5 Double Strollers Lessons From The Professionals

Buying Guide For Double Strollers

If you have two kids that are in the same age group, a double stroller could be a great investment. These narrow tandem strollers or flexible side-by-side buggies allow you to keep your eyes on both kids at the same time while navigating the aisles of the supermarket or the parks, and whatever else life throws your way.

Comfort

When you are looking for a double twin umbrella stroller, the comfort is an important factor to consider. This can include both the seating arrangement and the overall dimensions of the stroller which impacts convenience and 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 options for recline and seat age ranges to ensure the best fit for their family."

A quality double stroller should be able to navigate a variety of surfaces with ease from suburban sidewalks to park paths, and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should also offer versatile seating arrangements for children of varying ages and comfort features such as windows that peek out and adjustable canopy to shield children from sun or rain.

The seating options are important to many families who will utilize double strollers from birth to the age of. "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 an in-line model due to its sleek design and versatility, whereas others like a wagon-style double stroller that can be used to store large items or grocery bags."

Although some models may have different recline options--with one seat almost 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 an almost flat recline as well as leg rest adjustments for both seats, so that both children can lie back comfortably.

She also suggests parents search for strollers with storage compartments so that they can easily access their snacks, personal items and toys moving about. She also suggests that it is beneficial to find a stroller which comes with a parent console or organizer bag attached on the handlebars. This will aid parents in keeping their essentials to hand.

Some of the best-rated double strollers can be extended giving parents the ability to customize the setup depending on the needs of their family. For instance the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly rated double stroller that can be used with a single seat from birth, and later converted to tandem (with a second seat and bassinet) as the child grows older.

Safety

Double strollers should be able to handle the weight of two passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers must be simple to maneuver and push, particularly on rough terrain or in tight spaces. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height to help parents maintain good posture while pushing them. A harness that is not rethread, which makes adjusting seat belts quicker and easier, is another nice feature to look out for. Also, a strong brake system and wheels that glide across any surface are crucial safety features.

Some parents prefer a side by side design to allow both children to be together on family outings. This arrangement can help prevent sibling squabbles about who gets to sit in which place however it's not foolproof. If the seats are located at different heights, a child could kick or punch one another during a walk, if the seats are at different levels.

For parents with twins or siblings of similar age, a tandem-style stroller can be beneficial in being able see both kids at once. Double strollers can be more spacious, and may not fit through some interior doors. Consider a single-to double stroller that can be converted from a single and double stroller to double buggy that converts to single in various ways. The most popular models are the CYBEX gazelle S.

If you are looking for a tandem or a side-by-side stroller, ensure that the product has been JPMA certified to meet the strictest safety standards. Also pay attention to the maximum weight limits for each seat, as exceeding them can lead to frame fatigue or other issues.

It's easy to get caught in the sound of bells and whistles, however it's important to remember that strollers are in essence baby carriers that are carried for long periods of durations. It should be comfortable for both passengers as well as easy to clean and maintain, and most importantly, it should offer an intuitive, familiar design that the person pushing it is able to effortlessly move it around without having to think about how to move forward, turn left or right, or use the brakes.

Easy of Use

A small double buggy stroller should be easy to maneuver on different terrains for families who are constantly on the move. Features like adjustable canopy windows, peek-aboo windows, and dependable brake systems are crucial to ensure your children's safety, but there are many other aspects that influence stroller comfort of use. A stroller must be compact enough to fit into the trunk of your car, but still have plenty of storage space for groceries and other items. Additionally, you should consider thoughtful features such as a cup holder for one parent, parent consoles and a snack tray for kids--all things that can make life on the go with two kids significantly easier.

During our testing, we evaluated each stroller based on 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 twin stroller with car seats and unfold it in a timely manner, and if a specific feature made a difference to the overall performance. For instance a stroller that has no-rethread harnesses makes adjusting the seat belts easy and quick. This can be a major selling point for parents on the go since it reduces time and removes the need to re-thread the harness.

The UPPAbaby V2 Double scored well in this test because it came with a variety of seating configurations and additional accessories to accommodate growing families. The wagon-style double stroller can be expanded to provide two seats as well as a bassinet, or a toddler riding board--perfect for families who are active and planning long days on the go with multiple kids of various age. It glides easily over cobblestones and pavements and ball fields. It can be folded flat to store in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is easy and easy to use, which was appreciated by our test participant Kerry. Its smart packaging, clearly labeled sections and helpful user guide made putting together this stroller a breeze.

Stores

Double strollers can hold twice as much as one stroller So, make sure to ensure you have plenty of storage space. It is important to find a stroller with enough storage space to accommodate the essentials for both parents and children including bottles and snacks, toys, and diapers. Look for baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, consider a stroller with an expandable cargo space to take in bulky items like diaper bags and lunchbags.

A good double stroller should have the ability to adapt as your family grows. Billingsley says that some models come with the option of a bassinet attachment that can accommodate infants. Some models have child seats that be able to grow with your child until they are ready to ride on the back. Some double strollers even allow for 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 models that are able to handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models more for everyday use. As you shop, read user reviews and recommendations from families like yours to gain an idea of what to expect from the double stroller you choose.

Double strollers are available in three designs: tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers offer most versatility and are suitable for twins or children who are similar to each other in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem smallest double buggy (My Source) strollers on the contrary, have two seats set next to each other and facing opposite directions. It's a good option for kids of the same age, or for siblings who like to interact with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through tight spaces, and are less likely to pass through doorways than their side-byside counterparts.

Check out this top pick by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon style double stroller. This affordable model was praised by test participants for its multiple seating configurations. It can be used with two car seats for infants or one child in a convertible toddler chair. Our reviewers also praised the memory foam seats and canopy that has 50+ SPF, and foam-filled wheels that never go flat. And when it's time for you to fold, this model needs only a couple of pulls on the straps on each seat (under the seats where kids are) to fold in half.