A How-To Guide For Double Strollers From Start To Finish

Buying Guide For Double Strollers

A double stroller is a great investment when you have two kids with similar ages. These narrow tandem strollers or versatile side-by-side buggies help you keep an eye on both children at the same time braving the grocery aisle or the parks, and whatever else life throws your way.

Comfort

When looking for a double stroller, comfort is a key consideration. This can include both the seating arrangement as well as the overall dimensions of the stroller which affects the ease of use and storage. "Parents should determine how much the stroller weighs as well as its folded dimensions," 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 age ranges of their children to ensure it's a perfect fit."

A reputable double stroller must 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 also offer versatile seating options for children of different ages and comfort features such as windows that can be opened and closed to protect children from sun or rain.

Seating options are important for many families who will use double strollers from birth to the age of. "There are two main categories - in-line with one seat in front of the other, and side by side with seats that are next to each other," Billingsley explains. Some parents prefer the in-line option due to its sleek style and its versatility. Others prefer the wagon style double stroller for maximum space for bulky or grocery items.

In-line models are more likely to have this kind of difference. Some models might offer different recline options, with one seat being almost flat and the other one remaining fairly upright. Billingsley recommends selecting a product with both a near flat recline as well as leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children lay down comfortably.

She also suggests parents look for strollers that have storage compartments to allow them to quickly access personal items, snacks and toys when on the move. She also recommends that it is beneficial to find a stroller which has 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 which allows parents to alter the set-up based on the needs of their growing family. The Mockingbird Expandable, for instance is a highly rated double stroller which can be used from birth with just one seat, and then 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 two people, plus any additional cargo. Strollers must also be simple to move and push, particularly in tight spaces and over challenging terrain. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights, making it easier for parents to maintain a good posture when pushing them. Another great feature is a non-rethread seat belt harness, which makes it easier to adjust the seat belts. Safety features include a sturdy brake system, as well as wheels that can glide across any surface.

Some parents prefer an arrangement that is side by side to ensure that both children meet up when they go on family outings. This arrangement can prevent siblings fighting over who is allowed to sit where however it's not foolproof. If the seats are set at different levels, one child might be able to kick or punch the other on walks.

A tandem-style stroller is a great option for parents with twins or siblings who are similar in age. It allows them to observe both children at the same time. However, they are larger than other double strollers, so they might not fit through all interior doorways. 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.

If you're looking for a tandem Double stroller or side-byside stroller, be sure the product has been JPMA certified to meet stringent safety standards. Also pay attention to the weight limits that apply to each seat, since over-weighting could lead to frame fatigue or other issues.

While it's easy for us to focus on all the extra bells and whistles that come with a new stroller, it's crucial to keep in mind that a stroller is an infant carrier that is carried around for long durations of time. It should be comfortable for both passengers and easy to clean and maintain, and in the ideal case, it should offer an easy-to-use, familiar design so that the person pushing it is able to effortlessly maneuver it without having to think twice about how to move forward or turn left or right, or use the brakes.

Easy of Use

For families that are on the move, a double twin stroller with car seats needs to be easy to maneuver over different terrains. Strollers with features such as peek-a-boo windows, adjustable canopies and reliable brake systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children. But there are also other factors that make them simpler to use. A stroller must be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your vehicle and still provide plenty of storage space for food or other items. Additionally, you should consider thoughtful features such as a cup holder for one parent as well as a console for parents and an eating tray for children -- all things that will make life with two kids much more manageable.

In our tests, we assessed each stroller on the basis of its performance on different surfaces and its ability to maneuver in tight spaces. We also looked at how simple it was to fold the stroller and unfold it in a timely manner, and if a specific feature improved the overall functionality. A stroller with no-rethread straps makes it simple to adjust the seat belts. This is a major benefit for parents who are constantly in motion, as it does away with the requirement to rethread the harness.

The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored highly in this metric, as it offered an impressive range of seating configurations as well as additional accessories to accommodate families that are growing. The wagon-style double stroller expands to provide a second seat as well as a bassinet or a toddler-friendly riding board, which is ideal for families with active children who plan long days on the go with multiple kids of varying ages. It is able to glide effortlessly over pavements, cobblestones, and ball fields. It can also be folded flat to be stored in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is simple and intuitive which was well-loved by our tester Kerry. Its stylish packaging with clearly labeled sections as well as a helpful user guides made assembling this stroller a breeze.

Storage

A double stroller has the potential to hold twice as much stuff as a single stroller so look for ample storage space. Ideally, you want a stroller that is able to hold the necessities for both kids, including nappies bottles, snacks, and toys, along with parents' items such as wallets, phones keys, wallets and phones. Look for baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller with an expandable cargo area to take in bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags.

A good double stroller must have the ability to adapt as your family expands. For example certain models come with an attachment for a bassinet that can be used for newborns, and others have child seats that can expand with your children until they're able to move to the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers include a rider board to allow older siblings to take part in the fun.

There are many double strollers on the market. You can choose from high-performance models that are ideal for rough terrain, or affordable options that you can use daily. As you shop, read reviews and suggestions from families just like yours to get a better sense of what to expect from the double pushchair from birth stroller you choose.

Double strollers are available in three different styles: tandem double buggy, side-by-side and wagon-style. Side-by-side double buggy newborn strollers provide the most versatility and are ideal for twins or kids similar in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers on the other hand, feature two seats that are arranged next to each other and facing opposite directions. It's a good option for kids of the same age or for siblings who like to interact with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and less likely to fit in doorways.

If you prefer a wagon-style double stroller check out this top pick from Safety 1st. The testers loved that this budget model has multiple seating options, including the ability to snap in two infant car seats or a single child riding in the convertible toddler seat. Our reviewers also praised the memory foam seats as well as the canopy, which has 50+ SPF and foam-filled wheels that will never wear out. When it's time to fold, this model requires only a few tugs on the straps on each seat (under the seat where kids sit) to fold in half.