double stroller buying guide

DOUBLE STROLLER
BUYING GUIDE
2016
Welcome to our buying guide!
We’re here to help.
At Magic Beans, we don’t want to
sell you just ANY stroller: we want
you to find the perfect fit for your
growing family and your lifestyle.
This buying guide is just the first
step on the way to discovering a
stroller you’ll truly love. After you
read through this guide: talk to us!
Call us at 866-600-BEAN, email
[email protected], or book a
FREE consultation by clicking here!
Let’s get started
Your first assignment
before you begin
shopping for a double
stroller is to imagine
how you will use it.
MAGIC BEANS BUYING GUIDE · DOUBLE STROLLERS
MBEANS.COM
3
THINGS TO CONSIDER
• Are you buying this stroller for twins, or children of two
different ages?
• What is the age difference between your two children?
• Will this stroller primarily be a “car stroller” or a “house
stroller”? Read more about the difference at our blog here!
• If you’re expecting twins, do you need to fit two infant car
seats on this stroller?
• Think about the main places you will be taking your stroller,
and where it needs to comfortably fit.
• Are you planning on using a bassinet / bassinets?
• How much weight are you prepared to handle?
• How much space do you have in your car?
MAGIC BEANS BUYING GUIDE · DOUBLE STROLLERS
MBEANS.COM
4
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Stroller weight
How much are you willing to lift? (Keep in mind that you’ve got two kids and are carrying a diaper bag, too.)
Note: every manufacturer has a different method for weighing their strollers, so the functional weight may be different than the published weight. It’s
a good idea to try hefting each stroller in person.
Another note: There is no such thing as a truly “light” double stroller. Don’t choose your double stroller by weight! Look for the features you need.
Weight limit
This determines how long you will be able to use your stroller (possibly up through the preschool years). A higher weight limit is usually a sign of highquality materials and solid construction.
HOW DOES IT FEEL TO PUSH?
How well a stroller moves is a function of how well it is engineered, so whether it has a handlebar or double handles, if it’s well-balanced, it should
be easy to push. We recommend giving a stroller a test-drive with some weight in it to see whether you like the way it feels. Your height can also
be a factor: if you’re tall, you may wind up kicking the back wheels. And if caregivers are different heights, you may want to look for an adjustable
handlebar.
The Fold
Your stroller should be quick and easy to fold, and it should ideally fold compactly. You should be able to work around a two-handed fold if you need to.
Storage
You now have twice the luggage to haul around with two kids, so you want a lot of storage on your double stroller. Getting a diaper bag that can
hang on your stroller’s handles will help to provide some extra space, but be careful how much weight you hang on your stroller - tipping is a real risk.
CAR SEAT COMPATIBILITY
Car seat adapters provide a handy shortcut between your stroller and the car - they allow you to skip undoing harnesses and potentially waking the
baby. When you’re stroller shopping, you should see if your preferred stroller can be adapted for your preferred infant car seat. If you have twins, you
should also see if it can carry two infant car seats at once.
MAGIC BEANS BUYING GUIDE · DOUBLE STROLLERS
MBEANS.COM
5
DOUBLE STROLLER TYPES
SIde-by-side
IN-LINE/TANDEM
PROS:
PROS:
• Well-suited for two children closer in age.
• More likely to take a broader range of car
• Weight is more evenly distributed within the stroller’s footprint.
seats.
• Easier to push, turn, and maneuver.
• More frequently able to reverse seats.
• Same arm and leg room for both children.
• More likely to convert from a single to a
• Children can see each other, talk to each other, and see their
double stroller.
surroundings better.
• No worries about width.
• It is easier for you to tend to your children.
CONS:
CONS:
• Weight distribution makes it more difficult
• You may worry about fitting through door frames, grocery store
to turn.
checkouts, subway turnstiles, and other tighter spaces.
• Children may prefer one seat over another.
baby jogger
city select with
second seat
• You may also worry about taking up the entire sidewalk.
PRO-TIP: When you are using an inline
stroller, you may want to put the heavier
child in the back, as it will more evenly
distribute the weight, and make it easier
to turn and move.
BUMBLERIDE INDIE TWIN
MAGIC BEANS BUYING GUIDE · DOUBLE STROLLERS
MBEANS.COM
6
FAQs
Q: What’s the best way to deal with the inevitable extra
weight of a double stroller?
Q: Any other pointers for a double?
A: A convertible double stroller may make the weight easier to handle
because they’ll handle the weight better.
A: It’s worth investing in a stroller with really great heavy-duty tires,
since the seats can come off.
Q: What is your best advice for double strollers for twins?
A: If you walk everywhere, you need bassinets! You also want to make
sure you have a lot of storage, as you now have twice the luggage.
TEST DRIVE CHECKLIST
• Have a kid / kids on hand? Put them in the stroller. Do they seem
• Learn to fold and unfold the stroller. Is it easy and intuitive? Could
comfortable? (If it’s an older kid, ask them!) Is there room to grow?
you easily teach another caregiver, like a grandparent or a babysitter,
to fold and unfold it?
