Buying Guide For Double Strollers

If you have two kids who are close in age, a double stroller could be a great investment. These narrow tandem strollers or flexible side-by-side buggies let you keep an eye on both kids at the same time navigating the aisles of the supermarket or the parks, and whatever else life throws your way.

Comfort

When you are looking for a double stroller, comfort is a major factor to consider. This includes the seating arrangement as well as the overall size, which will have an impact on ease of use and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child expert in child development from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, suggests parents check the stroller's weight and folded dimensions. "They should also consider the seat recline options and age ranges to ensure the best fit for their family."

A well-constructed double stroller will be robust enough to navigate all surfaces without difficulty, from urban sidewalks to parks trails, and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should have a variety of seating options for children of different ages, as well as comfort features such as a peek-a-boo windows and adjustable canopy options which protect children from the sun or rain.

For many families, a double buggy converts to single stroller is likely to be utilized from birth until childhood, so it's important to think about seating options. Billingsley states that there are two major categories of in-line seating, with one seat in-front of the other and side-byside with seats adjacent to each other. "Some parents prefer an in-line option for its sleek appearance and versatility, while others prefer a wagon-style stroller to maximize space for heavy items or grocery bags."

In-line models tend to have this kind of difference. Some models might offer different recline options, with one seat being nearly flat, and the other one remaining fairly upright. Billingsley recommends selecting a product with a near-flat recline and leg rest adjustment for both seats. This will ensure that both children can lie down comfortably.

Then, she suggests looking for strollers that have storage compartments that will allow parents to access their snacks, toys and personal items while out and about. She also says that it's helpful to choose a stroller that comes with a parent console or organizer bag attached on the handlebars. This will help parents keep essentials close at hand.

Some of the best travel double stroller-rated double strollers can be expanded giving parents the ability to modify the layout based on their family's needs. For instance, the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly rated double stroller that can be used with just a single seat from birth and later converted to a tandem (with a second seat and bassinet) as the child gets older.

Safety

Double strollers need to be able to support the weight of both the passengers as well as any additional cargo. Strollers should be easy to maneuver and push, particularly when on rough terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to allow parents to maintain their good posture when pushing them. A harness that is not rethread, which makes adjusting seat belts faster and easier, is another nice feature to look out for. Safety features include a robust brake system, as well as wheels that slide over any surface.

Some parents choose an arrangement that allows both children to view each other during family outings. This arrangement can prevent sibling rivalries about who gets to sit in which spot, but it isn't foolproof. If the seats are different heights, a child could punch or kick another during a walk if the seats are at different levels.

A tandem-style stroller is a excellent option for parents with twins or siblings who are close in age. It lets parents observe both children at the same time. However, they are more spacious than other double strollers, and they may not be able to fit through all doorways in the interior. To maximize versatility, you should consider a single-to-double stroller which can switch from a single to a tandem in different ways, such as the renowned CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can be adapted to a wide range of configurations and allow you to click in infant car seats or cot attachments, depending on your needs.

If you're in the market for a tandem or side-byside stroller, make sure that the stroller has been JPMA certified to meet the strictest safety standards. Be sure to check the weight limits that apply to each seat, since exceeding them can lead to frame fatigue or other issues.

While it's easy for us to focus on all the extra bells and whistles of the latest stroller, it's crucial to keep in mind that a stroller is basically a baby carrier that will be transported for long periods of time. It should be easy to clean and maintain as well as comfortable for both passengers. It should also feature a a familiar, intuitive design that allows 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 moving. Features like adjustable canopy systems windows, peek-aboo windows, and dependable braking systems are critical to help ensure the safety of your children, however, there are other elements that influence stroller comfort of use. A stroller should be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your car and still provide plenty of storage space for groceries or other items. It is also important to consider thoughtful additions like a cup holder with a single parent, parent consoles and snacks for children--all terrain double buggy things that make life on the go with two kids significantly more manageable.

During our testing we evaluated each stroller based on its ability to perform on different terrains and its ability to maneuver in tight spaces. We also looked at how easy it was to fold the stroller and unfold it in a timely manner, and if a specific feature improved the overall functionality. A stroller with no-rethread straps makes it Easy Fold Double Stroller to adjust the seat belts. This is a huge attraction for parents who are constantly in motion, as it eliminates the requirement to rethread the harness.

The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored highly in this measure, since it came with a variety of seating configurations and additional accessories to accommodate families that are growing. The wagon-style double stroller can be expanded to allow for two seats as well as a bassinet, or a toddler-friendly riding board, which is ideal for families with active children who plan long, tiring days with multiple kids of varying ages. It also glides smoothly over cobblestones, balls and pavements. It folds flat for simple storage in a trunk or closet. Our tester Kerry loved the simple and easy-to-use nature of the stroller's design. Its stylish packaging, clearly labeled sections and an informative user guide made assembling this stroller an absolute breeze.

Storage

A double stroller can be able to hold twice as much stuff as a single stroller so look for ample storage space. It is important to find a stroller with enough storage space to hold the necessities of children and parents, such as bottles as well as snacks, toys and diapers. Find baskets under the seat as well as other pockets, and look into a stroller with an expanding cargo space that can carry bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags.

A good double stroller should have the ability to adapt as your family expands. Billingsley states that certain models have the option of a bassinet attachment that can accommodate infants. Others have child seats that can grow with the child until they are old enough to ride on the back. Some double strollers allow older siblings to join in the fun with riding boards.

There are a variety of double strollers on the market, from sleek, high-performance options that are able to handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models that are more suited for daily use. While shopping, read reviews and suggestions from families like yours to get an idea of what you can expect from the double stroller you choose.

Double strollers are available in three different designs such as tandem, side-byside, and wagon-style. Billingsley says that side-by-side strollers are the most versatile and ideal for twins or children of similar ages. Tandem double strollers, on the other hand, have two seats that are arranged close to each other and facing opposite directions. It's a ideal choice for children of the same age or for siblings who enjoy interacting with each other. Tandem strollers may be harder to maneuver in tight spaces, and are less likely to fit through doors than their side-by-side counterparts.

Check out this top selection by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon-style double stroller. Testers loved how this affordable model has multiple seating options as well as the ability to click in two infant car seats or a single child in a convertible toddler seat. Our reviewers also praised the memory foam seats as well as the canopy, which has 50+ SPF and foam-filled wheels that will never wear out. And when it's time for you to fold, this model requires only a couple of pulls on the straps on each seat (under where the kids sit) to fold in half.