handle the weight of two passengers--plus any additional cargo. Strollers must be easy to maneuver and push, especially when on rough terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars and adjustable heights, making it easier for parents to maintain their form when pushing them. A harness that is not rethread that makes the adjustment of seat belts faster and easier, is another nice feature to look out for. Also, a strong brake system and wheels that glide over any surface are crucial safety features.

Some parents prefer a side-by-side design that allows both children to view each other on family outings. This arrangement can help prevent sibling rivalries over who sits in which spot, but it isn't foolproof. If the seats are placed at different heights, one child could be capable of punching or kicking the other during the course of a walk.

For parents of twins or siblings who are close in age, a tandem stroller offers the benefit of being able to see both children at the same time. However, they can be larger than other double strollers, meaning they may not fit through all interior doorways. For maximum flexibility, think about a single to double buggy-to-double stroller which can switch from a single stroller to a tandem in various ways, such as the popular CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can be adapted to a wide range of configurations, and allow you to click in infant car seats or cot attachments depending on your requirements.

Whether you choose a side-by-side or tandem-style stroller, make sure the product is JPMA-certified to meet stringent safety standards. Be sure to check the weight limits that apply to each seat, since over-weighting could lead to frame fatigue or other issues.

It's easy to get caught up in the bells and whistles, however it's important to remember that strollers are in essence baby carriers that will be carried for long periods of times. It must be comfortable for both parents and children and easy to clean and maintain, and ideally it should have an easy-to-use, familiar design so that the person pushing it is able to effortlessly maneuver it without having to think twice about how to move forward, turn left or right, or apply the brakes.

Ease of Use

A double stroller should be easy to maneuver on a variety of terrains for families that are constantly on the move. Features like adjustable canopies, peek-aboo windows and dependable braking systems are essential to ensure your children's safety, but there are many other aspects that contribute to stroller ease of use. For instance, a stroller must be small enough to fit into the trunk of your car but still provide ample storage space for groceries and other belongings. Additionally, you should consider thoughtful features such as a cup holder for one parent or console for parents, as well as snacks for children--all things that make life with two kids much simpler.

During our testing we rated each stroller based on how it did on a variety of surfaces and how well it could maneuver in tight spaces. We also looked at how simple it was to fold and unfold, and whether or not a specific feature enhanced the overall functionality of the stroller. For instance a stroller with a no-rethread harness makes adjusting the seat belts simple and easy. This can be a huge selling point for parents who are on the move since it reduces time and reduces the need to rethread the harness.

The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double was a top performer in this measure, since it offers a wide range of seating options and accessories to help accommodate growing families. The double-stroller that looks like a wagon can be expanded to accommodate two seats, a bassinet, or even a toddler-riding board. This is perfect for families who want to spend a lot of time on the road with multiple children of different age groups. It also glides effortlessly 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 easy and intuitive and was a big hit with our tester Kerry. Its stylish packaging with clearly labeled sections as well as a helpful user guides made assembling this stroller a breeze.

Storage

Double strollers can hold twice more than one single stroller so be sure to look for plenty of storage space. It is ideal to have a stroller that can accommodate the essentials for both kids--nappies bottles, snacks, and toys, as well as parents' belongings like wallets, phones keys and wallets. Look for pockets and baskets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller with an expandable cargo space to accommodate bulky items such as lunch bags and diaper bags.

A good double stroller should be able to expand with your family. Billingsley says that some models have an attachment for a bassinet to accommodate infants. Some models have child seats that expand with the child until they are ready to ride on the back. Some double strollers allow older siblings to join in the fun by riding on the rider board.

There are many different double strollers on the market. You can pick from models with high-performance features which are suitable for rough terrain, to more budget-friendly options that can use daily. While shopping, take a look at reviews from other users and the opinions of families like yours to gain a better sense of what to expect from the double stroller you select.

Double strollers are available in three different models: tandem, side by side and wagon-style. Billingsley says that side-by-side strollers are the most adaptable and suitable for twins or children of a similar age. Tandem double strollers, on other hand, have two seats that are placed next to each other and facing opposite directions. It's a great option for children of the same age or for siblings who love to interact with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces, and less likely to fit in doors.

If you prefer a wagon-style double stroller check out this top model from Safety 1st. This model is affordable and was praised by testers for its various seating configurations. It can be used with two infant car seats, or one child in a convertible toddler chair. Our experts also praised memory foam seats as well as the canopy, which has 50+ SPF and foam-filled wheels that never flatten. When it's time to fold, this model requires only a couple of pulls on the straps of each seat (under where the kids sit) to fold it in half.