The Most Successful Double Strollers Gurus Are Doing Three Things
Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two kids who are close in age, a double stroller could be an invaluable investment. These narrow tandem buggies or versatile side-by-side buggies allow you to keep both children within sight while you shop and parks, as well as whatever else life can throw at you.
Comfort
Comfort is a major factor to consider when shopping for a double-stroller. This could include the seating arrangement as well as the overall size, which has an impact on ease of use and storage. "Parents must determine what the stroller weighs and its dimensions when folded," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also look at the recline options for seats and age ranges to ensure a good fit for their family."
A good double stroller should be able to handle different surfaces with ease, from suburban sidewalks to park paths, and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should come with a variety of seating options for children at different age groups, and comfort features such as a peek-a-boo window and adjustable canopy which protect children from the sun or rain.
For a majority of families double strollers will be used from birth until the teen years, so it's essential to think about seating options. Billingsley states that there are two main categories that are in-line with one seat in front of the other, and side-by-side, with seats next to one another. Some parents prefer the in-line option due to its sleek design and its versatility. Others prefer a wagon style double stroller for maximum space for grocery or bulky items.
In-line models tend 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 with an almost flat recline as well as leg rest adjustment for both seats, so that each child can sleep comfortably.
Finally, she advises to look for a stroller that includes storage compartments that allow parents to quickly access snacks, toys and personal items while on the move. She suggests that it's useful to find a stroller that has an organizer or parent console bag attached to the handlebars, which will help keep things close at hand.
Some of the most highly-rated double strollers are expandable, allowing parents to customize the set-up based on the needs of their growing family. For example the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly rated double stroller that can be used with a single seat from birth and then converted to tandem (with an additional seat and bassinet) as the child gets older.
Safety
Double strollers need to be able to support the weight of two passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers need to be simple to maneuver and push, particularly on difficult terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height to help parents maintain good form while pushing them. A no-rethread harness that makes the adjustment of seat belts faster and easier is another great feature to look out for. Safety features include a sturdy brake system and wheels which slide over any surface.
Some parents choose an arrangement that allows both children to view one another during family outings. This arrangement can prevent sibling rivalries over who sits in which seat, but it isn't foolproof. If the seats are set at different heights, one child could be able to kick or punch the other during the course of a walk.
For parents with twins or siblings who are close in age, a tandem stroller is a great option for being able see both kids at once. Double strollers are typically wider, and may not be able to fit through some interior doors. For maximum versatility, consider a stroller that can change from a single stroller to a tandem in various ways, like the renowned CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can be adapted to a wide range of configurations, and let you click in infant car seats or cot attachments, depending on your needs.
If double infant stroller opt for a side-byside or tandem-style stroller, make sure the product is certified by JPMA to meet the strictest 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 be swept up in the bells and whistles, but it's important to remember that strollers are basically baby carriers that are carried for long periods of times. It must be comfortable for both parents and children as well as easy to clean and maintain, and in the ideal case it should feature an intuitive, familiar design so that the person pushing it can effortlessly move it around without having to think twice about how to move forward or turn left or right, or use the brakes.
Easy to Use
For families that are on the move, a double stroller needs to be able to navigate a variety of terrains. Strollers with features such as windows that peek-a-boo, adjustable canopies and sturdy brake systems are crucial to ensure the safety of your children. However, there are other features that make them easier to use. A stroller should be small enough to fit in the trunk of your vehicle, but still have plenty of storage space for groceries or other items. It's also important to include thoughtful details, such as the cup holder for one parent as well as consoles for parents and a snack tray. These are able to make traveling with two kids much more enjoyable.
In our tests we rated the strollers on how it performed on a variety terrains and how easily it could maneuver in tight spaces. We also looked at how easy it was to fold the stroller and then unfold it as well as if a particular feature improved the overall functionality. For example a stroller that has a harness that does not rethread makes the adjustment of the seat belts easy and quick. This can be a huge selling point for parents who are on the move, as it saves time and eliminates the need to re-thread the harness.
The UPPAbaby v2 Double was a top performer in this measure because it had a wide variety of seating options, as well as additional accessories to accommodate growing families. The double-stroller in the wagon style expands to accommodate an additional seat, a bassinet, or even a toddler-riding board. This is ideal for families that plan to spend long hours in the car with a variety of children of different age groups. It is able to glide effortlessly over pavements, cobblestones, and ballfields. It can fold flat to fit in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is easy and easy to use which was well-loved by our test subject Kerry. The sleek packaging with clearly marked sections as well as a the user's guide made it simple to put together this stroller.
Stores
A double stroller is able to hold twice as much as a single stroller, so look for ample storage space. You want a stroller with enough storage space to hold the essentials of both parents and children like bottles and snacks, toys, and diapers. Look for baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller that has an expandable cargo space that can take in bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags.
A quality double stroller should have the ability to adapt as your family grows. For example certain models have the bassinet attachment, which can be used for newborns, and others have child seats that can be adapted to your children until they're able to ride on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers allow older children to join in on the fun with riding boards.
There are many different double strollers on the market. You can pick from models with high-performance features which are suitable for rough terrain, or more budget-friendly options that you can use every day. While shopping, read reviews and recommendations of families just like yours to get an idea of what you can expect from the double stroller you pick.
Double strollers are available in three models: tandem, side by side and wagon style. Billingsley states that side-by-side strollers are the most flexible and ideal for twins as well as children of similar age. Tandem double strollers come with two seats arranged in a tandem configuration, facing opposite directions. This is a great option for children who are the same age or siblings who want to interact with each other. Tandem strollers can be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and are less likely to pass through doors than their side-by-side counterparts.
Check out this top pick by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon-style double stroller. This model is affordable and was highly praised by our 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 reviewers also praised the memory foam seats and canopy that has 50+ SPF and foam-filled wheels that will never wear out. When it's time for folding, this model only requires just a few nudges on the straps beneath each seat (under the seats where kids sit) to fold.