Buying Guide For Double Strollers

A double stroller is a good investment if you have two children of similar ages. These compact tandem buggies or versatile side by side buggies let you keep both children within sight while you shop and parks, as well as whatever else life can throw at you.

Comfort

When shopping for a double pushchairs stroller for your child, comfort is a major aspect to take into consideration. This could include both seating arrangement and the overall size of the stroller, which affects the convenience and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child expert in child development from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, suggests parents examine the stroller's weight as well as folded dimensions. "They should also consider the recline options for seats and age ranges to ensure a perfect fit for their family."

A quality double stroller should be able to handle different surfaces easily including suburban sidewalks, park paths, and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should also have flexible seating arrangements for children of varying age and comfort features such as windows that peek out and adjustable canopy to shield children from rain or sun.

Seating options are crucial for many families that will utilize double strollers from birth to 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 option because of its sleek appearance and versatility. Others like a wagon-style double stroller to make the most space for groceries or bulky items.

While some products may have different recline options, with one seat nearly flat while the other is upright, this kind of difference is more prevalent in models that are in-line. Billingsley suggests choosing a model that has a near-flat recline and leg rests that can be adjusted for both seats to ensure each child can sleep comfortably.

She also suggests that parents look for strollers with storage compartments so that they can easily access snacks, personal items and toys when moving about. She suggests that it's beneficial to choose the stroller that has an organizer console for parents or a parent bag that can be attached to the handlebars. This will help keep things close at hand.

Some of the most highly-rated double strollers can be expanded that allows parents to modify the configuration to meet the needs of their growing family. For instance 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 the addition of a second seat and bassinet) as the child grows older.

Safety

Double strollers need to be able to carry the weight of both the passengers as well as any additional cargo. Strollers must also be simple to push and maneuver, especially in tight spaces and on terrain that is difficult to navigate. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height which allow parents to maintain good form when pushing them. A harness that is not rethread which makes the adjustment of seat belts more quickly and easily to do, is a nice feature to look for. Also, a strong brake system and wheels that can glide over any surface are crucial safety features.

Some parents choose an arrangement that allows both children to see each other during family outings. This arrangement can reduce sibling rivalries over who sits in which place, but it isn't foolproof. If the seats are set at different heights, one child may be in a position to punch or kick the other during the course of a walk.

If you have twins or siblings who are close in age, a tandem stroller is a great option for being able see both kids at once. These double strollers can be wider, and may not be able to fit through some interior doors. Consider a single-to double stroller that can be converted from a single to a double in many ways. The most popular models are the CYBEX gazelle S.

Whether you choose a side-by-side or tandem stroller, make sure the product is certified by JPMA to meet stringent safety standards. Be aware of the maximum weight limit for each seat. Exceeding these limits could cause frame fatigue or other problems.

While it's easy to concentrate on the additional bells and whistles on a new stroller, it is crucial to keep in mind that a stroller is basically a baby carrier that is carried around for long periods of time. It must be easy to clean and maintain, and comfortable for both the passengers. It should also have an intuitive, familiar design that lets the person pushing it to maneuver it effortlessly.

Easy of Use

For families that are on the move, a double stroller should be easy to maneuver over a variety of terrains. Strollers with features such as windows that peek-a-boo, adjustable canopies and sturdy brake systems are crucial to ensure the safety of your children. But there are other features that make them easier to use. A stroller should be compact double stroller enough to fit in the trunk of your vehicle, but still have plenty of storage space for groceries or other items. Also important are thoughtful touches such as a cup holder for one parent or console for parents, as well as an eating tray for children -- all things that make life on the go with two kids much easier.

During our testing We evaluated each stroller on how well it performed on a variety surfaces and how well it could maneuver in tight spaces. We also assessed the ease with which it was possible to fold and unfold and whether or not a particular feature added to the overall function of the stroller. A stroller without rethread straps is easy to adjust the seat belts. 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 Vista v2 Double scored high in this measure, since it came with a variety of seating configurations as well as additional accessories to accommodate growing families. The wagon-style double stroller expands to allow for an additional seat as well as a bassinet, or a toddler riding board that is perfect for active families planning long days on the go with multiple children of different ages. It also glides smoothly across cobblestones, ball fields and pavements. It also it folds flat to make easy storage in a trunk or closet. Our tester Kerry was impressed by the simple and intuitive nature of this stroller's design. Its smart packaging, clearly labeled sections and an informative user guide made assembling this stroller an absolute breeze.

Stores

A double stroller is able to hold twice as much as a single stroller so look for ample storage space. Ideally, you want 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 under-seat baskets and other pockets, and look into a stroller with an expandable cargo area that can carry bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags.

A good double stroller will be able to expand with your family. Billingsley says that some models have the option of a bassinet attachment that can accommodate infants. Some models have child seats that can expand with the child until they are ready to ride on the back. Some double strollers allow older children to share in the fun by riding on the rider board.

There are a variety of Pushchair double strollers in the market, from elegant, high-performance models that are able to handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models more suitable for use in the everyday. When shopping, take a look at reviews and opinions of families just like yours to get a better idea of what you can expect from the stokke double stroller stroller that you pick.

Double strollers are available in three different design formats including tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Billingsley says that side-by-side strollers are the most adaptable and suitable for twins or children of similar age. Tandem double strollers feature two seats arranged in a tandem configuration with the opposite direction facing. This is a good option for children of similar age or siblings who like to interact with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through tight spaces, and are less likely to fit into doorways.

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 multiple seating configurations. 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 and canopy that has 50+ SPF, and foam-filled wheels that never flatten. And when it's time to fold, this model requires just a couple of tugs on the straps of each seat (under where the kids sit) to fold in half.