Buying Guide For Double Strollers

A double stroller is a great investment for families with two children of similar age. These strollers are narrow and narrow, as well as flexible side-by-side buggies let you keep your eyes on both kids at the same time while braving the grocery aisle or the parks, and whatever else life throws at you.

Comfort

Comfort is a major factor to think about when purchasing a double-stroller. This includes both the seating arrangement and the overall size of the stroller which can impact the ease of use and storage. "Parents should determine 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 consider the options for recline and seat age ranges to ensure a perfect fit for their family."

A well-constructed double stroller will be durable enough to travel on all surfaces without difficulty, from urban sidewalks to parks trails and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should offer a range of seating options for children at different ages, as well as features that provide comfort, such as a peek-aboo window and adjustable canopy which protect children twin buggy from birth rain or sun.

The seating options are important to many families that will utilize double strollers from birth to childhood. "There are two main categories - in-line with one seat in front of the other, and side-by-side with seats that are next to each other," Billingsley explains. Some parents prefer the in-line option due to its sleek design and versatility. Others prefer the wagon style double stroller to maximize space for grocery or bulky items.

Some products may offer different recline options--with one seat almost flat while the other is upright--this type of disparity is more common in models that are in-line. Billingsley suggests choosing a model that has an almost flat recline as well as leg rest adjustments for both seats to ensure each child can sleep comfortably.

Then, she suggests looking for strollers with storage compartments that enable parents to quickly access snacks, toys and other personal items while out and about. She also suggests that it is beneficial to find a stroller that includes a parent console or organizer bag, that can be attached to the handlebars. This can help parents keep essentials close to hand.

Some of the most highly-rated Double Push Chair strollers can be expanded which allows parents to alter the set-up based on the needs of their expanding family. For example the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used with just a single seat as early as birth, and then converted to a tandem (with the addition of a second seat and bassinet) as the child grows older.

Safety

Double strollers must be able to carry the weight of two adults, as well as any additional cargo. Strollers must be easy to maneuver and push, especially on rough terrain or in tight spaces. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights which make it easier for parents to maintain their form when pushing them. A harness that does not need to be rethread which makes the adjustment of seat belts more quickly and easily to do, is a nice feature to look for. A sturdy brake system and wheels that glide over any surface are important safety features.

Some parents prefer a side by side design to allow both children to meet up when they go on family outings. This arrangement can reduce sibling squabbles about who gets to sit in which seat however, it's not 100% secure. If the seats are at different levels, a child might kick or punch one another during a walk, when the seats are on different levels.

For parents of twins or siblings close in age, a tandem stroller is a great option for being able see both children at the same time. However, they are larger than other double strollers, so they may not be able to pass through all terrain double buggy doors in your home. You could consider a single-to-double stroller that can be converted from a single and double stroller to double in various ways. Popular models include the CYBEX gazelle S.

If you decide to purchase a side-by-side or tandem-style stroller, be sure that the stroller is JPMA-certified to meet the strictest safety standards. Also pay attention to the weight limits that apply to each seat, as exceeding them could result in frame fatigue or other issues.

It's easy to get caught up in the bells and whistles, however it's important to keep in mind that strollers are in essence baby carriers that will be used for extended times. It must be easy to clean and maintain, and comfortable for both the passengers. It should also have a an intuitive, familiar design that lets the person pushing it to easily maneuver it.

Simple to Use

A double stroller must be easy to maneuver on a variety types of terrains for families always on the move. Strollers that have features like windows that peek-a-boo, adjustable canopies and reliable brake systems are vital to ensure the safety of your children. But there are also other factors that make them easier to use. For example the stroller should be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your car, but still provide ample storage space for food items and other things. It is also important to consider thoughtful additions like a cup holder with a single parent or console for parents, as well as snacks for children--all things that will make life with two kids much 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 looked at the ease with which it was possible to fold and unfold and whether or not a specific feature added to the overall performance of the stroller. For instance a stroller with a harness that does not rethread makes the adjustment of the seat belts easy and quick. 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 Vista v2 Double scored high in this measure, since it offers a wide range of seating configurations as well as additional accessories to help accommodate growing families. The wagon-style double-stroller can be expanded to accommodate a second seat, bassinet or even a toddler's riding board. This is perfect for families who want to spend long days in the car with a variety of children of different ages. It is able to glide effortlessly over pavements, cobblestones, and ballfields. It can fold flat to be stored in a trunk or a closet. Our tester Kerry loved the simple and easy-to-use nature of the stroller's design. The sleek packaging, clearly marked sections and user guide made it easy to assemble this stroller.

Storage

Double strollers can carry twice as much as one single stroller, so make sure you ensure you have plenty of storage space. It is ideal to have an item that can hold the essentials for both kids--nappies bottles, snacks, and toys, along with parents' belongings like wallets, phones, and keys. Find baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, consider a stroller with an expandable cargo space to accommodate bulky items such as diaper bags and lunchbags.

A quality double stroller should be able to adjust as your family grows. For instance, some models include an attachment for a bassinet that can accommodate infants, while others have child seats that can be adapted to your kids until they're ready to ride on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers even permit a rider's board to allow older siblings to join in the fun.

There are many different double strollers available. You can choose from high-performance models that are great for rough terrain, or more budget-friendly options that you can use every day. As you shop, read user reviews and recommendations from families just like yours to get an idea of what to expect with the double stroller you select.

Double strollers are available in three styles: tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers offer the most versatility and are suitable for twins or children similar to their age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers feature two seats that are set in a tandem arrangement with the opposite direction facing. This is a good option for children of the same age, or siblings who prefer to be social with one another. Tandem strollers can be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and are less likely to pass through doorways than their side-by-side counterparts.

Check out this top pick by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon style double stroller. This budget-friendly model was praised by test participants for its various seating configurations. It can be used with two car seats for infants or one child sitting in a convertible toddler seat. Our experts also appreciated the comfy memory foam seats with a 50+ SPF canopy and foam-filled tires that will never get flat. And when it's time to fold, this model needs just a couple of tugs on straps on each seat (under the seats where kids are) to fold in half.