How To Recognize The Right Double Strollers For You

Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is an excellent investment if you have two children with similar ages. These compact tandem strollers or flexible side-by-side buggies let you keep your eyes on both kids at the same time navigating the aisles of the supermarket as well as the parks and other obstacles life throws your way.
Comfort
When looking for a double stroller, comfort is a key aspect to take into consideration. This includes the seating arrangement as well as the overall size, which can have an impact on the ease of use and storage. "Parents should check 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 should also consider the seat recline options and age ranges to ensure a perfect fit for their family."
A good double stroller will be sturdy enough to traverse different surfaces smoothly--from urban sidewalks to parks trails and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should also provide flexible seating arrangements for children of different ages and comfort features such as windows that peek out and adjustable canopy to shield children from rain or sun.
For a majority of families, a double stroller is likely to be used from birth until the teen years, so it's essential to consider the seating options. Billingsley says there are two main categories: in-line with one seat in front of the other and side-byside with seats adjacent to each other. "Some parents prefer an in-line model due to its sleek design and versatility, whereas others like a wagon-style double stroller to make the most space for large items or grocery bags."
In-line models tend to have this kind of difference. Some products may offer different recline options, with one seat being nearly flat, and the other being more upright. Billingsley suggests choosing a model that offers both a near-flat recline and leg rest adjustment for both seats to ensure the children can both lie back comfortably.
She also suggests that parents look for strollers with storage compartments so that they can quickly access their snacks, personal items and toys moving about. She also suggests that it is helpful to choose a stroller that includes a parent console or organizer bag, that can be attached to the handlebars. This will aid parents in keeping their essentials in their reach.
A few of the most highly-rated double strollers can be expanded that allows parents to modify the layout to meet 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 from birth, and then transformed into a tandem (with a second seat and bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers must be able to handle the weight of two people, plus any additional cargo. Strollers must also be easy to maneuver and push, especially in tight spaces and on difficult terrain. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars and adjustable heights which make it easier for parents to maintain a good posture when pushing them. A no-rethread harness which makes the adjustment of seat belts more quickly and easily is another great feature to look out for. Also, a strong brake system and wheels that can glide over any surface are essential safety features.
Some parents prefer an arrangement that allows both children to see one another during family outings. This arrangement can prevent sibling rivalries over who is allowed to sit in which spot but it's not a guarantee. If the seats are different heights, a child could kick or punch another during a walk when the seats are on different levels.
For parents with twins or siblings close in age, a tandem-style stroller can be beneficial in being able to view both children at the same time. However, these can be larger than other double strollers, meaning they may not fit through all doorways in the interior. Consider a single-to double stroller that can be converted from a single to double in various ways. Popular models include the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you're looking for a tandem or side-byside stroller, ensure that the product has been JPMA certified to meet strict safety standards. Pay attention to the maximum weight limit for each seat. Overstepping these limits can cause frame fatigue or other issues.
While it's easy to concentrate on all the extra bells and whistles on a new stroller, it is crucial to remember that a stroller is an infant carrier that will be carried around for long durations of time. It should be easy to clean and maintain as well as comfortable for both the passengers. It should also have a familiar, intuitive design that lets the person pushing it to easily maneuver it.
Easy of Use
For families who are constantly on the move, a double stroller needs to be easy to maneuver over various terrains. Features like adjustable canopies windows, peek-aboo windows, and dependable brake systems are crucial to ensure your children's safety, but there are other factors that influence stroller comfort of use. A stroller should be small enough to fit into the trunk of your car, but still have plenty of storage space for food or other items. It's also important to include thoughtful features, like the cup holder for one parent, consoles for parents and snacks on trays. These can make traveling with two kids much easier.
In our testing we rated each stroller based on how it performed on a variety of surfaces and how well it maneuvered in tight spaces. We also examined how simple it was to fold and unfold, and whether or not a particular feature added to the overall functionality of the stroller. For instance a stroller that has a harness that does not rethread makes the adjustment of the seat belts easy and quick. This can be a major benefit for parents who are on the move because it cuts down on time and eliminates the need to re-thread the harness.
The UPPAbaby V2 Double was a top performer in this test because it had a wide variety of seating options, as well as additional accessories to accommodate growing families. The double-stroller in the wagon style can be expanded to accommodate an additional seat, a bassinet or even a toddler's riding board. This is perfect for families who plan to spend long hours in the car with a variety of children of various age groups. It also glides smoothly over pavement, cobblestones and ballfields--and folds flat for simple storage in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is easy and intuitive and was a big hit with our test subject Kerry. Its stylish packaging, clearly labeled sections and helpful user guides made putting together this stroller an absolute breeze.
Stores
A double stroller has the potential to hold twice as much as a single stroller so look for ample storage space. Ideally, you want a stroller that can accommodate the essentials for both kids--nappies bottles, snacks, and toys, as well as parents' items such as wallets, phones keys and wallets. Look for under-seat baskets and other pockets, and look into a stroller with an expanding cargo area that can carry heavy items such as diaper bags and lunch bags.
A quality double stroller will be able to grow with your family. Billingsley states that certain models have an attachment for a bassinet to accommodate newborns. her latest blog come with child seats which can expand with the child until they are ready to ride on the back. Some double strollers also allow for a rider board to let older siblings join in the fun.
There's a wide selection of double strollers in the market, ranging from sleek, high-performance models that can handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models that are more suitable for use in the everyday. While shopping, take a look at user reviews and recommendations from families like yours to gain a better sense of what to expect from the double stroller you select.
Double strollers are available in three styles: tandem, side-by-side and wagon style. Side-by-side double strollers provide the most versatility and are suitable for twins or children who are close to each other in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers feature two seats that are set in tandem facing in opposite directions. This is a good option for children who are the same age or siblings who like to play with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces, and less likely to fit in doorways.
If you prefer a wagon-style double stroller check out this top pick from Safety 1st. This budget-friendly model was praised by test participants for its multiple seating configurations. It can be used with two infant car seats, or one child in a convertible toddler seat. Our reviewers also praised the memory foam seats, canopy with 50+ SPF, and foam-filled wheels that never go flat. When it's time to fold, this model needs just a couple of tugs on the straps on each seat (under where the kids sit) to fold it in half.