Buying Guide For Double Strollers

If you have two children that are in the same age group, a double stroller can be an invaluable investment. These narrow tandem buggies as well as versatile side-by-side buggies let you keep both children in sight while navigating the grocery aisle or in parks, or whatever else life can throw at you.

Comfort

The comfort factor is one of the most important factors to take into consideration when buying a double-stroller. This can include the seating arrangement as well as the overall size, which can have an impact on ease of use and storage. "Parents must determine what 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 recline options for seats and age ranges to ensure the best Double strollers fit for their family."

A quality double stroller should be able to navigate a variety of surfaces easily including suburban sidewalks, parks and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should come with a variety of seating options for children of different stages of development, as well as comfort features such as a peek-a-boo window and adjustable canopy that shield kids twin buggy from birth rain or sun.

Seating options are important for many families that will use a double stroller from birth to the age of. Billingsley states that there are two major categories that are in-line 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 flexibility. Others prefer a wagon style double stroller to make the most space for bulky or grocery items.

In-line models tend to have this kind of discordance. Some models might offer different recline options, with one being almost flat, while the other being more upright. Billingsley suggests selecting a product that has a near-flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats to ensure each child can sleep comfortably.

She also suggests parents look for strollers with storage compartments so that they can quickly access their snacks, personal items and toys on the move. She also suggests that it's useful to find a stroller with an organizer or parent console bag attached to the handlebars, which will help keep things close at hand.

Some of the top-rated double strollers are expandable which allows parents to alter the layout to meet the needs of their expanding family. For example the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly rated double stroller that can be used with a single seat from birth and then converted to tandem (with a second seat and bassinet) as the child grows older.

Safety

Double strollers need to be able to handle the weight of both passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers must be simple to maneuver and push, especially on rough terrain or in tight spaces. The best lightweight double stroller strollers feature ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height to ensure that parents maintain a good form when pushing them. A no-rethread harness which makes the adjustment of seat belts more quickly and easily to do, is a nice feature to look out for. Also, a strong brake system and wheels that can glide over any surface are crucial safety features.

Some parents prefer an arrangement that is side by side so that both children can see each other during family outings. This arrangement can prevent sibling rivalries over who gets to sit where but it's not a guarantee. If the seats are positioned at different heights, one child could be in a position to punch or kick the other on walks.

For parents with twins or siblings of similar age, a tandem stroller is a great option for being able to view both kids at once. However, these can be larger than other double strollers, and they may not be able to be able to pass through all doors in your home. For maximum versatility, consider a stroller that can change from a single stroller to a tandem in various ways, such as the well-known CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can be adapted to a wide variety of configurations and allow you to click in infant car seats or cot attachments, depending on your needs.

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. Overstepping these limits can cause frame fatigue or other problems.

It's easy to get caught up in the bells and whistles, however it's important to remember that strollers are in essence baby carriers that will be used for extended durations. It must be comfortable for both passengers, easy to clean and maintain, and in the ideal case it should have an easy-to-use, familiar design so that the person pushing it can effortlessly maneuver it without having to think about how to move forward or turn left or right, or apply the brakes.

Easy of Use

A double stroller must be simple to maneuver over a variety of terrains for families that are constantly moving. Strollers with features like windows that peek-a-boo, adjustable canopies and sturdy brake systems are vital to ensure the safety of your children. But there are other factors that make them simpler to use. A stroller should be compact enough to fit into the trunk of your vehicle and still provide plenty of storage space for groceries or other things. Also important are thoughtful touches like a one-parent cup holder or console for parents, as well as an eating tray for children -- all things that can make life with two kids much easier.

In our testing, we evaluated the strollers on how it performed on a variety terrains and how easily it could maneuver in tight spaces. We also considered how easy it was to fold the stroller in half and then unfold it in a timely manner, and if a specific feature improved the overall functionality. For instance a stroller with no-rethread harnesses makes adjusting the seat belts simple and easy. This can be a big selling point for parents who are constantly in motion, as it eliminates the requirement to rethread the harness.

The UPPAbaby v2 nipper double buggy scored highly in this metric as it came with a variety of seating configurations, and other accessories that could accommodate growing families. The wagon-style double stroller can be expanded to accommodate two seats as well as a bassinet or a toddler riding board--perfect for families with active children who plan long, tiring days with multiple kids of varying ages. It is able to glide effortlessly over cobblestones, pavements, and ball fields. It can be folded flat to be stored in a trunk or a closet. The design of this stroller is easy and easy to use and was a big hit with our tester Kerry. The sleek packaging clear sections, well-marked sections and the user's guide made it simple to put this stroller together.

Storage

Double strollers can carry twice more than one stroller So, make sure to search for ample storage space. It is important to find a stroller with enough storage space to store the essentials of both parents and children, such as bottles and snacks, toys, and diapers. 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 lunch bags and diaper bags.

A good double stroller should be able to adjust as your family grows. Billingsley states that certain models come with an attachment for a bassinet to accommodate infants. Other models come with child seats that grow with the child until they are old enough to ride on the back. Some double strollers permit older siblings to join in the fun with riding boards.

There are many different double strollers available. You can choose from models with high-performance features that are great for rough terrain, or affordable options that you can use on a daily basis. While shopping, you can read reviews and suggestions from families like yours to get an idea of what to expect from the double stroller that you choose.

Double strollers are available in three designs: tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers provide the most flexibility and are perfect for twins or children close to their age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double stroller with car seat strollers on the contrary, have two seats that are placed adjacent to one another and facing in opposite directions--a great option for children of the same age or for siblings who enjoy interacting with one another. Tandem strollers may be harder to maneuver in tight spaces, and are less likely to pass through doorways than their side-byside counterparts.

If you prefer a wagon-style double stroller check out this top model from Safety 1st. This affordable model was highly praised by our 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 testers also loved the comfy memory foam seats, 50+ SPF canopy and foam-filled tires that never get flat. When it's time to fold, this model needs only a few tugs on the straps on each seat (under where the kids sit) to fold it in half.