Buying Guide For Double Strollers

A double stroller is an excellent investment if you have two children with similar age. These compact tandem strollers or flexible side-by-side buggies let you keep an eye on both kids at the same time braving the grocery aisle, parks and anything else life throws at you.

Comfort

When looking for a double stroller, comfort is a major consideration. This could include both seating arrangements and the overall size of the stroller, which affects the accessibility and storage. "Parents must determine what the stroller weighs as well as its dimensions when folded," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They must also take into consideration the seat recline options, as well as the age ranges of their children to ensure it's the perfect fit."

A good double stroller should be able to navigate a variety of surfaces with ease from suburban sidewalks to park paths, and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should also provide flexible seating arrangements for children of varying age and comfort features like windows that peek out and adjustable canopy to keep kids shielded from sun or rain.

Seating options are important for many families that will use double strollers from the time of birth until childhood. Billingsley says there are two primary categories of in-line seating which has one seat in front of the other and side-byside, with seats next to each other. Some parents prefer the in-line option due to its sleek style and its versatility. Others like the wagon style double stroller to maximize space for bulky or grocery items.

In-line models tend to have this type of discrepancy. Certain models may provide different recline options, with one seat being almost flat and the other one remaining fairly upright. Billingsley suggests selecting a product with a near-flat recline and leg rests that can be adjusted for both seats, so that the children can both lie back comfortably.

She also suggests parents look for strollers that have storage compartments to allow them to easily access snacks, personal items, and toys while on the move. She also suggests that it is beneficial to find a stroller which includes a parent console or organizer bag that is attached to the handlebars. This can help parents keep their essentials in their reach.

Some of the best-rated double strollers can be expanded to allow parents to alter the configuration depending on the needs of their family. For example, the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used with 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 handle the weight of two passengers--plus any additional cargo. Strollers should also be easy to maneuver and push, especially in tight areas and on terrain that is difficult to navigate. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height to ensure that parents maintain a good posture when pushing them. Another nice feature is a non-rethread seat belt harness that allows for a more comfortable adjustment of the belts on the seat. Safety features include a sturdy brake system and wheels which can glide across any surface.

Some parents opt for the side-by-side design to allow both children to see each other when they go on family outings. This arrangement can stop siblings fighting over who is allowed to sit in which spot but it's not a guarantee. If the seats are at different heights, a child could kick or punch one another during a walk, when the seats are on different levels.

A tandem-style stroller is excellent option for parents with twins or siblings that are similar in age. It allows them to be able to see both children simultaneously. However, these can be more spacious than other double stroller Travel system strollers, so they might not fit through all doorways in the interior. For maximum flexibility, think about a stroller that can change from a single stroller to a tandem in different ways, such as the popular CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can be adapted to a wide range of configurations, and permit you to insert infant car seats or cot attachments depending on your requirements.

If you are looking for a tandem or side-by-side stroller, be sure the product has been JPMA certified to meet strict safety standards. Pay attention to the weight limit that applies to each seat. Overstepping these limits can cause frame fatigue or other problems.

It's easy to get caught in the sound of bells and whistles, however it's important to remember that strollers are basically baby carriers that will be used for a long period of durations. It must be comfortable for both passengers, easy to clean and maintain, and in the ideal case, it should offer an intuitive, familiar design that the person pushing it can easily maneuver it without having to think about how to move forward and turn left or right, or even apply the brakes.

Easy of Use

A double stroller for twins stroller should be easy to maneuver on various types of terrains for families constantly moving. Features like adjustable canopy, peek-aboo windows and dependable brake systems are critical to help ensure the safety of your children, however, there are other elements that contribute to stroller ease of use. For example the stroller should be compact enough to fit into the trunk of your car while still offering 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 as well as a console for parents and a snack tray for kids--all things that can make life with two kids significantly simpler.

During our testing we rated each stroller based on how it did on a variety of terrains, and how easily it maneuvered in tight spaces. We also considered how easy it was to fold the stroller and then unfold it, and if a particular feature improved the overall functionality. A stroller with no-rethread straps makes it easy to adjust the seat belts. This is a major attraction for parents who are always moving around, since it does away with the need to rethread the harness.

The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double was a top performer in this measure, since it offered an impressive range of seating options and accessories to accommodate families that are growing. The wagon-style double stroller can be expanded to provide two seats as well as a bassinet, or a toddler-friendly riding board, which is ideal for families who are active and planning long days on the go with multiple kids of various ages. It also glides effortlessly over cobblestones, ball fields and pavements. It also can be folded flat for easy storage in a closet or trunk. Our test subject Kerry appreciated the straightforward and easy-to-use nature of the stroller's design. Its smart packaging with clearly labeled sections as well as a helpful user guides made assembling this stroller a breeze.

Stores

A double stroller has the potential to hold twice as much stuff than a single stroller, so make sure you have plenty of storage space. It is ideal to have a stroller that can accommodate the necessities for both kids, including nappies bottles, snacks, and toys, along with parents' belongings like wallets, phones, and keys. Find baskets under the seat and other pockets, and look into a stroller that has an expandable cargo area that can hold heavy items such as lunch bags and diaper bags.

A good double stroller will be able to expand with your family. For instance certain models come with a bassinet attachment that can accommodate infants, while others come with child seats that can grow with your children until they're ready to grow double stroller to ride on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers allow older children to join in on the fun with riding boards.

You'll find a wide variety of double strollers on the market, ranging from sleek, high-performance models that are able to handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models more for everyday use. 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 models: tandem, side by side and wagon-style. Billingsley says that side-by-side strollers are the most flexible and ideal for twins as well as children of similar age. Tandem double strollers have two seats arranged in a tandem configuration facing in opposite directions. This is a good option for children of similar age or siblings who want to play with one another. Tandem strollers may be harder to maneuver in tight spaces, and are less likely to pass through doorways than their side-by-side counterparts.

If you're looking for a wagon-style cheap double pushchair stroller, take a look at this top choice from Safety 1st. This model is affordable and was praised by testers for its many seating options. It can be used with two car seats for infants or one child in a convertible toddler seat. Our experts also praised the memory foam seats, canopy with 50+ SPF, and foam-filled wheels that never go flat. When it's time for folding this model needs only a few tugs on the straps underneath each seat (under where kids sit) in order to fold.