10 Top Books On Double Strollers
Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is a great investment for families with two children with similar age. These narrow tandem buggies as well as versatile side by side buggies let you keep both children in sight while navigating the grocery aisle or in parks, or whatever else life can throw at you.
Comfort
When looking for a double stroller for your child, comfort is an important consideration. This includes the seating arrangement and the overall size, which has an impact on ease of use and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child expert in development from the Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, suggests parents check the stroller's weight and folded dimensions. "They should also consider 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 different surfaces smoothly--from suburban sidewalks to park trails and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should have a variety of seating options for children of different age groups, and comfort features such as a peek-a-boo window and adjustable canopy that shield kids from rain or sun.
Seating options are crucial for many families that will utilize double strollers from birth to the age of. Billingsley says there are two main categories: in-line, with one seat in-front of the other, and Twin buggy from Birth side-by-side, with seats next to each other. "Some parents prefer an in-line stroller due to its sleek look and versatility, whereas others prefer a wagon-style double stroller to maximize space for large items or grocery bags."
In-line models are more likely to show this kind of difference. Some products may offer different recline options, with one seat being almost flat and the other one remaining fairly upright. Billingsley suggests selecting a product that has a near-flat recline and leg rests that can be adjusted for both seats to ensure both children can lie back comfortably.
In the end, she suggests to look for strollers that have storage compartments that allow parents to quickly access snacks, toys and other personal items while out and about. She adds that it's also helpful to look for the stroller that has a parent console or organizer bag attached to the handlebars. This will allow you to keep your essentials in reach.
Some of the top-rated double car seat stroller strollers can be expanded which allows parents to alter the configuration to meet the requirements of their growing family. For instance the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly rated double stroller that can be used with a single seat twin buggy from birth (great post to read) birth, and later converted to tandem (with an additional seat and bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers must be able to support the weight of two passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers must also be simple to maneuver and push, especially in tight spots and on difficult terrain. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to allow parents to maintain their good form when pushing them. A harness that is not rethread, which makes adjusting seat belts faster and easier, is another nice feature to look for. A sturdy brake system and wheels that glide across any surface are important safety features.
Some parents opt for the side-by-side design to allow both children to be together when they go on family outings. This arrangement can help prevent sibling rivalries over who is allowed to sit in which spot, but it's not foolproof. If the seats are set at different levels, one child might be in a position to punch or kick the other on walks.
A tandem-style stroller is a ideal option for parents with twins or siblings who are close in age. It allows them to observe both children at the same time. However, they can be more spacious than other double strollers, so they may not be able to fit through all terrain double buggy doorways in the interior. Consider a single-to double stroller that can be transformed from a single stroller to a double in a variety ways. The most popular models are the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you opt for a side-byside or tandem-style stroller, make sure the product is certified by JPMA to meet stringent safety standards. Be sure to check the weight limits that apply to each seat, since exceeding them could result in frame fatigue or other issues.
It's easy to get caught in the sound of bells and whistles, however it's important to remember that strollers are in essence baby carriers that will be carried for long periods of times. It must be easy to clean and maintain and comfortable for both passengers. It should also have a an intuitive, familiar design that lets the person pushing it to move it easily.
Easy of Use
A double stroller should be easily maneuverable on various terrains for families who are constantly moving. Features like adjustable canopy windows, peek-aboo windows, and reliable braking systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children, but there are many other aspects that affect stroller ease of use. A stroller should be compact enough to fit into the trunk of your car, but still have plenty of storage space for food or other items. Also important are thoughtful touches like a one-parent cup holder, parent consoles and snacks for children--all things that can make life with two kids much easier.
During our testing we evaluated each stroller according to its performance on different terrains and its ability to maneuver in tight spaces. We also assessed how simple it was to fold and unfold, and whether or not a particular feature improved the overall functionality of the stroller. A stroller that does not have rethread straps is easy to adjust the seat belts. This is a major benefit for parents on the go because it cuts down on time and removes the need to re-thread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double was a top performer in this measure, since it came with a variety of seating options and accessories to help accommodate growing families. The wagon-style double-stroller expands to accommodate two seats, a bassinet or even a toddler's riding board. This is ideal for families that plan to spend long hours in the car with a variety of children of different ages. It glides easily over cobblestones and pavements and ballfields. It can be folded flat to store in a trunk or closet. Our tester Kerry loved the simple, intuitive nature of this stroller's design. Its smart packaging clear sections, well-labeled sections and helpful user guide made assembling this stroller an absolute breeze.
Storage
A double stroller is able to hold twice as much stuff as a single stroller so make sure you have plenty of storage space. Ideally, you want a stroller that can accommodate the necessities for both kids, including nappies bottles, snacks, and toys, in addition to parents' belongings like phones, wallets keys, wallets and phones. Look for pockets and baskets under the seats. Also, consider a stroller that has an expandable cargo area to accommodate bulky items like diaper bags and lunchbags.
A good double stroller should be able to expand with your family. Billingsley states that certain models have the option of a bassinet attachment that can accommodate infants. Other models come with child seats that can expand with the child until they are old enough to ride on the back. Some double strollers also permit a rider's board to let older siblings be part of the fun.
There's a wide selection of double strollers available on the market, ranging from elegant, twin buggy from birth high-performance models that are able to handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models that are more for everyday use. 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 select.
Double strollers are available in three different designs such as tandem, side-byside, and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers offer the most versatility and are suitable for twins or children who are close to their age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers have two seats that are set in tandem with the opposite direction facing. This is a good option for children of the same age, or siblings who want to be social with one another. Tandem strollers can be difficult to maneuver through tight spaces and are less likely to fit through doorways than their side-by-side counterparts.
Check out this top pick by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon-style double stroller. This budget-friendly model was highly praised by our testers for its various seating configurations. It can be used with two car seats for infants or one child in a convertible toddler seat. Our testers also loved the soft memory foam seats and the 50+ SPF canopy, and foam-filled tires that never go flat. When it's time for folding this model needs only just a few pulls on the straps under each seat (under the seat where children sit) to fold.