Buying Guide For Double Strollers

If you have two children who are similar in age, a double running stroller - just click the next article - stroller can be a great investment. These narrow tandem strollers or flexible side-by-side buggies let you keep an eye on both kids at the same time navigating the aisles of the supermarket, parks and anything else life throws your way.

Comfort

When looking for a double stroller for your child, comfort is an important factor to consider. This can include both the seating arrangement as well as the overall dimensions of the stroller which impacts 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 recline options for seats and the age ranges of their children to ensure that it is a perfect fit."

A reputable double stroller must be able to navigate a variety of surfaces with ease from suburban sidewalks to park paths, and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should also offer versatile seating arrangements for children of different ages and comfort features such as windows that can be opened and closed to keep kids shielded from rain or sun.

For many families, a double stroller will be used from birth until the teen years, so it's essential to consider the seating options. Billingsley says there are two main categories of in-line seating with one seat in front of the other, and side-by-side with seats adjacent to one another. "Some parents prefer an in-line model due to its sleek look and versatility, whereas others like a wagon-style double stroller that can be used to store bulky items or grocery bags."

While some products may have different recline options - with one seat being almost flat, while the other is upright--this type of disparity is more common in in-line models. Billingsley suggests choosing a model that has a near-flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats, so that both children can lie back comfortably.

Finally, she advises choosing a stroller that includes storage compartments that will allow parents to easily access snacks, toys, and personal belongings while on the go. She also says that it's helpful to find a stroller which comes with a parent console or organizer bag that is attached to the handlebars. This will help parents keep essentials close to hand.

Some of the best lightweight double stroller-rated double strollers can be expanded giving parents the ability to modify the layout depending on the needs of their family. For example, the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly rated double stroller that can be used with a single seat from birth, and then converted to tandem (with a second seat and bassinet) as the child grows older.

Safety

Double strollers must be able to support the weight of two people, plus any additional cargo. Strollers must be simple to maneuver and push, particularly on rough terrain or in tight spaces. The best double buggy strollers have ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height, making it easier for parents to maintain their form when pushing them. Another great feature is a non-rethread seat belt harness, which makes it easier to adjust the seat belts. Safety features include a sturdy brake system and wheels which can glide across any surface.

Some parents prefer the side-by-side design to allow both children to see each other when they go on family outings. This arrangement can help prevent siblings arguing over who sits in which place, but it isn't foolproof. If the seats are set at different heights, one child could be able to kick or punch the other during the course of a walk.

For parents of twins or siblings close in age, a tandem double buggy-style stroller is a great option for being able to see both kids at once. Double strollers can be larger, and might not fit through some doors inside. To maximize versatility, you should consider a single-to-double stroller which can switch from a single to a tandem in various ways, like the popular CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can be adapted to a wide variety of configurations and permit you to insert infant car seats or cot attachments depending on your requirements.

If you decide to purchase a side-by-side or tandem-style stroller, be sure the product is certified by JPMA to meet the strictest safety standards. Be sure to check the maximum weight limits for each seat, as exceeding them can lead to frame fatigue or other issues.

While it's easy to focus on all the extra bells and whistles that come with a new stroller, it's crucial to remember that a stroller is an infant carrier that will be carried around for long periods of time. It should be comfortable for both passengers as well as easy to clean and maintain, and in the ideal case it should have an intuitive, familiar design that the person pushing it is able to easily maneuver it without having to think twice about how to move forward and turn left or right, or even apply the brakes.

Easy to Use

A double stroller must be easily maneuverable on a variety of terrains for families that are constantly on the move. Strollers with features such as windows that peek-a-boo, adjustable canopies and reliable brake systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children. However, there are other features that make them easier to use. A stroller should be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your car and still provide plenty of storage space for Lightest Double Stroller food or other things. It's also essential to add thoughtful features, like cups holder for one parent as well as consoles for parents and an eating tray. These can help make traveling with two children much easier.

During our testing we rated each stroller based on how it performed on a variety of terrains, and how easily it maneuvered in tight spaces. We also examined how simple it was to fold and unfold and whether or not a particular feature improved the overall performance of the stroller. For example a stroller that has no-rethread harnesses makes adjusting the seat belts easy and quick. This is a major benefit for parents who are on the move, as it saves time and removes the need to re-thread the harness.

The UPPAbaby 2 Double scored highly in this measure because it came with a variety of seating configurations, and additional accessories to accommodate families that are growing. 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 want to spend long hours on the road with multiple children of various age groups. It is able to glide effortlessly over cobblestones and pavements and ball fields. It can also be folded flat to store in a trunk or a closet. Our tester Kerry appreciated the straightforward and easy-to-use nature of the stroller's design. Its smart packaging, clearly labeled sections and helpful user guide made putting together this stroller a breeze.

Storage

A double stroller has the potential to hold twice as much than a single stroller, so look for ample storage space. It is important to find a stroller with enough storage space to accommodate the essentials for both parents and children like bottles as well as snacks, toys and diapers. Look for baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller with an expandable cargo area to accommodate bulky items like diaper bags and lunchbags.

A good double stroller should be able to adapt to the needs of your family. For instance certain models have a bassinet attachment that can be used for newborns, and others feature child seats that can grow with your kids until they're ready to ride on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers allow older children to join in on the fun by riding on a rider board.

There are a variety of double strollers in the market, from elegant, high-performance models that can handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models more for everyday use. As you shop, read user reviews and recommendations from families like yours to gain an idea of what to expect from the double stroller you select.

Double strollers come in three different designs including tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-by-side strollers are the most versatile and suitable for twins or children of a similar age. Tandem double strollers, on the other hand, feature two seats that are placed adjacent to one another and facing opposite directions. It's a ideal choice for children who are the same age or for siblings who love to interact with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through tight spaces, and less likely to fit in doors.

Check out this top selection by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon-style double stroller. This model is affordable and was highly praised by our testers for its various seating configurations. It can be used with two infant car seats, or one child in a convertible toddler chair. Our testers also loved the soft memory foam seats and the 50+ SPF canopy and foam-filled tires that never stop running flat. And when it's time to fold, this model needs just a couple of tugs on the straps of each seat (under the seat where kids sit) to fold in half.