What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The most effective double strollers are designed to grow with your family and come with thoughtful features that keep children content and comfortable. This includes adjustable foot rests and a smooth stroll on trails, gravel and old sidewalks.
Kerry was thrilled that the stroller was packaged in multiple boxes, but everything was clearly labeled and easy to open. She also appreciated the fact that the stroller can accept two infant car seats and it can be paired with a riding board for older children.
Seating Options
When it is about double strollers, seating options are what determines the success or failure of the purchase of many families. You'll need to consider the age of your children, the sizes of them and the seating arrangements you prefer.
For cheap double buggy , if have children close in age who will sit side-by-side, consider a tandem stroller that has child seats attached to one another and doesn't require you to use car seat adapters, explains Alli Cavasino an editor in the senior position at Consumer Reports. These double strollers are typically wider than other double strollers. They might not fit through doors that are standard in your home.
If your children are different age, you might think about a stroller with two seats that can be transformed into a stand-and ride model. This will allow children to observe or ride along with their siblings. These kinds of in-line strollers can also be adapted to fit infant car seats, in the event that they are needed, and are a good choice for children who'll be three to five years apart, according to Billingsley.
You'll also want to consider the type of seat material, according to Billingsley. Certain fabrics are more breathable than others and are easier to keep clean. You should also consider how easy it is to fold the stroller for storage purposes or transport to and from your car. "Nothing is more frustrating than purchasing your dream stroller but then realizing it's too heavy to lift or too big for your trunk," she says.
If pushchairs double looking for an affordable option that has multiple configurations, then check out this award-winning stroller from Summer Infant. It comes with two toddler seats as well as the bassinet. It can be converted to a triple stroller by adding a seat or riding board. The seats recline and have the calf bar controls that can be adjusted independently, which is perfect for when one child is looking to rest while the other wants look around. When folded, it is compact and fits into the majority of trunks.
Age Ranges
Sit-and stand strollers are the ideal option for families with children who are similar in age. They offer the comfort and convenience. They typically come with seats for infants or toddler in front and a platform or bench that lets an older child stand or take a ride in the back. These strollers are great for older children and toddlers, but not for babies or children who do not yet have the coordination or balance to stand up on their own.
A narrow tandem stroller allows you to keep both children in view at the same time, and also fit through tight spaces like aisles at the supermarket or for family photos at the parks. These models are often narrower than side-by-side double strollers and are able to move more easily, but they won't accommodate infant car seats and typically don't offer as much undercarriage storage.
If you plan to use a double stroller over many years, or even longer than a decade, it's worth buying a stroller that can adapt to your children's needs. Double strollers are more expensive than single ones, but if they're chosen correctly, you can save money over the long haul.
Our test participants tested each stroller in several maneuverability tests, as well as off-road excursions. They found that they were easy to maneuver on a variety terrain. However, if you're planning to be using it in urban areas where traffic and sidewalks are prone to bumps, you might want something more robust and durable that can handle the rough treatment.
Double strollers are made to last, but the seats can wear out sooner than you anticipate or your kids may outgrow them before they're ready to retire. If you are on an extremely tight budget, you should choose one with a rating of at least four years. It is best to use it for as long as it can.
Ease of Use
If you're going to invest in a double stroller, you need to ensure that it be easy to use for both children. This means that the harnesses must be comfortable for children who are seated and the handles must be easy to grasp for toddlers. It also means that the stroller is able to roll easily and is able to be maneuvered in tight spaces and around obstacles. In fact the top-rated strollers from our Lab tests -- such as the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie and Thule Urban Glide 2 Double among the most comfortable to push.
A double stroller should also be easy to fold up and store. The most efficient models fold in one or two steps and are small enough to fit in the majority of trunks. It's a plus if you can add a second chair or a ride-along stroller. Some even have the capacity to hold infant car seats, meaning you don't need to wake up your baby to get them into their stroller once they're ready for a trip home.
Additionally, a great double stroller must be durable to be able to be used on different types of terrain. Some are able to be converted into a jogging stoller with a front wheel that is specially designed and others can be used as umbrella strollers. Some strollers come with a bag that can be tacked to the back of the stroller to carry shopping bags and groceries.
A tandem or side-by-side stroller is another option worth considering. Side-by-side models are usually wider than tandems, and can be difficult to navigate tight spaces such as doorways or crowded aisles in grocery stores. However, they provide the convenience of allowing both children to view the same scenery. They are also much easier to navigate in bad weather as they offer more protection from the elements.
Many parents opt to buy an adaptable single-to-double stroller, so that they can use it with a baby and then change to a regular double once their kids are older. But after speaking with parents we've learned that it's best to buy what you need now, rather than trying to anticipate what your family will require in the future.
Storage
When shopping for a double-stroller, it's important to think about the amount of storage and the dimensions. Many models have spacious easy-to-access baskets that are able to hold lots of cargo. They often also have numerous cup holders for parents and convertible seating arrangements that provide the best legroom available for children. However, certain features can be costly in cost and it's crucial to read reviews and descriptions carefully.
Most double strollers are categorized as tandem or side-by-side designs. Tandem strollers have two seats assembled on the same frame and they're typically better suited for older children who have already mastered sitting without assistance. They tend to have bigger storage baskets than side-by-side models. However, some can be difficult to push when the front seat is fully reclined.
The side-by-side stroller comes with two seats that are placed side-by-side. They're generally better suited for younger babies or toddlers who aren't yet ready for sitting independently. They also have the benefit of being generally easier to maneuver and pushing than tandem strollers. However, they tend to have smaller storage baskets than tandem strollers, and can be more expensive.
There are also specially designed double strollers designed for biking and jogging. These are usually more expensive than all-terrain strollers, and have fixed front wheels which limit their flexibility. It is worth looking into them only if you intend to use them for those activities.
Whether you're shopping for twins or a baby and an older toddler, or a child who's not yet ready to ride on their own, there's an ideal double stroller for you. The best options in our tests are versatile and stable. They're also easy to maneuver, with seating that grows as your children get older. So whether you're in search of a tandem stroller or one that can accommodate your infant car seat, look through our top picks to choose the ideal double stroller for your family.