Buying Guide For Double Strollers

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

Comfort

When you are looking for a double stroller for your child, comfort is an important aspect to take into consideration. This includes both the seating arrangements and the overall dimensions of the stroller which affects the accessibility and storage. "Parents must determine what the stroller weighs and its folded dimensions," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also think about the recline options for seats as well as the ages of their children to ensure that it's a perfect fit."

A good double stroller should be able to handle a variety of surfaces with ease from suburban sidewalks to park paths and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should come with a variety of seating options for children at different ages, as well as features that provide comfort, such as a peek-aboo window and adjustable canopies which protect children from the sun or rain.

For a lot of families double strollers will be used from birth and into 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-by-side with seats that are next to each other," Billingsley explains. "Some parents prefer an in-line model due to its sleek design and versatility, while others prefer a wagon-style double stroller to make the most compact double stroller space for heavy items or grocery bags."

Although some models may have different recline options--with one seat being almost flat, while the other is upright, this kind of difference is more prevalent in the in-line models. Billingsley recommends selecting a product with both a near flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children lay comfortably.

She also suggests that parents search for strollers with storage compartments to allow them to easily access snacks, personal items and toys when on the move. She adds that it's also helpful to look for a stroller that has an organizer console for parents or a parent bag that is attached to the handlebars, which will help keep things within reach.

Some of the most compact double stroller highly-rated double strollers are expandable which allows parents to alter the configuration to meet the requirements of their growing family. For example, the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used with just a single seat from birth, and later converted to tandem (with an additional seat and bassinet) as the child grows older.

Safety

Double strollers must be able to support the weight of two passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers must also be simple to push and maneuver, especially in tight spaces and on difficult terrain. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height to allow parents to maintain their good form while pushing them. Another nice feature is a no-rethread seat belt harness that makes it easier to adjust the belts for your child. Safety features include a durable brake system and wheels that glide over any surface.

Some parents opt for a side-by-side design that allows both children to view one another during family outings. This arrangement can help prevent siblings fighting over who is allowed to sit where however it's not foolproof. If the seats are different heights, a child may kick or punch another while walking in the event that the seats are at different levels.

A tandem-style stroller is great option for parents with twins or siblings that are close in age. It lets them be able to see both children simultaneously. These double strollers can be more spacious, and may not fit through certain doors inside. You could consider a single-to-double stroller that can be transformed from a single stroller to double in various ways. The most popular models are the CYBEX gazelle S.

Whether you choose a side-by-side or tandem stroller, make sure that the stroller is JPMA-certified to meet stringent safety standards. Be aware of the maximum weight limits for each seat, since over-weighting could lead to frame fatigue or other issues.

While it's easy to focus on all terrain double buggy the extra bells and whistles on the latest stroller, it is crucial to be aware that a stroller essentially a baby carrier that will be transported for long periods of time. It should be comfortable for both passengers, easy to clean and maintain, and most importantly it should have an intuitive, familiar design that the person pushing it is able to effortlessly maneuver it without having to think twice about how to move forward and turn left or right, or apply the brakes.

Easy of Use

For families who are constantly on the move, a double stroller needs to be easy to maneuver over various terrains. Strollers with features like peek-a-boo windows, adjustable canopies and sturdy brake systems are vital to ensure the safety of your children. But there are other features that make them simpler to use. For example the stroller should be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your car while still offering ample storage space for your groceries and other items. It's also essential to add thoughtful touches, such as a cup holder for one parent, consoles for parents and an eating tray. These are able to make traveling with two children much easier.

In our tests, we assessed each stroller on the basis of its ability to perform on different terrains, as well as its ability to maneuver in tight spaces. We also looked at the ease with which it was possible to fold and unfold, and whether or not a specific feature enhanced the overall function of the stroller. A stroller that does not have rethread straps makes it easy to adjust the seat belts. This is a major benefit for parents who are constantly on the move, as it removes the requirement to rethread the harness.

The UPPAbaby v2 Double scored highly in this measure because it had a wide variety of seating configurations, and additional accessories to accommodate expanding families. The wagon-style double-stroller can be expanded to accommodate a second seat, bassinet or even a toddler's riding board. This is ideal for families who plan to spend long hours on the road with multiple children of different ages. It also glides effortlessly over cobblestones, balls and pavements. It can be folded flat for easy storage in a closet or trunk. Our tester Kerry was impressed by the simple and intuitive nature of this stroller's design. Its smart packaging clear sections, well-labeled sections and an informative user guide made putting together this stroller an absolute breeze.

Storage

A double stroller is able to hold twice as much stuff as a single stroller so look for ample storage space. Ideally, you want a stroller that is able to hold the essentials for both kids--nappies, bottles, snacks and toys, as well as parents' belongings such as phones, wallets keys and wallets. 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 quality double stroller should be able to adjust as your family expands. Billingsley states that certain models come with the option of a bassinet attachment that can accommodate infants. Others have child seats that be able to grow with your child until they are old enough to ride on the back. Some double strollers permit older siblings to share in the fun with a rider board.

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

Double strollers come in three different designs: side-by-side, tandem, and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers offer the most versatility and are ideal for twins or kids similar to each other in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers, on the contrary, have two seats that are placed adjacent to one another and facing opposite directions. It's a great option for children of the same age or for siblings who like to interact with one another. tandem double stroller (sneak a peek here) strollers are more difficult to maneuver through tight spaces, and are less likely to fit in doors.

Check out this top selection by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon-style double pushchair stroller. This affordable model was praised by test participants for its many seating options. 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 and the 50+ SPF canopy, and foam-filled tires that never get flat. When it's time to fold, this model requires only a few tugs on the straps of each seat (under the seats where kids are) to fold it in half.