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Buying Guide For Double Strollers

A double stroller is a great investment when you have two kids of similar ages. These narrow tandem buggies as well as versatile side-by-side buggies allow you to keep both children in sight while you shop or in parks, or whatever else life throws at you.

Comfort

When shopping for a double stroller for your child, comfort is a key consideration. This can include both the seating arrangement and the overall size of the stroller, which impacts ease of use and storage. "Parents must determine what 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 look at the recline options for seats and age ranges to ensure a perfect fit for their family."

A quality double stroller should be able to handle different surfaces with ease including suburban sidewalks, parks and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should also have flexible seating arrangements for children of varying age and comfort features such as windows that peek out and adjustable canopy to protect children from sun or rain.

Seating options are important for many families that will use a double stroller from birth to childhood. Billingsley explains that there are two major categories of in-line seating which has one seat in front of the other and side-byside with seats adjacent to each other. "Some parents prefer an in-line option for its sleek design and versatility, while others prefer a wagon-style stroller to make the most space for bulky items or groceries."

In-line models tend to have this kind of difference. Some products may offer different recline options, with one being nearly flat, and the other remaining relatively upright. Billingsley suggests selecting a product that has a nearly flat recline and leg rest adjustment for both seats, so that the children can both lie back comfortably.

Finally, she advises to look for strollers that have storage compartments that will allow parents to easily access snacks, toys and other personal belongings while on the go. She also recommends that it is helpful to find a stroller which has a parent console, or organizer bag, that can be attached to the handlebars. This will help parents keep essentials close in their reach.

Some of the best-rated double strollers can be extended to allow parents to customize the setup based on their family's needs. For instance the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used with just a single seat from birth, and later converted to tandem (with a second seat and bassinet) as the child grows older.

Safety

Double strollers should be able to support the weight of two passengers--plus any additional cargo. Strollers should also be easy to push and maneuver, especially in tight spaces and on difficult terrain. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights, making it easier for parents to maintain their form when pushing them. A harness that is not rethread which makes the adjustment of seat belts more quickly and easily, is another nice feature to look for. Safety features include a robust brake system, as well as wheels that slide over any surface.

Some parents opt for an arrangement that is side by side to allow both children to see each other when they go on family outings. This arrangement can reduce sibling rivalries about who gets to sit in which seat however it's not foolproof. If the seats are different heights, a child may punch or kick another while walking in the event that the seats are at different levels.

If you have twins or siblings who are close in age, a tandem stroller offers the benefit of being able to view both children at the same time. However, they are wider than other double strollers, and they may not fit through all doorways in the interior. You could consider a single-to-double stroller that can be transformed from a single stroller to double in various ways. The most popular models are the CYBEX gazelle S.

If you're in the market for a tandem or side-by-side stroller, be sure the product is JPMA certified to meet stringent safety standards. Pay attention to the maximum weight limit for each seat. Overstepping these limits can cause frame fatigue and other issues.

It's easy to be swept in the jingles and whistles, but it's important to remember that strollers are in essence baby carriers that are used for extended durations. It must be comfortable for both the passengers and easy to clean and maintain, and most importantly it should have an intuitive, familiar design so that the person pushing it can effortlessly move it around without having to think twice about how to move forward, turn left or right, or even apply the brakes.

Easy of Use

For families on the go, a double stroller should be able to navigate different terrains. Strollers that have features like windows that peek-a-boo, adjustable canopies and sturdy brake systems are vital to ensure the safety of your children. But there are also other factors that make them easier to use. For example the stroller must be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your car, while still offering ample storage space for groceries and other belongings. It is also important to consider thoughtful additions 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 much more manageable.

During our testing we evaluated each stroller on the basis of its performance on different terrains and its ability to maneuver in 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 made a difference to the overall performance. For instance a stroller that has a no-rethread harness makes adjusting the seat belts simple and easy. This can be a big selling point for parents who are always in motion, as it does away with the need to rethread the harness.

The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored highly in this metric, as it came with a variety of seating options and accessories to help accommodate growing families. The double-stroller in the wagon style expands so that it can accommodate an additional seat, a bassinet, or even a toddler-riding board. This is ideal for families who plan to spend a lot of time on the road with multiple children of various ages. It also glides effortlessly over pavement, cobblestones and ballfields--and it folds flat to make easy storage in a trunk or closet. Our test subject Kerry loved the simple and intuitive nature of this stroller's design. The clever packaging, clearly marked sections and user's manual made it easy to assemble this stroller.

Stores

A double stroller has the potential to hold twice as much stuff than a single stroller, so look for ample storage space. Ideally, you'll want a stroller that can accommodate the basic necessities for both kids: nappies bottles, snacks, and toys, as well as parents' belongings like wallets, phones, and keys. Look for baskets that fit under the seat as well as other pockets, and consider a stroller with an expandable cargo space that can carry heavy items such as lunch bags and diaper bags.

A good Chicco OHlalà Twin Double Stroller - Black Review stroller must have the ability to adapt as your family expands. Billingsley says that some models come with a bassinet attachment to accommodate infants. Other models come with child seats that can be able to grow with your child until they are able to ride on the back. Some double strollers permit older siblings to share in the fun by riding on a rider board.

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

cheap double stroller strollers are available in three different designs including tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers provide the most versatility and are ideal for twins or children who are who are close to each other in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers feature two seats that are set in a tandem arrangement facing in opposite directions. This is a good option for children of similar age, or siblings who like to play with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces, and are less likely to fit in doorways.

If you're looking for a wagon-style double stroller check out this top pick from Safety 1st. This model is affordable and was praised by testers for its multiple seating configurations. It can be used with two car seats for infants, or one child in a convertible toddler chair. Our reviewers also praised the soft memory foam seats with a 50+ SPF canopy, and foam-filled tires that never go flat. And pushchairsandprams when it's time for you to fold, this model requires just a couple of tugs on the straps on each seat (under the seats where kids are) to fold in half.