Why Double Strollers Should Be Your Next Big Obsession

Buying Guide For Double Strollers

A double stroller is an excellent investment if you have two children with similar ages. These compact tandem buggies or versatile side by side buggies allow you to keep both children in sight while navigating the grocery aisle and parks, as well as whatever else life can throw at you.

Comfort

The comfort factor is one of the most important factors to take into consideration when buying a double-stroller. This includes both the seating arrangement and the overall size of the stroller, which impacts accessibility 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 should also consider the recline options for seats, as well as the age ranges of their children to ensure it is a perfect fit."

A good 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 offer a range of seating options for children at different age groups, and comfort features such as a peek-a-boo windows and adjustable canopy options that protect children from the sun or rain.

Seating options are crucial for many families who will use a double stroller from the time of birth until childhood. "There are two main categories--in-line with one seat ahead of the other, and side-by-side with seats that are next to each other," Billingsley explains. Some parents prefer the in-line model because of its sleek appearance and versatility. Others like a wagon style double stroller sale stroller for maximum space for groceries or bulky items.

While some products may have different recline options, with one seat being almost flat, while the other remains relatively upright--this type of disparity is more prevalent in models that are in-line. Billingsley suggests selecting a product that has an almost flat recline as well as leg rest adjustment for both seats to ensure the children can both lie back comfortably.

Then, she suggests choosing strollers with storage compartments that enable parents to quickly access snacks, toys, and personal items while on the move. She also says that it is beneficial to find a stroller that includes a parent console or organizer bag that is attached to the handlebars. This will help parents keep their essentials in their reach.

A few of the most highly-rated double strollers are expandable, allowing parents to customize the set-up based on the needs of their expanding family. The Mockingbird Expandable, for example is a highly rated double stroller which can be used from birth with just one seat, and later converted into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) when the child is older.

Safety

Double strollers should be able to support the weight of both the passengers as well as any additional cargo. Strollers need to be able to move and push, particularly when on rough terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height which make it easier for parents to maintain their form when pushing them. Another great feature is a non-rethread seat belt harness that allows for a more comfortable adjustment of the belts for your child. Safety features include a robust brake system and wheels that can glide across any surface.

Some parents prefer side-by-side designs that allow both children to view one another during family outings. This arrangement can prevent sibling squabbles over who sits in which place however, it's not 100% secure. If the seats are set at different heights, one child may be capable of punching or kicking the other during the course of a walk.

A tandem-style stroller is ideal option for parents with twins or siblings that are similar in age. It allows them to observe both children at the same time. However, these can be wider than other double stroller with bassinet strollers, meaning they may not be able to be able to pass through all doors in your home. For maximum versatility, consider a single-to-nipper double buggy 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 range of configurations, and allow you to click in infant car seats or cot attachments, depending on your requirements.

If you're looking for a tandem or side-by-side stroller, make sure that the product is JPMA certified to meet stringent safety standards. Be sure to check the weight limits that apply to each seat, as exceeding them could result in frame fatigue or other issues.

While it's easy to focus on the many bells and whistles that come with the latest stroller, it's crucial to be aware that a stroller an infant carrier that is carried around for long periods of time. It should be comfortable for both the passengers as well as easy to clean and maintain, and in the ideal case, it should offer an intuitive, familiar design that the person pushing it can easily maneuver it without having to think about how to move forward and turn left or right, or even apply the brakes.

Ease of Use

For families that are on the move, a double umbrella stroller stroller should be easy to maneuver over a variety of terrains. Features like adjustable canopy windows, peek-aboo windows, and dependable braking systems are crucial to ensure the safety of your children but there are other factors that contribute to stroller ease of use. A stroller must be compact enough to fit into the trunk of your vehicle and still provide plenty of storage space for groceries and other items. It's also important to include thoughtful details, such as a cup holder for one parent or consoles for parents, as well as snacks on trays. These can make traveling with two kids much more enjoyable.

During our testing, we evaluated each stroller on how well it did on a variety of surfaces and how well it maneuvered in tight spaces. We also looked at how simple it was to fold and unfold and whether or not a particular feature enhanced the overall performance of the stroller. For instance a stroller that has no-rethread harnesses makes adjusting the seat belts quick and simple. This can be a big selling point for parents who are always on the move, as it eliminates the need to rethread their harness.

The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored highly in this measure, since it offers a wide range of seating configurations and additional accessories to help accommodate growing families. The wagon-style double-stroller can be expanded to accommodate a second seat, bassinet or even a toddler's riding board. This is ideal for families who want to spend long days in the car with a variety of children of different ages. It also glides smoothly across pavement, cobblestones and ballfields--and can be folded flat for simple storage in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is easy and easy to use, which was appreciated by our test subject Kerry. The smart packaging clear sections, well-marked sections and user guide made it easy to put this stroller together.

Storage

Double strollers can carry twice as much as one single stroller so be sure to look for plenty of storage space. Ideally, you want a stroller that is able to hold the basic necessities for both kids: nappies, bottles, snacks and toys, along with parents' items such as wallets, phones keys and wallets. Find baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller that has an expandable cargo space to accommodate bulky items such as diaper bags and lunchbags.

A quality double stroller will be able to expand with your family. For example, some models include a bassinet attachment that can accommodate infants, while others feature child seats that can grow with your children until they're ready to ride on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers include a rider board that allows older children to take part in the fun.

You'll find a wide variety of double strollers in the market, ranging from elegant, high-performance models that are able to handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models that are more suited for daily use. When shopping, take a look at reviews and suggestions from families just like yours to get a better idea of what to expect from the double stroller you select.

Double strollers are available in three different designs including tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-by-side strollers are the most versatile and ideal for twins as well as children of similar ages. Tandem double strollers come with two seats set up in a tandem arrangement with the opposite direction facing. This is a great option for children who are similar age or siblings who like to be social with one another. Tandem strollers may be harder to maneuver through tight spaces and are less likely to fit 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 highly praised by our testers for its various seating configurations. It can be used with two infant car seats or one child in a convertible toddler seat. Our experts also appreciated the comfortable memory foam seats with a 50+ SPF canopy and foam-filled tires that will never go flat. When it's time to fold, this model needs only a few tugs on the straps on each seat (under where the kids sit n stand double stroller) to fold in half.