Buying Guide For Double Strollers

If you have two kids who are similar in age A double running stroller stroller can be a great investment. These narrow tandem buggies as well as versatile side by side buggies allow you to keep both children in the same place when you are navigating the aisles of your grocery store or in parks, or whatever else life can throw at you.

Comfort

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

A well-constructed double stroller will be robust enough to navigate all surfaces without difficulty, from urban sidewalks to parks trails and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should also offer versatile seating arrangements for children of various age groups and comfort features such as windows that peek out and adjustable canopy to keep kids shielded from sun or rain.

For a majority of families double strollers will be utilized from birth until the age of five, so it's crucial to think about seating options. Billingsley explains that there are two main categories of in-line seating which has one seat in front of the other, and side-by-side with seats adjacent to one another. "Some parents prefer an in-line model due to its sleek look and versatility, while others prefer a wagon-style double stroller to maximize space for bulky items or groceries."

While some products may have different recline options, with one seat nearly flat while the other one remains upright, this type of distinction is more common in in-line models. Billingsley suggests choosing a model that offers both a nearly flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats, so that each child can sleep comfortably.

She also suggests that parents look for strollers with storage compartments to allow them to easily access personal items, snacks and toys moving about. She also says that it is helpful to choose a stroller that comes with a parent console or organizer bag, that can be attached to the handlebars. This can help parents keep their essentials to hand.

A few of the most highly-rated double strollers can be expanded, allowing parents to customize the configuration to meet the needs of their growing family. The Mockingbird Expandable, for example is a highly rated double stroller that can be used from birth with a single seat, then transformed into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) when the child gets older.

Safety

Double strollers should be able to handle the weight of two people, plus any additional cargo. Strollers must also be easy to maneuver and push, especially in tight spaces and over challenging terrain. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height to allow parents to maintain their good form while pushing them. A no-rethread harness, which makes adjusting seat belts quicker and easier to do, is a nice feature to look out for. Safety features include a robust brake system and wheels that can glide across any surface.

Some parents choose an arrangement that allows both children to see one another during family outings. This arrangement can help prevent sibling fights over which child is allowed to sit in which spot however it's not foolproof. If the seats are different levels, a child might kick or punch one another during a walk, in the event that the seats are at different levels.

A tandem-style stroller is a great option for parents with twins or siblings that are close in age. It lets them see both children at once. However, these can be wider than other double strollers, and they might not be able to pass through all doors in your home. For maximum versatility, consider a single-to-double stroller that transitions from a single to a tandem in different ways, such as the popular CYBEX Gazelle S. These models are able to accommodate a broad variety of configurations and allow you to click in infant car seats or cot attachments, depending on your needs.

If you opt for a side-byside or tandem-style stroller, make sure that the stroller is JPMA-certified to meet strict safety standards. Be sure to check the maximum weight limits for each seat, as exceeding them could result in frame fatigue or other issues.

It's easy to be swept up in the bells and whistles, however it's important to remember that strollers are essentially baby carriers that are used for a long period of time. It should be easy to clean and maintain as well as comfortable for both the passengers. It should also have an easy-to-use, familiar design that lets the person pushing the stroller to maneuver it effortlessly.

Simple to Use

A double stroller should be easy to maneuver on a variety types of terrains for families constantly moving. Strollers that have features like peek-a-boo windows, adjustable canopies and reliable brake systems are crucial to ensure the safety of your children. However, there are other features that make them simpler to use. A stroller must be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your vehicle and still provide plenty of storage space for groceries and other things. It is also important to consider thoughtful additions like a one-parent cup holder as well as a console for parents and snacks for children--all things that can make life on the go with two kids significantly more manageable.

During our testing, we evaluated each stroller according to its performance on various terrains, as well as its ability to maneuver in tight spaces. We also considered how easy it was to fold the stroller in half and then unfold it, and if a particular feature enhanced the overall functionality. A stroller without rethread straps makes it easy to adjust the seat belts. This can be a big attraction for parents who are constantly on the move, as it removes the need to rethread their harness.

The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double seat Stroller scored highly in this metric, as it came with a variety of seating configurations as well as additional accessories to accommodate growing families. The wagon-style double stroller can be expanded to accommodate an additional seat, a bassinet or even a toddler riding board that is perfect for active families planning long trips with multiple kids of varying age. It easily glides over cobblestones, pavements, and ballfields. It can fold flat to store in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is simple and intuitive, which was appreciated by our test participant Kerry. The clever packaging with clearly marked sections as well as a the user's guide made it simple to put together this stroller.

Stores

A double stroller can be able to hold twice as much stuff as a single stroller so look for ample storage space. It is ideal to have an item that can hold the necessities for both kids, including nappies bottles, snacks, and toys, along with parents' items such as wallets, phones, and keys. Look for baskets that fit under the seat as well as other pockets, and look into a stroller with an expanding cargo area that can hold heavy items such as lunch bags and diaper bags.

A quality smallest double buggy stroller will be able to expand with your family. For example, some models include the bassinet attachment, which can accommodate infants, while others come with child seats that can be adapted to your children until they're ready to switch to riding on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers allow older children to join in on the fun with a rider board.

There are a variety of double strollers in the market, ranging from sleek, high-performance options that can handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models more suited for daily use. When you're shopping, read reviews from other users and the opinions of families like yours to gain a better sense of what to expect from the double stroller you select.

Double strollers are available in three models: tandem, side by side and wagon style. Billingsley states that side-byside strollers double are the most adaptable and ideal for twins as well as children of similar age. Tandem double strollers on the other hand, have two seats that are arranged next to each other and facing in opposite directions--a ideal choice for children of the same age, or for siblings who enjoy interacting with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through tight spaces, and less likely to fit into doors.

If you prefer a wagon-style double stroller, take a look at this top choice from Safety 1st. This budget-friendly model was highly praised by our testers for its many seating options. It can be used with two infant car seats, or one child in a convertible toddler chair. Our reviewers also praised the comfy memory foam seats, 50+ SPF canopy and foam-filled tires that will never go flat. When it's time for folding, this model only requires just a few pulls on the straps beneath each seat (under the seats where kids sit) to fold.