Buying Guide For Double Strollers

If you have two children that are in the same age group, a double stroller can be an invaluable investment. These compact tandem buggies or flexible side by side buggies will keep both children in the same place while navigating the grocery aisle, parks, and whatever else life can throw at you.

Comfort

The comfort factor is one of the most important factors to think about when purchasing a double-stroller. This could include both seating arrangement as well as the overall size of the stroller, which can impact the 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 seat recline options, as well as the ages of their children to ensure that it's a perfect fit."

A good double stroller should 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 stages of development, as well as comfort features such as a peek-a-boo window and adjustable canopies that protect children from the sun or rain.

The seating options are important to many families that will utilize a double stroller from birth to childhood. 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 next to one another. "Some parents prefer an in-line stroller due to its sleek look and versatility, while others like a wagon-style double stroller to maximize space for large items or grocery bags."

Some products may offer different recline options--with one seat nearly flat while the other remains relatively upright, this type of distinction is more common in the in-line models. Billingsley suggests selecting a product that has a near-flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats to ensure the children can both lie back comfortably.

She also suggests that parents look for strollers with storage compartments to allow them to easily access their snacks, personal items and toys when in motion. She adds that it's also useful to find a stroller that has an organizer or parent console bag that is attached to the handlebars, which will allow you to keep your essentials in reach.

Some of the top-rated double strollers can be expanded which allows parents to alter the layout to meet the needs of their expanding family. For example the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly rated double stroller that can be used with a single seat from birth and then transformed into tandem (with an additional seat and bassinet) as the child gets older.

Safety

Double strollers should be able to handle the weight of both the passengers as well as any additional cargo. Strollers need to be simple to maneuver and push, especially on rough terrain or in tight spaces. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to ensure that parents maintain a good form when pushing them. A harness that does not need to be rethread that makes the adjustment of seat belts more quickly and easily, is another nice feature to look out for. Safety features include a sturdy brake system, as well as wheels that can glide across any surface.

Some parents opt for an arrangement that is side by side to ensure that both children see each other during family outings. This arrangement can prevent siblings arguing over who gets to sit in which place, but it isn't foolproof. If the seats are positioned at different heights, one child may be capable of punching or kicking the other during the course of a walk.

A tandem-style stroller is ideal option for parents with twins or siblings that are close in age. It allows them to see both children at once. These double strollers can be wider, and may not fit through certain interior doors. To maximize versatility, you should consider a single-to-double stroller which can switch from a single to a tandem in a variety of ways, such as the well-known CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can accommodate a wide range of configurations and permit you to insert infant car seats or cot attachments, depending on your requirements.

If you are looking for a tandem or side-by-side stroller, make sure that the product is JPMA certified to meet stringent safety standards. Be aware of the weight limits that apply to each seat, since exceeding them can lead to frame fatigue or other issues.

While it's easy for us to focus on all the extra bells and whistles that come with the latest stroller, it is crucial to keep in mind that a stroller is an infant carrier that will be used for extended durations of time. It must be comfortable for both passengers as well as easy to clean and maintain, and in the ideal case it should feature 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 or turn left or right, or apply the brakes.

Easy to Use

A cheap double stroller stroller should be easy to maneuver on a variety types of terrains for families constantly on the move. Strollers with features like windows that peek-a-boo, adjustable canopies and sturdy brake systems are crucial to ensure the safety of your children. But there are also other factors that make them simpler to use. For instance the stroller should be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your car, while still offering ample storage space for groceries and other belongings. It is also important to consider thoughtful additions 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 kids much easier.

In our tests We evaluated each stroller based on how it did on a variety of terrains, and how easily it could maneuver in tight spaces. We also examined the ease with which it was possible to fold and unfold, and whether or not a particular feature enhanced the overall functionality of the stroller. A stroller with no-rethread straps makes it easy to adjust the seat belts. This is a huge selling point for parents who are always moving around, since it removes the need to rethread the harness.

The UPPAbaby 2 Double was a top performer in this test because it had a wide variety of seating options, as well as other accessories that could accommodate growing families. The double-stroller in the wagon style expands so that it can accommodate two seats, a bassinet, or even a toddler-riding board. This is perfect for families who want to spend a lot of time in the car with a variety of children of different age groups. It also glides smoothly over cobblestones, ball fields and pavements. It also folds flat for simple storage in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is simple and easy to use, which was appreciated by our tester Kerry. Its smart packaging clear sections, well-labeled sections and helpful user guide made assembling this stroller a breeze.

Storage

A double stroller is able to hold twice as much as a single stroller, therefore, you should look for plenty of storage space. It is important to find a stroller with enough storage space to store the necessities of children and parents like bottles as well as snacks, toys and diapers. Look for baskets that fit under the seat and other pockets, and consider a stroller that has an expandable cargo space that can carry bulky items like diaper bags and lunch bags.

A quality double stroller will be able to grow with your family. For example, some models include the bassinet attachment, which can accommodate infants, while others come with child seats that can be adapted to your kids until they're ready to ride on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double jogging stroller for infants strollers also include a rider board to allow older siblings to be part of the fun.

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

Double strollers are available in three different styles: side-by-side, tandem, and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers offer the most flexibility and are perfect for twins or children close to their age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers on the contrary, have two seats that are arranged close to each other 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 strollers are more difficult to maneuver through tight spaces, and are less likely to fit into doorways.

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