The Reasons Double Strollers Is Everywhere This Year
Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two children that are in the same age group, a double stroller could be an invaluable investment. These narrow tandem strollers or flexible side-by-side buggies let you keep an eye on both children at the same time navigating the aisles of the supermarket or the parks, and whatever else life throws at you.
Comfort
Comfort is an important factor to take into consideration when buying a double-stroller. This can include both the seating arrangement as well as the overall size of the stroller which can impact the ease of use and storage. "Parents should determine how much the stroller weighs as well as its dimensions when folded," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also consider the options for recline and seat age ranges to ensure a good fit for their family."
A reputable lightweight double pushchair stroller must be able to navigate a variety of surfaces easily from suburban sidewalks to parks, and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should also have flexible seating arrangements for children of different age groups and comfort features such as windows that can be opened and closed to keep kids shielded from rain or sun.
For a lot of families double strollers will be used from birth until childhood, so it's important 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 each other. Some parents prefer the inline option because of its sleek appearance and versatility. Others prefer a wagon-style double stroller to maximize space for groceries or bulky items.
While some products may have different recline options--with one seat being almost flat, while the other is upright, this kind of difference is more common in in-line models. Billingsley suggests choosing a model that has a nearly flat recline and leg rest adjustment for both seats. This will ensure that both children lay down comfortably.
She also suggests parents look for strollers that have storage compartments to allow them to quickly access their snacks, personal items and toys on the move. She suggests that it's beneficial to choose a twin stroller with car seats with an organizer console for parents or a parent bag that can be attached to the handlebars. This can help keep essentials within reach.
A few of the top-rated double strollers can be extended giving parents the ability to modify the layout based on their family's needs. For instance, the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly rated double stroller that can be used with a single seat as early as birth, and then converted to a tandem (with an additional seat and bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers must be able to handle the weight of both passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers must be simple to maneuver and push, especially when on rough terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to ensure that parents maintain a good form when pushing them. A harness that does not need to be rethread that makes the adjustment of seat belts faster and easier, is another nice feature to look for. Also, a strong brake system and wheels that glide over any surface are important safety features.
Some parents opt for the side-by-side design to ensure that both children meet up during family outings. This arrangement can reduce sibling rivalries over who gets to sit in which spot however it's not foolproof. If the seats are positioned at different heights, one child could be able to kick or punch the other on the course of a walk.
For parents of twins or siblings who are close in age, a tandem-style stroller offers the benefit of being able to see both children at the same time. However, they can be larger than other double strollers, and they may not be able to fit through all interior doorways. Think about a stroller that is single-to-double that can be transformed from a single stroller to double in various ways. Popular models include the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you're looking for a tandem or side-by-side stroller, be sure the product is 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.
While it's easy to focus on the additional bells and whistles that come with a new stroller, it's important to keep in mind that a stroller is basically a baby carrier that will be transported for long periods of time. It must 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 it to move it easily.
Easy to Use
A double stroller with car seat stroller must be easy to maneuver on different of terrains for families that are constantly moving. Features like adjustable canopy systems with windows that peek out and reliable braking systems are critical to help ensure your children's safety, but there are other factors that affect stroller ease of use. A stroller must be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your vehicle and still provide plenty of storage space for groceries and other things. It's also important to include thoughtful touches, such as cups holder for one parent or consoles for parents, as well as snacks on trays. These are able to help make traveling with two children much easier.
In our tests we rated the strollers on how it performed on a variety of surfaces and how well it maneuvered in tight spaces. We also looked at how easy it was to fold the stroller and unfold it, and if a particular feature improved the overall functionality. For instance a stroller that has a harness that does not rethread makes the adjustment of the seat belts simple and easy. This can be a huge selling point for parents on the go because it cuts down on time and removes the need to re-thread the harness.
The UPPAbaby V2 double buggy with car seat was a top performer in this metric as it offered a wide range of seating options, as well as additional accessories to accommodate growing families. The wagon-style double stroller can be expanded to accommodate a second seat, a bassinet or even a toddler-friendly riding board, which is ideal for families who are active and planning long, tiring days with multiple kids of varying age. It glides easily over pavements, cobblestones, and ballfields. It can also be folded flat to be stored in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is simple and easy to use and was a big hit with our test subject Kerry. The smart packaging with clearly marked sections as well as a user's manual made it easy to put together this stroller.
Stores
A double stroller is able to hold twice as much as a single stroller therefore, you should look for plenty of storage space. You want a stroller with enough storage space to accommodate the necessities of children and parents like bottles as well as snacks, toys and diapers. Look for under-seat baskets as well as other pockets, and look into a stroller that has an expandable cargo area that can carry heavy items such as lunch bags and diaper bags.
A quality double stroller should have the ability to adapt as your family expands. For example, some models include an attachment for a bassinet that can accommodate newborns, while others come with child seats that can expand with your kids until they're ready to switch to riding on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers even include a rider board to let older siblings be part of the fun.
There's a wide selection of double strollers available on the market, from elegant, high-performance models that excel on rough terrain to budget-friendly models that are more for everyday use. 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 styles: tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers provide the most versatility and are suitable for twins or children close in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers come with two seats that are set in a tandem configuration facing in opposite directions. This is a great option for children who are similar age, or siblings who want to be social with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through tight spaces, and less likely to be able to fit through doorways.
If you're looking for a wagon-style double stroller, take a look at this top choice from Safety 1st. This affordable model was praised by test participants for its multiple seating configurations. It can be used with two car seats for infants, or one child in a convertible toddler chair. Our experts also praised the memory foam seats and canopy that has 50+ SPF, and foam-filled wheels that never flatten. And when it's time to fold, this model requires only a few tugs on the straps of each seat (under the seats where kids are) to fold in half.
