The Reason Double Strollers Is Fast Becoming The Hottest Fashion Of 2023
Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is an excellent investment for families with two children with similar ages. These narrow tandem strollers or versatile side-by-side buggies help you keep an eye on both kids at the same time braving the grocery aisle, parks and anything else life throws your way.
Comfort
When shopping for a double stroller, comfort is a major aspect to take into consideration. This could include both seating arrangements and the overall size of the stroller, which can impact the accessibility and storage. "Parents should check how much the stroller weighs and its dimensions when folded," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They must also take into consideration the seat recline options as well as the age ranges of their children to ensure it is a perfect fit."
A quality double stroller should be sturdy enough to traverse different surfaces smoothly--from urban sidewalks to parks trails and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should have a variety of seating options for children of different ages, as well as features that provide comfort, such as a peek-aboo window and adjustable canopy which protect children from rain or sun.
Seating options are crucial for many families who utilize double strollers from birth to childhood. "There are two main categories - in-line with one seat in front of the other, and side-byside with seats next to each other," Billingsley explains. "Some parents prefer an in-line option for its sleek design and versatility, while others prefer a wagon-style double stroller to maximize space for bulky items or grocery bags."
Some products may offer different recline options--with one seat almost flat while the other one remains upright, this kind of difference is more common in the in-line models. Billingsley recommends choosing a product with an almost flat recline as well as leg rest adjustment for both seats, so that the children can both lie back comfortably.
She also suggests parents search for strollers with storage compartments to allow them to quickly access snacks, personal items and toys when moving about. She adds that it's also beneficial to choose the stroller that has a parent console or organizer bag that is attached to the handlebars. This will allow you to keep your essentials within reach.
Some of the top-rated double strollers are expandable which allows parents to alter the configuration to meet the needs of their expanding family. The Mockingbird Expandable, for example is a highly rated pushchairs double stroller that can be used from birth with just one seat, and later converted into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) when the child is older.
Safety
Double strollers must be able to support the weight of both passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers must be simple to maneuver and push, especially on rough terrain or in tight spaces. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height which allow parents to maintain their form when pushing them. A harness that does not need to be rethread that makes the adjustment of seat belts quicker and easier is another great feature to look out for. Also, a strong brake system and wheels that glide across any surface are crucial safety features.
Some parents prefer a side-by-side design that allows both children to be able to see one another during family outings. This arrangement can stop sibling rivalries over who is allowed to sit where, but it's not foolproof. If the seats are different levels, a child might kick or punch one another during a walk, when the seats are on different levels.
A tandem-style stroller is great option for parents with twins or siblings that are close in age. It lets parents be able to see both children simultaneously. Double strollers can be wider, and may not fit through certain doors inside. Think about a stroller that is single-to-double that can be transformed from a single stroller to a double in a variety ways. Popular models include the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you're looking for a tandem or side-byside stroller, ensure 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 in the jingles and whistles, however it's important to remember that strollers are essentially baby carriers that are used for extended durations. It should be comfortable for both the passengers as well as easy to clean and maintain, and ideally it should feature an easy-to-use, familiar design so that the person pushing it can effortlessly move it around without having to think about how to move forward, turn left or right, or use the brakes.
Ease of Use
A double stroller must be easily maneuverable on different types of terrains for families constantly on the move. Features like adjustable canopies windows, peek-aboo windows, and dependable braking systems are critical to help ensure the safety of your children, but there are many other aspects that contribute to 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 groceries and other things. It's also essential to add thoughtful details, such as a cup holder for one parent as well as consoles for parents and snacks on trays. These can help make traveling with two children significantly easier.
During our testing, we evaluated the strollers on how it performed on a variety of surfaces and how well it could maneuver in tight spaces. We also assessed how simple it was to fold and unfold and whether or not a specific feature enhanced the overall performance of the stroller. For example a stroller with a no-rethread harness makes adjusting the seat belts quick and simple. This can be a huge benefit for parents on the go, as it saves time and removes the need to re-thread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double was a top performer in this measure, since it offered an impressive range of seating options and accessories to accommodate families that are growing. The wagon-style double stroller can be expanded to provide an additional seat as well as a bassinet or a toddler riding board--perfect for active families planning long, tiring days with multiple kids of varying age groups. It is able to glide effortlessly over cobblestones, pavements, and ballfields. It can fold flat to fit in a trunk or a closet. The design of this stroller is easy and intuitive, which was appreciated by our tester Kerry. Its smart packaging with clearly labeled sections as well as a an informative user guide made putting together this stroller a breeze.
Storage
Double strollers can hold twice more than one single Twin Umbrella Stroller (Glamorouslengths.Com) So, make sure to look for plenty of storage space. You'll want a stroller that has enough storage space to store the essentials for both parents and children including bottles, toys, snacks, and diapers. Look for baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller that has an expandable cargo area to accommodate bulky items such as lunch bags and diaper bags.
A good double stroller must be able to change as your family grows. For example certain models come with a bassinet attachment that can accommodate infants, while others feature child seats that can be adapted to your children until they're able to move to the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers allow older siblings to join in on the fun by riding on a rider board.
You'll find a wide variety of double strollers on the market, ranging from sleek, high-performance options that can handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models more suited for daily use. While shopping, you can read reviews and suggestions from families like yours to get an idea of what you can expect from the double stroller you pick.
Double strollers are available in three models: tandem, side by side and wagon-style. Billingsley says that side-by-side strollers are the most versatile and ideal for twins as well as children of similar ages. Tandem double strollers, on other hand, have two seats that are arranged close to each other and facing in opposite directions. This is a good option for kids who are the same age or for siblings who enjoy interacting with each other. Tandem strollers may be harder to maneuver through tight spaces, and are less likely to pass through doorways than their side-by-side counterparts.
If you prefer a wagon-style double stroller, check out this top pick from Safety 1st. This budget-friendly model was praised by test participants for its various seating configurations. It can be used with two infant car seats or one child sitting in a convertible toddler chair. Our experts also appreciated the comfortable memory foam seats, 50+ SPF canopy, and foam-filled tires that never go flat. When it's time for folding, this model only requires just a few nudges on the straps under each seat (under where kids sit) for folding.