What Double Strollers Experts Would Like You To Know

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 flexible side-by-side buggies let you keep an eye on both children at the same time while taking on the grocery store, parks and anything else life throws at you.

Comfort

Comfort is an important factor to consider when shopping for a double-stroller. This includes the seating arrangement and the overall size, which can have an impact on ease of use and storage. "Parents should determine how much the stroller weighs as well as its dimensions folded," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They must also take into consideration the options for recline of the seat as well as the age ranges of their children to ensure that it's a perfect fit."

A good double stroller should be able to handle different surfaces easily including suburban sidewalks, park paths and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should also have flexible seating arrangements for children of various age groups and comfort features such as peek-a-boo windows and adjustable canopies to protect children from sun or rain.

For a majority of families, a double stroller will be utilized from birth until the teen years, so it's essential to consider the seating options. "There are two main categories: in-line with one seat ahead of the other, and side by side with seats next to each other," Billingsley explains. Some parents prefer the in-line option due to its sleek design and versatility. Others like a wagon style double stroller to make the most space for bulky or grocery items.

In-line models tend to have this type of discrepancy. Some products may offer different recline options, with one seat being nearly flat, and the other remaining relatively upright. Billingsley suggests choosing a model that has an almost flat recline as well as leg rest adjustments for both seats, so that both children can lie back comfortably.

She also suggests parents search for strollers with storage compartments so that they can easily access their snacks, personal items and toys on the move. She also suggests that it's helpful to find a stroller that includes a parent console or organizer bag attached on the handlebars. This will help parents keep essentials close at hand.

A few of the top-rated Double Prams With Large Storage Basket strollers double are expandable that allows parents to modify the set-up based on 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, then transformed into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) when the child is older.

Safety

Double strollers must be able to support the weight of both passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers must also be easy to push and maneuver, especially in tight areas and over challenging terrain. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height which make it easier for parents to maintain a good posture when pushing them. Another great feature is a no-rethread belt harness that allows for a more comfortable adjustment of the belts for your child. Safety features include a sturdy brake system and wheels which can glide across any surface.

Some parents prefer a side-by-side design that allows both children to view one another during family outings. This arrangement can prevent siblings fighting over who is allowed to sit in which spot however it's not foolproof. If the seats are positioned at different heights, one child could be in a position to punch or kick the other during a walk.

For parents with twins or siblings of similar age, a tandem stroller can be beneficial in being able see both kids at once. Double strollers can be wider, and may not fit through some interior doors. Think about a stroller that is single-to-double that can be transformed from a single to double in various ways. Popular models include the CYBEX gazelle S.

Whether you choose a side-by-side or tandem-style stroller, be sure that the stroller is JPMA-certified to meet the strictest safety standards. Pay attention to the maximum weight limit for each seat. Exceeding these limits could cause frame fatigue or other issues.

While it's easy for us to focus on the additional bells and whistles that come with the latest stroller, it is crucial to be aware that a stroller basically a baby carrier that will be carried around for long durations of time. It must be comfortable for both parents and children, easy to clean and maintain, and most importantly, it should offer 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 to Use

A double stroller should be easy to maneuver on different types of terrains for families always on the move. Features like adjustable canopies, peek-aboo windows and dependable braking systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children but there are many other aspects that affect stroller ease of use. For instance the stroller must be compact enough to fit into the trunk of your car but still provide ample storage space for your groceries and other items. It's also important to include thoughtful features, like the cup holder for one parent as well as consoles for parents and a snack tray. These will make traveling with two children significantly easier.

During our testing we evaluated each stroller based on its performance on different terrains, as well as its ability to maneuver through tight spaces. We also considered how easy it was to fold the stroller and then unfold it, and if a particular feature improved the overall functionality. For instance, a stroller with a no-rethread harness makes adjusting the seat belts simple and easy. This is a huge benefit for parents who are constantly moving around, since it does away with the requirement to rethread the harness.

The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double 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-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 that plan to spend long days traveling with several children of various age groups. It also glides effortlessly over pavement, cobblestones and ballfields--and it folds flat to make easy storage in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is simple and intuitive and was a big hit with our test subject Kerry. Its smart packaging clear sections, well-labeled sections and helpful user guide made putting together this stroller an absolute breeze.

Stores

Double strollers can hold twice more than one stroller, so make sure you ensure you have plenty of storage space. It is important to find a stroller with enough storage space to store the necessities of children and parents like bottles as well as snacks, toys and diapers. Look for baskets that fit under the seat and other pockets, and look into a stroller with an expanding cargo area that can hold bulky items like diaper bags and lunch bags.

A good double stroller should be able to expand with your family. Billingsley states that certain models come with the option of a bassinet attachment that can accommodate infants. Other models come with child seats that expand with the child until they are old enough to ride on the back. Some double strollers permit 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 suitable for use in the everyday. While shopping, you can read reviews and suggestions from families similar to yours to get a better idea of what you can expect from the double stroller you select.

Double strollers are available in three different styles such as tandem, side-byside, and wagon-style. side by side double stroller-by-side double strollers offer most versatility and are ideal for twins or children who are close to their age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers have two seats arranged in a tandem arrangement facing in opposite directions. This is a good option for children of the same age or siblings who prefer to interact with each other. Tandem strollers can be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and are less likely to fit through doorways than their side-byside counterparts.

If you're looking for a wagon-style double stroller check out this top model from Safety 1st. This affordable model was praised by test participants for its multiple seating configurations. It can be used with two car seats for infants or one child sitting in a convertible toddler seat. Our experts also appreciated the comfy memory foam seats and the 50+ SPF canopy, and foam-filled tires that will never get flat. When it's time for folding this model needs only a few tugs on the straps underneath each seat (under the seats where kids sit) to fold.