Buying Guide For Double Strollers

A double stroller is a great investment when you have two kids of similar ages. These narrow tandem strollers or flexible side-by-side buggies let you keep your eyes on both kids at the same time while navigating the aisles of the supermarket as well as the parks and other obstacles life throws at you.

Comfort

The comfort factor is one of the most important factors to think about when purchasing a double-stroller. This can include the seating arrangement and the overall size, which has an impact on ease of use and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child expert in development from the Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, says parents should examine the stroller's weight as well as folded dimensions. "They should also think about the seat recline options as well as the age ranges of their children to ensure it is a perfect fit."

A quality double stroller should be sturdy enough to traverse all surfaces without difficulty, from parks trails to suburban sidewalks and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should have a variety of seating options for children of different stages of development, as well as comfort features like peek-a-boo window and adjustable canopy that protect children from rain or sun.

For a majority of families, a double stroller will be used from birth and into childhood, so it's important to consider the seating options. Billingsley explains that there are two primary categories: in-line with one seat in front of the other, and side-by-side with seats adjacent to each other. Some parents prefer the in-line option because of its sleek appearance and its versatility. Others prefer a wagon-style double stroller to make the most space for bulky or grocery items.

In-line models tend to have this type of discrepancy. Some models might offer different recline options, with one seat being almost flat and the other remaining relatively upright. Billingsley suggests choosing a model that offers both a near-flat recline and leg rest adjustment for both seats to ensure the children can both lie back comfortably.

She also suggests that parents look for strollers that have storage compartments so that they can quickly access snacks, personal items and toys in motion. She also suggests that it is helpful to find a stroller which has a parent console, or organizer bag, that can be attached to the handlebars. This will help parents keep essentials close in their reach.

A few of the most highly-rated double strollers can be expanded which allows parents to alter the set-up based on the needs of their expanding family. For instance the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used with a single seat from birth and then converted to a tandem (with a second seat and bassinet) as the child gets older.

Safety

Double strollers should be able to handle the weight of both the passengers as well as any additional cargo. Strollers must be able to move and push, particularly on roo move forward, turn left or right, or even apply the brakes.

User-Friendliness

A double prams with adjustable footrest stroller must be simple to maneuver over various terrains for families who are always on the move. Features like adjustable canopy systems, peek-aboo windows and dependable braking systems are critical to help ensure the safety of your children but there are many other aspects that contribute to stroller ease of use. A stroller must be compact double stroller enough to fit into the trunk of your vehicle and still provide plenty of storage space for groceries or other items. Also important are thoughtful touches like a one-parent cup holder as well as a console for parents and an eating tray for children -- all things that will make life on the go with two kids significantly more manageable.

In our tests, we assessed each twin stroller with car seats on the basis of its performance on various terrains and its ability to maneuver through tight spaces. We also looked at how simple it was to fold the stroller and unfold it, and if a particular feature enhanced the overall functionality. For instance a stroller that has no-rethread harnesses makes adjusting the seat belts simple and easy. This is a huge selling point for parents who are constantly in motion, as it does away with the requirement to rethread the harness.

The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double was a top performer in this measure, since it offers a wide range of seating configurations as well as additional accessories to accommodate families that are growing. The wagon-style double stroller is able to allow for two seats as well as a bassinet or a toddler riding board--perfect for families who are active and planning long trips with multiple kids of various ages. It also glides effortlessly over cobblestones, balls and pavements. It it folds flat to make easy storage in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is easy and intuitive, which was appreciated by our tester Kerry. Its clever packaging, clearly labeled sections and helpful user guides made assembling this stroller a breeze.

Stores

Double strollers can carry twice as much as a single one, so make sure you look for plenty of storage space. It is important to find a stroller with enough storage space to accommodate the essentials for both children and parents including bottles as well as snacks, toys and diapers. Look for pockets and baskets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller with an expandable cargo space that can accommodate bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags.

A good double stroller should be able to grow with your family. For instance certain models come with the bassinet attachment, which can accommodate infants, while others have 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 also permit a rider's board that allows older children to be part of the fun.

There are a variety of double strollers available 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, read reviews and recommendations of families like yours to get an idea of what you can expect from the double buggy with car seat stroller that you choose.

Double strollers come in three different styles including tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-byside strollers are the most flexible and suitable for twins or children of similar age. Tandem double strollers on the other hand, have two seats set adjacent to one another and facing opposite directions. It's a good option for kids who are the same age or for siblings who love to interact with each other. Tandem strollers may be harder to maneuver through 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 stroller. This budget-friendly model was highly praised by our testers for its many seating options. It can be used with two car seats for infants or one child in a convertible toddler chair. Our experts also praised the memory foam seats as well as the canopy, which has 50+ SPF, and foam-filled wheels that will never wear out. And when it's time for you to fold, this model requires only a few tugs on the straps on each seat (under the seat where kids sit) to fold it in half.