Buying Guide For Double Strollers

A double stroller is a good investment when you have two kids of similar ages. These narrow tandem strollers or versatile side-by-side buggies help you keep your eyes on both kids at the same time braving the grocery aisle as well as the parks and other obstacles life throws your way.

Comfort

Comfort is an important factor to think about when purchasing a double-stroller. This could include both seating arrangement as well as the overall size of the stroller, which affects the accessibility and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child expert in child development from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, advises parents to be aware of the stroller's weight and folded dimensions. "They should also look at the options for recline and seat age ranges to ensure the best fit for their family."

A quality double stroller should be robust enough to navigate different surfaces smoothly--from urban sidewalks to parks trails 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 comfort features like peek-a-boo windows and adjustable canopy options which protect children from rain or sun.

For a majority of families, a double car seat stroller stroller will be used from birth and into childhood, so it's important to consider the seating options. "There are two main categories - in-line with one seat in front of the other, and side-by-side with seats next to each other," Billingsley explains. "Some parents prefer an in-line stroller due to its sleek appearance and versatility, while others like a wagon-style double stroller to maximize space for heavy items or grocery bags."

In-line models are more likely to have this type of discrepancy. Certain models may provide different recline options, with one being nearly flat, and the other one remaining fairly upright. Billingsley suggests selecting a product that offers both a nearly flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats, so that the children can both lie back comfortably.

She also suggests parents look for strollers with storage compartments to allow them to easily access their snacks, personal items, and toys while on the move. She also recommends that it's helpful to choose a stroller that comes with a parent console or organizer bag attached on the handlebars. This can help parents keep their essentials at hand.

Some of the best-rated double strollers can be extended, allowing parents the flexibility to modify the layout depending on the needs of their family. The Mockingbird Expandable, for instance is a highly-rated double stroller which can be used from birth using a single seat, and then converted into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) when the child gets older.

Safety

Double strollers should be able to handle the weight of two people, plus any additional cargo. Strollers must also be easy to push and maneuver, especially in tight spots and over challenging terrain. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights which allow parents to maintain good form when pushing them. Another nice feature is a non-rethread seat belt harness, which allows for a more comfortable adjustment of the belts for your child. Also, a strong brake system and wheels that can glide over any surface are crucial safety features.

Some parents prefer an arrangement that allows both children to view one another during family outings. This arrangement can prevent sibling squabbles over who gets to sit in which place however, it's not 100% secure. If the seats are located at different heights, a child may kick or punch another while walking if the seats are at different levels.

A tandem-style stroller is great option for parents with twins or siblings who are close in age. It lets parents see both children at once. However, they can be more spacious than other double strollers, and they may not be able to be able to pass through all terrain double buggy doors in your home. You could consider a single-to-double stroller that can be transformed from a single stroller to a double single pushchair in a variety ways. Popular models include the CYBEX gazelle S.

If you're looking for a tandem or side-by-side stroller, ensure that the product is JPMA certified to meet strict safety standards. Be sure to check the weight limits that apply to each seat, since exceeding them could result in frame fatigue or other issues.

While it's easy to focus on the many bells and whistles that come with the latest stroller, it's important to be aware that a stroller an infant carrier that will be transported for long periods of time. It should be comfortable for both passengers, easy to clean and maintain, and ideally, it should offer an intuitive, familiar design that the person pushing it is able to effortlessly maneuver it without having to think about how to move forward, turn left or right, or use the brakes.

Ease of Use

A double stroller must be easy to maneuver on different types of terrains for families always on the move. Features like adjustable canopies windows, peek-aboo windows, and reliable braking systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children, however, there are other elements that influence stroller comfort of use. A stroller should be compact double buggy enough to fit into the trunk of your vehicle, but still have plenty of storage space for groceries or other things. Also important are thoughtful touches like a cup holder with a single parent or console for parents, as well as a snack tray for kids--all things that make life with two kids much easier.

During our testing, we evaluated each stroller on the basis of its performance on different terrains and its ability to maneuver in tight spaces. We also examined how easy it was to fold and unfold and whether or not a particular feature improved the overall performance of the stroller. For instance a stroller with a harness that does not rethread makes the adjustment of the seat belts quick and simple. This is a major benefit for parents on the go, as it saves time and eliminates the need to re-thread the harness.

The UPPAbaby 2 Double scored well in this metric as it had a wide variety of seating configurations and additional accessories to accommodate growing families. The wagon-style double-stroller expands to accommodate a second seat, bassinet or even a toddler's riding board. This is perfect for families that plan to spend a lot of time in the car with a variety of children of various age groups. It also glides smoothly over cobblestones, balls and pavements. It it folds flat to make simple storage in a closet or trunk. Our tester Kerry appreciated the straightforward and intuitive nature of this stroller's design. Its stylish packaging, clearly labeled sections and helpful user guides made putting together this stroller an absolute breeze.

Stores

A double stroller can be able to hold twice as much stuff as a single stroller so make sure you have plenty of storage space. It is important to find a stroller with enough storage space to accommodate the necessities of children and parents including bottles, toys, snacks, and diapers. Look for baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller that has an expandable cargo space to take in bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags.

A good double stroller should be able to change as your family grows. For example certain models have an attachment for a bassinet that can accommodate infants, while others feature child seats that can expand with your children until they're ready to grow double stroller to ride on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers allow older siblings to join in on the fun with the rider board.

There are many double strollers available. You can pick from models with high-performance features which are suitable for rough terrain, as well as affordable options that you can use daily. While shopping, you can read reviews and recommendations of families similar to yours to get an idea of what you can expect from the double stroller that you select.

Double strollers are available in three different designs such as tandem, side-byside, and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-byside strollers are the most adaptable and ideal for twins or children of a similar age. Tandem double strollers on the other hand, feature two seats that are arranged adjacent to one another and facing in opposite directions--a ideal choice for children of the same age, or for siblings who like to interact with one another. Tandem strollers may be harder to maneuver through tight spaces, and are less likely to pass through doorways than their side-by-side counterparts.

Check out this top pick by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon-style double stroller. The testers loved that this budget model has multiple seating options as well as the ability to connect two infant car seats or a single child riding in an convertible toddler seat. Our experts also appreciated the soft memory foam seats with a 50+ SPF canopy, and foam-filled tires that will never go flat. When it's time for folding, this model only requires a few tugs on the straps under each seat (under the seat where children sit) for folding.