Buying Guide For double seat stroller Strollers
If you have two kids who are similar in age A double stroller can be an invaluable investment. These compact twin stroller tandem buggies or versatile side-by-side buggies allow you to keep both children in the same place while navigating the grocery aisle and parks, as well as whatever else life throws at you.
Comfort
When looking for a double stroller, the comfort is a key consideration. This can include both the seating arrangement as well as the overall size of the stroller which can impact the accessibility and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child expert in child development from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, advises parents to be aware of the stroller’s weight and folded dimensions. “They should also consider the seat recline options and age ranges to ensure the best fit for their family.”
A quality double stroller should be sturdy enough to traverse different surfaces smoothly–from parks trails to suburban sidewalks and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should come with a variety of seating options for children of different stages of development, as well as comfort features such as a peek-a-boo windows and adjustable canopy options that protect children from rain or sun.
The seating options are important to many families that will use double strollers from the time of birth until childhood. “There are two main categories – in-line with one seat ahead of the other, and side by side with seats that are next to each other,” Billingsley explains. “Some parents prefer an in-line option for its sleek look and versatility, while others prefer a wagon-style double stroller to make the most space for heavy items or groceries.”
While some products may have different recline options–with one seat being almost flat, while the other one remains upright, this type of distinction is more prevalent in models that are in-line. Billingsley suggests choosing a model that has a nearly flat recline as well as leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children can lay down comfortably.
She also suggests parents look for strollers with storage compartments so that they can easily access their snacks, personal items and toys moving about. She also suggests that it’s helpful to find a stroller which comes with a parent console or organizer bag, that can be attached to the handlebars. This will help parents keep their essentials at hand.
Many of the top-rated double strollers can be enlarged giving parents the ability to modify the layout according to their family’s requirements. The Mockingbird Expandable, for instance, is a highly rated double stroller that can be used from birth using a single seat, and later converted into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) when the child gets older.
Safety
Double strollers need to be able to support the weight of both the passengers as well as any additional cargo. Strollers must also be simple to push and maneuver, especially in tight areas and over challenging terrain. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height which make it easier for parents to maintain good form when pushing them. A harness that is not rethread, which makes adjusting seat belts more quickly and easily is another great feature to look out for. Also, a strong brake system and wheels that glide over any surface are important safety features.
Some parents choose a side-by-side design that allows both children to see each other during family outings. This arrangement can prevent sibling rivalries over who is allowed to sit in which spot but it’s not a guarantee. If the seats are positioned at different heights, one child could be in a position to punch or kick the other during the course of a walk.
If you have twins or siblings who are close in age, a tandem stroller can be beneficial in being able see both kids at once. However, they are larger than other double strollers, and they may not be able to pass through all doors in your home. To maximize versatility, you should consider a single-to-double stroller double which can switch from a single to a tandem in different ways, like the renowned CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can be adapted to a wide variety of configurations and permit you to insert infant car seats or cot attachments depending on your requirements.
If you are looking for a tandem or side-byside stroller, ensure that the stroller has been JPMA certified to meet stringent safety standards. Be aware of the maximum weight limits for each seat, as exceeding them can lead to frame fatigue or other issues.
It’s easy to be swept in the sound of bells and whistles, however it’s important to keep in mind that strollers are essentially baby carriers that are used for extended times. 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
A double stroller must be easily maneuverable on various types of terrains for families constantly on the move. Strollers with features such as windows that can be opened and closed, adjustable canopy and sturdy brake systems are crucial to ensure the safety of your children. But there are also other features that make them simpler to use. For instance the stroller should be small enough to fit into the trunk of your car while still offering ample storage space for groceries and other belongings. Also important are thoughtful touches like a cup holder with a single parent as well as a console for parents and a snack tray for kids–all things that can make life on the go with two kids much more manageable.
In our testing we rated each stroller based on how it did on a variety of surfaces and how well it maneuvered in tight spaces. We also considered how easy it was to fold the stroller and unfold it as well as if a particular feature enhanced the overall functionality. For instance, a stroller with a harness that does not rethread makes the adjustment of the seat belts easy and quick. This can be a huge benefit for parents who are on the move since it reduces time and eliminates the need to re-thread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored highly in this measure, since it came with a variety of seating options and accessories to help accommodate growing families. The wagon-style double stroller is able to accommodate two seats, a bassinet or even a toddler-friendly riding board, which is ideal for families with active children who plan long days on the go with multiple children of different ages. It glides easily over pavements, cobblestones, and ball fields. It can be folded flat to store in a trunk or a closet. The design of this stroller is easy and easy to use which was well-loved by our tester Kerry. The smart packaging clear sections, well-marked sections and user guide made it easy to assemble this stroller.
Stores
A double stroller has the potential to hold twice as much stuff as a single stroller, therefore, you should look for plenty of storage space. It is important to find a stroller with enough storage space to store the essentials of both children and parents including bottles as well as snacks, toys and diapers. Look for under-seat baskets as well as other pockets, and think about a stroller with an expanding cargo area that can hold bulky items like diaper bags and lunch bags.
A good double stroller will be able to grow with your family. For instance, some models include a bassinet attachment that can accommodate infants, while others feature child seats that can be adapted to your kids until they’re ready to move to the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers allow older children to share in the fun by riding on the rider board.
There are a variety of double strollers available. You can choose from high-performance models that are great for rough terrain, as well as affordable options that you can use every day. As you shop, read reviews and suggestions from families like yours to get a better sense of what you can expect from the double stroller you choose.
Double strollers are available in three different designs: side-by-side, tandem, and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers provide the most flexibility and are perfect for twins or kids who are close to each other in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers have two seats set up in tandem, facing opposite directions. This is a great option for children of similar age or siblings who like to play with one another. Tandem twin strollers for newborns are more difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces, and less likely to fit into doors.
If you’re looking for a wagon-style double stroller take a look at this top choice from Safety 1st. Testers loved how this affordable model offers multiple seating configurations, including the ability to connect two infant car seats or a single child riding in an convertible toddler seat. Our reviewers also praised the comfortable memory foam seats with a 50+ SPF canopy, and foam-filled tires that never stop running flat. When it’s time to fold this model requires only just a few nudges on the straps underneath each seat (under where kids sit) for folding.
