Buying Guide For Double Strollers

If you have two children that are in the same age group, a double stroller can be a great investment. These narrow tandem buggies as well as flexible side by side buggies let you keep both children in the same place while you shop or in parks, or whatever else life throws at you.

Comfort

When you are looking for a double stroller for your child, comfort is an important consideration. This can include the seating arrangement and the overall size, which will have an impact on ease of use and storage. "Parents should check how much the stroller weighs as well as 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 it is a perfect fit."

A quality double stroller should be able to handle a variety of surfaces with ease, from suburban sidewalks to parks and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should also have flexible seating options for children of varying age groups and comfort features such as windows that peek out and adjustable canopy to keep kids shielded from sun or rain.

Seating options are important for many families who use double strollers from birth to the age of. Billingsley explains that there are two main categories: in-line which has one seat in front of the other and side-byside with seats adjacent to one another. "Some parents prefer an in-line model due to its sleek appearance and versatility, while others prefer a wagon-style double stroller to maximize space for heavy items or groceries."

In-line models are more likely to show this kind of difference. Certain models may provide different recline options, with one seat being almost flat, while the other remaining relatively upright. Billingsley suggests selecting a model with both a near flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children can lay down comfortably.

She also suggests that parents look for strollers that have storage compartments so that they can easily access snacks, personal items, and toys while in motion. She also suggests that it's useful to find a stroller with an organizer or parent console bag attached to the handlebars. This will help keep things close at hand.

A few of the top-rated double strollers are expandable, allowing parents to customize the configuration to meet the needs of their expanding family. The Mockingbird Expandable, for instance, is a highly rated double stroller that can be used from birth using a single seat, then transformed 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 two passengers--plus any additional cargo. Strollers need to be able to move and push, particularly on rough terrain or in tight spaces. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height which allow parents to maintain a good posture when pushing them. A no-rethread harness which makes the adjustment of seat belts quicker and easier is another great feature to look for. Safety features include a robust brake system and wheels which can glide across any surface.

Some parents opt for a side-by-side design that allows both children to view each other on family outings. This arrangement can prevent sibling rivalries about who gets to sit in which place, but it isn't foolproof. If the seats are different heights, a child could punch or kick another while walking when the seats are on different levels.

A tandem-style stroller is great option for parents with twins or siblings that are similar in age. It allows them to be able to see both children simultaneously. These double strollers can be larger, and might not be able to fit through some interior doors. For maximum versatility, consider a stroller that can change from a single stroller to a tandem in various ways, such as the popular CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can accommodate a wide variety of configurations and allow you to click in infant car seats or cot attachments depending on your needs.

If you opt for a side-byside or tandem stroller, make sure the product is JPMA-certified to meet the strictest safety standards. Be aware of the maximum weight limit for each seat. If you exceed these limits, it could cause frame fatigue and other issues.

While it's easy to focus on the additional bells and whistles that come with the latest stroller, it's important to keep in mind that a stroller is basically a baby carrier that is carried around for long durations of time. It must be comfortable for both the passengers and easy to clean and maintain, and in the ideal case it should have an intuitive, familiar design that the person pushing it is able to easily maneuver it without having to think twice about how to move forward and turn left or right, or apply the brakes.

Easy of Use

A double stroller should be easy to maneuver on various of terrains for families that are constantly on the move. side by side double stroller with features like peek-a-boo windows, adjustable canopies and sturdy brake systems are vital to ensure the safety of your children. But there are also other factors that make them simpler to use. For example the stroller must be small enough to fit into the trunk of your car, while still offering ample storage space for groceries and other belongings. It's also important to include thoughtful details, such as a cup holder for one parent, consoles for parents and an eating tray. These will help make traveling with two children much more enjoyable.


During our testing we evaluated each stroller on the basis of its performance on various terrains, as well as its ability to maneuver in tight spaces. We also assessed how easy it was to fold and unfold, and whether or not a specific feature improved the overall function of the stroller. For instance a stroller that has a harness that does not rethread makes the adjustment of the seat belts simple and easy. tandem double stroller is a major benefit for parents who are on the move since it reduces time and reduces the need to rethread the harness.

The UPPAbaby V2 Double was a top performer in this measure because it offered a wide range of seating configurations and additional accessories that accommodated families that are growing. The wagon-style double stroller is able to allow for an additional 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 kids of varying ages. It also glides effortlessly over pavement, cobblestones and ballfields--and can be folded flat for simple storage in a trunk or closet. Our test subject Kerry appreciated the straightforward and easy-to-use nature of the stroller's design. The smart packaging with clearly marked sections as well as a user guide made it easy to put this stroller together.

Stores

A double stroller can be able to hold twice as much as a single stroller, so make sure you have plenty of storage space. You want a stroller with enough storage space to store the essentials for both children and parents including bottles and snacks, toys, and diapers. Look for baskets that fit under the seat as well as other pockets, and think about a stroller that has an expandable cargo space that can carry bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags.

A quality double stroller should be able to adjust as your family grows. For instance certain models have a bassinet attachment that can be used for newborns, and others feature child seats that can be adapted to your children until they're able to ride on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers allow older children to share in the fun by riding on the rider board.

There are many different double strollers on the market. You can pick from models with high-performance features that are great for rough terrain, or affordable options that you can use on a daily basis. While shopping, take a look at user reviews and recommendations from families like yours to gain an idea of what to expect from the double stroller you choose.

Double strollers are available in three different designs: side-by-side, tandem, and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers offer most versatility and are suitable for twins or children similar to each other in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers feature two seats set up in a tandem arrangement with the opposite direction facing. This is a good option for children of similar age, or siblings who like to play with one another. Tandem strollers may be harder to maneuver in tight spaces, and are less likely to pass through doors than their side-by-side counterparts.

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 multiple seating configurations. It can be used with two infant car seats, or one child in a convertible toddler chair. Our experts also praised the memory foam seats, canopy with 50+ SPF, and foam-filled wheels that never go flat. When it's time to fold, this model only requires just a few nudges on the straps under each seat (under the seats where kids sit) to fold.