Buying Guide For Double Strollers

A double stroller is a good investment for families with two children with similar ages. These compact tandem buggies or versatile side by side buggies allow you to keep both children within sight when you are navigating the aisles of your grocery store or in parks, or whatever else life can throw at you.

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 can have an impact on the ease of use and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child expert in development from the Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, suggests parents be aware of the stroller's weight and folded dimensions. "They should also look at the options for recline and seat age ranges to ensure the best fit for their family."

A good double stroller will be durable enough to travel on different surfaces smoothly--from urban sidewalks to parks trails, and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should offer a range of seating options for children at different stages of development, as well as comfort features such as a peek-a-boo window and adjustable canopy which protect children from the sun or rain.

For a lot of families, a double stroller is likely to be used from birth and into childhood, so it's important to think about the seating options. "There are two main categories--in-line with one seat ahead of the other, and side by side with seats that are next to each other," Billingsley explains. "Some parents prefer an in-line option for its sleek design and versatility, whereas others prefer a wagon-style stroller that can be used to store large items or groceries."

While some products may have different recline options - with one seat almost flat while the other remains relatively upright, this type of distinction is more prevalent in models that are in-line. Billingsley suggests choosing a model with a near-flat recline and leg rest adjustment for both seats. This will ensure that both children lay comfortably.

She also suggests that parents look for strollers with storage compartments so that they can quickly access their snacks, personal items, and toys while moving about. She also suggests that it's useful to find the stroller that has a parent console or organizer bag attached to the handlebars. This can help keep essentials within reach.

A few of the top-rated double strollers can be extended, allowing parents the flexibility to alter the configuration based on their family's needs. For example the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used with just a single seat from birth and then transformed into a tandem (with an additional seat and bassinet) as the child grows older.

Safety

Double strollers must be able to carry the weight of both the passengers as well as any additional cargo. Strollers must also be easy to push and maneuver, especially in tight areas and over challenging terrain. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights which make it easier for parents to maintain their form when pushing them. Another feature that is great is a no-rethread seat belt harness that makes it easier to adjust the belts for your child. Safety features include a sturdy brake system and wheels that can glide across any surface.

Some parents prefer a side by side design so that both children can see each other during family outings. This arrangement can help prevent siblings arguing about who gets to sit in which place however it's not foolproof. If the seats are different heights, a child may punch or kick one another during a walk, in the event that the seats are at different levels.

For parents with twins or siblings close in age, a tandem-style stroller can be beneficial in being able see both kids at once. However, these can be wider than other small double buggy strollers, and they may not be able to pass through all doors in your home. For maximum versatility, consider a single-to-double stroller that transitions from a single to a tandem in various ways, like the popular CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can accommodate a wide variety of configurations and let you click in infant car seats or cot attachments depending on your requirements.

If you opt for a side-byside or tandem-style stroller, make sure the product is certified by JPMA to meet the strictest 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 up in the bells and whistles, however it's important to keep in mind that strollers are essentially baby carriers that are carried for long periods of durations. It should be easy to clean and maintain, and comfortable for both of the passengers. It should also feature a a familiar, intuitive design that allows the person pushing the stroller to maneuver it effortlessly.

Simple to Use

A double stroller must be easy to maneuver on different of terrains for families that are constantly on the move. Strollers with features like peek-a-boo windows, adjustable canopies and reliable brake systems are vital to ensure the safety of your children. However, there are other factors that make them easier to use. For instance the stroller must be compact enough to fit into the trunk of your car, yet provide ample storage space for food items and other things. It is also essential to include thoughtful features, like the cup holder for one parent or consoles for parents, as well as snacks on trays. These are able to make traveling with two children much more enjoyable.

During our testing, we evaluated each stroller based on its performance on various terrains, as well as its ability to maneuver in tight spaces. We also looked at the ease with which it was possible to fold and unfold and whether or not a specific feature enhanced the overall function of the stroller. A stroller that does not have rethread straps is easy to adjust the seat belts. This is a major benefit for parents who are always moving around, since it eliminates the requirement to rethread the harness.

The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double was a top performer in this metric, as it offers a wide range of seating configurations and additional accessories to accommodate families that are growing. The wagon-style pushchairs double stroller can be expanded to allow for two seats as well as a bassinet, or a toddler riding board that is perfect for active families planning long, tiring days with multiple kids of various ages. It easily glides over cobblestones, pavements, and ballfields. It can also be folded flat to be stored in a trunk or closet. Our test subject Kerry was impressed by the simple and easy-to-use nature of the stroller's design. Its clever packaging, clearly labeled sections and helpful user guide made assembling this stroller a breeze.

Storage

Double strollers can carry twice more than one single stroller so be sure to ensure you have plenty of storage space. It is ideal to have an item that can hold the essentials for both kids--nappies bottles, snacks, and toys, along with parents' belongings such as phones, wallets keys and wallets. Find baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller with an expandable cargo space that can take in bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags.

A good double stroller will be able to expand with your family. Billingsley says that some models have a bassinet attachment to accommodate newborns. Others have child seats that grow with the child until they are ready to ride on the back. Some nipper Double buggy strollers include a rider board that allows older children to join in the fun.

There's a wide selection of double strollers in the market, from sleek, high-performance models that excel on 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 to expect from the double stroller that you choose.

Double strollers are available in three models: tandem, side by side and wagon style. Side-by-side double strollers offer the most versatility and are ideal for twins or kids similar in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers, on other hand, feature two seats that are placed next to each other and facing in opposite directions--a ideal choice for children who are the same age or for siblings who enjoy interacting with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces, and less likely to be able to fit through doors.

If you're looking for a wagon-style double stroller check out this top pick from Safety 1st. This affordable model was praised by testers for its various seating configurations. It can be used with two car seats for infants or one child in a convertible toddler chair. Our reviewers also praised the soft memory foam seats with a 50+ SPF canopy and foam-filled tires that will never stop running flat. When it's time to fold, this model only requires just a few nudges on the straps under each seat (under the seat where children sit) in order to fold.