Buying Guide For Double Strollers

If you have two kids who are similar in age A double stroller can be a valuable investment. These strollers are narrow and narrow, as well as flexible side-by-side buggies allow you to keep an eye on both children at the same time braving the grocery aisle, parks and anything else life throws your way.

Comfort

The comfort factor is one of the most important factors to consider when shopping for a double-stroller. This could include both seating arrangements and the overall dimensions of the stroller which affects the convenience and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, says parents should check the stroller's weight and folded dimensions. "They should also look at the options for recline and seat age ranges to ensure a good fit for their family."

A well-constructed 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 also provide flexible seating options for children of varying age groups and comfort features such as windows that peek out and adjustable canopy to protect children from sun or rain.

For a lot of families, a double stroller will be used from birth and into childhood, so it's important to think about seating options. "There are two main categories--in-line with one seat behind the other, and side by side with seats adjacent to each other," Billingsley explains. Some parents prefer the inline option due to its sleek design and its versatility. Others like the wagon style small double stroller stroller to maximize space for grocery or bulky items.

In-line models are more likely to have this type of discrepancy. Some products may offer different recline options, with one being nearly flat, and the other one remaining fairly upright. Billingsley suggests choosing a model with a near-flat recline as well as leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children lay comfortably.

Finally, she advises to look for a stroller that includes storage compartments that will allow parents to access their snacks, toys and personal items while on the move. She suggests that it's useful to find a stroller that has a parent console or organizer bag attached to the handlebars, which will allow you to keep your essentials close at hand.

Some of the top-rated double strollers are expandable which allows parents to alter the set-up based on 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 transformed into Graco DuoRider Double Pushchair: Lightweight Birth to 3 Years Stadium Duo Tandem Double Pushchair - Black/Grey; Read More In this article, (with an additional seat and bassinet) as the child gets older.

Safety

Double strollers have to be able to handle the weight of two passengers--plus any additional cargo. Strollers must be simple to maneuver and push, particularly when on rough terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to ensure that parents maintain a good posture when pushing them. A no-rethread harness, which makes adjusting seat belts more quickly and easily, is another nice feature to look out for. A sturdy brake system and wheels that glide over any surface are crucial safety features.

Some parents opt for an arrangement that is side by side so that both children can meet up during family outings. This arrangement can reduce siblings arguing about who gets to sit in which place, but it isn't foolproof. If the seats are set at different heights, one child could be capable of punching or kicking the other on walks.

If you have twins or siblings of similar age, a tandem-style stroller is a great option for being able see both children at the same time. Double strollers can be larger, and might not fit through some interior doors. To maximize versatility, you should consider a single-to-double stroller that transitions from a single to a tandem in different ways, like the renowned CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can be adapted to a wide range of configurations and let you click in infant car seats or cot attachments depending on your needs.

If you're in the market for a tandem or side-by-side stroller, be sure the product has been JPMA certified to meet stringent safety standards. Pay attention to the weight limit that applies to each seat. Exceeding these limits could cause frame fatigue and other issues.

It's easy to be swept in the sound of bells and whistles, however it's important to keep in mind that strollers are essentially baby carriers that will be carried for long periods of durations. It must be comfortable for both parents and children, easy to clean and maintain, and in the ideal case it should feature an intuitive, familiar design so that the person pushing it is able to effortlessly maneuver it without having to think about how to move forward, turn left or right, or even apply the brakes.

Easy of Use

For families on the go, a double stroller must be able to maneuver easily over different terrains. 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 features that make them easier to use. A stroller should be compact enough to fit into the trunk of your vehicle, but still have plenty of storage space for groceries or other things. Additionally, you should consider thoughtful features like a cup holder with a single parent as well as a console for parents and snacks for children--all things that will make life with two kids significantly easier.

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 easy it was to fold the stroller and unfold it, and if a particular feature enhanced the overall functionality. For instance a stroller with no-rethread harnesses makes adjusting the seat belts simple and easy. This is a major benefit for parents who are always in motion, as it removes the need to rethread the harness.

The UPPAbaby V2 Double scored well in this metric as it offered a wide range of seating configurations, and other accessories that could accommodate growing families. The double-stroller in the wagon style expands so that it can accommodate two seats, a bassinet or even a toddler's riding board. This is ideal for families who want to spend long hours on the road with multiple children of different ages. It also glides smoothly over pavement, cobblestones and ballfields--and can be folded flat for simple storage in a closet or trunk. Our test subject Kerry appreciated the straightforward and easy-to-use nature of the stroller's design. The sleek packaging clear sections, well-marked sections and user guide made it easy to put together this stroller.

Storage

Double strollers can carry twice more than one single stroller, so make sure you ensure you have plenty of storage space. It is important to find a stroller with enough storage space to accommodate the essentials of both children and parents like bottles, toys, snacks, and diapers. Look for pockets and baskets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller with an expandable cargo space to accommodate bulky items such as lunch bags and diaper bags.

A good double stroller must be able to change as your family expands. For instance certain models have the bassinet attachment, which can be used for newborns, and others feature child seats that can grow with your children until they're able to move to the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers even allow for a rider board to allow older siblings to join in the fun.

There are a variety of double strollers in the market, from elegant, high-performance models that are able to handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models more suitable for use in the everyday. While shopping, read reviews and opinions of families similar to yours to get a better idea of what you can expect from the double stroller you select.

Double strollers are available in three different designs: tandem, side-by-side and wagon style. Billingsley says that side-by-side strollers are the most flexible and ideal for twins or children of a similar age. Tandem double strollers on the other hand, have two seats set next to each other and facing in opposite directions. This is a ideal choice for children of the same age, or for siblings who love to interact with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through tight spaces, and are less likely to be able to fit through doors.

If you prefer a wagon-style double stroller check out this top model from Safety 1st. This affordable model was praised by testers for its many seating options. It can be used with two car seats for infants or one child in a convertible toddler chair. Our reviewers also praised the comfortable 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 requires just a couple of tugs on straps on each seat (under where the kids sit) to fold it in half.