The Top Double Strollers Experts Have Been Doing 3 Things
Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is an excellent investment when you have two kids of similar age. These strollers are narrow and narrow, as well as versatile side-by-side buggies help you keep your eyes on both kids at the same time while navigating the aisles of the supermarket or the parks, and whatever else life throws your way.
Comfort
When looking for a double stroller, comfort is an important aspect to take into consideration. This could include both seating arrangements and the overall size of the stroller which impacts ease of use and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child expert in child development from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, advises parents to check the stroller's weight and folded dimensions. "They should also consider the options for recline and seat age ranges to ensure a perfect fit for their family."
A good double stroller should be able to handle a variety of surfaces easily, from suburban sidewalks to parks, and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should also provide flexible seating arrangements for children of varying ages and comfort features like windows that peek out and adjustable canopy to shield children from sun or rain.
For a lot of families, a double stroller will be used from birth until childhood, so it's important to think about the seating options. "There are two main categories--in-line with one seat behind the other, and side-byside with seats that are next to each other," Billingsley explains. "Some parents prefer an in-line stroller due to its sleek design and versatility, whereas others like a wagon-style double stroller to make the most space for bulky items or grocery bags."
In-line models tend to have this kind of discordance. Some products may offer different recline options, with one being nearly flat, and the other one remaining fairly upright. Billingsley suggests choosing a model that offers both a near-flat recline and leg rest adjustment for both seats, so that the children can both lie back comfortably.
She also suggests that parents search for strollers with storage compartments to allow them to easily access their snacks, personal items and toys when in motion. She also recommends that it is helpful to find a stroller which has a parent console, or organizer bag attached on the handlebars. This can help parents keep their essentials at hand.
A few of the top-rated double strollers can be enlarged giving parents the ability to customize the setup based on their family's needs. The Mockingbird Expandable, for example, is a highly rated double stroller which can be used from birth with a single seat, then transformed into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers should be able to handle the weight of two passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers should be simple to maneuver and push, particularly on difficult terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars and adjustable heights which make it easier for parents to maintain good form when pushing them. A no-rethread harness, which makes adjusting seat belts more quickly and easily, is another nice feature to look for. Safety features include a robust brake system and wheels that glide over any surface.
Some parents opt for side-by-side designs that allow both children to see each other on family outings. This arrangement can prevent siblings fighting over who is allowed to sit where but it's not a guarantee. If the seats are set at different levels, one child might be able to kick or punch the other during walks.
If you have twins or siblings close in age, a tandem stroller can be beneficial in being able 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. You could consider a single-to-double stroller that can be transformed from a single stroller to a double in many ways. The most popular models are the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you're looking for a tandem or a side-by-side stroller, be sure the stroller has been JPMA certified to meet strict safety standards. Be aware of the weight limit that applies to each seat. If you exceed these limits, it could cause frame fatigue or other problems.
While it's easy to focus on the additional bells and whistles on a new stroller, it's crucial to remember that a stroller is essentially a baby carrier that is used for extended periods of time. It should be comfortable for both the passengers, easy to clean and maintain, and in the ideal case it should feature an intuitive, familiar design that the person pushing it is able to easily maneuver it without having to think about how to move forward or turn left or right, or even apply the brakes.
Ease of Use
For families who are constantly on the move, a double stroller needs to be easy to maneuver over different terrains. Strollers that have features like windows that can be opened and closed, adjustable canopy and reliable brake systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children. But there are other features that make them simpler to use. A stroller should be small enough to fit in the trunk of your vehicle and still provide plenty of storage space for groceries and other things. Also important are thoughtful touches such as a cup holder for one parent, parent consoles and a snack tray for kids--all things that will make life with two kids significantly more manageable.
During our testing we rated each stroller on how well it did 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 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 selling point for parents who are always on the move, as it does away with the requirement to rethread 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 other accessories that could accommodate growing families. best double stroller pushchairsandprams -stroller in the wagon style expands to accommodate two seats, a bassinet, or even a toddler-riding board. This is ideal for families who plan to spend long hours in the car with a variety of children of various ages. It glides easily over cobblestones and pavements and ball fields. It can be folded flat to store in a trunk or closet. Our test subject Kerry appreciated the straightforward and intuitive nature of this stroller's design. Its smart packaging with clearly labeled sections as well as a helpful user guide made putting together this stroller a breeze.
Stores
Double strollers can carry twice as much as one stroller so be sure to search for ample storage space. It is ideal to have a stroller that is able to hold the basic necessities for both kids: nappies bottles, snacks, and toys, as well as parents' belongings like wallets, phones, and keys. Look for pockets and baskets under the seats. Also, consider a stroller with an expandable cargo area to take in bulky items like diaper bags and lunchbags.
A quality double stroller should be able to change as your family expands. Billingsley says that some models have a bassinet attachment to accommodate newborns. Some models have child seats which can expand with the child until they are ready to ride on the back. Some double strollers also include a rider board that allows older children to take part in the fun.
There are a variety of double strollers available. You can choose from models with high-performance features which are suitable for rough terrain, as well as affordable options that you can use daily. When you're shopping, read user reviews and recommendations from families like yours to gain a better sense of what to expect with the double stroller you choose.
Double strollers are available in three different designs: tandem, side-by-side and wagon style. Side-by-side double strollers offer most flexibility and are perfect for twins or children who are close to each other in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers, on the contrary, have two seats that are arranged close to each other and facing in opposite directions--a good option for kids of the same age or for siblings who enjoy interacting with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces, and less likely to be able to fit through doors.
Check out this top selection by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon style double stroller. This model is affordable and was highly praised by our testers for its multiple seating configurations. It can be used with two infant car seats, or one child in a convertible toddler seat. Our experts also appreciated the comfy memory foam seats, 50+ SPF canopy, and foam-filled tires that will never go flat. When it's time to fold this model needs only a few tugs on the straps under each seat (under the seat where children sit) for folding.