Buying Guide For Double Strollers

A double stroller is an excellent investment when you have two kids with similar ages. These narrow tandem strollers or flexible side-by-side buggies let you keep an eye on both kids at the same time while taking on the grocery store as well as the parks and other obstacles life throws your way.

Comfort

When looking for a double stroller, comfort is a key factor to consider. This could include both seating arrangements and the overall size of the stroller, which impacts ease of use and storage. "Parents should determine how much the stroller weighs and its folded dimensions," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They must also take into consideration the recline options for seats as well as the age ranges of their children to ensure it's the perfect fit."

A reputable double stroller must be able to navigate a variety of surfaces with ease, from suburban sidewalks to parks, 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 comfort features such as a peek-a-boo window and adjustable canopy that shield kids from the sun or rain.

For a majority of families, a double stroller is likely to be used from birth and into childhood, so it's important to think about the seating options. "There are two main categories: in-line with one seat ahead of the other, and side-byside with seats next to each other," Billingsley explains. Some parents prefer the in-line option because of its sleek appearance and flexibility. Others like a wagon style double stroller for maximum space for groceries or bulky items.

While some products may have different recline options--with one seat nearly flat while the other remains relatively upright, this type of distinction is more common in in-line models. Billingsley suggests choosing a model that has a near-flat recline and leg rests that can be adjusted for both seats to ensure each child can sleep comfortably.

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

Some of the most highly-rated double strollers can be expanded, allowing parents to customize 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 then transformed into a tandem (with a second seat and bassinet) as the child grows older.

Safety

Double strollers should be able to support the weight of both passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers must be able to move and push, particularly on difficult terrain and in tight spaces. The Best Double Stroller strollers have ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height to allow parents to maintain their good form when pushing them. Another feature that is great is a non-rethread seat belt harness that makes it easier to adjust the belts for your child. Safety features include a robust brake system and wheels that can glide across any surface.

Some parents opt for a side by side design so that both children can be together on family outings. This arrangement can help prevent sibling rivalries over who gets to sit n stand double stroller where however it's not foolproof. If the seats are set at different heights, one child could be capable of punching or kicking the other during a walk.

A tandem-style stroller is a great option for parents with twins or siblings that are similar in age. It allows them to observe both children at the same time. Double strollers can be wider, and may not fit through certain doors inside. For maximum flexibility, think about a single-to-double stroller that transitions from a single to a tandem in various ways, like the popular CYBEX Gazelle S. These models are able to accommodate a broad range of configurations and permit you to insert infant car seats or cot attachments, according to your requirements.

If you're looking for a tandem or side-by-side by side double stroller stroller, be sure the product is JPMA certified to meet stringent safety standards. Pay attention to the weight limit that applies to each seat. If you exceed these limits, it could cause frame fatigue or other issues.

It's easy to be swept up in the bells and whistles, but it's important to remember that strollers are basically baby carriers that will be carried for long periods of time. It should be comfortable for both passengers and easy to clean and maintain, and most importantly, it should offer an intuitive, familiar design so that the person pushing it can effortlessly move it around without having to think twice about how to move forward, turn left or right, or apply the brakes.

Simple to Use

A double stroller should be easily maneuverable on different of terrains for families that are constantly on the move. Features like adjustable canopies, peek-aboo windows and dependable braking systems are essential to ensure your children's safety, however, there are other elements that influence stroller comfort of use. For instance the stroller should be compact enough to fit into the trunk of your car while still offering ample storage space for groceries and other belongings. Additionally, you should consider thoughtful features like a cup holder with a single parent, parent consoles and an eating tray for children -- all things that can make life on the go with two children significantly easier.

In our testing We evaluated the strollers on how it performed on a variety terrains and how easily it maneuvered in tight spaces. We also looked at how easy it was to fold the stroller and then unfold it in a timely manner, and if a specific feature improved the overall functionality. For example a stroller that has a harness that does not rethread makes the adjustment of the seat belts simple and easy. This can be a big benefit for parents who are constantly moving around, since it does away with the need to rethread the harness.

The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored highly in this metric, as it came with a variety of seating configurations and additional accessories to accommodate growing families. The wagon-style double stroller can be expanded to provide an additional seat as well as a bassinet, or a toddler riding board that is perfect for families who are active and planning long trips with multiple kids of various age. It also glides effortlessly over pavement, cobblestones and ballfields--and folds flat for simple storage in a closet or trunk. The design of this stroller is simple and intuitive and was a big hit with our test participant Kerry. Its stylish packaging clear sections, well-labeled sections and helpful user guides made putting together this stroller a breeze.

Stores

A double stroller is able to hold twice as much stuff than a single stroller, therefore, you should look for plenty of storage space. You want a stroller with enough storage space to hold the essentials of both children and parents including bottles, toys, snacks, and diapers. Look for baskets that fit under the seat as well as other pockets, and think about a stroller with an expanding cargo area that can hold bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags.

A good double stroller must be able to adjust as your family grows. For example certain models come with an attachment for a bassinet that can accommodate newborns, while others have child seats that can grow with your kids until they're ready to switch to riding on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers permit a rider's board that allows older children to join in the fun.

There are a variety of double strollers on the market, ranging from sleek, high-performance models that can handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models that are more suited for daily use. While shopping, read reviews and suggestions from families like yours to get a better idea of what to expect from the double stroller that you select.

Double strollers are available in three designs: tandem, side-by-side and wagon style. Side-by-side double strollers offer the most flexibility and are perfect for twins or kids similar to each other in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers come with two seats arranged in a tandem arrangement, facing opposite directions. This is a great option for children who are the same age, or siblings who like to play with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through tight spaces, and are less likely to fit into doorways.

If you're looking for a wagon-style double stroller check out this top pick from Safety 1st. This model is affordable and was praised by testers for its many seating options. It can be used with two infant car seats or one child in a convertible toddler seat. Our experts also praised the memory foam seats, canopy with 50+ SPF and foam-filled wheels that never flatten. When it's time to fold, this model needs only a couple of pulls on the straps on each seat (under the seats where kids are) to fold it in half.