Buying Guide For Double Strollers

If you have two kids who are similar in age, a double stroller can be a valuable investment. These compact tandem strollers or flexible side-by-side buggies let you keep your eyes on both kids at the same time while braving the grocery aisle as well as the parks and other obstacles life throws at you.

Comfort

When shopping for a double stroller, the comfort is a key factor to consider. This could include the seating arrangement as well as the overall size, which will have an impact on ease of use Pushchairs and prams storage. "Parents should determine how much the stroller weighs as well as its dimensions folded," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also consider the seat recline options and the age ranges of their children to ensure that it's the perfect fit."

A good double stroller should be able to handle a variety of surfaces with ease including suburban sidewalks, park paths and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should also provide flexible seating options for children of varying age and comfort features like windows that can be opened and closed to keep kids shielded from rain or sun.

For a lot of families Double Stroller for Twins: Gray Infant And Toddler strollers will be used from birth and into the age of five, so it's crucial to think about the seating options. Billingsley says there are two main categories: in-line which has one seat in front of the other and side-byside with seats adjacent to one another. "Some parents prefer an in-line model due to its sleek appearance and versatility, while others prefer a wagon-style double stroller that can be used to store bulky items or grocery bags."

While some products may have different recline options - with one seat nearly flat while the other is upright, this type of distinction is more common in the in-line models. Billingsley suggests choosing a model with both a near flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children can lie down comfortably.

She also suggests that parents look for strollers with storage compartments so that they can quickly access their snacks, personal items and toys on the move. She also says that it is helpful to choose a stroller that comes with a parent console or organizer bag that is attached to the handlebars. This can help parents keep essentials close in their reach.

A few of the top-rated double strollers can be expanded, allowing parents the flexibility to alter the configuration according to their family's requirements. For example the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly rated double stroller that can be used with a single seat as early as birth, and later converted to tandem (with the addition of a second seat and bassinet) as the child gets older.

Safety

Double strollers should be able to handle the weight of two passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers need to be easy to maneuver and push, especially when on rough terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights which make it easier for parents to maintain good form when pushing them. Another great feature is a no-rethread belt harness that makes it easier to adjust the belts for your child. Finally, a sturdy brake system and wheels that glide across any surface are crucial safety features.

Some parents choose an arrangement that is side by side to allow both children to see each other on family outings. This arrangement can prevent sibling rivalries over who gets to sit where however it's not foolproof. If the seats are positioned at different heights, one child may be in a position to punch or kick the other on the course of a walk.

For parents of twins or siblings close in age, a tandem stroller can be beneficial in being able to see both children at the same time. However, they can be wider than other double strollers, meaning they might not fit through all interior doorways. For maximum versatility, consider a stroller that can change from a single to a tandem in different ways, such as the well-known CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can accommodate a wide variety of configurations and permit you to insert infant car seats or cot attachments, depending on your requirements.

If you opt for a side-byside or tandem-style stroller, make sure that the stroller is JPMA-certified to meet the strictest safety standards. Pay attention to the weight limit that applies to each seat. If you exceed these limits, it could cause frame fatigue or other issues.

It's easy to be swept up in the bells and whistles, however it's important to keep in mind that strollers are essentially baby carriers that are carried for long periods of time. It should be comfortable for both the passengers, easy to clean and maintain, and most importantly it should feature an easy-to-use, 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 use the brakes.

User-Friendliness

A double stroller must be easily maneuverable on various types of terrains for families constantly on the move. Features like adjustable canopies, peek-aboo windows and reliable braking systems are crucial to ensure your children's safety, however, there are other elements that affect stroller ease of use. For example 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. Additionally, you should consider thoughtful features like a one-parent cup holder or console for parents, as well as a snack tray for kids--all things that will make life with two children significantly simpler.

In our testing We evaluated the strollers on how it did on a variety of terrains and how easily 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 enhanced the overall functionality. For instance a stroller with a no-rethread harness makes adjusting the seat belts easy and quick. This is a major selling point for parents on the go, as it saves time and removes the need to re-thread the harness.

The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double was a top performer in this metric, as it came with a variety of seating configurations as well as additional accessories to accommodate families that are growing. The double-stroller that looks like a wagon expands so that it can accommodate two seats, a bassinet or even a toddler's riding board. This is perfect for families who want to spend a lot of time traveling with several children of different age groups. It also glides smoothly over cobblestones, balls and pavements. It it folds flat to make easy storage in a trunk or closet. Our tester Kerry appreciated the straightforward, intuitive nature of this stroller's design. The smart packaging clear sections, well-marked sections and user's manual made it easy to assemble this stroller.

Storage

Double strollers can hold twice more than one single stroller, so make sure you ensure you have plenty of storage space. Ideally, you want a stroller that is able to hold the essentials for both kids--nappies, bottles, snacks and toys, as well as parents' belongings like wallets, phones, and keys. Look for pockets and baskets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller that has an expandable cargo area to accommodate bulky items like diaper bags and lunchbags.

A good double stroller must be able to change as your family expands. For example certain models have a bassinet attachment that can accommodate infants, while others feature child seats that can grow with your children until they're able to ride on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers allow older children to join in the fun by riding on a rider board.

You'll find a wide variety of double strollers in the market, ranging from sleek, high-performance models that excel on rough terrain to budget-friendly models more for everyday use. As you shop, read reviews and suggestions from families 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 provide the most versatility and are suitable for twins or children similar to their age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers, on the other hand, have two seats set adjacent to one another and facing opposite directions. It's a great option for children of the same age, or for siblings who love to interact with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces, and less likely to fit into doors.

If you're looking for a wagon-style double stroller check out this top pick from Safety 1st. This model is affordable and was praised by testers for its various seating configurations. It can be used with two car seats for infants, or one child in a convertible toddler seat. Our experts also appreciated the soft memory foam seats with a 50+ SPF canopy and foam-filled tires that never go flat. And when it's time to fold, this model needs only a few tugs on the straps of each seat (under where the kids sit) to fold it in half.