How Double Strollers Transformed My Life For The Better

Buying Guide For Double Strollers

A double stroller is an excellent investment for families with two children of similar ages. These narrow Tandem Double Stroller strollers or flexible side-by-side buggies allow you to keep an eye on both children at the same time while navigating the aisles of the supermarket, parks and anything else life throws your way.

Comfort

When shopping for a double stroller, the comfort is an important consideration. This could include the seating arrangement and overall size, which can have an impact on the ease of use and storage. "Parents should check how much the stroller weighs and its dimensions when folded," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also take a look at the seat recline options and age ranges to ensure a perfect fit for their family."

A quality double stroller should be robust enough to navigate various surfaces with ease, from suburban sidewalks to park trails and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should come with a variety of seating options for children at different ages, as well as comfort features like peek-a-boo window and adjustable canopies that shield kids from the sun or rain.

Seating options are crucial for many families who utilize a double stroller from the time of birth until childhood. Billingsley explains that there are two main categories: in-line with one seat in front of the other, and side-by-side seating with seats next to each other. Some parents prefer the inline option due to its sleek style and its versatility. Others prefer a wagon style double stroller to maximize space for grocery or bulky 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 being more upright. Billingsley suggests selecting a model with a near-flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children lay down comfortably.

Finally, she advises choosing strollers with storage compartments that will allow parents to access their snacks, toys, and personal belongings while on the go. She adds that it's also helpful to look for a stroller that has an organizer or parent console bag that is attached to the handlebars. This will allow you to keep your essentials within reach.

A few of the most highly-rated double strollers can be expanded that allows parents to modify 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 grows older.

Safety

Double strollers need to be able to carry the weight of both passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers must be easy to maneuver and push, especially when on rough terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height to ensure that parents maintain a good form when pushing them. A no-rethread harness that makes the adjustment of seat belts quicker and easier is another great feature to look out for. Safety features include a robust brake system and wheels which glide over any surface.

Some parents prefer side-by-side designs that allow both children to see one another during family outings. This arrangement can prevent sibling rivalries over who gets to sit in which place however it's not foolproof. If the seats are set at different heights, one child may be in a position to punch or kick the other on walks.

A tandem-style stroller is a excellent option for parents with twins or siblings that are similar in age. It lets them see both children at once. However, they can be larger than other double strollers, meaning they might not be able to pass through all doors in your home. You could consider a single-to-double stroller that can be transformed from a single twin umbrella stroller to a double pushchair with car seat in a variety ways. Popular models include the CYBEX gazelle S.

If you decide to purchase a side-by-side or tandem-style stroller, make sure the product is JPMA-certified to meet stringent safety standards. Pay attention to the weight limit that applies to each seat. Exceeding these limits could cause frame fatigue or other problems.

It's easy to get caught in the sound of bells and whistles, however it's important to remember that strollers are essentially baby carriers that are used for a long period of times. It must be easy to clean and maintain, and comfortable for both passengers. It should also feature a a familiar, intuitive design that lets the person pushing the stroller to move it easily.

Ease of Use

For families on the go, a double stroller must be able to maneuver easily over various terrains. Strollers with features such as windows that can be opened and closed, adjustable canopy and sturdy brake systems are crucial to ensure the safety of your children. But there are other features that make them more convenient to use. A stroller should be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your vehicle and still provide plenty of storage space for food or other things. It is also essential to include thoughtful features, like the cup holder for one parent or consoles for parents, as well as snacks on trays. These can make traveling with two children much easier.

In our tests, we assessed each stroller on the basis of its ability to perform on different terrains and its ability to maneuver through tight spaces. We also assessed how easy it was to fold and unfold and whether or not a particular feature added to the overall function of the stroller. For example a stroller with a harness that does not rethread makes the adjustment of the seat belts quick and simple. This is a major selling point for parents who are constantly moving around, since it does away with the need to rethread their harness.

The UPPAbaby V2 Double scored well in this measure because it came with a variety of seating configurations, and additional accessories that accommodated families that are growing. The double-stroller in the wagon style expands to accommodate a second seat, bassinet or even a toddler's riding board. This is perfect for families who plan to spend long days on the road with multiple children of different ages. It also glides smoothly across pavement, cobblestones and ballfields--and can be folded flat for easy storage in a closet or trunk. The design of this stroller is easy and easy to use, which was appreciated by our test subject Kerry. Its clever packaging clear sections, well-labeled sections and helpful user guides made putting together this stroller an absolute breeze.

Storage

Double strollers can hold twice as much as a single one so be sure to search for ample storage space. You'll want a stroller that has enough storage space to store the essentials for both parents and children, such as bottles, toys, snacks, and diapers. Look for pockets and baskets under the seats. Also, consider a stroller that has an expandable cargo space that can take in bulky items like diaper bags and lunchbags.

A quality double stroller should have the ability to adapt as your family expands. Billingsley says that some models come with the option of a bassinet attachment that can accommodate infants. Some models have child seats which can be able to grow with your child until they are old enough to ride on the back. Some double strollers allow older siblings to join in on the fun with a rider board.

You'll find a wide variety of double strollers available on the market, ranging from sleek, high-performance models that can handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models more for everyday use. While shopping, you can read reviews and suggestions from families just like yours to get a better idea of what you can expect from the double stroller that you pick.

Double strollers are available in three different designs: tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-byside strollers are the most versatile and ideal for twins as well as children of similar ages. Tandem double strollers, on the contrary, have two seats that are arranged adjacent to one another and facing in opposite directions--a good option for kids who are the same age or for siblings who like to interact with one another. Tandem strollers can be difficult to maneuver through tight spaces and are less likely to fit through doorways than their side-by-side counterparts.

If you're looking for a wagon-style double stroller check out this top pick from Safety 1st. The testers loved that this budget model has multiple seating options and the option to click in two infant car seats or a single child riding in the convertible toddler seat. Our testers also loved the comfy memory foam seats, 50+ SPF canopy and foam-filled tires that never go flat. When it's time for folding, this model only requires just a few nudges on the straps underneath each seat (under the seats where kids sit) to fold.