Double Strollers Tips That Can Change Your Life

Buying Guide For Double Strollers

If you have two kids who are close in age, a double stroller could be an invaluable investment. These compact twin stroller tandem strollers or versatile side-by-side buggies help you keep your eyes on both kids at the same time while braving the grocery aisle, parks and anything else life throws your way.

Comfort

When shopping for a double stroller for your child, comfort is an important consideration. This can include both the seating arrangement and the overall size of the stroller, which can impact the convenience and storage. "Parents should check how much the stroller weighs and its folded dimensions," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also look at the recline options for seats and age ranges to ensure a perfect fit for their family."

A good double stroller should be able to handle different surfaces easily, from suburban sidewalks to parks and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should offer a range of seating options for children of different age groups, and comfort features such as a peek-a-boo window and adjustable canopies that protect children from the sun or rain.

For a lot of families double strollers will be utilized from birth until childhood, so it's important to consider the seating options. Billingsley explains that there are two major 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 the in-line model due to its sleek design and its versatility. Others like the wagon style double stroller to make the most space for bulky or grocery items.

Some products may offer different recline options - with one seat almost flat while the other remains relatively upright, this type of distinction is more common in the in-line models. Billingsley recommends selecting a product with a near-flat recline and leg rest adjustment for both seats. This will ensure that both children can lay comfortably.

Then, she suggests choosing a stroller that includes storage compartments that will allow parents to quickly access snacks, toys and other personal belongings while on the go. She also says that it's helpful to choose a stroller that comes with a parent console or organizer bag attached on the handlebars. This can help parents keep essentials close in their reach.

Many of the top-rated double strollers can be expanded giving parents the ability to customize the setup based on their family's needs. For example, the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used with a single seat as early as birth, and then transformed into tandem (with an additional seat and bassinet) as the child gets older.

Safety

Double strollers must be able to support the weight of two people, plus any additional cargo. Strollers need to be simple to maneuver and push, especially on difficult terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars and adjustable heights which make it easier for parents to maintain a good posture when pushing them. A no-rethread harness that makes the adjustment of seat belts quicker and easier, is another nice feature to look out for. Safety features include a robust brake system and wheels that slide over any surface.

Some parents prefer a side-by-side design that allows both children to see each other on family outings. This arrangement can help prevent sibling rivalries over who is allowed to sit where, but it's not foolproof. If the seats are positioned at different heights, one child could be in a position to punch or kick the other during walks.

For parents of twins or siblings close in age, a tandem stroller is a great option for being able see both kids at once. Double strollers are typically more spacious, and may not fit through certain doors inside. For maximum versatility, consider a single-to-double stroller that transitions from a single stroller to a tandem in different ways, like the well-known CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can accommodate a wide variety 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 the product is JPMA-certified to meet stringent safety standards. Be sure to check the maximum weight limits for each seat, as exceeding them can lead to frame fatigue or other issues.

It's easy to be swept up in the bells and whistles, but it's important to remember that strollers are in essence baby carriers that will be used for extended times. It must be easy to clean and maintain, and comfortable for both passengers. It should also have a an easy-to-use, familiar design that lets the person pushing it to move it easily.

Simple to Use

A double stroller must be easily maneuverable on different terrains for families who are always on the move. Features like adjustable canopies, peek-aboo windows and dependable braking systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children, but there are other factors that affect stroller ease of use. For example the stroller should be small enough to fit into the trunk of your car, but still provide ample storage space for groceries and other belongings. It is also important to consider thoughtful additions such as a cup holder for one parent, parent consoles and an eating tray for children -- all things that make life with two kids much more manageable.

During our testing We evaluated the strollers double on how it did on a variety of terrains, and how easily it maneuvered in tight spaces. We also assessed how easy it was to fold and unfold and whether or not a specific feature enhanced the overall functionality of the stroller. A stroller with no-rethread straps is easy to adjust the seat belts. This can be a big benefit for parents who are constantly moving around, since it removes the requirement to rethread the harness.

The UPPAbaby 2 Double scored well in this test because it had a wide variety of seating configurations, and other accessories that could accommodate growing families. The double-stroller in the wagon style expands so that it can accommodate a second seat, bassinet, or even a toddler-riding board. This is ideal for families who want to spend a lot of time in the car with a variety of children of different age groups. It is able to glide effortlessly over cobblestones, pavements, and ball fields. It can be folded flat to store in a trunk or a closet. Our tester Kerry loved the simple and intuitive nature of this stroller's design. Its clever packaging with clearly labeled sections as well as a helpful user guide made assembling this stroller an absolute breeze.

Storage

Double strollers can hold twice as much as one stroller, so make sure you search for ample storage space. Ideally, you'll want a stroller that can accommodate the essentials for both kids--nappies bottles, snacks, and toys, along with parents' belongings such as wallets, phones keys, wallets and phones. Look for baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, consider a stroller that has an expandable cargo space that can accommodate bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags.

A good double stroller should be able to change as your family expands. For instance certain models have the bassinet attachment, which can be used for newborns, and others feature child seats that can be adapted to your kids until they're ready to switch to riding on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers even permit a rider's board that allows older children to be part of the fun.

You'll find a wide variety of double strollers on the market, ranging from sleek, high-performance models that can handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models that are more suited for daily use. As you shop, read reviews from other users and the opinions of families like yours to gain an understanding of what to expect from the double stroller you choose.

Double strollers come in three different design formats: side-by-side, tandem, and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-byside strollers are the most flexible and suitable for twins or children of a similar age. Tandem double strollers come with two seats set up in tandem, facing opposite directions. This is a great option for children of similar age, or siblings who prefer to play with one another. Tandem strollers can be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces and are less likely to pass through doors than their side-by-side counterparts.

Take a look at this top choice by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon-style double pram stroller stroller. This model is affordable and was highly praised by our testers for its various 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. When it's time to fold, this model needs only a few tugs on straps on each seat (under where the kids sit and stand double stroller) to fold it in half.