Buying Guide For Double Strollers

A double stroller is a good investment if you have two children with similar age. These narrow tandem strollers or flexible side-by-side buggies let you keep an eye on both children at the same time taking on the grocery store, parks and anything else life throws your way.

Comfort

Comfort is an important factor to think about when purchasing a double-stroller. This could include both seating arrangement and the overall dimensions of the stroller which impacts convenience and storage. "Parents should check how much the stroller weighs and its folded dimensions," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also consider the recline options for seats and age ranges to ensure the best fit for their family."

A good double stroller should be able to navigate a variety of surfaces with ease including suburban sidewalks, park paths, and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should offer a range of seating options for children at different stages of development, as well as comfort features like peek-a-boo windows and adjustable canopy options that protect children from the sun or rain.

For a majority of families double strollers will be used from birth until the age of five, so it's crucial to think about seating options. "There are two main categories - in-line with one seat ahead of the other, and side-byside with seats that are next to each other," Billingsley explains. "Some parents prefer an in-line option for its sleek look and versatility, whereas others prefer a wagon-style stroller that can be used to store bulky items or groceries."

Although some models may have different recline options - with one seat almost flat while the other one remains upright, this type of distinction is more prevalent in models that are in-line. Billingsley suggests choosing a model that offers both a nearly flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats to ensure both children can lie back comfortably.

In the end, she suggests to look for a stroller that includes storage compartments that allow parents to access their snacks, toys and other personal items while on the move. She also recommends that it's helpful to find a stroller that comes with a parent console or organizer bag attached on the handlebars. This will help parents keep their essentials to hand.

A few of the most highly-rated double strollers are expandable which allows parents to alter the layout to meet the needs of their expanding family. The Mockingbird Expandable, for example, is a highly rated double stroller that 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 must be able to handle the weight of both passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers need to be simple to maneuver and push, especially when on rough terrain and in tight spaces. The Best double stroller strollers come with ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to allow parents to maintain their good form while pushing them. A harness that does not need to be rethread, which makes adjusting seat belts more quickly and easily, is another nice feature to look out for. Safety features include a durable brake system, as well as wheels that slide over any surface.

Some parents choose an arrangement that allows both children to view one another during family outings. This arrangement can help prevent sibling rivalries over who is allowed to sit and stand double stroller where however it's not foolproof. If the seats are located at different heights, a child may punch or kick one another during a walk, when the seats are on different levels.

For parents of twins or siblings of similar age, a tandem double buggy-style stroller is a great option for being able see both kids at once. Double strollers can be wider, and may not be able to fit through some doors inside. You could consider a single-to-double stroller that can be transformed from a single stroller to a double in many ways. The most popular models are the CYBEX gazelle S.

If you're looking for a tandem or side-by-side stroller, make sure that the stroller has been JPMA certified to meet stringent safety standards. Be sure to check the maximum weight limits for each seat, since over-weighting could lead to frame fatigue or other issues.

While it's easy for us to focus on the additional bells and whistles that come with the latest stroller, it is crucial to keep in mind that a stroller is an infant carrier that is transported for long periods of time. It must be comfortable for both parents and children as well as easy to clean and maintain, and ideally it should have an intuitive, familiar design that the person pushing it can effortlessly maneuver it without having to think about how to move forward or turn left or right, or even apply the brakes.

Easy of Use

For families that are on the move, a double stroller must be able to navigate different terrains. Features like adjustable canopies, peek-aboo windows and dependable brake systems are critical to help ensure the safety of your children but there are many other aspects that affect stroller ease of use. For example the stroller must be small enough to fit into the trunk of your car, while still offering ample storage space for food items 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 evaluated the strollers double on how it performed on a variety of terrains, and how easily it maneuvered in tight spaces. We also assessed how easy it was to fold and unfold, and whether or not a specific feature enhanced the overall performance of the stroller. A stroller without rethread straps is easy to adjust the seat belts. This is a major selling point for parents who are always in motion, as it eliminates the requirement to rethread the harness.

The UPPAbaby V2 Double scored well in this metric as it offered a wide range of seating options, as well as additional accessories that accommodated expanding families. The wagon-style double-stroller expands so that it can accommodate two seats, a bassinet or even a toddler's riding board. This is perfect for families that plan to spend long days in the car with a variety of children of various ages. It easily glides over cobblestones, pavements, and ball fields. It can fold flat to fit in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is simple and intuitive and was a big hit with our test participant Kerry. Its clever packaging, clearly labeled sections and an informative user guide made assembling this stroller an absolute breeze.

Storage

A double stroller can be able to hold twice as much stuff as a single stroller, therefore, you should look for plenty of storage space. It is ideal to have an item that can hold the necessities for both kids, including nappies, bottles, snacks and toys, along with parents' items such as wallets, phones keys, wallets and phones. Look for baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, consider a stroller that has an expandable cargo area to take in bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags.

A good double stroller should be able to change as your family expands. For instance certain models come with a bassinet attachment that can be used for newborns, and others have child seats that can grow with your children until they're ready to switch to riding on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers allow older siblings to join in the fun by riding on riding boards.

You'll find a wide variety of double strollers in the market, from elegant, high-performance models that are able to handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models more suited for daily use. As you shop, read reviews from other users and the opinions of families like yours to get an understanding of what you can expect from the double stroller you select.

Double strollers are available in three designs: tandem, side-by-side and wagon style. Side-by-side double strollers offer most flexibility and are perfect for twins or children who are who are close in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers come with two seats arranged in a tandem configuration, facing opposite directions. This is a good option for children of similar age, or siblings who like to interact with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through tight spaces, and are less likely to fit in doors.

If you prefer a wagon-style double stroller, check out this top model from Safety 1st. The testers loved that this budget model has multiple seating options, including the ability to connect two infant car seats or a single child in an convertible toddler seat. Our testers also loved the comfy memory foam seats and the 50+ SPF canopy and foam-filled tires that never stop running flat. When it's time to fold this model needs only a few tugs on the straps underneath each seat (under the seats where kids sit) in order to fold.