This Is The History Of Double Strollers In 10 Milestones

Buying Guide For Double Strollers

If you have two children that are in the same age group, a double stroller can be a valuable investment. These narrow tandem buggies or versatile side by side buggies let you keep both children within sight when you are navigating the aisles of your grocery store, parks, and whatever else life can throw at you.

Comfort

Comfort is a major factor to consider when shopping for a double-stroller. This includes both the seating arrangements and the overall size of the stroller which impacts accessibility and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, suggests parents examine the stroller's weight as well as folded dimensions. "They should also take a look at the recline options for seats and age ranges to ensure a good fit for their family."

A quality double stroller should be able to handle different surfaces with ease, from suburban sidewalks to parks, and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should also provide flexible seating arrangements for children of various age groups and comfort features like peek-a-boo windows and adjustable canopies to protect children from rain or sun.

For many families, a double stroller is likely to be used from birth until the age of five, so it's crucial to consider the seating options. Billingsley says there are two primary categories: in-line which has one seat in front of the other and side-byside with seats adjacent to one another. Some parents prefer the inline option due to its sleek design and its versatility. Others like a wagon-style double stroller for maximum space for bulky or grocery items.

In-line models tend to have this kind of discordance. Some models might offer different recline options, with one seat being almost flat and the other one remaining fairly upright. Billingsley suggests choosing a model that offers both an almost flat recline as well as leg rest adjustment for both seats, so that both children can lie back comfortably.

In the end, she suggests choosing strollers that have storage compartments that will allow parents to access their snacks, toys and personal items while on the move. She also suggests that it is helpful to find a stroller that includes a parent console or organizer bag, that can be attached to the handlebars. This can help parents keep their essentials in their reach.

Many of the top-rated double strollers can be extended, allowing parents the flexibility to modify the layout according to their family's requirements. For instance the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly rated double stroller that can be used with just a single seat from birth, and then transformed into tandem (with an additional seat and bassinet) as the child gets older.

Safety

Double strollers have to be able to support the weight of two adults, as well as any additional cargo. Strollers need to be simple to maneuver and push, particularly on rough terrain or in tight spaces. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to help parents maintain good posture when pushing them. A harness that is not rethread which makes the adjustment of seat belts quicker and easier, is another nice feature to look out for. Safety features include a durable brake system, as well as wheels that slide over any surface.

Some parents choose a side-by-side design that allows both children to see one another during family outings. This arrangement can prevent siblings fighting over who gets to sit where but it's not a guarantee. If the seats are set at different levels, one child might be able to kick or punch the other during a walk.

For parents of twins or siblings close in age, a tandem stroller can be beneficial in being able to view both children at the same time. However, they can be larger than other double strollers, and they might not be able to pass through all doors in your home. You could consider a single-to-double stroller that can be transformed from a single to double in various ways. Popular models include the CYBEX gazelle S.

If you are looking for a tandem or side-by-side stroller, make sure that the product has been JPMA certified to meet strict safety standards. Be aware of the weight limits that apply to each seat, as exceeding them could result in frame fatigue or other issues.

While it's easy for us to focus on all the extra bells and whistles of the latest stroller, it's crucial to keep in mind that a stroller is basically a baby carrier that is carried around for long periods of time. It must be easy to clean and maintain and comfortable for both passengers. It should also have an easy-to-use, familiar design that allows the person pushing it to easily maneuver it.

Simple to Use

For families that are on the move, a double stroller should be easy to maneuver over different terrains. Features like adjustable canopies windows, peek-aboo windows, and dependable braking systems are crucial to ensure the safety of your children, however, there are other elements that affect stroller ease of use. A stroller must be compact enough to fit into the trunk of your vehicle, but still have plenty of storage space for groceries or other things. Additionally, you should consider thoughtful features such as a cup holder for one parent as well as a console for parents and a snack tray for kids--all things that will make life on the go with two children significantly more manageable.

During our testing we evaluated each stroller according to its ability to perform on different terrains and its ability to maneuver in tight spaces. We also assessed how easy it was to fold and unfold, and whether or not a specific feature improved the overall functionality of the stroller. A stroller with no-rethread straps makes it simple to adjust the seat belts. This can be a big selling point for parents who are constantly on the move, as it does away with the need to rethread the harness.

The UPPAbaby 2 Double scored highly in this measure because it had a wide variety of seating configurations and other accessories that could accommodate families that are growing. The wagon-style double stroller expands to allow for a second seat, 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 age. It easily glides over cobblestones, pavements, and ballfields. It can also be folded flat to be stored in a trunk or a closet. Our tester Kerry appreciated the straightforward and intuitive nature of this stroller's design. Its clever packaging, clearly labeled sections and an informative user guide made putting together this stroller an absolute breeze.

Storage

A double stroller is able to hold twice as much as a single stroller so look for ample storage space. You'll want a stroller that has enough storage space to store the necessities of parents and children, such as bottles, toys, snacks, and diapers. Look for under-seat baskets as well as other pockets, and think about a stroller that has an expandable cargo area that can carry heavy items such as lunch bags and diaper bags.

A quality double stroller will be able to grow with your family. Billingsley states that certain models have a bassinet attachment to accommodate infants.  double buggy for twins  come with child seats that can expand with the child until they are old enough to ride on the back. Some double strollers allow older siblings to share in the fun with the rider board.

There are many different double strollers on the market. You can pick from high-performance models which are suitable for rough terrain, or affordable options that you can use on a daily basis. As you shop, read user reviews and recommendations from families like yours to get an understanding of what to expect with the double stroller you select.

Double strollers are available in three different styles including tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-by-side strollers are the most versatile and suitable for twins or children of similar age. Tandem double strollers, on contrary, have two seats set next to each other and facing opposite directions. It's a good option for kids of the same age, or for siblings who like to interact with one another. Tandem strollers can be difficult to maneuver through tight spaces, and are less likely to fit through doors than their side-by-side counterparts.

If you prefer a wagon-style double stroller, check out this top model from Safety 1st. The testers loved that this budget model comes with a variety of seating options and the option to snap in two infant car seats or a single child riding in an convertible toddler seat. Our testers also loved the soft memory foam seats with a 50+ SPF canopy and foam-filled tires that will never go flat. When it's time to fold this model requires only a few tugs on the straps beneath each seat (under where kids sit) for folding.