Why Double Strollers Still Matters In 2023
Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is a good investment when you have two kids with similar ages. These narrow tandem buggies as well as flexible side by side buggies will keep both children in sight when you are navigating the aisles of your grocery store or in parks, or whatever else life throws at you.
Comfort
Comfort is a major factor to consider when shopping for a double-stroller. This includes both the seating arrangements and the overall dimensions of the stroller which can impact the convenience 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 quality double stroller should be durable enough to travel on all surfaces without difficulty, from urban sidewalks to parks trails, and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should also provide flexible seating options for children of varying age and comfort features like windows that peek out and adjustable canopy to protect children from sun or rain.
The seating options are important to many families who will use a double stroller from the time of birth until childhood. Billingsley explains that there are two main categories: in-line which has one seat in front of the other, and side-by-side, with seats next to each other. "Some parents prefer an in-line model due to its sleek design and versatility, while others prefer a wagon-style double stroller that can be used to store bulky items or grocery bags."
In-line models are more likely to have this type of discrepancy. Certain models may provide different recline options, with one seat being nearly flat, and the other remaining relatively upright. Billingsley recommends choosing a product that offers both a nearly flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats to ensure each child can sleep comfortably.
Then, she suggests to look for a stroller that includes storage compartments that allow parents to easily access snacks, toys, and personal items while out and about. She also says that it is helpful to find a stroller that includes a parent console or organizer bag, that can be attached to the handlebars. This will help parents keep essentials close in their reach.
A few 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 just a single seat as early as birth, and later converted to a tandem (with a second seat and bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers should be able to carry the weight of both the passengers as well as any additional cargo. Strollers need to be easy to maneuver and push, especially when on rough terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height to ensure that parents maintain a good posture when pushing them. A harness that does not need to be rethread which makes the adjustment of seat belts quicker and easier is another great feature to look out for. Safety features include a sturdy brake system and wheels that glide over any surface.
Some parents choose a side by side design so that both children can meet up during family outings. This arrangement can help prevent sibling squabbles about who gets to sit in which seat however it's not foolproof. If the seats are set at different heights, one child could be able to kick or punch the other on walks.
If you have twins or siblings close in age, a tandem stroller offers the benefit of being able to see both children at the same time. Double strollers can be wider, and may not fit through some interior doors. For maximum versatility, consider a stroller that can change from a single to a tandem in different ways, like the popular CYBEX Gazelle S. These models are able to accommodate a broad range of configurations and let you click in infant car seats or cot attachments, depending on your needs.
If you're in the market for a tandem or side-byside stroller, ensure that the product is JPMA certified to meet strict safety standards. Pay attention to the weight limit that applies to each seat. Exceeding these limits could cause frame fatigue or other problems.
cheap double stroller to be swept in the jingles and whistles, but it's important to remember that strollers are in essence baby carriers that are used for a long period of time. It must be easy to clean and maintain, and comfortable for both the passengers. It should also feature a an intuitive, familiar design that lets the person pushing the stroller to maneuver it effortlessly.
Easy to Use
A double stroller should be easy to maneuver on various terrains for families who are constantly moving. Strollers that have features like windows that peek-a-boo, adjustable canopies and sturdy brake systems are vital to ensure the safety of your children. However, there are other factors that make them easier to use. For instance, a stroller must be small enough to fit into the trunk of your car while still offering ample storage space for food items and other things. It is also important to consider thoughtful additions like a one-parent cup holder as well as a console for parents and an eating tray for children -- all things that can make life on the go with two kids much more manageable.
During our testing we evaluated each stroller based on its ability to perform on different surfaces and its ability to maneuver in tight spaces. We also considered how easy it was to fold the stroller in half and then unfold it, and if a particular feature made a difference to the overall performance. For example a stroller with a harness that does not rethread makes the adjustment of the seat belts quick and simple. twin pushchairs can be a huge benefit for parents who are on the move, as it saves time and removes 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 configurations, and additional accessories that accommodated growing families. The wagon-style double stroller expands to provide a second seat, a bassinet or even a toddler riding board that is perfect for active families planning long, tiring days with multiple kids of varying ages. It also glides effortlessly over pavement, cobblestones and ballfields--and folds flat for simple storage in a closet or trunk. Our tester Kerry was impressed by the simple and easy-to-use nature of the stroller's design. The smart packaging clear sections, well-marked sections and user guide made it easy to put together this stroller.
Storage
Double strollers can carry twice more than one single stroller So, make sure to ensure you have plenty of storage space. You want a stroller with enough storage space to hold the essentials for both children and parents including bottles and snacks, toys, and diapers. Find baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller that has an expandable cargo space to accommodate bulky items such as lunch bags and diaper bags.
A good double stroller should be able to grow with your family. Billingsley states that certain models come with an attachment for a bassinet to accommodate newborns. Some models have child seats which can be able to grow with your child until they are ready to ride on the back. Some double strollers permit older siblings to join in on the fun by riding on the rider board.
You'll find a wide variety of double strollers available on the market, ranging from elegant, high-performance models that excel on rough terrain to budget-friendly models more suitable for use in the everyday. When shopping, take a look at reviews and suggestions from families just like yours to get a better idea of what you can expect from the double stroller you pick.
Double strollers are available in three different styles: side-by-side, tandem, and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers offer most flexibility and are perfect for twins or kids similar to each other in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers come with two seats arranged in tandem facing in opposite directions. This is a good option for children who are the same age or siblings who prefer to be social with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through tight spaces and are less likely to pass through doorways than their side-by-side counterparts.
Check out this top pick 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 in the convertible toddler seat. Our experts also praised memory foam seats and canopy that has 50+ SPF, and foam-filled wheels that never go flat. When it's time to fold, this model requires just a couple of tugs on the straps of each seat (under where the kids sit) to fold in half.