Buying Guide For Double Strollers

If you have two children who are similar in age, a double seat stroller stroller can be a valuable investment. These narrow tandem buggies as well as flexible side by side buggies let you keep both children in the same place when you are navigating the aisles of your grocery store, parks, and whatever else life throws at you.

Comfort

When looking for a double stroller, comfort is a major factor to consider. This includes both the seating arrangement as well as the overall size of the stroller which affects the accessibility and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, says parents should examine the stroller's weight as well as folded dimensions. "They must also take into consideration the recline options for seats as well as the age ranges of their children to ensure it is a perfect fit."

A good double stroller will be sturdy enough to traverse 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 age groups, and comfort features such as a peek-a-boo window and adjustable canopy that shield kids from rain or sun.

Seating options are important for many families who use a double running stroller stroller (check these guys out) from the time of birth until 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 inline option due to its sleek style and its versatility. Others like a wagon-style double stroller to make the most space for groceries or bulky items.

Some products may offer different recline options - with one seat nearly flat while the other remains relatively upright--this type of disparity is more prevalent in in-line models. Billingsley recommends choosing a product that has a near-flat recline and leg rest adjustment for both seats, so that both children can lie back comfortably.

Then, she suggests choosing strollers that have storage compartments that enable parents to quickly access snacks, toys and other personal belongings while on the go. She adds that it's also helpful to look for a stroller with a parent console or organizer bag that is attached to the handlebars, which will help keep things within reach.

Some of the best-rated double strollers can be extended, allowing parents the flexibility to modify the layout according to their family's requirements. The Mockingbird Expandable, for example, is a highly rated double stroller which can be used from birth using a single seat, and then converted into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) when the child is older.

Safety

Double strollers must be able to support the weight of two passengers--plus any additional cargo. Strollers need to be simple to maneuver and push, particularly on difficult terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to ensure that parents maintain a good posture while pushing them. A harness that does not need to be rethread which makes the adjustment of seat belts more quickly and easily is another great feature to look for. Finally, a sturdy brake system and wheels that can glide over any surface are essential safety features.

Some parents choose an arrangement that is side by side to ensure that both children be together during family outings. This arrangement can help prevent sibling fights over which child is allowed to sit where but it's not a guarantee. If the seats are at different heights, a child may kick or punch another during a walk when the seats are on different levels.

For parents of twins or siblings of similar age, a tandem twin stroller with car seats can be beneficial in being able see both children at the same time. Double strollers can be larger, and might not fit through some doors inside. Consider a single double stroller-to double stroller that can be transformed from a single to double in various ways. Popular models include the CYBEX gazelle S.

If you decide to purchase a side-by-side or tandem stroller, make sure that the stroller is JPMA-certified to meet stringent safety standards. Be aware of the weight limit that applies to each seat. Exceeding these limits could cause frame fatigue or other problems.

It's easy to be swept in the jingles and whistles, however it's important to remember that strollers are basically baby carriers that are used for extended durations. It should be comfortable for both passengers, easy to clean and maintain, and in the ideal case it should have an intuitive, familiar design so that the person pushing it is able to effortlessly maneuver it without having to think twice about how to move forward and turn left or right, or use the brakes.

Easy of Use

A double stroller should be simple to maneuver over a variety terrains for families who are constantly moving. Strollers that have features like windows that can be opened and closed, adjustable canopy and sturdy brake systems are vital to ensure the safety of your children. However, there are other factors that make them simpler to use. A stroller should be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your vehicle and still provide plenty of storage space for food or other items. Additionally, you should consider thoughtful features like a one-parent cup holder, parent consoles and a snack tray for kids--all things that will make life with two kids much easier.

In our testing we rated each stroller on how well it performed on a variety surfaces and how well it maneuvered in tight spaces. We also looked at how simple it was to fold and unfold and whether or not a particular feature enhanced the overall performance of the stroller. A stroller with no-rethread straps makes it simple to adjust the seat belts. This is a major selling point for parents on the go, as it saves time and reduces the need to rethread the harness.

The UPPAbaby v2 Double scored highly in this measure because it had a wide variety of seating options, as well as additional accessories that accommodated expanding families. The wagon-style double stroller is able to accommodate an additional seat as well as a bassinet or a toddler riding board--perfect for active families planning long trips with multiple children of different ages. It easily glides over cobblestones and pavements and ball fields. It can fold flat to fit in a trunk or a closet. The design of this stroller is simple and easy to use which was well-loved by our tester Kerry. Its stylish packaging, clearly labeled sections and helpful user guide made putting together this stroller an absolute breeze.

Storage

A double stroller is able to hold twice as much as a single stroller, so look for ample storage space. You want a stroller with enough storage space to accommodate the necessities of children and parents including bottles, toys, snacks, and diapers. Find baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, consider a stroller that has an expandable cargo space to accommodate bulky items such as diaper bags and lunchbags.

A quality double stroller will be able to adapt to the needs of your family. Billingsley states that certain models have an attachment for a bassinet to accommodate newborns. Some models have child seats that can expand with the child until they are ready to ride on the back. Some double strollers allow older siblings to share in the fun with the rider board.

There's a wide selection of double strollers available on the market, ranging from elegant, high-performance models that can handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models more suitable for use in the everyday. While shopping, you can read reviews and recommendations of families similar to yours to get an idea of what to expect from the double stroller you pick.

Double strollers are available in three models: tandem, side by side and wagon style. Side-by-side double strollers provide the most versatility and are ideal for twins or kids similar to each other in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers on the contrary, have two seats that are placed close to each other and facing opposite directions. It's a great option for children of the same age or for siblings who love to interact with each other. Tandem strollers may be harder to maneuver in tight spaces, and are less likely to fit through doors than their side-by-side counterparts.

Check out this top pick by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon style double stroller. This affordable model was praised by testers for its multiple seating configurations. It can be used with two car seats for infants or one child in a convertible toddler chair. Our reviewers also praised the comfy memory foam seats and the 50+ SPF canopy, and foam-filled tires that never stop running flat. When it's time to fold, this model needs only a few tugs on straps on each seat (under where the kids sit) to fold in half.