Buying Guide For Double Strollers

A double stroller is a great investment for families with two children with similar age. These narrow tandem strollers or versatile side-by-side buggies help you keep an eye on both kids at the same time while braving the grocery aisle as well as the parks and other obstacles life throws your way.

Comfort

The comfort factor is one of the most important factors to take into consideration when buying a double-stroller. This includes both the seating arrangement and the overall size of the stroller which can impact the accessibility and storage. "Parents must determine what the stroller weighs and its dimensions when folded," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also look at the seat recline options and age ranges to ensure a perfect fit for their family."

A good double stroller will be sturdy enough to traverse various surfaces with ease, from parks trails to suburban sidewalks and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should have a variety of seating options for children at different ages, as well as features that provide comfort, such as a peek-aboo windows and adjustable canopy options that protect children from the sun or rain.

For many families, a double buggy from birth stroller will be utilized from birth until the teen years, so it's essential to consider the seating options. Billingsley explains that there are two major categories of in-line seating with one seat in front of the other, and side-by-side, with seats next to one another. "Some parents prefer an in-line stroller due to its sleek look and versatility, while others like a wagon-style double stroller to maximize space for large items or grocery bags."

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

In the end, she suggests choosing a stroller that includes storage compartments that enable parents to quickly access snacks, toys and personal items while out and about. She adds that it's also helpful to look for the stroller that has a parent console or organizer bag that is attached to the handlebars, which 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 growing family. The Mockingbird Expandable, for example is a highly rated double stroller which can be used from birth with just one seat, and then converted into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) when the child is older.

Safety

Double strollers should be able to support the weight of two adults, as well as any additional cargo. Strollers should also be easy to move and push, particularly in tight spots and on difficult all terrain double stroller. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height which allow parents to maintain good 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. Also, a strong brake system and wheels that glide over any surface are important safety features.

Some parents prefer an arrangement that is side by side to allow both children to meet up on family outings. This arrangement can help prevent siblings fighting over who is allowed to sit where, but it's not foolproof. If the seats are set at different heights, one child may be able to kick or punch the other on a walk.

A tandem-style stroller is excellent option for parents with twins or siblings who are similar in age. It lets parents be able to see both children simultaneously. These double strollers can be larger, and might not be able to fit through some doors inside. To maximize versatility, you should consider a stroller that can change from a single stroller to a tandem in different ways, like the well-known CYBEX Gazelle S. These models are able to accommodate a broad variety of configurations and let you click in infant car seats or cot attachments according to your requirements.

If you decide to purchase a side-by-side or tandem-style stroller, be sure that the stroller is JPMA-certified to meet the strictest safety standards. Pay attention to the maximum weight limit for each seat. If you exceed these limits, it could cause frame fatigue and other issues.

It's easy to be swept in the jingles and whistles, but it's important to keep in mind that strollers are basically baby carriers that are carried for long periods of time. It should be easy to clean and maintain, and comfortable for both of the passengers. It should also have a an easy-to-use, familiar design that lets the person pushing the stroller to move it easily.

Easy of Use

A double stroller should be simple to maneuver over different types of terrains for families constantly moving. Features like adjustable canopy systems, peek-aboo windows and dependable brake systems are essential to ensure your children's safety, however, there are other elements that influence stroller comfort of use. For example, a stroller must be small enough to fit into the trunk of your car, but still provide ample storage space for food items and other things. It's also important to include thoughtful details, such as cups holder for one parent, consoles for parents and an eating tray. These can help make traveling with two children much easier.

During our testing we evaluated each stroller according to its performance on different terrains and its ability to maneuver in tight spaces. We also examined the ease with which it was possible to fold and unfold and whether or not a specific feature enhanced the overall performance of the stroller. For instance a stroller with a harness that does not rethread makes the adjustment of the seat belts simple and easy. This is a major benefit for parents who are constantly on the move, as it eliminates the need to rethread the harness.

The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored high in this metric, as it came with a variety of seating configurations as well as additional accessories to help accommodate growing families. The wagon-style double travel stroller stroller can be expanded to allow for two seats as well as a bassinet, or a toddler riding board that is perfect for families who are active and planning long days on the go with multiple kids of various age. It also glides smoothly over cobblestones, ball fields and pavements. It also folds flat for simple storage in a closet or trunk. Our tester Kerry was impressed by the simple and intuitive nature of this stroller's design. The smart packaging clear sections, well-marked sections and the user's guide made it simple to put this stroller together.

Storage

A double stroller is able to hold twice as much as a single stroller, therefore, you should look for plenty of storage space. Ideally, you want a stroller that can accommodate the basic necessities for both kids: nappies, bottles, snacks and toys, along with parents' belongings such as wallets, phones keys, wallets and phones. Look for pockets and baskets under the seats. Also, consider a stroller that has an expandable cargo space that can accommodate bulky items such as lunch bags and diaper bags.

A good double stroller should be able to grow with your family. For instance, some models include a bassinet attachment that can be used for newborns, and others have child seats that can be adapted to your children until they're ready to switch to riding on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers even allow for a rider board to allow older siblings to be part of the fun.

You'll find a wide variety of double strollers on the market, from sleek, high-performance models that are able to handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models that are more suitable for use in the everyday. While shopping, take a look at reviews from other users and the opinions of families just like yours to get an idea of what to expect from the double stroller you pick.

Double strollers come in three different styles: side-by-side, tandem, and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers offer most versatility and are ideal for twins or kids close to their age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers, on the contrary, have two seats that are placed close to each other and facing in opposite directions--a ideal choice for children of the same age or for siblings who enjoy interacting with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces, and are less likely to fit in doors.

Check out this top pick by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon-style double stroller. This affordable model was highly praised by our testers for its multiple seating configurations. It can be used with two car seats for infants or one child in a convertible toddler seat. Our reviewers also praised the soft memory foam seats and the 50+ SPF canopy, and foam-filled tires that never get flat. When it's time for folding this model needs only a few tugs on the straps beneath each seat (under the seat where children sit n stand double stroller) to fold.