Buying Guide For Double Strollers

A double stroller is a good investment when you have two kids of similar ages. These narrow tandem buggies as well as versatile side by side buggies let you keep both children within sight while you shop, parks, and whatever else life throws at you.

Comfort

When you are looking for a double stroller, the comfort is a key factor to consider. This could include the seating arrangement and overall size, which will have an impact on the ease of use and storage. "Parents should determine how much the stroller weighs as well as its dimensions folded," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They must also take into consideration the options for recline of the seat as well as the ages of their children to ensure it's a perfect fit."

A reputable double stroller must be able to handle a variety of surfaces with ease including suburban sidewalks, parks, and from toddler booster seats to infant car 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 canopies that protect children from the sun or rain.

For a lot of families double strollers will be used from birth until the teen years, so it's essential to consider the seating options. "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 an in-line option for its sleek appearance and versatility, while others like a wagon-style double stroller to make the most space for bulky items or grocery bags."

Although some models may have different recline options, with one seat almost flat while the other remains relatively upright, this type of distinction is more prevalent in the in-line models. Billingsley recommends choosing a product that offers both an almost flat recline as well as leg rest adjustments for both seats to ensure the children can both lie back comfortably.

In the end, she suggests to look for strollers with storage compartments that allow parents to easily access snacks, toys, and personal belongings while on the go. She suggests that it's useful to find a stroller that has a parent console or organizer bag that can be attached to the handlebars, which can help keep essentials in reach.

Some of the top-rated double strollers are expandable that allows parents to modify the layout to meet the needs of their growing family. For instance 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 tandem (with an additional seat and bassinet) as the child gets older.

Safety

Double strollers must be able to handle the weight of both the passengers as well as any additional cargo. Strollers must also be simple to maneuver and push, especially in tight areas and on terrain that is difficult to navigate. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights which allow parents to maintain good form when pushing them. A harness that does not need to be rethread that makes the adjustment of seat belts faster and easier to do, is a nice feature to look for. A sturdy brake system and wheels that can glide over any surface are essential safety features.

Some parents opt for an arrangement that is side by side so that both children can see each other on family outings. This arrangement can reduce siblings arguing about who gets to sit and stand double stroller in which seat however it's not foolproof. If the seats are positioned at different heights, one child may be capable of punching or kicking the other during a walk.

For parents with twins or siblings of similar age, a tandem-style stroller is a great option for being able to see both children at the same time. Double strollers are typically more spacious, and may not fit through some interior doors. Consider a single-to double stroller that can be converted from a single to double in various ways. Popular models include the CYBEX gazelle S.

Whether you choose a side-by-side or tandem stroller, make sure that the stroller is 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 issues.

While it's easy to concentrate on the many bells and whistles that come with the latest stroller, it's important to be aware that a stroller an infant carrier that is transported for long durations of time. It must be comfortable for both the passengers, easy to clean and maintain, and most importantly it should feature 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 even apply the brakes.

Simple to Use

A double stroller must be simple to maneuver over different types of terrains for families constantly on the move. Features like adjustable canopy, peek-aboo windows and reliable braking systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children however, there are other elements that influence stroller comfort of use. For example the stroller should be small enough to fit in the trunk of your car, but still provide ample storage space for groceries and other belongings. Also important are thoughtful touches such as a cup holder for one parent as well as a console for parents and a snack tray for kids--all things that can make life on the go with two kids much more manageable.

During our testing, we evaluated each stroller on the basis of its ability to perform on different surfaces and its ability to maneuver through tight spaces. We also looked at how simple it was to fold the stroller and unfold it as well as if a particular feature improved the overall functionality. A stroller without rethread straps makes it simple to adjust the seat belts. This is a major attraction for parents who are constantly moving around, since it does away with the requirement to rethread the harness.

The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored highly in this metric, as it came with a variety of seating configurations as well as additional accessories to accommodate growing families. The wagon-style double stroller is able to accommodate two seats as well as a bassinet, or a toddler riding board that is perfect for families with active children who plan long trips with multiple kids of various age groups. It also glides smoothly across pavement, cobblestones and ballfields--and it folds flat to make easy storage in a closet or trunk. Our tester Kerry appreciated the straightforward and easy-to-use nature of the stroller's design. Its smart packaging, clearly labeled sections and helpful user guide made putting together this stroller a breeze.

Stores

Double strollers can hold twice as much as one stroller so be sure to ensure you have plenty of storage space. It is ideal to have a stroller that is able to hold the necessities for both kids, including nappies bottles, snacks, and toys, in addition to parents' belongings like phones, wallets keys, wallets and phones. Look for baskets that fit under the seat and other pockets, and look into a stroller with an expandable cargo area that can hold bulky items like diaper bags and lunch bags.

A good double stroller will be able to grow with your family. For example, some models include a bassinet attachment that can accommodate infants, while others come with child seats that can expand with your kids until they're ready to move to the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers include a rider board to allow older siblings to join in the fun.

There's a wide selection of double strollers in the market, ranging from elegant, high-performance models that excel on rough terrain to budget-friendly models that are more suitable for use in the everyday. While shopping, you can read reviews and opinions of families like yours to get a better idea of what you can expect from the double stroller you select.

Double pram Stroller strollers come in three different design formats including tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-byside strollers are the most versatile and suitable for twins or children of similar ages. Tandem double strollers come with two seats arranged in a tandem arrangement, facing opposite directions. This is a good option for children of the same age, or siblings who like to interact with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces, and are less likely to fit in doorways.

Check out this top selection by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon-style double umbrella stroller stroller. Our testers were impressed by the fact that this low-cost model offers multiple seating configurations, including the ability to snap in two infant car seats or a single child in a convertible toddler seat. Our testers also loved the soft memory foam seats with a 50+ SPF canopy and foam-filled tires that never stop running flat. When it's time for folding this model needs only a few tugs on the straps under each seat (under the seat where children sit) to fold.