10 Double Strollers Tricks All Experts Recommend
Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is a good investment when you have two kids with similar ages. These strollers are narrow and narrow, as well as flexible side-by-side buggies allow you to keep an eye on both kids at the same time taking on the grocery store or the parks, and whatever else life throws at you.
Comfort
When looking for a double stroller, comfort is an important aspect to take into consideration. This could include the seating arrangement and overall size, which can have an impact on the ease of use and storage. "Parents should determine how much the stroller weighs as well as its folded dimensions," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also think about the seat recline options as well as the ages of their children to ensure it's a perfect fit."
A well-constructed double stroller will be sturdy enough to traverse different surfaces smoothly--from suburban sidewalks to park trails, and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should come with a variety of seating options for children at different age groups, and features that provide comfort, such as a peek-aboo window and adjustable canopy that protect children from the sun or rain.
For a majority of families double strollers will be utilized from birth until the teen years, so it's essential to think about the seating options. "There are two main categories--in-line with one seat behind the other, and side-by-side with seats that are next to each other," Billingsley explains. "Some parents prefer an in-line option for its sleek appearance and versatility, while others prefer a wagon-style double stroller that can be used to store heavy items or groceries."
Some products may offer different recline options, with one seat almost flat while the other is upright--this type of disparity is more prevalent in the in-line models. Billingsley suggests selecting a model that has a nearly flat recline and leg rest adjustment for both seats. This will ensure that both children lie down comfortably.
Finally, she advises to look for a stroller that includes storage compartments that will allow parents to quickly access snacks, toys and personal items while on the move. She suggests that it's helpful to look for a stroller with a parent console or organizer bag that is attached to the handlebars. twin pushchair from birth will help keep things in reach.
Some of the top-rated double strollers are expandable, allowing parents to customize the set-up based on the requirements of their growing family. The Mockingbird Expandable, for example is a highly rated double stroller which can be used from birth using a single seat, and later converted into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) when the child is older.
Safety
Double strollers must be able to carry the weight of two passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers should also be easy to maneuver and push, especially in tight spots and on difficult terrain. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height which allow parents to maintain their form when pushing them. A harness that is not rethread which makes the adjustment of seat belts more quickly and easily, is another nice feature to look for. Safety features include a durable brake system and wheels that glide over any surface.
Some parents prefer a side by side design to allow both children to meet up on family outings. This arrangement can stop siblings fighting over who is allowed to sit where but it's not a guarantee. If the seats are different heights, a child could kick or punch one another during a walk, in the event that the seats are at different levels.
If you have twins or siblings of similar age, a tandem stroller is a great option for being able to see both children at the same time. However, they are larger than other double strollers, and they may not be able to fit through all interior doorways. To maximize versatility, you should consider a single-to-double stroller that transitions from a single to a tandem in different ways, such as the popular CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can accommodate a wide range of configurations and allow you to click in infant car seats or cot attachments, depending on your requirements.
If you're looking for a tandem or side-by-side stroller, be sure the product is JPMA certified to meet strict 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 for us to focus on the additional bells and whistles of a new stroller, it's important to keep in mind that a stroller is basically a baby carrier that is transported for long periods of time. It must be comfortable for both parents and children as well as easy to clean and maintain, and most importantly it should feature an intuitive, familiar design so that the person pushing it can easily maneuver it without having to think about how to move forward, turn left or right, or use the brakes.
User-Friendliness
For families who are constantly on the move, a double stroller needs to be able to navigate different terrains. Strollers with features like windows that peek-a-boo, adjustable canopies and sturdy brake systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children. However, there are other features that make them more convenient to use. A stroller must be compact enough to fit into the trunk of your vehicle, but still have plenty of storage space for groceries or other items. It's also important to include thoughtful features, like the cup holder for one parent or consoles for parents, as well as a snack tray. These will make traveling with two kids significantly easier.
During our testing we evaluated each stroller on the basis of its performance on various terrains and its ability to maneuver through tight spaces. We also looked at how simple it was to fold the stroller and then unfold it in a timely manner, and if a specific feature enhanced the overall functionality. A stroller that does not have rethread straps makes it simple to adjust the seat belts. This can be a big benefit for parents who are constantly moving around, since it removes the requirement to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby V2 Double scored well in this metric as it had a wide variety of seating configurations, and additional accessories that accommodated growing families. The wagon-style double stroller expands to provide two seats as well as a bassinet, or a toddler-friendly riding board, which is ideal for active families planning long, tiring days with multiple kids of various age groups. It also glides effortlessly over cobblestones, ball fields and pavements. It also can be folded flat for easy storage in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is easy and easy to use and was a big hit with our tester Kerry. Its clever packaging with clearly labeled sections as well as a an informative user guide made assembling this stroller an absolute breeze.
Stores
A double stroller has the potential 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 essentials for both parents and children including bottles, toys, snacks, and diapers. Look for under-seat baskets as well as other pockets, and think about a stroller that has an expandable cargo area that can hold heavy items such as lunch bags and diaper bags.
A good double stroller should be able to grow with your family. For example, some models include a bassinet attachment that can be used for newborns, and others feature child seats that can be adapted to your kids until they're ready to ride on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers include a rider board to allow older siblings to join in the fun.
You'll find a wide variety of double strollers on the market, ranging from sleek, high-performance models that are able to handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models more for everyday use. While shopping, you can read reviews and recommendations of families similar to yours to get a better idea of what to expect from the double stroller you select.
Double strollers come in three different styles: side-by-side, tandem, and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-byside strollers are the most versatile and ideal for twins as well as children of similar age. Tandem double strollers come with two seats that are set in a tandem configuration facing in opposite directions. This is a good option for children who are similar age, or siblings who like to be social with one another. Tandem strollers may be harder to maneuver in tight spaces, and are less likely to fit through doorways than their side-byside counterparts.
If you prefer a wagon-style double stroller check out this top model from Safety 1st. This affordable model was praised by testers for its many seating options. It can be used with two car seats for infants or one child in a convertible toddler chair. Our reviewers also praised the memory foam seats, canopy with 50+ SPF, and foam-filled wheels that will never wear out. When it's time for folding this model requires only just a few pulls on the straps underneath each seat (under the seat where children sit) in order to fold.