• Push the stroller around the store. How does it feel? How agile is
it? Does it fit easily through the aisles? Does it turn easily?
• Fold the stroller up and put it in the trunk of your car. How does
it fit? Is there room for other items? (Please don’t drive away with the
• Try the stroller outside on different types of pavement – if you
stroller without purchasing it first, no matter how much you love it.)
can find sidewalk cracks and bumps, give them a try. Does the ride feel
smooth?
• Fold the stroller and pick it up. Try carrying it across the store.
Think about how it will feel to carry the stroller with a child in your
other arm. Is there a handle that makes it easier?
MAGIC BEANS BUYING GUIDE · DOUBLE STROLLERS
MBEANS.COM
7
AnATOMY OF A STROLLER · Part 1
1
Handles
flat; some don’t sit
handy. This keeps the
Most double strollers
completely upright.
stroller locked in a
will have a single
The depth of the
folded position so it
handlebar; a few
recline determines what
won’t pop open as you
double umbrella stroller
ages the stroller can
lug it out of the trunk,
models will have two
accommodate, since
or while you’re carrying
separate handles.
newborns need to lie
it. Make sure everyone
Either way, the correct
flat until their head
using the stroller knows
handle or bar height
and neck muscles are
how to disengage the
will determine how
stronger.
lock.
1
comfortable the stroller
2
3
4
5
3
height is always handy,
Every stroller has this
but you may find a
Spills happen, so
essential piece of
stroller with a fixed
anticipate how you’re
safety equipment – use
height that’s just right.
going to deal with
it regularly, please!
Try before you buy!
them. Is it important
The brake varies in its
to you that your fabric
placement and ease
color hides dirt? Some
of use. If you wear
Your stroller seats may
seat fabrics can be
flip-flops or sandals
utilize a drawstring, a
fully removed and
a lot, make sure you
zipper, a push-button,
tossed into the washing
can engage the brake
or another mechanism
machine, while others
without bruising your
to recline and you
are spot-clean only.
toes or damaging your
2
Recline
may need one hand
or two. Some stroller
MAGIC BEANS BUYING GUIDE · DOUBLE STROLLERS
5
Seat
Fabric
is to push. Adjustable
Brake
pedicure.
4
Fold Lock
seats don’t recline at
Not every stroller has
all; some recline nearly
one, but they’re pretty
MBEANS.COM
8
AnATOMY OF A STROLLER · part 2
Canopy
fitted harness really
quite a bit in size. Keep
The canopy, or hood,
will prevent injuries!
in mind, though, that
prevents sunburn and
We’ve seen it happen.
your first priority is how
shields your child’s eyes
Adjusting it can be a
your stroller carries your
from the sun during
hassle, depending on
kids, not your stuff, and
naptime. Some canopies
your stroller, but it’s
diaper bags are huge for
have peek-a-boo
absolutely worth the
a reason! Weigh other
windows, and some are
effort. Some buckles are
features more heavily
larger than others; most
harder or easier to open
than this when choosing
canopies on double
or close than others, so
your double stroller.
strollers can be adjusted
give it a try.
6
6
8
7
10
independently, so you
can tailor the coverage
9
10
8
Fold
Wheels
Swiveling front
for your child’s needs
Each stroller has a slightly
wheels provide easy
(if one is sleeping and
different fold; some are
maneuvering in tight
one is awake). We prefer
more complicated than
spaces. Larger wheels
canopies with generous
others, and no double
are more durable, and
coverage and noiseless
stroller has a VERY
foam- or air-filled tires
adjustment; magnets
compact fold. You may
provide a nice, cushioned
holding the peek-a-boo
need a little practice to
ride. For urban sidewalks
window closed will cost
get the fold down; make
in sunny weather, or for
a little more, but they’re
sure you demonstrate
the mall or grocery store,
quieter than zippers or
and practice with any
small wheels will suffice,
Velcro.
other caregivers.
but if you’re planning on
trekking through snow
MAGIC BEANS BUYING GUIDE · DOUBLE STROLLERS
Harness
9
and mud, you’re going
Use your harness
Storage
Basket
religiously – a properly
Stroller baskets can vary
tire.
7
to want at least a 10-inch
MBEANS.COM
9
PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS
BABY JOGGER CITY SELECT with
second seat, $499.99 + $169.99
BABY JOGGER CITY MINI GT double
stroller, $579.99
WEIGHT: 28 pounds (with second seat)
WEIGHT: 32.6 pounds
WEIGHT LIMIT: 45 pounds per seat
WEIGHT LIMIT: 100 pounds total
WHY WE LOVE IT: The endlessly adaptable City Select allows
WHY WE LOVE IT: It’s a great suburban stroller! The easy, quick,
a total of 16 possible configurations with an array of stroller seats,
compact fold makes it simple to get in and out of your car, and the
bassinets, and car seats, facing you or facing the world. Most parents
all-terrain wheels will come in handy at the park and the playground.
will find 3 or 4 configurations that they like and stick to them. Kids
Front-wheel suspension, huge canopies, and nearly-full reclines
appreciate the fact that the stroller seats are exactly the same size –
will keep your kids content on the go, and parents appreciate the
no arguments! Other people on the sidewalk will appreciate the fact
adjustable handlebar and handbrake.
that it’s much narrower than a side-by-side
double stroller, too.
