Buying Guide For Double Strollers

A double stroller is a good investment if you have two children with similar age. These narrow tandem buggies or versatile side by side buggies let you keep both children within sight while you shop or in parks, or whatever else life throws at you.

Comfort

When looking for a double stroller for your child, comfort is a key factor to consider. This can include both the seating arrangements and the overall size of the stroller, which impacts ease of use and storage. "Parents should check how much the stroller weighs as well as its folded dimensions," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also look at the options for recline and seat age ranges to ensure a perfect fit for their family."

A quality double stroller should be able to handle different surfaces easily, from suburban sidewalks to park paths and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should offer a range of seating options for children of different ages, as well as comfort features like peek-a-boo window and adjustable canopy that protect children from rain or sun.

Seating options are crucial for many families that will utilize double strollers from the time of birth until childhood. "There are two main categories - in-line with one seat ahead of the other, and side by side with seats that are next to each other," Billingsley explains. "Some parents prefer an in-line stroller due to its sleek appearance and versatility, while others prefer a wagon-style stroller to maximize space for heavy items or groceries."

While some products may have different recline options, with one seat almost flat while the other remains relatively upright--this type of disparity is more prevalent in models that are in-line. Billingsley suggests selecting a model with a near-flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children can lie down comfortably.

Finally, she advises choosing strollers with storage compartments that enable parents to access their snacks, toys, and personal items while on the move. She also suggests that it's useful to find the stroller that has an organizer console for parents or a parent bag that can be attached to the handlebars, which will help keep things close at hand.

Some of the most highly-rated double infant stroller strollers can be expanded, allowing parents to customize the set-up based on the requirements of their growing family. For example the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used with just a single seat from birth and later converted to a tandem (with a second seat and bassinet) as the child gets older.

Safety

Double strollers must be able to carry the weight of two passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers must also be easy to maneuver and push, especially in tight areas and over challenging terrain. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars and adjustable heights which make it easier for parents to maintain good form when pushing them. Another nice feature is a no-rethread seat belt harness that makes it easier to adjust the belts on the seat. Also, a strong brake system and wheels that glide across any surface are crucial safety features.

Some parents opt for an arrangement that allows both children to be able to see each other on family outings. This arrangement can reduce sibling rivalries about who gets to sit in which place however, it's not 100% secure. If the seats are located at different heights, a child may kick or punch one another during a walk, when the seats are on different levels.

A tandem-style stroller is a great option for parents with twins or siblings who are similar in age. It allows them to be able to see both children simultaneously. Double strollers are typically larger, and might not fit through some interior doors. For maximum versatility, consider a single-to-double infant stroller stroller which can switch from a single to a tandem double Stroller in a variety of ways, such as the popular CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can accommodate a wide variety of configurations and permit you to insert infant car seats or cot attachments depending on your needs.

If you're looking for a tandem or a side-by-side stroller, make sure that the product is JPMA certified to meet the strictest safety standards. Be sure to check the weight limits that apply to each seat, as exceeding them can lead to frame fatigue or other issues.

While it's easy to concentrate on the additional bells and whistles of the latest stroller, it's important to remember that a stroller is essentially a baby carrier that is carried around for long durations of time. It should be comfortable for both parents and children, easy to clean and maintain, and in the ideal case it should feature an intuitive, familiar design so that the person pushing it is able to easily maneuver it without having to think twice about how to move forward and turn left or right, or use the brakes.

Easy of Use

For families who are constantly on the move, a cheap double pushchair stroller must be able to navigate a variety of terrains. Features like adjustable canopy systems windows, peek-aboo windows, and reliable braking systems are crucial to ensure the safety of your children, but there are many other aspects that influence stroller comfort of use. For example the stroller must be compact enough to fit into the trunk of your car, but still provide ample storage space for groceries and other belongings. Also important are thoughtful touches like a cup holder with a single parent as well as a console for parents and snacks for children--all things that will make life with two kids significantly easier.

In our tests We evaluated the strollers on how it did on a variety of surfaces and how well it could maneuver in tight spaces. We also looked at how simple it was to fold the stroller and unfold it as well as if a particular feature enhanced the overall functionality. For example a stroller with no-rethread harnesses makes adjusting the seat belts quick and simple. This can be a major selling point for parents who are on the move, as it saves time and removes the need to re-thread the harness.

The UPPAbaby 2 Double scored highly in this metric as it had a wide variety of seating configurations, and other accessories that could accommodate expanding families. The wagon-style lightest double stroller stroller can be expanded to accommodate an additional seat, a bassinet or even a toddler-friendly riding board, which is ideal for active families planning long, tiring days with multiple kids of varying ages. It glides easily over cobblestones and pavements and ballfields. It can fold flat to fit in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is easy and intuitive and was a big hit with our tester Kerry. Its stylish packaging with clearly labeled sections as well as a helpful user guides made putting together this stroller a breeze.

Storage

Double strollers can carry twice more than a single one so be sure to look for plenty of storage space. Ideally, you want a stroller that is able to hold the essentials for both kids--nappies, bottles, snacks and toys, along with parents' belongings like phones, wallets keys, wallets and phones. Find baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller with an expandable cargo area to accommodate bulky items such as diaper bags and lunchbags.

A quality double stroller should be able to adjust as your family grows. Billingsley says that some models come with the option of a bassinet attachment that can accommodate newborns. Other models come with child seats that grow with the child until they are ready to ride on the back. Some double strollers even include a rider board that allows older children to join in the fun.

There are many different double strollers on the market. You can pick from high-performance models which are suitable for rough terrain, to more budget-friendly options that can use every day. While shopping, you can read reviews and opinions of families like yours to get an idea of what you can expect from the double stroller you choose.

Double strollers are available in three models: tandem, side by side and wagon style. Billingsley states that side-byside strollers are the most adaptable and suitable for twins or children of a similar age. Tandem double strollers on the other hand, have two seats set next to each other and facing in opposite directions. This is a great option for children of the same age or for siblings who love to interact with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through tight spaces, and are less likely to be able to fit through doors.

Take a look at this top choice by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon style double stroller. Testers loved how this affordable model has multiple seating options and the option to snap in two infant car seats or a single child riding in an convertible toddler seat. Our reviewers also praised the memory foam seats as well as the canopy, which has 50+ SPF and foam-filled wheels that never flatten. And when it's time to fold, this model requires only a couple of pulls on straps on each seat (under where the kids sit and stand double stroller) to fold in half.