Buying Guide For Double Strollers

A double stroller is an excellent investment if you have two children 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 braving the grocery aisle or the parks, and whatever else life throws at you.

Comfort

Comfort is an important factor to consider when shopping for a double-stroller. This includes both the seating arrangement and the overall dimensions of the stroller which affects the accessibility and storage. "Parents must determine what the stroller weighs and its dimensions folded," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also think about the recline options for seats as well as the age ranges of their children to ensure that it's a perfect fit."

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 at different age groups, and comfort features such as a peek-a-boo windows and adjustable canopy options that protect children from the sun or rain.

For a majority of families, a double stroller is likely to be used from birth and into the age of five, so it's crucial 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-byside seating with seats next to each other. Some parents prefer the in-line option due to its sleek style and versatility. Others like a wagon style double stroller for maximum space for groceries or bulky items.

Some products may offer different recline options - with one seat being almost flat, while the other one remains upright, this kind of difference is more prevalent in in-line models. Billingsley suggests choosing a model with both a near flat recline as well as leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children can lie down comfortably.

In the end, she suggests to look for strollers with storage compartments that allow parents to easily access snacks, toys and personal items while on the move. She suggests that it's beneficial to choose the stroller that has a parent console or organizer bag attached to the handlebars, which can help keep essentials in reach.

A few of the top-rated double umbrella stroller strollers can be enlarged to allow parents to customize the setup based on their family's needs. The Mockingbird Expandable, for instance is a highly-rated double stroller which can be used from birth with just one seat, and then converted into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) when the child is older.

Safety

Double strollers must be able to support the weight of both passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers should also be easy to maneuver and push, especially in tight areas and on difficult terrain. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars and adjustable heights which make it easier for parents to maintain a good posture when pushing them. Another nice feature is a non-rethread seat belt harness, which allows for a more comfortable adjustment of the belts on the seat. Also, a strong brake system and wheels that glide across any surface are essential safety features.

Some parents opt for an arrangement that allows both children to view one another during family outings. This arrangement can stop sibling fights over which child gets to sit where, but it's not foolproof. If the seats are located at different levels, a child might punch or kick one another during a walk, if the seats are at different levels.

A tandem-style stroller is a ideal option for parents with twins or siblings that are close in age. It allows them to see both children at once. These double strollers can be wider, and may not fit through certain interior doors. Consider a single-to double stroller that can be converted from a single to a double in many ways. The most compact double stroller popular models are the CYBEX gazelle S.

If you're in the market for a tandem Double stroller or a side-by-side stroller, make sure that the product is JPMA certified to meet stringent safety standards. Be aware of the maximum weight limits for each seat, since over-weighting could lead to frame fatigue or other issues.

It's easy to get caught in the sound of bells and whistles, but it's important to remember that strollers are in essence baby carriers that are used for a long period of durations. It should be easy to clean and maintain as well as comfortable for both passengers. It should also have a a familiar, intuitive design that allows the person pushing it to maneuver it effortlessly.

Ease of Use

For families on the go, a double stroller should be easy to maneuver over various terrains. Strollers that have features like windows that can be opened and closed, adjustable canopy and sturdy brake systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children. But there are other features that make them simpler to use. For instance, a stroller must be compact twin stroller enough to fit into the trunk of your car, but still provide ample storage space for groceries and other belongings. Additionally, you should consider thoughtful features such as a cup holder for one parent as well as a console for parents and an eating tray for children -- all things that can make life with two kids significantly simpler.

During our testing we evaluated each stroller according to its performance on various terrains, as well as its ability to 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 enhanced the overall functionality. For example, a stroller with no-rethread harnesses makes adjusting the seat belts simple and easy. This is a huge selling point for parents who are constantly in motion, as it removes the requirement to rethread the harness.

The UPPAbaby 2 Double scored highly in this measure because it offered a wide range of seating configurations, and additional accessories to accommodate families that are growing. The wagon-style double pushchairs stroller is able to provide two seats, a bassinet or even a toddler-friendly riding board, which is ideal for active families planning long days on the go with multiple kids of varying age groups. It glides easily over cobblestones, pavements, and ball fields. It can fold flat to store in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is easy and easy to use and was a big hit with our tester Kerry. The sleek packaging, clearly marked sections and the user's guide made it simple to put this stroller together.

Stores

A double stroller is able to hold twice as much than a single stroller, so look for ample storage space. You want a stroller with enough storage space to store the essentials for both children and parents like bottles, toys, snacks, and diapers. Find baskets under the seat as well as other pockets, and think about a stroller with an expanding cargo area that can carry bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags.

A good double stroller must be able to change as your family expands. For example certain models have an attachment for a bassinet that can accommodate newborns, while others have child seats that can be adapted to your children until they're able to move to the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers also include a rider board that allows older children to take part in the fun.

There's a wide selection of double strollers on the market, ranging from sleek, high-performance options that can handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models that are more for everyday use. While shopping, read reviews and opinions of families just like yours to get an idea of what you can expect from the double push chair stroller that you select.

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

If you're looking for a wagon-style double stroller take a look at this top choice from Safety 1st. This affordable model was praised by testers for its many seating options. It can be used with two infant car seats or one child in a convertible toddler seat. Our experts also praised memory foam seats, canopy with 50+ SPF and foam-filled wheels that never go flat. When it's time for folding this model requires only just a few pulls on the straps beneath each seat (under the seats where kids sit) to fold.