Buying Guide For Double Strollers

A lightweight double pushchair stroller is a great investment when you have two kids with similar age. These narrow tandem strollers or flexible side-by-side buggies allow you to keep an eye on both children at the same time while taking on the grocery store as well as the parks and other obstacles life throws at you.

Comfort

The comfort factor is one of the most important factors to consider when shopping for a double-stroller. This can include the seating arrangement and overall size, which will have an impact on the ease of use and storage. "Parents must determine what the stroller weighs and its dimensions folded," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also look at the seat recline options and age ranges to ensure the best compact double stroller fit for their family."

A well-constructed double stroller will be sturdy enough to traverse all surfaces without difficulty, 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 of different age groups, and comfort features like peek-a-boo window and adjustable canopies that shield kids from the sun or rain.

For a majority of families pushchairs double strollers will be used from birth and into the teen years, so it's essential to think about the seating options. Billingsley states that there are two primary categories: in-line with one seat in front of the other and side-byside, with seats next to each other. Some parents prefer the in-line model due to its sleek design and flexibility. Others like a wagon style double stroller to make the most space for grocery or bulky items.

In-line models are more likely to have this kind of difference. Some models might offer different recline options, with one being nearly flat, and the other being more upright. Billingsley recommends selecting a product that has a nearly flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children can lay down comfortably.

She also suggests that parents search for strollers with storage compartments so that they can easily access snacks, personal items, and toys while moving about. She also says that it's helpful to choose a stroller that has a parent console, or organizer bag attached on the handlebars. This can aid parents in keeping their essentials at hand.

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

Safety

Double strollers have to be able to handle the weight of two passengers--plus any additional cargo. Strollers need to be simple to maneuver and push, especially on difficult terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height to help parents maintain good posture while pushing them. Another feature that is great is a no-rethread seat belt harness that allows for a more comfortable adjustment of the belts for your child. Safety features include a robust brake system, as well as wheels that can glide across any surface.

Some parents prefer a side by side design so that both children can be together during family outings. This arrangement can help prevent sibling squabbles over who sits in which seat however it's not foolproof. If the seats are located at different heights, a child may kick or punch another during a walk if the seats are at different levels.

For parents with twins or siblings of similar age, a tandem-style stroller is a great option for being able to view both children at the same time. However, these can be larger than other double strollers, so they may not fit through all interior doorways. To maximize versatility, you should consider a single-to-double stroller that transitions from a single stroller to a tandem in various ways, such as the renowned 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, depending on your requirements.

If you're looking for a tandem or side-byside stroller, be sure the stroller has been JPMA certified to meet stringent safety standards. Be sure to check the maximum weight limits for each seat, since exceeding them can 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's crucial to remember that a stroller is an infant carrier that will be used for extended periods of time. It should be comfortable for both the passengers and easy to clean and maintain, and most importantly, it should offer an intuitive, familiar design 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 use the brakes.

Ease of Use

A double stroller must be easy to maneuver on different terrains for families who are always on the move. Strollers with features like windows that can be opened and closed, adjustable canopy and sturdy brake systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children. But there are also other factors that make them simpler to use. For example, a stroller must be compact enough to fit into the trunk of your car yet provide ample storage space for groceries and other belongings. It's also essential to add thoughtful details, such as cups holder for one parent as well as consoles for parents and snacks on trays. These can help make traveling with two children much easier.

During our testing we rated the strollers on how it performed on a variety of surfaces and how well it could maneuver in tight spaces. We also considered how easy it was to fold the stroller and then unfold it as well as if a particular feature enhanced the overall functionality. A stroller without rethread straps is easy to adjust the seat belts. This can be a major benefit for parents on the go since it reduces time and eliminates the need to re-thread the harness.

The UPPAbaby v2 Double scored well in this test because it had a wide variety of seating configurations, and additional accessories that accommodated expanding families. The double-stroller that looks like a wagon can be expanded to accommodate two seats, a bassinet, or even a toddler-riding board. This is perfect for families who plan to spend a lot of time on the road with multiple children of various age groups. It glides easily over cobblestones and pavements and ballfields. It can fold flat to fit in a trunk or closet. Our test subject Kerry loved the simple 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

Double strollers can hold twice as much as one stroller, so make sure you look for plenty of storage space. You want a stroller with enough storage space to accommodate the essentials of both children and parents including bottles and snacks, toys, and diapers. Look for baskets that fit under the seat and 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 will be able to grow with your family. For example certain models have an attachment for a bassinet that can accommodate infants, while others come with 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 travel stroller strollers even permit a rider's board to allow older siblings to take part in the fun.

There's a wide selection of double strollers available on the market, from sleek, high-performance models that can handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models more suitable for use in the everyday. When shopping, take a look at reviews and suggestions from families just like yours to get a better idea of what you can expect from the double stroller you pick.

Double strollers are available in three different design formats such as tandem, side-byside, and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers (just click for source) provide the most versatility and are ideal for twins or children who are who are close to their age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers, on the other hand, feature two seats that are placed close to each other and facing opposite directions. It's a good option for kids of the same age or for siblings who enjoy interacting with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and are less likely to pass through doorways than their side-byside counterparts.

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