Buying Guide For Double Strollers

If you have two kids that are in the same age group, a double stroller could be a valuable investment. These compact tandem buggies or flexible side by side buggies let you keep both children within sight when you are navigating the aisles of your grocery store, parks, and whatever else life throws at you.

Comfort

Comfort is a major factor to think about when purchasing a double-stroller. This could include the seating arrangement and the overall size, which can have an impact on ease of use and storage. "Parents must determine what 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 take a look at the options for recline and seat age ranges to ensure a good fit for their family."

A good double stroller will be robust enough to navigate various surfaces with ease, 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 different age groups and comfort features like peek-a-boo windows and adjustable canopies to protect children from sun or rain.

For many families double strollers will be used from birth until childhood, so it's important to think about seating options. Billingsley says there are two primary categories: in-line with one seat in front of the other and side-byside, with seats next to each other. Some parents prefer the in-line option due to its sleek style and versatility. Others prefer a wagon-style double stroller to make the most space for grocery or bulky items.

While some products may have different recline options--with one seat almost flat while the other remains relatively upright--this type of disparity is more prevalent in the in-line models. Billingsley suggests selecting a model with a near-flat recline as well as leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children can lay comfortably.

Then, she suggests choosing a stroller that includes storage compartments that enable parents to quickly access snacks, toys, and personal items while out and about. She also recommends that it is beneficial to choose a stroller that comes with a parent console or organizer bag, that can be attached to the handlebars. This will aid parents in keeping their essentials at hand.

A few of the most highly-rated double strollers can be expanded, allowing parents to customize the layout to meet the needs of their growing family. The Mockingbird Expandable, for instance 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 must be able to support the weight of two passengers--plus any additional cargo. Strollers should also be easy to move and push, particularly in tight spots and over challenging terrain. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars and adjustable heights which make it easier for parents to maintain a good posture when pushing them. A harness that is not rethread that makes the adjustment of seat belts quicker and easier to do, is a nice feature to look for. Finally, a sturdy brake system and wheels that glide over any surface are important safety features.

Some parents opt for side-by-side designs that allow both children to see each other on family outings. This arrangement can help prevent siblings fighting over who is allowed to sit in which spot, but it's not foolproof. If the seats are located at different levels, a child might punch or kick another during a walk when the seats are on different levels.

If you have twins or siblings who are close in age, a tandem-style stroller can be beneficial in being able to see both kids at once. However, they are larger than other double strollers, so they may not be able to fit through all doorways in the interior. Think about a stroller that is single-to-double that can be transformed from a single to a double in many ways. Popular models include the CYBEX gazelle S.

If you're looking for a tandem or a side-by-side stroller, ensure that the product has been JPMA certified to meet strict safety standards. Be aware of the maximum weight limits for each seat, since over-weighting could lead to frame fatigue or other issues.

It's easy to get caught in the jingles and whistles, however it's important to remember that strollers are basically baby carriers that will be carried for long periods of durations. It should be easy to clean and maintain, and comfortable for both of the passengers. It should also have an intuitive, familiar design that allows the person pushing it to maneuver it effortlessly.

Ease of Use

For families who are constantly on the move, a double stroller must be able to maneuver easily over a variety of terrains. Features like adjustable canopies, peek-aboo windows and dependable brake systems are essential to ensure your children's safety, but there are many other aspects that affect stroller ease of use. For example the stroller must be compact enough to fit into the trunk of your car yet provide ample storage space for food items and other things. It is also essential to include thoughtful details, such as cups holder for one parent, consoles for parents and snacks on trays. These will help make traveling with two children significantly easier.

During our testing we evaluated each stroller based on its performance on various terrains and its ability to maneuver through tight spaces. We also looked at how easy it was to fold the stroller and unfold it, and if a particular feature made a difference to the overall performance. A stroller that does not have rethread straps makes it simple to adjust the seat belts. This can be a huge benefit for parents who are on the move since it reduces time and removes the need to re-thread the harness.

The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double was a top performer in this metric, as it offered an impressive range of seating configurations as well as additional accessories to accommodate families that are growing. The double-stroller that looks like a wagon can be expanded to accommodate a second seat, bassinet, or even a toddler-riding board. This is ideal for families who plan to spend a lot of time on the road with multiple children of different ages. It also glides smoothly over pavement, cobblestones and ballfields--and can be folded flat for easy storage in a trunk or closet. Our tester Kerry loved the simple and easy-to-use nature of the stroller's design. Its clever packaging, clearly labeled sections and an informative user guide made putting together this stroller an absolute breeze.

Storage

Double strollers can hold twice more than one stroller so be sure to look for plenty of storage space. It is important to find a stroller with enough storage space to hold the essentials of both parents and children, such as bottles, toys, snacks, and diapers. Look for pockets and baskets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller with an expandable cargo area to accommodate bulky items like diaper bags and lunchbags.

A quality double stroller should have the ability to adapt as your family expands. Billingsley states that certain models have the option of a bassinet attachment that can accommodate infants. Some models have child seats which can expand with the child until they are ready to ride on the back. Some double strollers include a rider board that allows older children to take part in the fun.

There's a wide selection of double strollers on the market, ranging from elegant, high-performance models that excel on rough terrain to budget-friendly models that are more suited for daily use. While shopping, you can read reviews and opinions of families similar to yours to get a better idea of what you can expect from the double stroller you select.

Double strollers are available in three different styles: side-by-side, tandem, and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers offer the most versatility and are suitable for twins or children similar to each other in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers, on contrary, have two seats set close to each other and facing in opposite directions--a good option for kids of the same age, or for siblings who love to interact with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through tight spaces, and are less likely to fit into doorways.

Take a look at this top choice by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon style double stroller. Testers loved how this affordable model offers multiple seating configurations and the option to snap in two infant car seats or a single child riding in an convertible toddler seat. Our experts also appreciated the soft memory foam seats, 50+ SPF canopy and foam-filled tires that never stop running flat. When it's time to fold, this model requires only a few tugs on the straps of each seat (under where the kids sit and stand double stroller) to fold it in half.