Buying Guide For Double Strollers

If you have two kids who are close in age, a double stroller could be a great investment. These compact 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 or the parks, and whatever else life throws your way.

Comfort

Comfort is a major factor to take into consideration when buying a double-stroller. This can include both the seating arrangement and the overall size of the stroller which impacts ease of use and storage. "Parents must determine what the stroller weighs and its folded dimensions," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also think about the options for recline of the seat and the ages of their children to ensure it's a perfect fit."

A reputable double buggy from birth stroller must be able to handle different surfaces with ease including suburban sidewalks, 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 canopy that protect children from rain or sun.

For a lot of families, a double stroller will be used from birth and into the age of five, so it's crucial to consider the seating options. Billingsley says there are two primary categories: in-line with one seat in front of the other and side-byside seating with seats next to one another. "Some parents prefer an in-line model due to its sleek design and versatility, while others prefer a wagon-style stroller to make the most space for heavy items or grocery bags."

In-line models tend to have this kind of discordance. Some models might offer different recline options, with one seat being almost flat and the other one remaining fairly upright. Billingsley suggests selecting a model with a near-flat recline and leg rest adjustment for both seats. This will ensure that both children can lie down comfortably.

Finally, she advises to look for strollers with storage compartments that enable parents to easily access snacks, toys and personal items while on the move. She also says that it is beneficial to find a stroller that includes a parent console or lightweight twin buggy organizer bag attached on the handlebars. This can aid parents in keeping their essentials to hand.

A few of the top-rated double strollers can be extended, allowing parents the flexibility to customize the setup based on their family's needs. The Mockingbird Expandable, for instance, is a highly rated double stroller which can be used from birth with a single seat, and later converted into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) when the child gets older.

Safety

Double strollers need to be able to support the weight of both the passengers as well as any additional cargo. Strollers should be simple to maneuver and push, particularly on difficult terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height which allow parents to maintain their form when pushing them. A no-rethread harness that makes the adjustment of seat belts quicker and easier is another great feature to look out for. Safety features include a sturdy brake system, as well as wheels that glide over any surface.

Some parents opt for an arrangement that allows both children to view one another during family outings. This arrangement can prevent siblings arguing about who gets to sit in which place, but it isn't foolproof. If the seats are different heights, a child could kick or punch another while walking in the event that the seats are at different levels.

For parents of twins or siblings of similar age, a tandem-style stroller can be beneficial in being able see both children at the same time. However, they can be wider than other double strollers, so they might not fit through all interior doorways. Think about a stroller that is single-to-double that can be converted from a single to a cheap double pushchair in many ways. The most popular models are the CYBEX gazelle S.

If you're looking for a tandem or side-by-side stroller, ensure that the product is JPMA certified to meet the strictest safety standards. Be aware of the maximum weight limit for each seat. Exceeding these limits could cause frame fatigue or other problems.

It's easy to be swept in the sound of bells and whistles, however it's important to keep in mind that strollers are basically baby carriers that are used for extended times. It must be comfortable for both the passengers and easy to clean and maintain, and in the ideal case it should feature an intuitive, familiar design that the person pushing it can easily maneuver it without having to think twice about how to move forward or turn left or right, or even apply the brakes.

Easy of Use

A lightweight double buggy stroller should be simple to maneuver over different terrains for families who are constantly on the move. Features like adjustable canopy systems, peek-aboo windows and reliable braking systems are critical to help ensure your children's safety, but there are many other aspects that influence stroller comfort of use. For example, a stroller must be small enough to fit into the trunk of your car but still provide ample storage space for food items and other things. Additionally, you should consider thoughtful features like a cup holder with a single parent as well as a console for parents and snacks for children--all things that can make life with two kids significantly more manageable.

In our tests We evaluated each stroller on how well it performed on a variety 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 in a timely manner, and if a specific feature made a difference to the overall performance. A stroller that does not have rethread straps makes it easy to adjust the seat belts. This is a huge benefit for parents who are always moving around, since it removes the requirement to rethread the harness.

The UPPAbaby 2 Double scored highly in this test because it came with a variety of seating configurations and other accessories that could accommodate expanding families. The double-stroller in the wagon style expands so that it can accommodate an additional seat, a bassinet or even a toddler's riding board. This is ideal for Tandem Double Buggy (click for more) families who plan to spend a lot of time in the car with a variety of children of various ages. It also glides smoothly across cobblestones, balls and pavements. It can be folded flat for simple storage in a trunk or closet. Our test subject Kerry loved the simple, intuitive nature of this stroller's design. Its stylish packaging clear sections, well-labeled sections and an informative user guide made assembling this stroller a breeze.

Stores

Double strollers can hold twice as much as one single stroller So, make sure to look for plenty of storage space. You'll want a stroller that has enough storage space to store the essentials for both children and parents including bottles and snacks, toys, and diapers. Find baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, consider a stroller that has an expandable cargo space that can accommodate bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags.

A good double stroller must have the ability to adapt as your family expands. Billingsley states that certain models have a bassinet attachment to accommodate newborns. Others have child seats that can expand with the child until they are ready to ride on the back. Some double strollers also include a rider board to let older siblings join in the fun.

There's a wide selection of double strollers on the market, from sleek, high-performance options that are able to handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models that are more suited for daily use. When you're shopping, read user reviews and recommendations from families just like yours to get an understanding of what you can expect from the double stroller you pick.

Double strollers are available in three styles: tandem, side-by-side and wagon style. Side-by-side double strollers offer most versatility and are suitable for twins or children who are close in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers have two seats arranged in a tandem configuration, facing opposite directions. This is a great option for children who are similar age, or siblings who want to interact with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through tight spaces, and less likely to fit in doors.

Take a look at this top choice by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon-style double stroller. Testers loved how this affordable model offers multiple seating configurations and the option to connect two infant car seats or a single child in an convertible toddler seat. 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 to fold, this model needs only a few tugs on straps on each seat (under the seats where kids are) to fold in half.