Buying Guide For Double Strollers

A double stroller with car seat stroller is an excellent investment when you have two kids with similar age. These narrow tandem buggies as well as versatile side-by-side buggies let you keep both children in sight while navigating the grocery aisle or in parks, or whatever else life can throw at you.

Comfort

The comfort factor is one of the most important factors to think about when purchasing a double-stroller. This can include the seating arrangement as well as the overall size, which will have an impact on ease of use and storage. "Parents should determine 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 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 parks trails to suburban sidewalks, and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should also provide flexible seating arrangements for children of varying ages and comfort features such as peek-a-boo windows and adjustable canopies to protect children from sun or rain.

For a majority of families double seat stroller strollers will be utilized from birth until the teen years, so it's essential to think about the seating options. "There are two main categories - in-line with one seat behind the other, and side-byside with seats next to each other," Billingsley explains. Some parents prefer the in-line model due to its sleek design and versatility. Others prefer the wagon style double stroller to maximize space for groceries or bulky items.

In-line models are more likely to show this type of discrepancy. Some products may offer different recline options, with one being almost flat and the other being more upright. Billingsley suggests selecting 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 parents look for strollers with storage compartments so that they can quickly access snacks, personal items and toys moving about. She adds that it's also useful to find the stroller that has an organizer or parent console bag that is attached to the handlebars, which can help keep essentials close at hand.

Some of the best-rated double strollers can be extended giving parents the ability to alter the configuration according to their family's requirements. The Mockingbird Expandable, for instance, is a highly rated double stroller that can be used from birth with just one seat, and later converted into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) when the child is older.

Safety

Double strollers should be able to handle the weight of two passengers and 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 that can be adjusted in height which make it easier for parents to maintain good form when pushing them. A harness that does not need to be rethread that makes the adjustment of seat belts more quickly and easily, is another nice feature to look out for. Safety features include a durable brake system and wheels which slide over any surface.

Some parents choose side-by-side designs that allow both children to be able to see one another during family outings. This arrangement can help prevent sibling squabbles over who gets to sit in which spot, but it isn't foolproof. If the seats are different heights, a child could kick or punch another while walking when the seats are on different levels.

If you have twins or siblings who are close in age, a tandem stroller can be beneficial in being able to see both children at the same time. However, they can be wider than other double strollers, so they may not be able to fit through all interior doorways. For maximum flexibility, think about a stroller that can change from a single to double stroller to a tandem in different ways, such as the renowned CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can accommodate a wide range 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 the product is JPMA-certified to meet the strictest safety standards. Be aware of the maximum weight limit for each seat. Exceeding these limits could cause frame fatigue and other issues.

While it's easy to focus on the many bells and whistles that come with a new stroller, it is crucial to remember that a stroller is essentially a baby carrier that will be used for extended durations of time. 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 allows the person pushing the stroller to easily maneuver it.

Easy of Use

A double stroller must be easily maneuverable on a variety terrains for families who are constantly on the move. Strollers that have features like windows that can be opened and closed, adjustable canopy and reliable brake systems are crucial to ensure the safety of your children. But there are other factors that make them simpler to use. A stroller should be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your vehicle and still provide plenty of storage space for groceries and other things. It is also important to consider thoughtful additions like a one-parent cup holder, parent consoles and snacks for children--all things that will make life on the go with two children significantly more manageable.

During our testing we rated the strollers on how it performed on a variety surfaces and how well it maneuvered in tight spaces. We also considered 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 that does not have rethread straps is easy to adjust the seat belts. This can be a major selling point for parents who are on the move because it cuts down on time and eliminates the need to re-thread the harness.

The UPPAbaby v2 Double scored well in this measure because it had a wide variety of seating configurations and additional accessories that accommodated expanding families. The wagon-style double-stroller expands to accommodate a second seat, bassinet, or even a toddler-riding board. This is perfect for families that plan to spend a lot of time traveling with several children of various age groups. It also glides smoothly across pavement, cobblestones and ballfields--and it folds flat to make easy storage in a closet or trunk. Our test subject Kerry was impressed by the simple and intuitive nature of this stroller's design. Its stylish packaging with clearly labeled sections as well as a helpful user guide made putting together this twin stroller a breeze.

Storage

Double strollers can hold twice as much as a single one, so make sure you search for ample storage space. It is important to find a stroller with enough storage space to store the essentials of both children and parents, such as bottles, toys, snacks, and diapers. Find baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller with an expandable cargo space to accommodate bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags.

A good double stroller should be able to adapt to the needs of your family. For example certain models have a bassinet attachment that can accommodate infants, while others come with child seats that can be adapted to your children until they're ready to move to the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers allow older children to join in on the fun with a rider board.

There are a variety of double strollers available on the market, from elegant, high-performance models that are able to handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models more suitable for use in the everyday. While shopping, take a look at user reviews and recommendations from families just like yours to get a better sense of what to expect with the double stroller you select.

Double strollers are available in three styles: tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Side-by-side Double stroller For newborn Twins strollers offer the most versatility and are suitable for twins or kids close to their age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers, on other hand, feature two seats that are placed close to each other and facing in opposite directions. This is a great option for children of the same age or for siblings who enjoy interacting with each other. Tandem strollers may be harder to maneuver through tight spaces, and are less likely to pass through doorways than their side-by-side counterparts.

If you prefer a wagon-style double stroller check out this top model from Safety 1st. This budget-friendly model was praised by testers for its various seating configurations. It can be used with two infant car seats or one child in a convertible toddler seat. Our reviewers also praised the soft memory foam seats with a 50+ SPF canopy and foam-filled tires that never stop running flat. When it's time for folding this model requires only just a few pulls on the straps beneath each seat (under the seats where kids sit) for folding.