4 Dirty Little Secrets About Double Stroller And The Double Stroller Industry
What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The best double strollers are made to adapt to the needs of your family and include clever features that keep your kids happy and comfortable. This includes adjustable foot rests as well as a smooth stroll on trails, gravel and old sidewalks.
Kerry was delighted that the stroller arrived in multiple boxes, but everything was clearly labeled and simple for her to open. She also liked that the stroller can accept two infant car seats and it is able to be set with a riding board for older children.
Seating Options
Seating options are a major factor in determining whether or the family will buy a double stroller. You'll want to think about the age of your children, their relative sizes, and the seating arrangements that work best for you.
Alli Cavasino is a senior editor of Consumer Reports. She says that if you're looking to purchase a tandem stroller, you should consider one with child seats attached together. This model doesn't require car seat adapters. These are typically wider than other types of double strollers, however they won't pass through door frames that are standard in your home.
If your children are of a older age, you might want to consider a stroller that has two seats that can be turned into a stand-and ride model. This will allow children to watch or ride along with their siblings. These in-line strollers are also capable of accommodating infant car seats if needed and are suitable for children aged 3 to 5 years apart.
Billingsley advises that you must be aware of the material used for the seat. Some are more breathable than others, and are easier to keep clean. It's also important to think about how easy it is to fold your stroller for stowing or transporting to and from your car. "There's nothing more frustrating than purchasing your dream stroller only to discover that it's too heavy or bulky for your trunk," says the expert.
If you're looking for an affordable option that has multiple configurations take a look at this award-winning stroller from Summer Infant. It comes with two toddler seats as well as the bassinet. It can be converted into a triple stroller adding a third seat or riding board. The seats recline and the calf bar controls can be adjusted separately. This is great when one child needs to take a nap while the other wants to explore their surroundings. It's also compact when folded down and easily fits in most trunks.
Age ranges
For families with kids who are similar to their ages, a sit-and-stand stroller is the perfect combination of comfort for both children and convenience. These strollers have a seat in the front for toddlers or infants and a platform, bench or another surface at the rear which allows older children to stand up or get off and on. They're ideal for big toddlers and preschoolers, but they won't be ideal for babies or kids who don't yet have the balance and coordination to stand on their own.
A narrow tandem stroller allows you to keep both children within sight at the same time, and also be squeezed into tight spaces such as aisles at the supermarket or for family photos in the parks. These strollers are typically smaller than double strollers that are side-by-side and are able to move more easily however they aren't able to accommodate infant car seats and generally don't have as much undercarriage storage.
If you're planning to utilize a double stroller for several years--or even longer than a decade, it's worth investing in an option that will continue to expand with your children. Double strollers tend to be more expensive than single strollers, but when you pick the right one first time it can help you save money over time.
Our test participants put each of these strollers through a series of maneuverability tests as well as off-road adventures, and they found them to be simple to navigate through various terrains. However, if you're planning to use it in urban areas where sidewalks and traffic can be bumpy and uneven, you may want something more robust and robust that can withstand the rough treatment.
Double strollers are built to last, however the seats can get worn out faster than you anticipate or your kids may outgrow them before they're ready to retire. If you're on a budget you should consider buying one that's been rated for at least four years and is designed to last for as long as possible.
Simple to Use
If you're going to invest in a double stroller, it's essential that it's user-friendly for both children. This means comfortable harnesses for seated kids and handles that are easy to grasp for toddlers who stand. This also means that the stroller can be moved easily, and can be maneuvered around tight spaces and around obstacles. The top strollers we tested in our Lab tests, including the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie or Thule Urban Glide 2 Double are among the easiest to navigate.
It's also important that a double stroller be easy to fold and put away. The best models use an easy one- or two-step process, and they're compact enough to fit in the majority of trunks. It's also beneficial when the stroller is a versatile, with options to add a second seat or a ride-along board. Some strollers can accommodate infant car seats so you don't have to wake your baby up to move them into the stroller when it's time to leave for home.
A good double stroller is also strong, so it can be used on a variety of types of terrain. For example, some can be converted to a jogging stroller with a specialized front wheel, and some can be used as an umbrella stroller. Some strollers come with a bag that can be tacked to the back of the vehicle to carry shopping bags and groceries.
Push Chairs And Prams or side-by-side is an alternative to think about. Side-by-side strollers are generally larger than tandems, and may be difficult to navigate through narrow spaces like the aisles of doors or grocery stores. They are convenient since they permit each child to see 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 as a baby, and later switch to a regular double once their children are older. After talking with parents, it became apparent that it is better to purchase what you need now than to try to predict what you'll require in the near future.
Storage
If you're shopping for a double stroller, you may need to think about the size and the amount of storage space. A lot of models have large, easy-to-access baskets that can hold lots of cargo. They also typically have numerous cup holders for parents and convertible seating arrangements that provide best-in-class legroom for children. Some of these features may make the price more expensive so make sure you review the reviews and descriptions thoroughly.
The majority of double strollers can be classified into tandem or side by side models. Tandem strollers include two seats in one frame and are suited to older babies who can stand unaided. They usually have more storage space than side-byside models. However, some can be difficult to push when the front seat is fully reclined.
The side-by-side stroller comes with two separate seats that are set side-by-side. They're usually more suitable for infants or toddlers, who aren't yet ready for sitting independently. They also have the added benefit of being more easy to push and maneuver than tandem strollers. However, they typically have smaller storage baskets than tandem strollers, and can be more expensive.
There are also special double strollers designed for jogging and biking. They are more expensive than standard strollers that are all-terrain, and they usually have fixed front wheels that limit their flexibility. These strollers are only worth considering if you intend to use them in these types of activities.
If you're looking for twins, an infant and a toddler, or another child who's not yet ready to walk on their own, there's a great double stroller out there. Our top choices are easy to maneuver, versatile, stable and have seating that expands with your child. Take a look at our top picks for the best double stroller to meet your family's needs whether you're searching for a tandem or one that will fit your infant car seat.