How Double Strollers Changed My Life For The Better

Buying Guide For Double Strollers

A double stroller is a great investment when you have two kids with similar age. These narrow tandem buggies or versatile side-by-side buggies let you keep both children within sight when you are navigating the aisles of your grocery store and parks, as well as whatever else life can throw at you.

Comfort

The comfort factor is one of the most important factors to consider when shopping for a double-stroller. This includes the seating arrangement and the overall size, which has an impact on ease of use and storage. "Parents should check how much the stroller weighs and its dimensions when folded," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also consider the options for recline of the seat, as well as the ages of their children to ensure it's the perfect fit."

A good double stroller will be durable enough to travel on all surfaces without difficulty, from parks trails to suburban sidewalks, and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should also offer versatile seating options for children of varying ages and comfort features like windows that peek out and adjustable canopy to protect children from rain or sun.

Seating options are important for many families who will utilize a double stroller from the time of birth until the age of. "There are two main categories--in-line with one seat behind the other, and side-byside with seats adjacent to each other," Billingsley explains. Some parents prefer the in-line option due to its sleek design and flexibility. Others prefer a wagon-style double stroller to make the most space for grocery or bulky items.

Some products may offer different recline options - with one seat being almost flat, while the other is upright--this type of disparity is more prevalent in in-line models. Billingsley suggests choosing a model with a near-flat recline and leg rests that can be adjusted for both seats, so that the children can both lie back comfortably.

She also suggests parents search for strollers with storage compartments so that they can quickly access snacks, personal items and toys when moving about. She suggests that it's useful to find a stroller with an organizer or parent console bag attached to the handlebars, which will allow you to keep your essentials within reach.

Some of the most highly-rated double strollers are expandable, allowing parents to customize the layout to meet the needs of their expanding family. The Mockingbird Expandable, for instance, is a highly rated double travel buggy stroller which can be used from birth using a single seat, then transformed into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) when the child is older.

Safety

Double strollers must be able to support the weight of both the passengers as well as any additional cargo. Strollers need to be simple to maneuver and push, especially on rough terrain or in tight spaces. The best lightweight double stroller strollers feature ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights which allow parents to maintain a good posture when pushing them. A harness that is not rethread which makes the adjustment of seat belts faster and easier is another great feature to look out for. Also, a strong brake system and wheels that glide across any surface are crucial safety features.

Some parents opt for an arrangement that allows both children to be able to see each other on family outings. This arrangement can help prevent sibling squabbles about who gets to Sit N Stand Double Stroller in which seat however it's not foolproof. If the seats are set at different heights, one child could be in a position to punch or kick the other during walks.

A tandem stroller is a great option for parents with twins or siblings who are close in age. It lets them observe both children at the same time. However, these can be wider than other double strollers, and they might not fit through all interior doorways. For maximum versatility, consider a single-to-double stroller which can switch from a single to a tandem in a variety of ways, like the renowned CYBEX Gazelle S. These models are able to accommodate a broad variety of configurations and allow you to click in infant car seats or cot attachments according to your requirements.

If you are looking for a tandem or a side-by-side stroller, be sure the product has been JPMA certified to meet strict safety standards. Also pay attention to the weight limits that apply to each seat, since exceeding them could result in 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 essentially baby carriers that are used for extended time. It should be easy to clean and maintain, and comfortable for both of the passengers. It should also have a a familiar, intuitive design that allows the person pushing it to easily maneuver it.

Easy to Use

For families that are on the move, a double push chair stroller should be easy to maneuver over a variety of terrains. Strollers with features like windows that can be opened and closed, adjustable canopy and reliable brake systems are vital to ensure the safety of your children. But there are other factors that make them easier to use. For example the stroller must be small enough to fit in the trunk of your car, while still offering ample storage space for food items and other things. Also important are thoughtful touches like a one-parent cup holder or console for parents, as well as snacks for children--all things that make life with two children significantly simpler.

During our testing We evaluated each stroller based on how it performed on a variety terrains and how easily it maneuvered in tight spaces. We also looked at how simple it was to fold and unfold, and whether or not a particular feature improved the overall functionality of the stroller. For instance a stroller with no-rethread harnesses makes adjusting the seat belts easy and quick. This is a major benefit for parents who are always on the move, as it removes the need to rethread their harness.

The UPPAbaby V2 Double scored well in this measure because it came with a variety of seating options, as well as additional accessories to accommodate expanding families. The wagon-style double running buggy stroller expands to allow for two seats as well as a bassinet, or a toddler-friendly riding board, which is ideal for families with active children who plan long trips with multiple kids of various ages. It easily glides over cobblestones and pavements and ballfields. It can also be folded flat to fit in a trunk or a closet. Our test subject Kerry loved the simple and easy-to-use nature of the stroller's design. Its clever packaging clear sections, well-labeled sections and helpful user guides made assembling this stroller an absolute breeze.

Storage

A double stroller is able to hold twice as much as a single stroller, so make sure you have plenty of storage space. Ideally, you'll want an item that can hold the necessities for both kids, including nappies bottles, snacks, and toys, along with parents' belongings like phones, wallets keys, wallets and phones. Look for pockets and baskets under the seats. Also, consider a stroller that has an expandable cargo space that can accommodate bulky items such as diaper bags and lunchbags.

A quality double stroller should have the ability to adapt as your family grows. For example certain models have the bassinet attachment, which can accommodate infants, while others have child seats that can expand with your children until they're ready to ride on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers even permit a rider's board to allow older siblings to join in the fun.

There are many different double strollers on the market. You can choose from high-performance models that are ideal for rough terrain, or more budget-friendly options that you can use on a daily basis. When you're shopping, read reviews and suggestions from families like yours to get an idea of what to expect with the double stroller you choose.

Double strollers are available in three models: tandem, side by side and wagon style. Billingsley states that side-by-side strollers are the most adaptable and ideal for twins or children of similar ages. Tandem double strollers come with two seats that are set in tandem, facing opposite directions. This is a great option for children of similar age, or siblings who like to be social with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through tight spaces and are less likely to pass through doors than their side-by-side counterparts.

If you prefer a wagon-style double stroller, check out this top model from Safety 1st. This affordable model was praised by testers for its multiple seating configurations. It can be used with two car seats for infants, or one child in a convertible toddler chair. Our experts also appreciated the comfortable memory foam seats and the 50+ SPF canopy and foam-filled tires that never stop running flat. And when it's time for you to fold, this model requires only a few tugs on straps on each seat (under the seats where kids are) to fold it in half.