Buying Guide For Double Strollers

A double stroller is a great investment when you have two kids with similar age. These compact tandem buggies or versatile side-by-side buggies let you keep both children within sight when you are navigating the aisles of your grocery store, parks, and whatever else life throws at you.

Comfort

When looking for a double stroller for your child, comfort is a major aspect to take into consideration. This could 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 consider the recline options for seats and age ranges to ensure the best fit for their family."

A quality double stroller should be durable enough to travel on different surfaces smoothly--from suburban sidewalks to park trails, and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should also have flexible seating options for children of various age and comfort features like windows that peek out and adjustable canopy to shield children from rain or sun.

Seating options are crucial for many families who will use double strollers from birth to childhood. Billingsley explains that there are two major categories that are in-line, with one seat in-front of the other, and side-by-side with seats adjacent to one another. Some parents prefer the in-line model due to its sleek style and its versatility. Others like the wagon style double stroller for maximum space for groceries or bulky items.

Although some models may have different recline options, with one seat being almost flat, while the other remains relatively upright--this type of disparity is more common in the in-line models. Billingsley suggests selecting a product that offers both a near-flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats, so that each child can sleep comfortably.

Then, she suggests choosing strollers with storage compartments that allow parents to access their snacks, toys and personal belongings while on the go. She adds that it's also beneficial to choose a stroller that has an organizer or parent console bag that can be attached to the handlebars, which can help keep essentials within reach.

A few of the top-rated double strollers can be enlarged, allowing parents the flexibility to customize the setup depending on the needs of their family. The Mockingbird Expandable, for instance is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used from birth with just one seat, then transformed into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) when the child is older.

Safety

Double strollers should be able to carry the weight of two passengers--plus any additional cargo. Strollers must also be simple to move and push, particularly in tight areas and over challenging terrain. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height, making it easier for parents to maintain good form when pushing them. Another great feature is a non-rethread seat belt harness that makes it easier to adjust the belts on the seat. Safety features include a robust brake system and wheels that can glide across any surface.

Some parents choose a side by side design to allow both children to meet up when they go on family outings. This arrangement can reduce siblings arguing over who gets to sit in which place, but it isn't foolproof. If the seats are set at different heights, one child may be capable of punching or kicking the other on a walk.

If you have twins or siblings who are close in age, a tandem stroller offers the benefit of being able to see both kids at once. Double strollers can be larger, and might not fit through some doors inside. For maximum flexibility, think about a single-to-double stroller that transitions from a single stroller to a tandem in a variety of ways, such as the popular CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can accommodate a wide range of configurations and allow you to click in infant car seats or cot attachments, depending on your needs.

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 limits for each seat, as exceeding them can lead to frame fatigue or other issues.

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

User-Friendliness

For families who are constantly on the move, a double stroller must be able to maneuver easily over a variety of terrains. Features like adjustable canopy, peek-aboo windows and dependable braking systems are critical to help ensure your children's safety, but there are many other aspects that influence stroller comfort of use. A stroller should be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your car, but still have plenty of storage space for groceries or other items. Also important are thoughtful touches such as a cup holder for one parent as well as a console for parents and snacks for children--all things that can make life on the go with two kids significantly simpler.

In our tests, we evaluated the strollers on how it performed on a variety of surfaces and how well it could maneuver in tight spaces. We also looked at how simple it was to fold and unfold and whether or not a specific feature improved the overall function of the stroller. A stroller with no-rethread straps makes it easy to adjust the seat belts. This is a major benefit for parents who are constantly moving around, since it eliminates the need to rethread their harness.

The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored highly in this metric, as it came with a variety of seating configurations and additional accessories to help accommodate growing 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 perfect for families who want to spend a lot of time in the car with a variety of children of various age groups. It also glides effortlessly over pavement, cobblestones and ballfields--and it folds flat to make easy storage in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is easy and intuitive which was well-loved by our test subject Kerry. Its smart packaging, clearly labeled sections and helpful user guides made putting together this stroller an absolute breeze.

Stores

A double stroller is able to hold twice as much as a single stroller, therefore, you should look for plenty of storage space. Ideally, you'll 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 keys, wallets and phones. Look for under-seat baskets and other pockets, and think about a stroller with an expanding cargo area that can hold heavy items such as diaper bags and lunch bags.

A quality double stroller will be able to adapt to the needs of your family. Billingsley states that certain models have the option of a bassinet attachment that can accommodate infants. Some models have child seats which can be able to grow with your child until they are old enough to ride on the back. Some double strollers also include a rider board to let older siblings take part in the fun.

You'll find a wide variety of double strollers on the market, ranging from sleek, high-performance options that excel on rough terrain to budget-friendly models that are more for everyday use. While shopping, take a look at user reviews and recommendations from families like yours to gain an understanding of what to expect with the double stroller you select.

Double strollers are available in three models: tandem, side by side and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers offer the most flexibility and are perfect for twins or children who are similar to their age, Billingsley explains. Tandem GYMAX Double Seat Stroller: Adjustable Push Handle Pram strollers on the other hand, have two seats that are placed adjacent to one another and facing opposite directions. It's a ideal choice for children who are the same age or for siblings who love to interact with each other. Tandem strollers may be harder to maneuver through tight spaces, and are less likely to pass through doors than their side-by-side counterparts.

If you're looking for a wagon-style COSTWAY Double Seat Twin Tandem Pushchair Sale stroller check out this top model from Safety 1st. This budget-friendly model was highly praised by our testers for its many seating options. It can be used with two car seats for infants or one child sitting in a convertible toddler seat. Our experts also praised the memory foam seats as well as the canopy, which has 50+ SPF, and foam-filled wheels that never flatten. When it's time to fold, this model only requires just a few nudges on the straps under each seat (under the seats where kids sit) to fold.