Buying Guide For Double Strollers

A double stroller is an excellent investment when you have two kids of similar age. These strollers are narrow and narrow, as well as 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

When shopping for a double stroller, the comfort is an important aspect to take into consideration. This could include both seating arrangement and the overall size of the stroller which affects the ease of use 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 take a look at the recline options for seats and age ranges to ensure a good fit for their family."

A quality 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 have 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 which protect children from the sun or rain.

Seating options are important for many families that will utilize double strollers from birth to childhood. Billingsley says there are two main categories that are in-line which has one seat in front of the other, and side-by-side with seats adjacent to each other. Some parents prefer the in-line option due to its sleek style and versatility. Others prefer a wagon-style double stroller to make the most space for grocery or bulky items.

In-line models tend to have this kind of difference. Some products may offer different recline options, with one seat being nearly flat, and the other remaining relatively upright. Billingsley suggests choosing a model with both a near flat recline as well as leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children can lay comfortably.

She also suggests that parents search for strollers with storage compartments to allow them to quickly access snacks, personal items and toys moving about. She also says that it is helpful to find a stroller that includes a parent console or organizer bag that is attached to the handlebars. This can aid parents in keeping their essentials in their reach.

A few of the most highly-rated double strollers are expandable which allows parents to alter the configuration to meet the needs of their growing family. The Mockingbird Expandable, for instance is a highly rated double stroller with large canopy stroller which can be used from birth with just one seat, and later converted 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 must also be easy to push and maneuver, especially in tight spaces and on terrain that is difficult to navigate. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights, making it easier for parents to maintain a good posture when pushing them. Another great feature is a no-rethread belt harness, which makes it easier to adjust the belts for your child. A sturdy brake system and wheels that glide across any surface are important safety features.

Some parents prefer side-by-side designs that allow both children to view each other on family outings. This arrangement can prevent sibling squabbles about who gets to sit in which place, but it isn't foolproof. If the seats are located at different heights, a child may punch or kick another during a walk in the event that the seats are at different levels.

A tandem-style stroller is a great option for parents with twins or siblings who are similar in age. It lets them see both children at once. However, these can be larger than other double strollers, and they might not be able to pass through all doors in your home. To maximize versatility, you should consider a stroller that can change from a single stroller 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 let you click in infant car seats or cot attachments, depending on your requirements.

If you decide to purchase a side-by-side or tandem stroller, make sure that the stroller is JPMA-certified to meet strict safety standards. Be aware of the maximum weight limit for each seat. Overstepping these limits can cause frame fatigue and other issues.

It's easy to get caught in the jingles and whistles, but it's important to remember that strollers are essentially baby carriers that will be used for extended times. It should be comfortable for both the passengers and easy to clean and maintain, and ideally it should have an intuitive, familiar design that the person pushing it is able to effortlessly move it around without having to think about how to move forward or turn left or right, or apply the brakes.

Ease of Use

A double stroller must be simple to maneuver over different of terrains for families that are always on the move. Strollers with features such as windows that peek-a-boo, adjustable canopies and reliable brake systems are vital to ensure the safety of your children. But there are also other features that make them more convenient to use. A stroller should be small enough to fit in the trunk of your car, but still have plenty of storage space for food or other items. It's also important to include thoughtful features, like cups holder for one parent, consoles for parents and a snack tray. These are able to make traveling with two children significantly easier.

In our tests, we assessed each stroller on the basis of its performance on different terrains, as well as its ability to maneuver through tight spaces. We also looked at how easy it was to fold the stroller in half and then unfold it, and if a particular feature enhanced the overall functionality. For instance a stroller that has a no-rethread harness makes adjusting the seat belts easy and quick. This is a major attraction for parents who are always in motion, as it removes the need to rethread the harness.

The UPPAbaby 2 Double scored highly in this test because it had a wide variety of seating configurations, and additional accessories to accommodate growing families. The wagon-style double stroller is able to accommodate an additional seat, a bassinet or even a toddler riding board--perfect for families with active children who plan long trips with multiple kids of varying age groups. It is able to glide effortlessly over pavements, cobblestones, and ballfields. It can fold flat to be stored in a trunk or a closet. Our test subject Kerry appreciated the straightforward, intuitive nature of this stroller's design. Its smart packaging, clearly labeled sections and helpful user guides made assembling this stroller an absolute breeze.

Storage

Double strollers double can hold twice as much as one stroller so be sure to look for plenty of storage space. Ideally, you'll want an item that can hold the basic necessities for both kids: nappies, bottles, snacks and toys, along with parents' items such as wallets, phones keys and wallets. Find baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, consider a stroller that has an expandable cargo space to accommodate bulky items like diaper bags and lunchbags.

A good double stroller must have the ability to adapt as your family grows. Billingsley states that certain models come with the option of a bassinet attachment that can accommodate infants. Some models have child seats that grow with the child until they are ready to ride on the back. Some double strollers allow older siblings to join in the fun by riding on riding boards.

There are a variety of double strollers available 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, you can read reviews and opinions of families similar to yours to get an idea of what to 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 the most versatility and are ideal for twins or children who are close to each other in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers come with two seats arranged in a tandem configuration facing in opposite directions. This is a good option for children of similar age or siblings who like to be social with one another. Tandem strollers can be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and are less likely to fit through doors than their side-by-side counterparts.

Check out this top selection by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon-style double stroller. This affordable model was praised by test participants for its multiple seating configurations. It can be used with two infant car seats or one child sitting in a convertible toddler chair. Our experts also praised the memory foam seats, canopy with 50+ SPF, and foam-filled wheels that will never wear out. When it's time for folding this model requires only just a few pulls on the straps beneath each seat (under where kids sit) in order to fold.