Buying Guide For Double Strollers

If you have two children that are in the same age group, a double stroller can be an invaluable investment. These narrow tandem buggies or versatile side-by-side buggies let you keep both children in the same place while navigating the grocery aisle or in parks, or whatever else life can throw at you.

Comfort

When shopping for a double stroller, comfort is a major aspect to take into consideration. This can include the seating arrangement and the overall size, which has an impact on ease of use and storage. "Parents should check how much 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 and the ages of their children to ensure that it is 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 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 a lot of families double strollers will be utilized from birth until the teen years, so it's essential to think about seating options. Billingsley says there are two main categories: in-line, with one seat in-front of the other and side-byside with seats adjacent to one another. Some parents prefer the inline option due to its sleek style and its versatility. Others prefer a wagon-style double stroller for maximum space for grocery or bulky items.

Some products may offer different recline options--with one seat almost flat while the other one remains upright, this type of distinction is more prevalent in in-line models. Billingsley suggests choosing a model that has an almost flat recline as well as leg rests that can be adjusted for both seats to ensure both children can lie back comfortably.

In the end, she suggests to look for strollers that have storage compartments that allow parents to quickly access snacks, toys and personal belongings while on the go. She suggests that it's useful to find a stroller that has an organizer or parent console bag that can be attached to the handlebars. This will help keep things close at hand.

A few of the most highly-rated double strollers are expandable that allows parents to modify the set-up based on 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 double stroller seat, and then converted into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) when the child gets older.

Safety

Double strollers have to be able to handle the weight of two adults, as well as any additional cargo. Strollers must also be simple to push and maneuver, especially in tight spots and over challenging terrain. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height, making it easier for parents to maintain their form when pushing them. Another feature that is great is a no-rethread seat belt harness that allows for a more comfortable adjustment of the belts for your child. A sturdy brake system and wheels that glide across any surface are crucial safety features.

Some parents choose a side-by-side design that allows both children to see each other on family outings. This arrangement can prevent siblings arguing over who sits in which place, but it isn't foolproof. If the seats are placed at different levels, one child might be in a position to punch or kick the other on the course of a walk.

For parents with twins or siblings of similar age, a tandem-style stroller offers the benefit of being able to view both kids at once. These double strollers can be wider, and may not be able to fit through some doors inside. For maximum flexibility, think about a stroller that can change from a single stroller to a tandem in different ways, like the renowned 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 decide to purchase a side-by-side or tandem-style stroller, make sure the product is JPMA-certified to meet the strictest safety standards. Be sure to check the maximum weight limits for each seat, since exceeding them could result in frame fatigue or other issues.

While it's easy for us to focus on all the extra bells and whistles of a new stroller, it's crucial to be aware that a stroller basically a baby carrier that will be carried around for long periods of time. It should be easy to clean and maintain and comfortable for both of the passengers. It should also have an easy-to-use, familiar design that lets the person pushing the stroller to maneuver it effortlessly.

Easy of Use

For families on the go, a double stroller needs to be able to maneuver easily over various terrains. Features like adjustable canopy systems with windows that peek out and dependable braking systems are critical to help ensure the safety of your children, but there are other factors that affect stroller ease of use. For instance, a stroller must be compact double stroller enough to fit into the trunk of your car while still offering ample storage space for your groceries and other items. Also important are thoughtful touches such as a cup holder for one parent, parent consoles and an eating tray for children -- all things that can make life on the go with two kids much simpler.

During our testing, we evaluated each stroller on how well it performed on a variety of surfaces and how well it could maneuver in tight spaces. We also examined how easy it was to fold and unfold, and whether or not a particular feature added to the overall function of the stroller. A stroller that does not have rethread straps makes it easy to adjust the seat belts. This can be a huge selling point for parents on the go because it cuts down on time and removes the need to re-thread the harness.

The UPPAbaby 2 Double scored highly in this measure because it had a wide variety of seating options, as well as additional accessories that accommodated families that are growing. The double-stroller in the wagon style can be expanded to accommodate a second seat, bassinet, or even a toddler-riding board. This is perfect for families who plan to spend long hours traveling with several children of different age groups. It also glides effortlessly over pavement, cobblestones and ballfields--and folds flat for easy storage in a trunk or closet. Our test subject Kerry appreciated the straightforward, intuitive nature of this stroller's design. Its stylish packaging with clearly labeled sections as well as a an informative user guide made putting together this stroller a breeze.

Stores

A double stroller can be able to hold twice as much than a single stroller, so make sure you have plenty of storage space. It is ideal to have an item that can hold the necessities for both kids, including nappies bottles, snacks, and toys, along with parents' items such as wallets, phones keys, wallets and phones. Find baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller with an expandable cargo space to take in bulky items like diaper bags and lunchbags.

A good double stroller should be able to grow with your family. For example certain models come with a bassinet attachment that can accommodate infants, while others come with 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 even permit a rider's board to let older siblings join in the fun.

There are many double strollers on the market. You can pick from models with high-performance features that are great for rough terrain, as well as affordable options that you can use on a daily basis. While shopping, read reviews and suggestions from families similar to yours to get an idea of what you can expect from the double stroller you choose.

Double strollers come in three different designs including tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Side-by-side cheap double buggy strollers provide the most versatility and are suitable for twins or children similar to each other in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers, on the contrary, have two seats set close to each other and facing in opposite directions--a good option for kids who are the same age or for siblings who like to interact with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces, and less likely to fit into doorways.

Take a look at this top choice by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon-style double stroller. Testers loved how this affordable model comes with a variety of seating options as well as the ability to click in two infant car seats or a single child in an 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 never go flat. And when it's time for you to fold, this model requires just a couple of tugs on the straps on each seat (under where the kids sit) to fold it in half.