Buying Guide For Double Strollers

A double stroller is a great investment if you have two children with similar age. These narrow tandem strollers or versatile side-by-side buggies help you keep your eyes on both kids at the same time navigating the aisles of the supermarket, parks and anything else life throws your way.

Comfort

Comfort is a major factor to consider when shopping for a double-stroller. This could include both seating arrangement and the overall size of the stroller, which impacts convenience and storage. "Parents must determine what the stroller weighs and its dimensions when folded," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also think about the recline options for seats, as well as the ages of their children to ensure it is a perfect fit."

A good double stroller should be able to handle a variety of surfaces easily, from suburban sidewalks to parks and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should have a variety of seating options for children of different stages of development, as well as comfort features such as a peek-a-boo window and adjustable canopies which protect children from rain or sun.

For a lot of families, a Double stroller travel system stroller is likely to be utilized from birth until childhood, so it's important to think about seating options. "There are two main categories: in-line with one seat behind the other, and side-by-side with seats next to each other," Billingsley explains. Some parents prefer the inline option due to its sleek style and flexibility. Others like a wagon style double stroller to maximize space for bulky or grocery items.

Some products may offer different recline options - with one seat nearly flat while the other one remains upright, this kind of difference is more prevalent in models that are in-line. Billingsley suggests choosing a model with a near-flat recline as well as leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children lie down comfortably.

Finally, she advises to look for strollers that have storage compartments that enable parents to easily access snacks, toys and personal items while out and about. She also says that it is beneficial to choose a stroller that has a parent console, or organizer bag, that can be attached to the handlebars. This will help parents keep their essentials at hand.

Some of the top-rated double strollers are expandable, allowing parents to customize the set-up based on the requirements of their growing family. For example, the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly rated double stroller that can be used with just a single seat as early as birth, and then converted to tandem (with a second seat and bassinet) as the child gets older.

Safety

Double strollers should be able to handle the weight of both the passengers as well as any additional cargo. Strollers must also be easy to move and push, particularly in tight areas and over challenging terrain. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights, making it easier for parents to maintain good form when pushing them. Another feature that is great is a non-rethread seat belt harness, which makes it easier to adjust the seat belts. A sturdy brake system and wheels that glide across any surface are important safety features.

Some parents choose a side-by-side design that allows both children to view one another during family outings. This arrangement can stop sibling rivalries over who is allowed to sit where, but it's not foolproof. If the seats are positioned at different heights, one child may be able to kick or punch the other during the course of a walk.

For parents of twins or siblings close in age, a tandem-style stroller offers the benefit of being able to view both kids at once. These double strollers can be larger, and might not fit through some interior doors. For maximum flexibility, think about a stroller that can change from a single to a tandem in a variety of ways, such as the popular CYBEX Gazelle S. These models are able to accommodate a broad range of configurations, and let you click in infant car seats or cot attachments depending on your requirements.

If you're in the market for a tandem or a side-by-side stroller, be sure the product is JPMA certified to meet strict safety standards. Pay attention to the maximum weight limit for each seat. Exceeding these limits could cause frame fatigue or other issues.

It's easy to be swept in the sound of bells and whistles, however it's important to remember that strollers are essentially baby carriers that will be used for a long period of times. It should be comfortable for both passengers, easy to clean and maintain, and in the ideal case it should have an easy-to-use, familiar design so that the person pushing it is able to easily maneuver it without having to think about how to move forward or turn left or right, or apply the brakes.

Simple to Use

For families on the go, a double stroller must be easy to maneuver over a variety of terrains. Features like adjustable canopy systems with windows that peek out and dependable brake systems are essential to ensure your children's safety, but there are many other aspects that contribute to stroller ease of use. For instance the stroller must be small enough to fit in the trunk of your car while still offering ample storage space for your groceries and other items. It is also essential to include thoughtful details, such as cups holder for one parent, consoles for parents and a snack tray. These are able to help make traveling with two children much easier.

During our testing We evaluated the strollers on how it performed on a variety terrains, and how easily it maneuvered in tight spaces. We also assessed the ease with which it was possible to fold and unfold, and whether or not a specific feature enhanced the overall performance of the stroller. For example a stroller that has no-rethread harnesses makes adjusting the seat belts easy and quick. This can be a major selling point for parents who are on the move, as it saves time and reduces the need to rethread the harness.

The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double was a top performer in this measure, since 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 a second seat, bassinet or even a toddler's riding board. This is ideal for families that plan to spend long days in the car with a variety of children of various ages. It also glides smoothly over cobblestones, balls and pavements. It folds flat for easy storage in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is simple and intuitive which was well-loved by our test participant Kerry. The smart packaging clear sections, well-marked sections and user's manual made it easy to put together this stroller.

Storage

A double stroller can be able to hold twice as much stuff as a single stroller, so make sure you have plenty of storage space. You want a stroller with enough storage space to accommodate the essentials of both parents and children, such as bottles as well as snacks, toys and diapers. Find baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, consider a stroller with an expandable cargo space to take in bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags.

A quality double stroller will be able to adapt to the needs of your family. For example certain models come with an attachment for a bassinet that can be used for newborns, and others come with child seats that can expand with your kids until they're ready to switch to riding on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers allow older siblings to join in on the fun with a rider board.

There are a variety of double pram pushchair strollers in 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 reviews and suggestions from families just like yours to get a better sense of what to expect with the double stroller you select.

Double strollers are available in three different models: tandem, side by side and wagon style. Billingsley says that side-by-side strollers are the most versatile and suitable for twins or children of similar age. Tandem double strollers come with two seats arranged in a tandem arrangement, facing opposite directions. This is a great option for children who are similar age or siblings who prefer to play with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces, and are less likely to be able to fit through doorways.

Take a look at this top choice by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon-style double stroller. This affordable model was praised by test participants for its many seating options. It can be used with two car seats for infants or one child in a convertible toddler seat. Our experts also praised memory foam seats as well as the canopy, which has 50+ SPF, and foam-filled wheels 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 the seats where kids are) to fold in half.