Buying Guide For Double Strollers

A double stroller is an excellent investment when you have two kids of similar ages. These narrow tandem strollers or versatile side-by-side buggies help you keep your eyes on both kids at the same time while navigating the aisles of the supermarket as well as the parks and other obstacles life throws at you.

Comfort

Comfort is a major factor to consider when shopping for a double-stroller. This can include both the seating arrangement as well as the overall dimensions of the stroller which affects the accessibility and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, suggests parents 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 that it is a perfect fit."

A quality double stroller should be able to navigate a variety of surfaces with ease, from suburban sidewalks to parks and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should also have flexible seating options for children of varying age groups and comfort features such as windows that can be opened and closed to keep kids shielded from sun or rain.

For a majority of families, a double stroller will be utilized from birth until childhood, so it's important to consider the seating options. Billingsley explains that there are two major categories that are in-line, with one seat in-front of the other, and side-by-side with seats adjacent to one another. "Some parents prefer an in-line model due to its sleek appearance and versatility, while others prefer a wagon-style double stroller to maximize space for bulky items or groceries."

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 models that are in-line. Billingsley suggests choosing a model with an almost flat recline as well as leg rest adjustment for both seats, so that the children can both lie back comfortably.

Then, she suggests choosing a stroller that includes storage compartments that allow parents to quickly access snacks, toys and other personal items while on the move. She suggests that it's beneficial to choose a stroller with an organizer console for parents or a parent bag attached to the handlebars, which will allow you to keep your essentials in reach.

Many of the top-rated double travel buggy strollers can be expanded to allow parents to customize the setup according to their family's requirements. The Mockingbird Expandable, for example, is a highly rated double stroller that can be used from birth with a single seat, and later converted into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) as the child grows older.

Safety

Double strollers have to be able to handle the weight of two people, plus any additional cargo. Strollers should also be easy to push and maneuver, especially in tight areas and on difficult terrain. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height 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 quicker and easier to do, is a nice feature to look for. Safety features include a sturdy brake system and wheels which slide over any surface.

Some parents opt for an arrangement that allows both children to view one another during family outings. This arrangement can reduce siblings arguing over who gets to sit in which spot however, it's not 100% secure. If the seats are positioned at different heights, one child may be in a position to punch or kick the other on the course of a walk.

For parents with twins or siblings who are close in age, a tandem-style stroller can be beneficial in being able see both kids at once. These double strollers can be more spacious, and may not be able to fit through some interior doors. For maximum flexibility, think about a single-to-double stroller which can switch from a single stroller to a tandem in a variety of ways, such as the renowned CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can accommodate a wide range of configurations, and permit you to insert infant car seats or cot attachments, according to your requirements.

Whether you choose 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.

While it's easy for us to focus on the additional bells and whistles on the latest stroller, it's important to keep in mind that a stroller is basically a baby carrier that will be carried around for long durations of time. It should be comfortable for both passengers as well as easy to clean and maintain, and most importantly it should feature an intuitive, familiar design that the person pushing it can easily maneuver it without having to think about how to move forward or turn left or right, or even apply the brakes.

User-Friendliness

A double stroller must be easy to maneuver on various types of terrains for families constantly on the move. Strollers with features such as peek-a-boo windows, adjustable canopies and sturdy brake systems are crucial to ensure the safety of your children. However, there are other features that make them easier to use. A stroller should be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your car, but still have plenty of storage space for groceries or other items. It is also important to consider thoughtful additions such as a cup holder for one parent, parent consoles and a snack tray for kids--all things that will make life on the go with two kids significantly simpler.

During our testing we evaluated each stroller on the basis of its performance on various terrains and its ability to maneuver through tight spaces. We also looked at how easy it was to fold the stroller and unfold it as well as if a particular feature made a difference to the overall performance. A stroller with no-rethread straps is easy to adjust the seat belts. This is a major benefit for parents who are constantly in motion, as it removes the need to rethread their harness.

The UPPAbaby 2 Double scored well in this metric as it came with a variety of seating configurations, and additional accessories that accommodated expanding families. The wagon-style double stroller expands to allow for two seats as well as a bassinet, or a toddler riding board--perfect for active families planning long, tiring days with multiple kids of varying age groups. It easily glides over pavements, cobblestones, and ball fields. It can be folded flat to store in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is simple and easy to use which was well-loved by our test participant Kerry. The sleek packaging clear sections, well-marked sections and user guide made it easy to assemble this stroller.

Stores

A double stroller has the potential to hold twice as much as a single stroller, so look for ample storage space. Ideally, you want an item that can hold the basic necessities for both kids: nappies bottles, snacks, and toys, along with parents' belongings like phones, wallets keys, wallets and phones. Find baskets under the seat as well as other pockets, and look into a stroller with an expanding cargo area that can hold heavy items such as diaper bags and lunch bags.

A good double stroller will be able to adapt to the needs of your family. For instance certain models have a bassinet attachment that can be used for newborns, and others come with child seats that can grow with your children until they're able 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.

There are many different double strollers available. You can pick from models with high-performance features that are great for rough terrain, to affordable options that you can use on a daily basis. When you're shopping, read reviews and suggestions from families like yours to gain a better sense of what to expect from the double stroller you choose.

Double strollers are available in three different designs including tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers offer the most versatility and are suitable for twins or children who are similar to each other in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers, on the other hand, have two seats that are arranged close to each other and facing in opposite directions--a ideal choice for children of the same age, or for siblings who enjoy interacting with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces and are less likely to pass through doorways than their side-byside counterparts.

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