How To Determine If You're In The Right Place For Double Strollers

Buying Guide For Double Strollers

If you have two kids who are close in age A double stroller can be a valuable investment. These compact twin stroller tandem strollers or flexible side-by-side buggies let you keep an eye on both children at the same time braving the grocery aisle or the parks, and whatever else life throws your way.

Comfort

When you are looking for a double stroller, comfort is a key consideration. This can include the seating arrangement as well as the overall size, which can have an impact on ease of use and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, says parents should examine the stroller's weight as well as folded dimensions. "They must also take into consideration the options for recline of the seat, as well as the age ranges of their children to ensure it's a perfect fit."

A quality double stroller should be durable enough to travel on all surfaces without difficulty, from urban sidewalks to parks trails and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should also have flexible seating options for children of different age and comfort features such as windows that peek out and adjustable canopy to keep kids shielded from rain or sun.

For many families double strollers will be utilized from birth until childhood, so it's important to think about seating options. Billingsley says there are two primary categories of in-line seating, with one seat in-front of the other and side-byside, with seats next to one another. "Some parents prefer an in-line model due to its sleek design and versatility, while others like a wagon-style double stroller to maximize space for large items or groceries."

Some products may offer different recline options--with one seat almost flat while the other remains relatively upright, this kind of difference is more prevalent in the in-line models. Billingsley recommends choosing a product that offers both an almost flat recline as well as leg rest adjustment for both seats, so that each child can sleep comfortably.

She also suggests parents look for strollers with storage compartments so that they can easily access snacks, personal items, and toys while moving about. She also suggests that it is helpful to find a stroller which includes a parent console or organizer bag, that can be attached to the handlebars. This can help parents keep essentials close in their reach.

A few of the top-rated double buggy from birth strollers can be enlarged giving parents the ability to customize the setup according to their family's requirements. 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 a tandem (with a second seat and bassinet) as the child grows older.

Safety

Double strollers should be able to support the weight of two people, plus any additional cargo. Strollers should also be easy to move and push, particularly in tight spaces and over challenging terrain. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to ensure that parents maintain a good form while pushing them. A no-rethread harness which makes the adjustment of seat belts more quickly and easily, is another nice feature to look out for. Safety features include a robust brake system, as well as wheels that slide over any surface.

Some parents choose an arrangement that is side by side so that both children can see each other on family outings. This arrangement can help prevent sibling rivalries over who is allowed to sit where but it's not a guarantee. If the seats are positioned at different heights, one child could be capable of punching or kicking the other during walks.

A tandem-style stroller is excellent option for parents with twins or siblings who are close in age. It allows them to be able to see both children simultaneously. Double strollers are typically more spacious, and may not be able to fit through some doors inside. Think about a stroller that is single-to-double that can be transformed from a single twin umbrella stroller to a double in a variety ways. The most popular models are the CYBEX gazelle S.

Whether you choose a side-by-side or tandem stroller, make sure that the stroller 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 to concentrate on the additional bells and whistles of the latest stroller, it is crucial to be aware that a stroller basically a baby carrier that will be used for extended periods of time. It should be comfortable for both parents and children, easy to clean and maintain, and most importantly, it should offer an intuitive, familiar design that the person pushing it can effortlessly maneuver it without having to think twice about how to move forward and turn left or right, or even apply the brakes.

Easy of Use

For families that are on the move, a double stroller needs to be able to navigate a variety of terrains. Features like adjustable canopy systems with windows that peek out and dependable brake systems are critical to help ensure the safety of your children, but there are other factors that affect stroller ease of use. For instance the stroller should be compact enough to fit into the trunk of your car but still provide ample storage space for groceries and other belongings. It's also essential to add thoughtful features, like the cup holder for one parent as well as consoles for parents and a snack tray. These are able to make traveling with two kids much easier.

During our testing we rated the strollers on how it performed on a variety of terrains, and how easily it could maneuver in tight spaces. We also assessed how easy it was to fold and unfold and whether or not a specific feature improved the overall functionality of the stroller. For instance a stroller that has no-rethread harnesses makes adjusting the seat belts quick and simple. This can be a big attraction for parents who are always on the move, as it eliminates the need to rethread the harness.

The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored high in this metric, as it came with a variety of seating options and accessories to accommodate families that are growing. The Double stroller with Cup Holder-stroller in the wagon style expands to accommodate a second seat, bassinet or even a toddler's riding board. This is ideal for families who plan to spend long days on the road with multiple children of different ages. It is able to glide effortlessly over cobblestones and pavements and ballfields. It can be folded flat to store in a trunk or a closet. The design of this stroller is easy and easy to use and was a big hit with our test participant Kerry. Its stylish packaging with clearly labeled sections as well as a an informative user guide made assembling this stroller a breeze.

Storage

A double stroller has the potential to hold twice as much stuff 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 accommodate the necessities of children and parents like bottles and snacks, toys, and diapers. Look for under-seat baskets as well as other pockets, and consider a stroller with an expandable cargo area that can hold bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags.

A good double stroller should be able to expand with your family. For example certain models come with the bassinet attachment, which can accommodate infants, while others have child seats that can grow with your children until they're able to switch to riding on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers permit older siblings to join in the fun by riding on a rider board.

You'll find a wide variety of double strollers in the market, from sleek, high-performance models that are able to handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models more for everyday use. As you shop, read reviews from other users and the opinions of families like yours to gain a better sense of what to expect with the double stroller you choose.

Double strollers are available in three different styles: tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers offer most versatility and are ideal for twins or children who are similar to their age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers, on other hand, feature two seats set close to each other and facing opposite directions. It's a great option for children who are the same age or for siblings who enjoy interacting with one another. Tandem strollers may be harder to maneuver in tight spaces, and are less likely to pass through doorways than their side-by-side counterparts.

If you're looking for a wagon-style double stroller, check out this top pick from Safety 1st. Our testers were impressed by the fact that this low-cost model has multiple seating options, including the ability to connect two infant car seats or a single child in the 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 for folding this model requires only just a few pulls on the straps underneath each seat (under where kids sit) in order to fold.