Buying Guide For Double Strollers

A double stroller is an excellent investment when you have two kids with similar ages. These narrow tandem buggies as well as versatile side-by-side buggies let you keep both children within sight while you shop, parks, and whatever else life throws at you.

Comfort

When shopping for a double stroller, the comfort is a key aspect to take into consideration. This can include both the seating arrangement as well as the overall dimensions of the stroller which impacts accessibility and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, advises parents to examine the stroller's weight as well as folded dimensions. "They should also consider the recline options for seats and age ranges to ensure a good fit for their family."

A reputable double stroller must be able to handle different surfaces with ease, from suburban sidewalks to parks, and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should have a variety of seating options for children at different ages, as well as comfort features like peek-a-boo window and adjustable canopy that shield kids from rain or sun.

For a majority of families, a double stroller will be utilized from birth until the teen years, so it's essential to think about the seating options. "There are two main categories--in-line with one seat ahead of the other, and side-byside with seats next to each other," Billingsley explains. Some parents prefer the inline option due to its sleek style and flexibility. Others prefer a wagon style double stroller for maximum space for grocery or bulky items.

In-line models are more likely to show this kind of discordance. Certain models may provide different recline options, with one seat being almost flat, while the other being more upright. Billingsley recommends choosing a product that has a near-flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats to ensure the children can both lie back comfortably.

Then, she suggests to look for strollers with storage compartments that will allow parents to quickly access snacks, toys, and personal items while out and about. She adds that it's also beneficial to choose a stroller that has a parent console or organizer bag that is attached to the handlebars, which will allow you to keep your essentials within reach.

Some of the best-rated double strollers can be enlarged giving parents the ability to modify the layout according to their family's requirements. 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 a tandem (with the addition of a second seat and bassinet) as the child grows older.

Safety

Double strollers have to be able to handle the weight of two people, plus any additional cargo. Strollers must also be simple to maneuver and push, especially in tight areas and on difficult terrain. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height to help parents maintain good posture when pushing them. A harness that is not rethread that makes the adjustment of seat belts faster and easier, is another nice feature to look out for. double pushchair include a sturdy brake system and wheels that glide over any surface.

Some parents opt for an arrangement that allows both children to see each other on family outings. This arrangement can prevent sibling squabbles over who gets to sit in which place, but it isn't foolproof. If the seats are different levels, a child might kick or punch another while walking if the seats are at different levels.

A tandem-style stroller is a excellent option for parents with twins or siblings that are similar in age. It allows them to be able to see both children simultaneously. However, these can be wider than other double strollers, and they may not be able to fit through all interior doorways. For maximum flexibility, think about a single-to-double stroller that transitions from a single to a tandem in a variety of ways, such as the popular CYBEX Gazelle S. These models are able to accommodate a broad range of configurations and allow you to click in infant car seats or cot attachments, depending on your requirements.

If you're looking for a tandem or side-by-side stroller, make sure that the product has been JPMA certified to meet the strictest safety standards. Also pay attention to the maximum weight limits for each seat, as over-weighting could lead to frame fatigue or other issues.

It's easy to be swept in the jingles and whistles, but it's important to keep in mind that strollers are essentially baby carriers that will be used for a long period of durations. It must be comfortable for both the passengers and easy to clean and maintain, and in the ideal case, it should offer an intuitive, familiar design so that the person pushing it can effortlessly maneuver it without having to think twice 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 double stroller must be easy to maneuver over a variety of terrains. Features like adjustable canopy systems windows, peek-aboo windows, and dependable brake systems are crucial to ensure the safety of your children but there are other factors that influence stroller comfort of use. A stroller must be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your vehicle, but still have plenty of storage space for food or other things. Also important are thoughtful touches like a one-parent cup holder or console for parents, as well as snacks for children--all things that can make life with two kids much easier.


During our testing we evaluated each stroller on the basis of its performance on different surfaces and its ability to maneuver in tight spaces. We also looked at how easy it was to fold the stroller and then unfold it in a timely manner, and if a specific feature made a difference to the overall performance. For instance, a stroller with no-rethread harnesses makes adjusting the seat belts simple and easy. This can be a big benefit for parents who are always on the move, as it removes the requirement to rethread the harness.

The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double was a top performer in this metric, as it offered an impressive range of seating configurations and additional accessories to accommodate growing families. The double-stroller that looks like a wagon expands so that it can accommodate two seats, a bassinet or even a toddler's riding board. This is ideal for families that plan to spend a lot of time on the road with multiple children of various ages. It also glides smoothly over pavement, cobblestones and ballfields--and it folds flat to make easy storage in a trunk or closet. Our test subject Kerry loved the simple, intuitive nature of this stroller's design. The sleek packaging, clearly marked sections and user guide made it easy to assemble this stroller.

Stores

A double stroller can be able to hold twice as much as a single stroller so look for ample storage space. Ideally, you'll want an item that can hold the essentials for both kids--nappies, bottles, snacks and toys, as well as parents' items such as phones, wallets keys and wallets. Look for under-seat baskets as well as other pockets, and look into a stroller with an expanding cargo area that can carry bulky items like diaper bags and lunch bags.

A quality double stroller should have the ability to adapt as your family expands. Billingsley says that some models come with an attachment for a bassinet to accommodate newborns. Others have child seats which can be able to grow with your child until they are able to ride on the back. Some double strollers also allow for a rider board to allow older siblings to be part of the fun.

You'll find a wide variety of double strollers on the market, from elegant, high-performance models that are able to handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models more for everyday use. While shopping, take a look at user reviews and recommendations from families like yours to get an understanding of what to expect with the double stroller you choose.

Double strollers are available in three styles: tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-by-side strollers are the most adaptable and ideal for twins as well as children of similar age. Tandem double strollers have two seats set up in a tandem arrangement, facing opposite directions. This is a great option for children of similar age or siblings who prefer to be social with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through tight spaces, and are less likely to fit through doorways than their side-byside counterparts.

Check out this top selection by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon-style double stroller. This affordable model was highly praised by our testers for its many seating options. It can be used with two infant car seats or one child sitting in a convertible toddler seat. Our reviewers also praised the comfortable 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 pulls on the straps under each seat (under the seats where kids sit) in order to fold.