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Buying Guide For Double Strollers

A double stroller is a great investment if you have two children with similar age. These narrow tandem strollers or flexible side-by-side buggies let you keep an eye on both kids at the same time while navigating the aisles of the supermarket or the parks, and whatever else life throws your way.

Comfort

When looking for a double stroller for your child, comfort is a major factor to consider. This could include the seating arrangement and the overall size, which has an impact on ease of use and storage. “Parents should check how much 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 think about the options for recline of the seat as well as the age ranges of their children to ensure it’s the perfect fit.”

A well-constructed double stroller will be durable enough to travel on all surfaces without difficulty, from parks trails to suburban sidewalks, and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should offer a range of seating options for children of different ages, as well as comfort features such as a peek-a-boo window and adjustable canopy that shield kids from the sun or rain.

Seating options are important for many families who will utilize a double stroller from the time of birth until childhood. Billingsley explains that there are two primary categories: in-line, with one seat in-front of the other, and side-by-side with seats adjacent to one another. “Some parents prefer an in-line model due to its sleek design and versatility, while others like a wagon-style double stroller to make the most space for large items or groceries.”

In-line models are more likely to have this type of discrepancy. Some models might offer different recline options, with one seat being nearly flat, and the other one remaining fairly upright. Billingsley suggests selecting a product that has a nearly flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats to ensure the children can both lie back comfortably.

Finally, she advises choosing strollers with storage compartments that allow parents to quickly access snacks, toys and other personal items while out and about. She also recommends that it’s helpful to choose a stroller that includes a parent console or organizer bag that is attached to the handlebars. This can help parents keep essentials close in their reach.

Some of the top-rated double strollers are expandable which allows parents to alter 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 from birth, and later converted to a tandem (with an additional 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 must also be simple to push and maneuver, especially in tight spots and on terrain that is difficult to navigate. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to allow parents to maintain their good form while pushing them. A no-rethread harness that makes the adjustment of seat belts quicker and easier to do, is a nice feature to look out 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 rivalries over who is allowed to sit in which spot however it’s not foolproof. If the seats are at different heights, a child may kick or punch one another during a walk, in the event that the seats are at different levels.

twin buggy from birth -style stroller is great option for parents with twins or siblings who are close in age. compact twin stroller lets parents observe both children at the same time. However, they are more spacious than other double strollers, so they may not be able to fit through all doorways in the interior. Think about a stroller that is single-to-double that can be transformed from a single stroller to a double in many ways. Popular models include the CYBEX gazelle S.

If you opt for a side-byside or tandem stroller, make sure the product is JPMA-certified to meet the strictest safety standards. Also pay attention to the weight limits that apply to each seat, since over-weighting could lead to frame fatigue or other issues.

While it’s easy to concentrate on all the extra bells and whistles of the latest stroller, it’s important to remember that a stroller is essentially a baby carrier that will be transported for long periods of time. It should be easy to clean and maintain, and comfortable for both of the passengers. It should also have an intuitive, familiar design that lets the person pushing it to easily maneuver it.

Simple to Use

A double stroller must be easily maneuverable on various of terrains for families that are always on the move. Features like adjustable canopy with windows that peek out and reliable braking systems are essential to ensure your children’s safety, however, there are other elements that contribute to stroller ease of use. A stroller should be small enough to fit in the trunk of your vehicle, but still have plenty of storage space for groceries and other items. It is also important to consider thoughtful additions such as a cup holder for one parent, parent consoles and a snack tray for kids–all things that can make life with two kids much simpler.

In our tests, we assessed each stroller according to its performance on different surfaces and its ability to maneuver through tight spaces. We also looked at the ease with which it was possible to fold and unfold, and whether or not a specific feature improved the overall function of the stroller. A stroller that does not have rethread straps is easy to adjust the seat belts. This can be a big benefit for parents who are constantly on the move, as it does away with the need to rethread the harness.

The UPPAbaby v2 Double was a top performer in this metric as it offered a wide range of seating configurations, and other accessories that could accommodate expanding families. The wagon-style double stroller expands to allow for a second seat as well as a bassinet or a toddler riding board–perfect for active families planning long days on the go with multiple children of different ages. lightweight twin buggy glides smoothly over cobblestones, ball fields and pavements. It also folds flat for simple storage in a trunk or closet. Our test subject Kerry was impressed by the simple and easy-to-use nature of the stroller’s design. Its stylish packaging clear sections, well-labeled sections and helpful user guide made assembling this stroller a breeze.

Storage

A double stroller can be able to hold twice as much than a single stroller, therefore, you should look for plenty of storage space. Ideally, you want a stroller that is able to hold the necessities for both kids, including nappies, bottles, snacks and toys, along with parents’ belongings like phones, wallets, and keys. Look for under-seat baskets and other pockets, and think about a stroller that has an expandable cargo space that can carry bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags.

A good double stroller should be able to adapt to the needs of your family. For example certain models come with an attachment for a bassinet that can accommodate newborns, while others feature child seats that can grow with your children until they’re able to move to the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers permit older siblings to share in the fun by riding on the rider board.

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 suggestions from 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 including tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-by-side strollers are the most flexible and ideal for twins or children of similar ages. Tandem double strollers, on contrary, have two seats set next to each other and facing opposite directions. It’s a ideal choice for children of the same age, or for siblings who like to interact with each other. Tandem strollers may be harder to maneuver in tight spaces and are less likely to fit through doors than their side-by-side counterparts.

If you prefer a wagon-style double stroller, take a look at this top choice from Safety 1st. Our testers were impressed by the fact that this low-cost model has multiple seating options, including the ability to connect two infant car seats or a single child riding in an convertible toddler seat. Our experts also praised the memory foam seats, canopy with 50+ SPF and foam-filled wheels that never flatten. When it’s time to fold, this model requires only a few tugs on the straps of each seat (under the seats where kids are) to fold in half.