How To Tell If You re Are Ready For Double Strollers
Buying Guide For double infant stroller Strollers
A double stroller is a good investment when you have two kids with similar ages. These narrow tandem buggies or versatile side by side buggies allow you to keep both children in the same place while you shop and parks, as well as whatever else life throws at you.
Comfort
When looking for a double stroller, comfort is a major factor to consider. This includes the seating arrangement and the overall size, which will have an impact on ease of use and storage. "Parents should determine how much the stroller weighs and its dimensions folded," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also consider the seat recline options as well as the ages of their children to ensure that it is a perfect fit."
A good double stroller should be able to handle different surfaces with ease, from suburban sidewalks to parks and from toddler booster seats to infant car 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 canopy that protect children from rain or sun.
For many families, a double stroller is likely to be used from birth until the age of five, so it's crucial to consider the seating options. Billingsley states that there are two primary categories that are in-line, with one seat in-front of the other, and side-by-side with seats adjacent to one another. "Some parents prefer an in-line stroller due to its sleek design and versatility, whereas others prefer a wagon-style double stroller to make the most space for large items or groceries."
Although some models may have different recline options, with one seat being almost flat, while the other remains relatively upright--this type of disparity is more prevalent in models that are in-line. Billingsley recommends choosing a product that offers both a nearly flat recline and leg rest adjustment for both seats to ensure each child can sleep comfortably.
Finally, lightest double stroller she advises choosing strollers that have storage compartments that will allow parents to easily access snacks, toys and personal items while out and about. She suggests that it's helpful to look for the stroller that has a parent console or Double Pushchair organizer bag that can be attached to the handlebars, which will allow you to keep your essentials close at hand.
Some of the top-rated double strollers can be expanded that allows parents to modify the configuration to meet the needs of their expanding family. For instance, the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used with just a single seat from birth, and then converted to tandem (with a second seat and bassinet) as the child gets older.
Safety
Double strollers need to be able to handle the weight of both the passengers as well as any additional cargo. Strollers must also be easy to push and maneuver, especially in tight spaces and on difficult terrain. The best compact double stroller strollers come with ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to allow parents to maintain their good form when pushing them. Another nice feature is a no-rethread belt harness, which allows for a more comfortable adjustment of the belts on the seat. Safety features include a sturdy brake system and wheels which slide over any surface.
Some parents choose an arrangement that is side by side so that both children can be together when they go on family outings. This arrangement can prevent sibling fights over which child gets to sit where however it's not foolproof. If the seats are set at different heights, one child may be capable of punching or kicking the other during the course of a walk.
A tandem stroller is a ideal option for parents with twins or siblings who are similar in age. It lets parents be able to see both children simultaneously. Double strollers can be larger, and might not fit through some doors inside. You could consider a single-to-double stroller that can be converted from a single to a double in a variety ways. The most popular models are the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you're in the market for a tandem or side-by-side stroller, ensure that the stroller has been JPMA certified to meet the strictest safety standards. Be aware of the maximum weight limits for each seat, as exceeding them can lead to frame fatigue or other issues.
It's easy to be swept in the jingles and whistles, however it's important to keep in mind that strollers are essentially baby carriers that are used for extended time. It must be comfortable for both the passengers and easy to clean and maintain, and most importantly it should feature an intuitive, familiar design that the person pushing it can easily maneuver it without having to think about how to move forward or turn left or right, or even apply the brakes.
Easy to Use
For families that are on the move, a double stroller should be easy to maneuver over different terrains. Features like adjustable canopy, peek-aboo windows and dependable brake systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children, but there are many other aspects that influence twin stroller side by side comfort of use. For instance the stroller must be small enough to fit in the trunk of your car, but still provide ample storage space for food items and other things. Also important are thoughtful touches like a cup holder with a single parent, parent consoles and a snack tray for kids--all things that can make life on the go with two kids much easier.
During our testing we evaluated each stroller based on its ability to perform on different terrains, as well as its ability to maneuver in tight spaces. We also considered how easy it was to fold the stroller in half and then unfold it in a timely manner, and if a specific feature improved the overall functionality. A stroller that does not have rethread straps is easy to adjust the seat belts. This is a major benefit for parents who are always in motion, as it removes the need to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 double jogging stroller was a top performer in this metric, as it offers a wide range of seating configurations as well as additional accessories to help accommodate growing families. The wagon-style double stroller expands to provide an additional seat as well as a bassinet, or a toddler-friendly riding board, which is ideal for active families planning long trips with multiple children of different age groups. It also glides effortlessly over pavement, cobblestones and ballfields--and can be folded flat for easy storage in a closet or trunk. The design of this stroller is simple and intuitive and was a big hit with our test participant Kerry. Its smart packaging with clearly labeled sections as well as a helpful user guide made putting together this stroller a breeze.
Storage
Double strollers can carry twice more than a single one, so make sure you look for plenty of storage space. You'll want a stroller that has enough storage space to store the necessities of children and parents, such as bottles and snacks, toys, and diapers. Find baskets under the seat as well as other pockets, and consider a stroller with an expandable cargo space that can carry bulky items like diaper bags and lunch bags.
A good double stroller should be able to change as your family expands. Billingsley says that some models come with a bassinet attachment to accommodate newborns. Some models have child seats that can expand with the child until they are old enough to ride on the back. Some double strollers also allow for a rider board that allows older children to be part of the fun.
You'll find a wide variety of double strollers available on the market, ranging from elegant, high-performance models that can handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models more for everyday use. As you shop, read reviews from other users and the opinions of families like yours to get an understanding of what to expect with the double stroller you choose.
Double strollers are available in three different models: tandem, side by side and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-byside strollers are the most versatile and suitable for twins or children of a similar age. Tandem double strollers come with two seats set up in a tandem arrangement, facing opposite directions. This is a good option for children of similar age or siblings who prefer to interact with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through tight spaces, and are less likely to fit through doors than their side-by-side counterparts.
If you're looking for a wagon-style double stroller, check out this top pick from Safety 1st. This affordable model was highly praised by our testers for its many seating options. It can be used with two car seats for infants or one child sitting in a convertible toddler chair. Our reviewers also praised the comfy memory foam seats, 50+ SPF canopy, and foam-filled tires that never get flat. And when it's time for you to fold, this model needs just a couple of tugs on the straps on each seat (under where the kids sit) to fold in half.
