10 Unexpected Double Strollers Tips

Buying Guide For Double Strollers

If you have two kids who are close in age, a double stroller can be a great investment. These narrow tandem strollers or versatile side-by-side buggies help you keep your eyes on both kids at the same time while braving the grocery aisle or the parks, and whatever else life throws your way.

Comfort

When looking for a double stroller for your child, comfort is a key factor to consider. This could include both seating arrangement as well as the overall dimensions of the stroller which affects the convenience and storage. "Parents should determine how much the stroller weighs and its dimensions folded," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also consider the seat recline options, as well as the ages of their children to ensure that it is a perfect fit."

A good double stroller will be durable enough to travel on various surfaces with ease, from suburban sidewalks to park trails and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should also offer versatile seating options for children of varying ages and comfort features such as windows that peek out and adjustable canopy to keep kids shielded from sun or rain.

For a lot of families double strollers will be used from birth until the age of five, so it's crucial to think about the seating options. "There are two main categories--in-line with one seat behind the other, and side by side with seats next to each other," Billingsley explains. "Some parents prefer an in-line model due to its sleek appearance and versatility, whereas others prefer a wagon-style double stroller to maximize space for bulky items or groceries."

In-line models are more likely to show this kind of discordance. Some products may offer different recline options, with one 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 can lay down comfortably.

She also suggests that parents search for strollers with storage compartments to allow them to quickly access personal items, snacks, and toys while in motion. She also says that it's helpful to find a stroller which has a parent console, or organizer bag that is attached to the handlebars. This can help parents keep their essentials to 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 expanding family. The Mockingbird Expandable, for instance, is a highly rated double stroller that can be used from birth with a single seat, and later converted into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) as the child grows older.

Safety

Double strollers must be able to support the weight of two people, plus any additional cargo. Strollers must be easy to maneuver and push, especially on rough terrain or in tight spaces. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to help parents maintain good form when pushing them. A no-rethread harness that makes the adjustment of seat belts more quickly and easily is another great feature to look for. A sturdy brake system and wheels that glide across any surface are essential safety features.

Some parents choose an arrangement that allows both children to view one another during family outings. This arrangement can help prevent sibling squabbles over who gets to sit in which place however, it's not 100% secure. If the seats are located at different levels, a child might punch or kick another while walking if the seats are at different levels.

For parents with twins or siblings close in age, a tandem-style stroller can be beneficial in being able see both kids at once. However, these can be larger than other double strollers, so they might not fit through all interior doorways. To maximize versatility, you should consider a single-to-double umbrella stroller stroller that transitions from a single stroller to a tandem in a variety of ways, such as the popular CYBEX Gazelle S. These models are able to accommodate a broad range of configurations and allow you to click in infant car seats or cot attachments, depending on your requirements.

Whether you choose a side-by-side or tandem-style stroller, make sure the product is JPMA-certified to meet strict safety standards. Be sure to check the maximum weight limits for each seat, since exceeding them could result in frame fatigue or other issues.

It's easy to get caught in the jingles and whistles, however it's important to keep in mind that strollers are essentially baby carriers that will be used for a long period of durations. It must be easy to clean and maintain, and comfortable for both of the passengers. It should also have a an easy-to-use, familiar design that allows the person pushing it to move it easily.

Simple to Use

For families that are on the move, a double stroller should be easy to maneuver over different terrains. Features like adjustable canopies windows, peek-aboo windows, and reliable braking systems are crucial to ensure your children's safety, but there are other factors that affect stroller ease of use. For example the stroller should be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your car, while still offering ample storage space for groceries and other belongings. Also important are thoughtful touches such as a cup holder for one parent as well as a console for parents and snacks for children--all things that make life with two kids much simpler.

During our testing we rated each stroller based on how it did on a variety of surfaces and how well it maneuvered in tight spaces. We also examined how simple it was to fold and unfold and whether or not a specific feature improved the overall functionality of the stroller. For instance, a stroller with a harness that does not rethread makes the adjustment of the seat belts easy and quick. This is a major selling point for parents who are always in motion, as it eliminates the need to rethread their harness.

The UPPAbaby Vista v2 double travel stroller was a top performer in this metric, as it came with a variety of seating options and accessories to help accommodate growing families. The double Single Pushchair-stroller that looks like a wagon expands to accommodate an additional seat, a bassinet, or even a toddler-riding board. This is ideal for families who plan to spend long days in the car with a variety of children of different ages. It also glides smoothly over pavement, cobblestones and ballfields--and it folds flat to make easy storage in a trunk or closet. Our test subject Kerry appreciated the straightforward and easy-to-use nature of the stroller's design. Its stylish packaging, clearly labeled sections and an informative user guide made putting together this stroller an absolute breeze.

Stores

A cheap double buggy stroller can be able to hold twice as much stuff than a single stroller, so make sure you have plenty of storage space. Ideally, you want a stroller that can accommodate the basic necessities for both kids: nappies bottles, snacks, and toys, as well as parents' belongings such as wallets, phones, and keys. Look for baskets that fit under the seat and other pockets, and consider a stroller with an expanding cargo area that can hold bulky items like diaper bags and lunch bags.

A quality double stroller will be able to adapt to the needs of your family. For example certain models come with an attachment for a bassinet that can accommodate infants, while others have child seats that can grow with your kids until they're ready to move to the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers allow older siblings to share in the fun by riding on the rider board.

You'll find a wide variety of double strollers available on the market, ranging from sleek, high-performance options 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 just like yours to get a better idea of what you can expect from the double stroller that you choose.

Double strollers are available in three designs: tandem, side-by-side and wagon style. Billingsley says that side-by-side strollers are the most versatile and ideal for twins as well as children of a similar age. Tandem double strollers have two seats set up in a tandem arrangement, facing opposite directions. This is a great option for children who are the same age, or siblings who want to play with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and are less likely to pass through doors than their side-by-side counterparts.

If you're looking for a wagon-style double stroller, check out this top pick from Safety 1st. Our testers were impressed by the fact that this low-cost model offers multiple seating configurations and the option to click in two infant car seats or a single child in an convertible toddler seat. Our testers also loved the soft memory foam seats with a 50+ SPF canopy, and foam-filled tires that never go flat. When it's time for folding this model needs only just a few pulls on the straps underneath each seat (under the seats where kids sit) in order to fold.