LESS THAN PERFECT: You can only
stick one car seat on this guy at a time,
LESS THAN PERFECT: Because of
and we’re not in love with the car seat
weight distribution, a City Select with two
adapter for this model.
kids on it won’t turn as easily as a side-byside stroller, and will be tougher to pop up
a tall curb.
MAGIC BEANS BUYING GUIDE · DOUBLE STROLLERS
MBEANS.COM
10
PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS
BUGABOO DONKEY STROLLER,
$1329-$1975 depending on
configuartion
LESS THAN PERFECT: Surprisingly, car trunks are not a problem for
the Donkey, and most of the time, doorways aren’t either… unless you
have two infant car seats mounted on your stroller, in which case it may
have problems with a standard-sized 30” wide doorway.
WEIGHT: 29.2 pounds (Mono); 33.4 pounds (Duo/Twin)
WEIGHT LIMIT: 37.5 pounds per seat
WHY WE LOVE IT: All Bugaboo strollers are engineered from the
ground up for superb quality and performance, and they feel glorious
to push! Naturally, with this much attention to detail, this is an extraspecial double stroller – one of the only true single-to-double side-byside strollers on the market.
You can stroll with one kid with an extra cargo basket, or extend the
frame in three clicks to add a second seat. It can carry two stroller
seats, two bassinets, or two infant car seats, or any combination
thereof, facing you or facing the world. The big air-filled tires give kids
a crazy-smooth ride, and can take on virtually any terrain, including
sand and snow. Finally: add a Bugaboo Stand and your baby can even
sleep in their stroller bassinet overnight!
MAGIC BEANS BUYING GUIDE · DOUBLE STROLLERS
MBEANS.COM
11
PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS
UPPABABY vista, with rumble
seat, $819.99-$859.99 + $169.99$179.99
WEIGHT: 27.5 pounds (with one seat) + 6 pounds (Rumble Seat)
WEIGHT LIMIT: 50 pounds + 35 pounds (Rumble Seat)
WHY WE LOVE IT: The Vista is a rare mostly-used-as-a-single-
BOB revolution flex duallie,
$552.00
WEIGHT: 34 pounds
WEIGHT LIMIT: 100 pounds
WHY WE LOVE IT: This stroller is a mighty workhorse! It’s
maneuverable enough to handle all of the nooks and crannies of your
stroller that performs equally well as a double – it actually delivers on
city, and is a superb jogger as well, with adjustable suspension and a
the promise of flexibility! The length of the frame makes it feel more
tracking adjustment knob to keep you running straight forward. It roars
like you’re pushing a single than a double, so you’re not sacrificing
across all terrains, too – those big wheels can take on any trail, and the
performance when your family expands. The Vista comes with a
BOB is one of the few strollers that can really tackle snowy sidewalks.
gorgeous sleep-safe bassinet, and can carry multiple infant car seat
models (if you go with the UPPAbaby
LESS THAN PERFECT: The
Mesa, you may not even need an adapter).
BOB is widest in it’s class, and also
The under-seat basket is famously huge,
does not recline all the way to
and the Vista has great suspension. And it’s
accomodate a newborn.
pretty nice-looking, too, isn’t it?
LESS THAN PERFECT: The Rumble
Seat’s weight limit is a little low at 35
pounds… but, then, your average 4-yearold weighs 40 pounds, so this is probably fine.
MAGIC BEANS BUYING GUIDE · DOUBLE STROLLERS
MBEANS.COM
12
The above strollers are only a short list of our favorites – we
carry plenty of other strollers that might be a better fit for you
(every family is unique!). If you’re not sure which stroller model
is best for you, our stroller matchmakers are here to help!
Call us at 866-600-BEAN,
email guides@mbeans.
com, or book a FREE
consultation by clicking
here.
MAGIC BEANS BUYING GUIDE · DOUBLE STROLLERS
MBEANS.COM
13
At Magic Beans, our mission is to make life easier for parents (and more fun, too).
We aren’t just here to sell you things: we’re here to find solutions and tools to
make every day go just a little more smoothly for you. We get it, because we’re
parents too!
Our selection of strollers, baby gear, and toys for all ages are all selected for
quality, convenience, and innovation, and they’re all available in two convenient
spots: in our six stores, and on our award-winning website, mbeans.com.
MA
BOSTON · BROOKLINE · Cambridge
NORWELL · WELLESLEY
CT
FAIRFIELD
mbeans.com · 617-264-2326 · mbeans.com/spillingthebeans
facebook.com/magicbeans
@mbeans
@mbeansdotcom @MagicBeansVideos