What Is Double Strollers And Why Are We Speakin' About It?

Buying Guide For Double Strollers

If you have two kids that are in the same age group A double stroller can be a valuable investment. These compact tandem buggies or versatile side by side buggies will keep both children within sight while navigating the grocery aisle, parks, and whatever else life throws at you.

Comfort

Comfort is a major factor to take into consideration when buying a double-stroller. This could include the seating arrangement and the overall size, which has an impact on the ease of use and storage. "Parents should check how much the stroller weighs as well as its dimensions 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 the best fit for their family."

A good double stroller will be robust enough to navigate different surfaces smoothly--from suburban sidewalks to park trails and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should offer a range of seating options for children at different stages of development, as well as comfort features such as a peek-a-boo window and adjustable canopy that protect children from the sun or rain.

For a lot of families, a double stroller is likely to be utilized from birth until childhood, so it's important to think about the seating options. "There are two main categories - in-line with one seat in front of the other, and side-byside with seats that are next to each other," Billingsley explains. Some parents prefer the in-line option because of its sleek appearance and its versatility. Others like the wagon style double stroller to make the most space for groceries or bulky items.

In-line models are more likely to show this type of discrepancy. Certain models may provide different recline options, with one being almost flat and the other remaining relatively upright. Billingsley suggests selecting a model that has a nearly flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children lay comfortably.

She also suggests parents look for strollers with storage compartments to allow them to quickly access snacks, personal items, and toys while in motion. She suggests that it's beneficial to choose the stroller that has a parent console or organizer bag that is attached to the handlebars, which can help keep essentials in reach.

A few of the top-rated double strollers can be expanded that allows parents to modify the layout to meet the needs of their expanding family. The Mockingbird Expandable, for example is a highly rated double stroller that can be used from birth with a single seat, and later converted into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) when the child is older.

Safety

Double strollers should be able to support the weight of two 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 have ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to ensure that parents maintain a good posture while pushing them. A harness that is not rethread that makes the adjustment of seat belts quicker and easier to do, is a nice feature to look out for. Finally, a sturdy brake system and wheels that glide across any surface are essential safety features.

Some parents choose an arrangement that allows both children to be able to see one another during family outings. This arrangement can help prevent sibling rivalries over who gets to sit in which seat however it's not foolproof. If the seats are placed at different heights, one child could be in a position to punch or kick the other during walks.

For parents of twins or siblings close in age, a tandem-style stroller can be beneficial in being able to see both kids at once. These double strollers can be more spacious, and may not be able to fit through some interior doors. To maximize versatility, you should consider a single-to-double stroller which can switch from a single to a tandem in a variety of ways, such as the well-known 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 you are looking for a tandem or side-byside stroller, make sure that the product has been JPMA certified to meet stringent safety standards. Pay attention to the weight limit that applies to each seat. Exceeding these limits could cause frame fatigue and other issues.

It's easy to get caught up in the bells and whistles, however it's important to keep in mind that strollers are basically Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Double Pushchair: Lightweight Stroller carriers that will be used for a long period of time. It must be comfortable for both parents and children 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 and turn left or right, or use the brakes.

Ease of Use

For families that are on the move, a double stroller needs to be able to navigate a variety of terrains. Features like adjustable canopy with windows that peek out and reliable braking systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children however, there are other elements that influence stroller comfort of use. For instance the stroller must be small enough to fit into the trunk of your car but still provide ample storage space for your groceries and other items. It's also essential to add thoughtful touches, such as the cup holder for one parent, consoles for parents and an eating tray. These can make traveling with two kids much easier.

In our testing, we evaluated each stroller on how well it performed on a variety terrains and how easily it maneuvered 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 enhanced the overall functionality. A stroller without rethread straps is easy to adjust the seat belts. This can be a major selling point for parents who are on the move since it reduces time and eliminates the need to re-thread the harness.

The UPPAbaby v2 Double was a top performer in this metric as it came with a variety of seating options, as well as other accessories that could accommodate expanding families. The wagon-style lightweight double stroller stroller is able to allow for an additional seat as well as a bassinet, or a toddler riding board--perfect for families who are active and planning long days on the go with multiple kids of various ages. It glides easily over pavements, cobblestones, and ballfields. It can fold flat to store in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is easy and intuitive, which was appreciated by our test participant Kerry. Its clever packaging with clearly labeled sections as well as a helpful user guide made assembling this stroller an absolute breeze.

Storage

Double strollers can carry twice more than one single stroller So, make sure to ensure you have plenty of storage space. It is important to find a stroller with enough storage space to accommodate the necessities of children and parents like bottles and snacks, toys, and diapers. Find baskets under the seat and other pockets, and look into a stroller with an expandable cargo area that can carry heavy items such as lunch bags and diaper bags.

A good double stroller will be able to grow with your family. Billingsley states that certain models come with the option of a bassinet attachment that can accommodate newborns. Other models come with child seats which can grow with the child until they are old enough to ride on the back. Some double strollers even include a rider board that allows older children to join in the fun.

There are many double strollers on the market. You can pick from high-performance models that are great for rough terrain, to affordable options that you can use on a daily basis. When shopping, take a look at reviews and opinions of families similar to yours to get a better idea of what you can expect from the double stroller that you pick.

Double strollers come in three different design formats: side-by-side, tandem, and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers offer most versatility and are ideal for twins or children who are who are close in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers on the other hand, have two seats that are arranged close to each other and facing opposite directions. It's a ideal choice for children of the same age, or for siblings who like to interact with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces, and less likely to fit into doorways.

Check out this top pick by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon style double stroller. Testers loved how this affordable model comes with a variety of seating options and the option to snap in two infant car seats or a single child riding in an convertible toddler seat. Our experts also praised the memory foam seats and canopy that has 50+ SPF, and foam-filled wheels that never flatten. When it's time for folding this model requires only just a few pulls on the straps underneath each seat (under where kids sit) for folding.