A Step-By Step Guide For Choosing The Right Double Strollers

Buying Guide For Double Strollers

If you have two kids who are close in age A Double To single buggy stroller can be a valuable investment. These compact tandem buggies or versatile side-by-side buggies will keep both children within sight while navigating the grocery aisle, parks, and whatever else life can throw at you.

Comfort

When you are looking for a double stroller, comfort is an important consideration. This includes both the seating arrangements and the overall dimensions of the stroller which affects the accessibility and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert from 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 and the age ranges of their children to ensure that it's a perfect fit."

A quality double stroller should be durable enough to travel on different surfaces smoothly--from urban sidewalks to parks trails and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should also have flexible seating arrangements for children of various age groups and comfort features such as windows that can be opened and closed to keep kids shielded from rain or sun.

For a majority of families double strollers will be used from birth and into childhood, so it's important to consider the seating options. "There are two main categories--in-line with one seat in front of the other, and side-byside with seats that are next to each other," Billingsley explains. Some parents prefer the in-line option due to its sleek design and versatility. Others like the wagon style double stroller for maximum space for grocery or bulky items.

In-line models are more likely to show this kind of difference. Certain models may provide different recline options, with one seat being nearly flat, and the other one remaining fairly upright. Billingsley recommends choosing a product that offers both a nearly flat recline and leg rests that can be adjusted for both seats to ensure the children can both lie back comfortably.

Then, she suggests looking for strollers that have storage compartments that allow parents to easily access snacks, toys and personal items while on the move. She also recommends that it is beneficial to choose a stroller that has a parent console, or organizer bag, that can be attached to the handlebars. This can aid parents in keeping their essentials in their reach.

Many of the top-rated double single pushchair strollers can be expanded to allow parents to customize the setup based on their family's needs. The Mockingbird Expandable, for example, 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 gets older.

Safety

Double strollers should be able to handle the weight of two people, plus any additional cargo. Strollers must also be simple to move and push, particularly in tight spaces and on terrain that is difficult to navigate. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to ensure that parents maintain a good form while pushing them. Another nice feature is a no-rethread seat belt harness, which makes it easier to adjust the belts on the seat. Safety features include a durable brake system and wheels which can glide across any surface.

Some parents opt for a side-by-side design that allows both children to see one another during family outings. This arrangement can help prevent siblings fighting over who is allowed to sit in which spot however it's not foolproof. If the seats are at different heights, a child could kick or punch another while walking when the seats are on different levels.

For parents of twins or siblings of similar age, a tandem stroller is a great option for being able to view both children at the same time. However, they can be wider than other double strollers, so they may not be able to fit through all interior doorways. You could consider a single-to-double stroller that can be transformed from a single to a double in a variety ways. Popular models include the CYBEX gazelle S.

If you're looking for a tandem or side-by-side stroller, be sure the product has been JPMA certified to meet the strictest safety standards. Also pay attention to the maximum weight limits for each seat, as exceeding them could result in 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 important to remember that a stroller is essentially a baby carrier that will be transported for long periods of time. It should be easy to clean and maintain and comfortable for both passengers. It should also have an easy-to-use, familiar design that lets the person pushing it to easily maneuver it.

Easy to Use

For families on the go, a double stroller must be able to maneuver easily over a variety of terrains. Features like adjustable canopy with windows that peek out and dependable brake systems are critical to help ensure your children's safety, but there are other factors that influence stroller comfort of use. A stroller should be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your vehicle, but still have plenty of storage space for food or other items. Also important are thoughtful touches like a cup holder with a single parent or console for parents, as well as an eating tray for children -- all things that can make life with two kids much easier.

During our testing we rated each stroller on how well it performed on a variety of surfaces and how well it could maneuver in tight spaces. We also examined how easy it was to fold and unfold and whether or not a specific feature added to 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 can be a huge benefit for parents who are on the move since it reduces time and reduces the need to rethread the harness.

The UPPAbaby V2 Double was a top performer in this test because it had a wide variety of seating configurations and other accessories that could accommodate expanding families. The wagon-style double stroller expands to allow for a second seat as well as a bassinet, or a toddler-friendly riding board, which is ideal for active families planning long trips with multiple kids of varying age. It is able to glide effortlessly over pavements, cobblestones, and ball fields. It can be folded flat to fit in a trunk or a closet. Our tester Kerry appreciated the straightforward and easy-to-use nature of the stroller's design. Its smart packaging with clearly labeled sections as well as a helpful user guides made assembling this stroller a breeze.

Storage

A double stroller can be able to hold twice as much than a single stroller, therefore, you should look for plenty of storage space. You want a stroller with enough storage space to store the essentials of both children and parents including bottles, toys, snacks, and diapers. Look for under-seat baskets and other pockets, and look into a stroller with an expanding cargo area that can carry bulky items like diaper bags and lunch bags.

A good double stroller should be able to grow with your family. For example, some models include the bassinet attachment, which can accommodate infants, while others come with child seats that can grow with your children until they're able to ride on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers also allow for a rider board to allow older siblings to be part of the fun.

There are many double strollers available. You can pick from models with high-performance features that are ideal for rough terrain, or more budget-friendly options that can use daily. When you're shopping, read user reviews and recommendations from families like yours to gain an understanding of what you can expect from the double stroller you pick.

lightweight double stroller strollers come in three different styles including tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers offer the most flexibility and are perfect for twins or children who are similar to their age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers, on the other hand, have two seats that are arranged adjacent to one another and facing opposite directions. It's a great option for children of the same age, or for siblings who love to interact with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and less likely to fit into doors.

Check out this top pick by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon-style double stroller. This affordable model was praised by testers for its many seating options. It can be used with two car seats for infants or one child sitting in a convertible toddler seat. Our reviewers also praised the comfortable memory foam seats and the 50+ SPF canopy and foam-filled tires that will never stop running flat. And when it's time to fold, this model requires only a couple of pulls on the straps on each seat (under the seat where kids sit) to fold in half.