Buying Guide For Double Strollers

A double stroller is a good investment when you have two kids with similar age. These compact tandem strollers or flexible side-by-side buggies let you keep your eyes on both kids at the same time taking on the grocery store or the parks, and whatever else life throws at you.

Comfort

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

A good double stroller will be durable enough to travel on various surfaces with ease, from suburban sidewalks to park trails and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should also provide flexible seating options for children of various age and comfort features like peek-a-boo windows and adjustable canopies to protect children from rain or sun.

For a lot of families double strollers will be used from birth and into the age of five, so it's crucial to consider the seating options. "There are two main categories--in-line with one seat behind the other, and side-by-side with seats next to each other," Billingsley explains. "Some parents prefer an in-line stroller due to its sleek appearance and versatility, whereas others prefer a wagon-style stroller that can be used to store bulky items or groceries."

In-line models are more likely to show this kind of difference. Certain models may provide different recline options, with one being almost flat and the other being more upright. Billingsley suggests choosing a model that has a nearly flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats, so that both children can lie back comfortably.

She also suggests parents search for strollers with storage compartments so that they can easily access their snacks, personal items and toys moving about. She also suggests that it's useful to find a stroller with an organizer console for parents or a parent bag that can be attached to the handlebars, which will help keep things within reach.

Some of the most highly-rated double strollers can be expanded which allows parents to alter the configuration to meet the needs of their expanding family. For example, the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly rated double stroller that can be used with just a single seat as early as birth, and then transformed into a tandem (with an additional seat and bassinet) as the child grows older.

Safety

Double strollers should be able to carry the weight of both the passengers as well as any additional cargo. Strollers must also be easy to push and maneuver, especially in tight areas and over challenging terrain. The best compact double stroller strollers have ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height to allow parents to maintain their good form when pushing them. Another feature that is great is a non-rethread seat belt harness that allows for a more comfortable adjustment of the belts for your child. Safety features include a durable brake system and wheels that slide over any surface.

Some parents choose side-by-side designs that allow both children to be able to see one another during family outings. This arrangement can reduce sibling squabbles over who sits in which seat, but it isn't foolproof. If the seats are positioned at different heights, one child may be able to kick or punch the other during a walk.

A tandem-style stroller is ideal option for parents with twins or siblings that are similar in age. It lets parents be able to see both children simultaneously. However, these can be more spacious than other double strollers, and they may not be able to pass through all doors in your home. For maximum flexibility, think about a single-to-Double Pram Stroller stroller that transitions from a single to a tandem in a variety of ways, like the well-known 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.

If you are looking for a tandem or side-by-side stroller, ensure that the product is JPMA certified to meet strict safety standards. Be aware of the maximum weight limit for each seat. Overstepping these limits can cause frame fatigue or other problems.

It's easy to be swept up in the bells and whistles, but it's important to remember that strollers are essentially baby carriers that will be carried for long periods of durations. It should be comfortable for both parents and children, easy to clean and maintain, and ideally it should feature an intuitive, familiar design so that the person pushing it can effortlessly maneuver it without having to think about how to move forward and turn left or right, or apply the brakes.

Easy of Use

For families who are constantly on the move, a thule double stroller stroller needs to be easy to maneuver over different terrains. Strollers with features such as windows that peek-a-boo, adjustable canopies and reliable brake systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children. But there are other factors that make them easier to use. For instance the stroller must be small enough to fit in the trunk of your car but still provide ample storage space for groceries and other belongings. It is also important to consider thoughtful additions such as a cup holder for one parent as well as a console for parents and a snack tray for kids--all things that make life on the go with two kids significantly more manageable.

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 considered how easy it was to fold the stroller and unfold it as well as if a particular feature improved the overall functionality. For example a stroller with a harness that does not rethread makes the adjustment of the seat belts quick and simple. This is a major selling point for parents on the go because it cuts down on time and removes the need to re-thread the harness.

The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored high in this metric, as it offers a wide range of seating options and accessories to accommodate growing families. The wagon-style double stroller expands to provide a second seat as well as a bassinet, or a toddler-friendly riding board, which is ideal for families who are active and planning long, tiring days with multiple children of different age groups. It glides easily over cobblestones, pavements, and ballfields. It can also be folded flat to fit in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is easy and easy to use which was well-loved by our test participant Kerry. Its smart packaging clear sections, well-labeled sections and helpful user guide made assembling this stroller an absolute breeze.

Stores

double buggy newborn strollers can hold twice as much as one single stroller so be sure to ensure you have plenty of storage space. It is ideal to have an item that can hold the essentials for both kids--nappies, bottles, snacks and toys, in addition to parents' belongings such as wallets, phones keys and wallets. Look for pockets and baskets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller that has an expandable cargo area to accommodate bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags.

A quality 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. Others have child seats which can be able to grow with your child until they are old enough to ride on the back. Some double strollers allow older children to share in the fun with a rider board.

There are many double strollers on the market. You can pick from high-performance models that are great for rough terrain, or more budget-friendly options that can use every day. While shopping, you can read reviews and opinions of families just like yours to get a better idea of what you can expect from the double stroller you choose.

Double strollers are available in three different styles: side-by-side, tandem, and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-by-side strollers are the most flexible and ideal for twins as well as children of similar age. Tandem double strollers on the contrary, have two seats that are arranged next to each other and facing in opposite directions. This is 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-by-side counterparts.

If you prefer a wagon-style double stroller check out this top model from Safety 1st. The testers loved that this budget model comes with a variety of seating options as well as the ability to snap in two infant car seats or a single child in the convertible toddler seat. Our experts also appreciated the comfy memory foam seats, 50+ SPF canopy and foam-filled tires that will never stop running flat. When it's time for folding this model requires only just a few nudges on the straps beneath each seat (under where kids sit) for folding.