Buying Guide For Double Strollers

A double stroller is a great investment when you have two kids with similar ages. These narrow tandem buggies or flexible side by side buggies will keep both children in the same place when you are navigating the aisles of your grocery store, parks, and whatever else life can throw at you.

Comfort

When looking for a double stroller for your child, comfort is a key aspect to take into consideration. This includes the seating arrangement and overall size, which has an impact on the ease of use and storage. "Parents must determine what the stroller weighs as well as its dimensions when folded," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also think about the options for recline of the seat as well as the ages of their children to ensure that it is a perfect fit."

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

For a majority of families, a double stroller will be utilized from birth until childhood, so it's important to consider the seating options. "There are two main categories--in-line with one seat in front of the other, and side by side with seats that are next to each other," Billingsley explains. Some parents prefer the in-line option due to its sleek design and versatility. Others prefer a wagon style double buggy that converts to single stroller to maximize space for bulky or grocery items.

In-line models are more likely to have this type of discrepancy. Some products may offer different recline options, with one seat being nearly flat, and the other being more upright. Billingsley recommends selecting a product with a near-flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children lie down comfortably.

Finally, she advises looking for a stroller that includes storage compartments that enable parents to easily access snacks, toys and other personal belongings while on the go. She also recommends that it is beneficial to choose a stroller that has a parent console, or organizer bag, that can be attached to the handlebars. This can help parents keep essentials close at hand.

A few of the top-rated double strollers can be enlarged giving parents the ability to customize the setup according to their family's requirements. The Mockingbird Expandable, for example, is a highly rated double stroller which can be used from birth with a single seat, then transformed into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) when the child is older.

Safety

Double strollers have to be able to support the weight of two people, plus any additional cargo. Strollers should also be easy to move and push, particularly in tight spaces and over challenging terrain. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights which make it easier for parents to maintain a good posture when pushing them. Another nice feature is a non-rethread seat belt harness that allows for a more comfortable adjustment of the belts for your child. Also, a strong brake system and wheels that glide over any surface are important safety features.

Some parents opt for an arrangement that allows both children to be able to see one another during family outings. This arrangement can prevent siblings fighting over who is allowed to sit where but it's not a guarantee. If the seats are positioned at different heights, one child could be able to kick or punch the other during the course of a walk.

For parents with twins or siblings of similar age, a tandem-style stroller is a great option for being able to view both kids at once. However, these can be wider than other double strollers, meaning they may not be able to fit through all doorways in the interior. Consider a single-to double stroller that can be converted from a single to a double Single pushchair in many ways. Popular models include the CYBEX gazelle S.

If you're in the market for a tandem or a side-by-side stroller, be sure the product has been JPMA certified to meet stringent safety standards. Pay attention to the weight limit that applies to each seat. Overstepping these limits can cause frame fatigue or other problems.

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 will be used for a long period of durations. It must be easy to clean and maintain as well as comfortable for both the passengers. It should also feature a an easy-to-use, familiar design that lets the person pushing the stroller to easily maneuver it.

Ease of Use

For families who are constantly on the move, a double stroller must be able to navigate different terrains. Features like adjustable canopies windows, peek-aboo windows, and dependable brake systems are crucial to ensure the safety of your children however, there are other elements that affect stroller ease of use. A stroller should be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your car, but still have plenty of storage space for groceries and other items. It's also essential to add thoughtful details, such as the cup holder for one parent or consoles for parents, as well as a snack tray. These will make traveling with two kids much more enjoyable.

In our testing we rated the strollers on how it performed on a variety of terrains and how easily it could maneuver in tight spaces. We also looked at how simple it was to fold and unfold and whether or not a specific feature enhanced the overall performance of the stroller. For instance a stroller with no-rethread harnesses makes adjusting the seat belts quick and simple. This is a major selling point for parents who are always on the move, as it does away with the need to rethread their harness.

The UPPAbaby 2 Double was a top performer in this measure because it had a wide variety of seating options, as well as other accessories that could accommodate growing families. The double-stroller in the wagon style expands to accommodate an additional seat, a bassinet or even a toddler's riding board. This is ideal for families who plan to spend a lot of time in the car with a variety of children of different ages. It easily glides over pavements, cobblestones, and ballfields. It can be folded flat to be stored in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is easy and easy to use and was a big hit with our tester Kerry. The sleek packaging, clearly marked sections and user guide made it easy to assemble this stroller.

Stores

Double strollers can hold twice more than one stroller, so make sure you search for ample storage space. Ideally, you'll want an item that can hold the essentials for both kids--nappies, bottles, snacks and toys, along with parents' belongings such as phones, wallets, and keys. Find baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, consider a stroller that has an expandable cargo area to accommodate bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags.

A quality double stroller will be able to adapt to the needs of your family. Billingsley says that some models have a bassinet attachment to accommodate newborns. Other models come with child seats which can expand with the child until they are old enough to ride on the back. Some double strollers even allow for a rider board to let older siblings take part in the fun.

There's a wide selection of double strollers on the market, ranging from elegant, high-performance models that are able to handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models that are more for everyday use. As you shop, read user reviews and recommendations from families just like yours to get an idea of what to expect from the double stroller you choose.

Double strollers come in three different design formats including tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Billingsley says that side-by-side strollers are the most versatile and ideal for twins as well as children of similar age. Tandem double buggy newborn strollers feature two seats that are set in a tandem arrangement facing in opposite directions. This is a great option for children who are similar age or siblings who like to be social with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and less likely to be able to fit through doors.

Check out this top selection by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon-style double stroller. This affordable model was praised by test participants for its multiple seating configurations. It can be used with two infant car seats, or one child in a convertible toddler seat. Our experts also praised 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 just a couple of tugs on straps on each seat (under the seat where kids sit) to fold it in half.