7 Little Changes That'll Make A Big Difference With Your Double Stroller
What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The best double strollers are built to grow with families and have thoughtful features to keep kids happy and comfortable. The best double strollers come with adjustable footrests, as well as smooth rides over gravel, old sidewalks and trails.
Kerry was pleased that the stroller was packaged in multiple boxes, however everything was clearly labeled and simple to open. She also appreciated the fact that the stroller can accommodate two infant car seats and it can be paired with a riding board for older children.
Seating Options
Seating options are an important factor in determining whether or an entire family will invest in a double stroller. You'll need to consider the ages of your children, their respective sizes, and the seating arrangements that are most suitable for your needs.
Alli Cavasino is a senior editor at Consumer Reports. She says that if you're looking to purchase a tandem stroller, you should look at one that has child seats that are attached. This model doesn't require car seat adapters. These double strollers are typically larger than other double strollers. They may not fit through doors that are standard in your home.
If you have an age gap between your kids you should consider a stroller with two seats that can transform into a stand-and-ride model that has the option of a bench or a platform seat in the back for a child who wants to casually ride along with their sibling. These types of strollers can also accommodate infant car seats, should they be required and are a great option for children who are 3-5 years apart, says Billingsley.
Billingsley advises that you must be aware of the material you choose for your seat. Some fabrics are more air-conditioned than others, and are easier to clean. It's also important to consider how easy it is to fold your new stroller down for stowing or transporting to and from your car. "Nothing is more frustrating than purchasing the perfect stroller, only finding it's too heavy to carry or too large for your trunk," she says.
If you're seeking a low-cost option that offers multiple configurations take a look at this award-winning stroller from Summer Infant. It features two toddler seats and an infant bassinet. It could be made to a triple stroller by adding a seat or riding board. The seats recline, and have control mechanisms for the calf bar that allow them to adjust independently, which is great for those times when one child needs to nap while the other wants look around. When folded, the seat is compact and can fit easily into most trunks.
Age Variations
Sit-and stand strollers are the ideal option for families with children who are close in age. They offer convenience and comfort. These strollers usually have 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 toddlers and older children, but not for babies or children who do not have the balance and coordination to stand up on their own.
A narrow tandem stroller can help keep an eye on both kids simultaneously and can fit into difficult areas like crowded grocery store aisles or family photos at the park. These models are narrower and easier to maneuver than double strollers that are side-by-side however they don't have as much storage space under the carriage and can't accommodate infant car seats.
If you are planning to use a double stroller over the course of a few years or even for a decade, you should consider purchasing one that will grow along with your children. Double strollers are more expensive than single strollers however, if you select them correctly, you can save money in the end.
Our test subjects put these strollers through a series of maneuverability tests and off-road excursions, and they found them to be easy to navigate over various terrains. If you plan to use it in urban areas or cities where sidewalks and traffic can be bumpy, then you might want something that is more durable and robust that can withstand rough treatment.
Double strollers are made to last, but the seats could wear out sooner than you think or your kids may outgrow them before they're ready for retirement. If you're looking for a bargain, consider getting one that has been tested for at least 4 years and is designed to last as long as is possible.
User-Friendliness
If you're planning to invest in a double stroller, it's important that it be user-friendly for both children. That means comfortable harnesses for kids who are seated and handles that are easy to grasp for toddlers who stand. The stroller can also be easily rolled and maneuvered through tight spaces. The top strollers we tested in our Lab tests, including the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie or Thule Urban Glide 2 Double are among the most easy to move around.
It's also important that a double stroller be easy to fold and store. The most efficient models fold in just a couple of steps and are compact enough to fit into the majority of trunks. It's also an advantage if the stroller is versatile with the option of adding a second seat or a ride-along board. Some strollers can also hold infant car seats, so you don't have to wake your baby to transfer them to the stroller when it's time to go home.
A quality double stroller is also sturdy and is able to be used in a variety of terrains. For instance, some models can be converted into a jogging stroller with a specialized front wheel, and some can also be used as an umbrella stroller. Some strollers come with a bag that can be put to the back of the stroller to carry shopping bags and groceries.
A tandem or side-by-side is another option to consider. Side-by-side strollers tend to be wider than tandems, and may be difficult to navigate through tight spaces such as doorways or crowded aisles in grocery stores. They are useful since they permit each child to see the same scenery. They are also easier to navigate during bad weather because they offer more protection from the elements.
Many parents choose to buy an adaptable stroller that can be used by a baby and then transformed into double strollers when their children get older. However, after talking to parents, we've learned that it's best to buy what you need at the time instead of trying to predict what your family will require in the future.
Stores
If you're looking for a double stroller, you may want to consider the size and amount of storage space. Many models come with spacious easy-to-access baskets that are able to store a large amount of items. Many models also have several cup holders for parents as well as seats that can be reversible to give the best legroom possible for children. However, a few of these features can add up in cost therefore it is important to read descriptions and reviews carefully.
Most double strollers are classified as either tandem or side-by-side designs. Tandem strollers are two seats in one frame and are for older children who can sit unassisted. They also have a bigger storage basket than side-byside models, however they can be a bit difficult or awkward to push when the front seat is reclined fully.
Side-by-side strollers have two individual seats that are placed side-by-side and are typically for babies and toddlers who haven't yet learned independence sitting. They also have the benefit of being more easy to maneuver and push than tandem strollers. They are more expensive and come with smaller baskets.
There are also cheap double pushchair designed for biking and jogging. They are more expensive than the standard strollers that are all-terrain, and they often have fixed front wheels that restrict their mobility. It is worth looking into them only if you plan to use them for those activities.
There's a double stroller that's suitable for any situation regardless of whether you're purchasing one for twins or a child who's not yet ready to take a ride by themselves or not yet old enough. The top options we've found in our tests are affluent and stable. They're also easy to navigate, 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, take a look at our top choices to find the right double stroller for your family.