(Image: https://cdn.freshstore.cloud/offer/images/7007/55/graco-ezlite-ultimate-easy-to-use-lightweight-stroller-at-only-6-6kg-for-on-the-go-families-suitable-from-birth-to-approx-3-years-15kg-midnight-fashion-55.jpg)Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two kids who are close in age, a double stroller could be an invaluable investment. These compact double stroller tandem strollers or versatile side-by-side buggies help you keep an eye on both children at the same time while taking on the grocery store or the parks, and whatever else life throws your way.
Comfort
When you are looking for a double stroller for your child, comfort is a major consideration. This could include the seating arrangement as well as the overall size, which has an impact on ease of use and storage. “Parents should check 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 consider the seat recline options, as well as the age ranges of their children to ensure that it is a perfect fit.”
A quality double stroller should be able to handle different surfaces easily, from suburban sidewalks to park paths, and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should have a variety of seating options for children of different ages, as well as comfort features like peek-a-boo window and adjustable canopy that protect children from the sun or rain.
For many families double strollers will be used from birth until the teen years, so it's essential to consider the seating options. Billingsley explains that there are two main categories: in-line, with one seat in-front of the other, and side-by-side seating with seats next to one another. “Some parents prefer an in-line option for its sleek design and versatility, whereas others like a wagon-style double stroller to make the most space for bulky items or groceries.”
Although some models may have different recline options–with one seat being almost flat, while the other one remains upright–this type of disparity is more prevalent in the in-line models. Billingsley recommends selecting a product with a near-flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children can lay down comfortably.
In the end, she suggests choosing a stroller that includes storage compartments that enable parents to quickly access snacks, toys and personal items while on the move. She suggests that it's beneficial to choose a stroller with an organizer or parent console bag attached to the handlebars. This will allow you to keep your essentials close at hand.
Some of the best-rated double strollers can be expanded to allow parents to alter the configuration according to their family's requirements. 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 transformed into tandem (with the addition of a second seat and bassinet) as the child gets older.
Safety
Double strollers should be able to handle the weight of two adults, as well as any additional cargo. Strollers need to be easy to maneuver and push, particularly when on rough terrain and in tight spaces. The best lightweight double stroller strollers feature ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to help parents maintain good form while pushing them. Another great feature is a no-rethread seat belt harness, which makes it easier to adjust the belts on the seat. Safety features include a durable brake system, as well as wheels that glide over any surface.
Some parents choose an arrangement that allows both children to view each other on family outings. This arrangement can stop siblings fighting over who gets to sit where but it's not a guarantee. If the seats are located at different heights, a child could punch or kick one another during a walk, when the seats are on different levels.
For parents of twins or siblings close in age, a tandem stroller is a great option for being able see both kids at once. However, they are more spacious than other double strollers, meaning they may not be able to be able to pass through all doors in your home. For maximum versatility, consider a single-to-double stroller that transitions from a single to a tandem in different ways, like the well-known CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can be adapted to a wide range of configurations and permit you to insert infant car seats or cot attachments, depending on your needs.
If you decide to purchase a side-by-side or tandem-style stroller, be sure the product is JPMA-certified to meet the strictest safety standards. Be aware of the weight limit that applies to each seat. Exceeding these limits could cause frame fatigue and other issues.
While it's easy to concentrate on all terrain double stroller the extra bells and whistles of a new stroller, it's crucial to remember that a stroller is an infant carrier that is carried around for long durations of time. It must be easy to clean and maintain and comfortable for both of the passengers. It should also feature a a familiar, intuitive design that lets the person pushing the stroller to move it easily.
Easy to Use
For families who are constantly on the move, a double buggy with carrycot (head to the Ai Db site) stroller must be able to maneuver easily over a variety of terrains. Features like adjustable canopies windows, peek-aboo windows, and dependable braking systems are essential to ensure your children's safety, however, there are other elements that contribute to stroller ease of use. For example the stroller should be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your car while still offering ample storage space for groceries and other belongings. It is also important to consider thoughtful additions like a cup holder with a single parent as well as a console for parents and an eating tray for children – all things that make life on the go with two kids significantly more manageable.
During our testing we rated each stroller on how well it did on a variety of terrains, and how easily it maneuvered in tight spaces. We also looked at how simple it was to fold the stroller and then unfold it, and if a particular feature enhanced the overall functionality. For example, a stroller with a harness that does not rethread makes the adjustment of the seat belts simple and easy. This is a major benefit for parents who are always on the move, as it does away with the need to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby v2 Double scored well in this metric as it offered a wide range of seating options, as well as other accessories that could accommodate expanding families. The double-stroller in the wagon style expands to accommodate an additional seat, a bassinet or even a toddler's riding board. This is perfect for families who want to spend a lot of time on the road with multiple children of various ages. It easily glides over cobblestones and pavements and ballfields. It can also be folded flat to store in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is simple and easy to use which was well-loved by our test participant Kerry. Its clever packaging with clearly labeled sections as well as a helpful user guide made putting together this stroller an absolute breeze.
Stores
Double strollers can hold twice as much as one single stroller So, make sure to search for ample storage space. You'll want a stroller that has enough storage space to accommodate the essentials for both parents and children including bottles and snacks, toys, and diapers. Look for under-seat baskets and other pockets, and think about a stroller with an expandable cargo area that can carry heavy items such as diaper bags and lunch bags.
A quality double stroller should have the ability to adapt as your family grows. For instance certain models come with an attachment for a bassinet that can accommodate newborns, while others have child seats that can grow with your children until they're able to ride on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double stroller for twins strollers even permit a rider's board to allow older siblings to join in the fun.
You'll find a wide variety of double strollers available on the market, ranging from sleek, high-performance models that are able to handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models more suitable for use in the everyday. While shopping, you can read reviews and suggestions from families similar to yours to get a better idea of what to expect from the double stroller that you choose.
Double strollers are available in three designs: tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Billingsley says that side-by-side strollers are the most flexible and suitable for twins or children of similar age. Tandem double strollers feature two seats arranged in a tandem arrangement, facing opposite directions. This is a good option for children who are similar age, or siblings who want to be social with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and are less likely to fit in doorways.
Check out this top selection by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon-style double stroller. Our testers were impressed by the fact that this low-cost model comes with a variety of seating options as well as the ability to snap in two infant car seats or a single child riding in a convertible toddler seat. Our experts also praised memory foam seats, canopy with 50+ SPF, and foam-filled wheels that will never wear out. When it's time for folding, this model only requires a few tugs on the straps beneath each seat (under the seats where kids sit) in order to fold.