Buying Guide For Double Strollers

A double stroller is an excellent investment for families with two children of similar ages. These narrow tandem strollers or flexible side-by-side buggies let you keep an eye on both kids at the same time while taking on the grocery store, parks and anything else life throws your way.

Comfort

When you are looking for a double stroller for your child, comfort is a major factor to consider. This includes the seating arrangement and the overall size, which has an impact on ease of use and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child expert in child development from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, says parents should be aware of the stroller's weight and folded dimensions. "They should also take a look at the seat recline options and age ranges to ensure a good fit for their family."

A well-constructed double stroller will be durable enough to travel on all surfaces without difficulty, from urban sidewalks to parks trails and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should come with a variety of seating options for children of different stages of development, as well as features that provide comfort, such as a peek-aboo windows and adjustable canopy options which protect children from rain or sun.

For a majority of families, a double stroller is likely to be utilized from birth until the age of five, so it's crucial to think about seating options. Billingsley explains that there are two main categories of in-line seating with one seat in front of the other, and side-by-side with seats adjacent to one another. "Some parents prefer an in-line stroller due to its sleek design and versatility, whereas others like a wagon-style double stroller that can be used to store bulky items or grocery bags."

In-line models are more likely to have this type of discrepancy. Some models might offer different recline options, with one seat being almost flat and the other one remaining fairly upright. Billingsley recommends choosing a product with a near-flat recline and leg rest adjustment for both seats, so that each child can sleep comfortably.

In the end, she suggests choosing strollers that have storage compartments that enable parents to easily access snacks, toys, and personal items while out and about. She adds that it's also useful to find the stroller that has a parent console or organizer bag attached to the handlebars. This can help keep essentials in reach.

Some of the top-rated double strollers can be expanded that allows parents to modify the set-up based on the requirements 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 grows older.

Safety

Double strollers should be able to carry the weight of two people, plus any additional cargo. Strollers must also be simple to push and maneuver, especially in tight spaces and over challenging terrain. The best double strollers (address here) strollers have ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height to help parents maintain good posture when pushing them. Another great feature is a no-rethread belt harness, which allows for a more comfortable adjustment of the belts for your child. Also, a strong brake system and wheels that glide across any surface are important safety features.

Some parents opt for the side-by-side design so that both children can meet up on family outings. This arrangement can prevent sibling rivalries over who gets to sit where, but it's not foolproof. If the seats are positioned at different heights, one child could be capable of punching or kicking the other during a walk.

For parents with twins or siblings who are close in age, a tandem stroller offers the benefit of being able see both children at the same time. Double strollers are typically wider, and may not be able to fit through some interior doors. Consider a single-to double stroller that can be converted from a single to a double in many ways. Popular models include the CYBEX gazelle S.

If you opt for a side-byside or tandem-style stroller, make sure the product is certified by JPMA to meet strict safety standards. Pay attention to the maximum weight limit for each seat. Exceeding these limits could cause frame fatigue or other problems.

It's easy to get caught in the jingles and whistles, but it's important to remember that strollers are basically baby carriers that are used for extended durations. It should be easy to clean and maintain as well as comfortable for both passengers. It should also feature a an easy-to-use, familiar design that lets the person pushing the stroller to easily maneuver it.

Simple to Use

A double stroller should be easily maneuverable on different terrains for families who are constantly on the move. Strollers that have features like windows that can be opened and closed, adjustable canopy and sturdy brake systems are crucial to ensure the safety of your children. But there are other features that make them easier to use. For instance the stroller should be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your car, but still provide ample storage space for your groceries and other items. Also important are thoughtful touches like a cup holder with a single parent, parent consoles and snacks for children--all things that will make life on the go with two children significantly simpler.

In our tests, we assessed each stroller according to its performance on different surfaces and its ability to maneuver in tight spaces. We also looked at how simple it was to fold the stroller in half and then unfold it in a timely manner, and if a specific feature made a difference to the overall performance. A stroller that does not have rethread straps is easy to adjust the seat belts. This can be a huge benefit for parents on the go, as it saves time and reduces the need to rethread the harness.

The UPPAbaby 2 Double scored highly in this test because it came with a variety of seating configurations, and additional accessories that accommodated expanding families. The wagon-style double stroller is able to provide a second seat, a bassinet or even a toddler-friendly riding board, which is ideal for families who are active and planning long, tiring days with multiple children of different age. It easily glides over cobblestones and pavements and ballfields. It can also be folded flat to store in a trunk or a closet. The design of this stroller is easy and intuitive which was well-loved by our tester Kerry. The clever packaging, clearly marked sections and user's manual made it easy to assemble this stroller.

Stores

Double strollers can carry twice as much as one stroller So, make sure to look for plenty of storage space. You'll want a stroller that has enough storage space to hold the necessities of parents and children including bottles, toys, snacks, and diapers. Look for baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller with an expandable cargo area to take in bulky items like diaper bags and lunchbags.

A good double stroller should be able to adjust as your family grows. Billingsley states that certain models have a bassinet attachment to accommodate infants. Others have child seats that grow with the child until they are ready to ride on the back. Some double strollers allow older siblings to join in on the fun with the rider board.

There are a variety of double strollers on 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. When shopping, take a look at reviews and recommendations of families just like yours to get a better idea of what you can expect from the lightest double stroller stroller you select.

Double strollers are available in three different styles: side-by-side, tandem, and wagon-style. Billingsley says that side-by-side strollers are the most adaptable and ideal for twins as well as children of a similar age. Tandem double strollers on the other hand, feature two seats that are placed adjacent to one another and facing in opposite directions--a good option for kids of the same age or for siblings who love to interact with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and are less likely to be able to fit through doorways.

Check out this top selection by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon style cheap double stroller stroller. This model is affordable and was praised by test participants for its various seating configurations. It can be used with two infant car seats or one child sitting in a convertible toddler chair. Our testers also loved the soft memory foam seats, 50+ SPF canopy, and foam-filled tires that will never go flat. When it's time to fold, this model needs only a couple of pulls on the straps on each seat (under the seat where kids sit) to fold in half.