5 Double Strollers Lessons From The Pros Buying Guide For Double Strollers

A double stroller is a good investment when you have two kids of similar ages. These narrow tandem buggies or versatile side-by-side buggies let you keep both children in the same place while you shop or in parks, or whatever else life can throw at you.

Comfort


When shopping for a double stroller, comfort is a major factor to consider. This could include both seating arrangement and the overall size of the stroller, which can impact the ease of use and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, says parents should check the stroller's weight and folded dimensions. "They should also consider the seat recline options, as well as the ages of their children to ensure it's a perfect fit."

A quality double stroller should be sturdy enough to traverse various surfaces with ease, from urban sidewalks to parks trails and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should offer a range of seating options for children of different age groups, and comfort features such as a peek-a-boo window and adjustable canopy that shield kids from the sun or rain.

For a lot of families, a double stroller is likely to be used from birth and into the teen years, so it's essential to consider the seating options. Billingsley states that there are two major categories that are in-line, with one seat in-front of the other and side-byside with seats adjacent to one another. "Some parents prefer an in-line option for its sleek design and versatility, while others prefer a wagon-style stroller to maximize space for large items or groceries."

Although some models may have different recline options, with one seat nearly flat while the other one remains upright, this kind of difference is more common in models that are in-line. Billingsley recommends choosing a product with a near-flat recline and leg rests that can be adjusted for both seats, so that each child can sleep comfortably.

Finally, she advises looking for strollers with storage compartments that allow parents to access their snacks, toys and other personal belongings while on the go. She also suggests that it is beneficial to choose a stroller that includes a parent console or organizer bag that is attached to the handlebars. This will help parents keep essentials close at hand.

A few of the top-rated double strollers can be expanded, allowing parents to customize the set-up based on the needs of their growing family. For example the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly rated double stroller that can be used with just a single seat as early as birth, and later converted to a tandem (with the addition of a second seat and bassinet) as the child gets older.

Safety

Double strollers must be able to carry the weight of both passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers should be able to move and push, especially on difficult terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height which allow parents to maintain good form when pushing them. A no-rethread harness which makes the adjustment of seat belts more quickly and easily, is another nice feature to look for. Finally, a sturdy brake system and wheels that glide over any surface are important safety features.

Some parents choose an arrangement that allows both children to view each other during family outings. This arrangement can prevent sibling squabbles about who gets to sit in which spot however, it's not 100% secure. If the seats are different heights, a child may kick or punch one another during a walk, in the event that the seats are at different levels.

For parents of twins or siblings of similar age, a tandem stroller can be beneficial in being able to view both kids at once. Double strollers can be wider, and may not fit through certain doors inside. Consider a single-to double stroller that can be transformed from a single to a double in a variety ways. The most popular models are the CYBEX gazelle S.

If you're looking for a tandem or a side-by-side stroller, be sure the product is JPMA certified to meet strict safety standards. Pay attention to the weight limit that applies to each seat. If you exceed these limits, it could cause frame fatigue or other issues.

It's easy to get caught up in the bells and whistles, but it's important to keep in mind that strollers are in essence baby carriers that will be carried for long periods of durations. It should be comfortable for both the passengers, easy to clean and maintain, and in the ideal case it should feature an intuitive, familiar design that the person pushing it can effortlessly move it around without having to think twice about how to move forward and turn left or right, or even apply the brakes.

Ease of Use

For families on the go, a double stroller should be able to navigate different terrains. Strollers with features such as windows that can be opened and closed, adjustable canopy and reliable brake systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children. However, there are other features that make them simpler to use. A stroller should be small enough to fit into the trunk of your car yet have plenty of storage space for food or other things. Additionally, you should consider thoughtful features like a one-parent cup holder or console for parents, as well as a snack tray for kids--all things that make life on the go with two kids significantly more manageable.

In our tests, we assessed each stroller based on its ability to perform on different surfaces and its ability to maneuver through tight spaces. We also looked at how easy it was to fold the stroller and then unfold it as well as if a particular feature improved the overall functionality. For double single pushchair , a stroller with a harness that does not rethread makes the adjustment of the seat belts simple and easy. This can be a huge selling point for parents on the go, as it saves time and reduces the need to rethread the harness.

The UPPAbaby V2 Double scored highly in this test because it had a wide variety of seating options, as well as additional accessories to accommodate expanding families. The wagon-style double-stroller can be expanded to accommodate two seats, a bassinet, or even a toddler-riding board. This is ideal for families who plan to spend long hours traveling with several children of different age groups. It glides easily over cobblestones, pavements, and ball fields. It can be folded flat to fit in a trunk or a closet. The design of this stroller is simple and easy to use, which was appreciated by our tester Kerry. Its clever packaging, clearly labeled sections and helpful user guides made assembling this stroller an absolute breeze.

Stores

Double strollers can hold twice as much as one single stroller So, make sure to look for plenty of storage space. You want a stroller with enough storage space to hold the necessities of parents and children like bottles, toys, snacks, and diapers. Find baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller that has an expandable cargo space to take in bulky items like diaper bags and lunchbags.

A quality double stroller should have the ability to adapt as your family grows. For example certain models have a bassinet attachment that can accommodate newborns, while others have child seats that can grow with your children until they're ready to move to the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers also allow for a rider board to let older siblings take part in the fun.

There are a variety of double strollers in the market, from sleek, high-performance options that are able to handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models more suitable for use in the everyday. When shopping, take a look at reviews and opinions of families just like yours to get an idea of what you can expect from the double stroller that you choose.

Double strollers are available in three different styles such as tandem, side-byside, and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-byside strollers are the most flexible and ideal for twins or children of a similar age. Tandem double strollers, on other hand, feature two seats set close to each other and facing in opposite directions. This is a great option for children of the same age or for siblings who enjoy interacting with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and less likely to fit into doors.

If you prefer a wagon-style double stroller check out this top pick from Safety 1st. This model is affordable and was praised by testers for its many seating options. It can be used with two infant car seats or one child in a convertible toddler chair. Our reviewers also praised the memory foam seats and canopy that has 50+ SPF and foam-filled wheels that never go flat. When it's time for folding this model requires only just a few nudges on the straps underneath each seat (under the seat where children sit) in order to fold.