5 Double Strollers Tips From The Pros

Buying Guide For Double Strollers

If you have two children who are close in age A double stroller can be an invaluable investment. These compact tandem buggies or flexible side by side buggies allow you to keep both children in sight while you shop and parks, as well as whatever else life can throw at you.

Comfort

When shopping for a double stroller, the comfort is an important consideration. This includes both the seating arrangement as well as the overall size of the stroller which impacts ease of use and storage. "Parents must determine what the stroller weighs and its dimensions when 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 it's a perfect fit."

A good double stroller will be robust enough to navigate different surfaces smoothly--from parks trails to suburban sidewalks, and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should also have flexible seating arrangements for children of different age and comfort features such as windows that can be opened and closed to protect children from rain or sun.

Seating options are crucial for many families that will utilize double strollers from birth to childhood. Billingsley explains that there are two primary categories that are in-line which has one seat in front of the other, and side-by-side, with seats next to each other. Some parents prefer the in-line model due to its sleek style and versatility. Others like a wagon-style double stroller to make the most space for groceries or bulky items.

Although some models may have different recline options--with one seat being almost flat, while the other remains relatively upright--this type of disparity is more common in in-line models. Billingsley recommends selecting a product that has a nearly flat recline and leg rest adjustment for both seats. This will ensure that both children can lay down comfortably.

She also suggests that parents look for strollers that have storage compartments to allow them to quickly access snacks, personal items and toys in motion. She also says that it is helpful to find a stroller which includes a parent console or organizer bag that is attached to the handlebars. This will help parents keep essentials close at hand.

Many of the top-rated double strollers can be expanded, allowing parents the flexibility 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 then converted to a tandem (with an additional seat and bassinet) as the child grows older.

Safety

Double strollers must be able to carry the weight of two passengers--plus any additional cargo. Strollers should also be easy to move and push, particularly in tight spots and over challenging terrain. The best twin stroller strollers come with ergonomic handlebars and adjustable heights which allow parents to maintain a good posture when pushing them. Another great feature is a non-rethread seat belt harness that makes it easier to adjust the seat belts. A sturdy brake system and wheels that glide over any surface are essential safety features.

Some parents choose a side-by-side design that allows both children to view one another during family outings. This arrangement can help prevent sibling fights over which child is allowed to sit in which spot but it's not a guarantee. If the seats are different heights, a child may punch or kick another during a walk when the seats are on different levels.

For parents with twins or siblings who are close in age, a tandem-style stroller is a great option for being able see both children at the same time. However, these can be wider than other double strollers, so they may not be able to be able to pass through all doors in your home. Consider a single-to double stroller that can be converted from a single to double prams with Shock-absorbing Suspension in various ways. The most popular models are the CYBEX gazelle S.

If you decide to purchase a side-by-side or tandem stroller, make sure that the stroller is JPMA-certified to meet strict safety standards. Be aware of the maximum weight limit for each seat. If you exceed these limits, it could cause frame fatigue and other issues.

It's easy to be swept up in the bells and whistles, however it's important to remember that strollers are essentially baby carriers that are used for extended durations. It should be comfortable for both passengers, easy to clean and maintain, and ideally, it should offer an intuitive, familiar design that the person pushing it is able to effortlessly maneuver it without having to think about how to move forward, turn left or right, or use the brakes.

Ease of Use

For families that are on the move, a double stroller should be easy to maneuver over a variety of terrains. Strollers that have features like windows that peek-a-boo, adjustable canopies and reliable brake systems are vital to ensure the safety of your children. But there are other features that make them simpler to use. For example the stroller must be compact enough to fit into the trunk of your car yet provide ample storage space for groceries and other belongings. It is also important to consider thoughtful additions like a cup holder with a single parent, parent consoles and a snack tray for kids--all things that will make life with two children significantly easier.

During our testing we evaluated each stroller on the basis of its performance on different surfaces and its ability to maneuver through tight spaces. We also looked at how easy it was to fold and unfold, and whether or not a particular feature enhanced the overall performance of the stroller. For example a stroller with a no-rethread harness makes adjusting the seat belts simple and easy. This is a huge selling point for parents who are constantly 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 accommodate growing families. The double-stroller that looks like a wagon can be expanded to accommodate an additional seat, a bassinet or even a toddler's riding board. This is ideal for families who plan to spend long hours in the car with a variety of children of various ages. It also glides smoothly over cobblestones, ball fields and pavements. It also it folds flat to make easy storage in a closet or trunk. Our test subject Kerry appreciated the straightforward, intuitive nature of this stroller's design. The sleek packaging, clearly marked sections and user's manual made it easy to assemble this stroller.

Stores

Double strollers can hold twice more than a single one So, make sure to 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, in addition to parents' belongings like wallets, phones keys and wallets. Look for pockets and baskets under the seats. Also, consider a stroller with an expandable cargo space that can take in bulky items like diaper bags and lunchbags.

A quality double stroller should be able to change as your family expands. Billingsley says that some models come with an attachment for a bassinet to accommodate infants. Other models come with child seats that can grow with the child until they are able to ride on the back. Some double strollers allow older siblings to join in the fun with riding boards.

You'll find a wide variety of double strollers available on the market, ranging from sleek, high-performance models that excel on rough terrain to budget-friendly models more for everyday use. As you shop, read reviews and suggestions from families like yours to gain a better sense of what to expect with the double stroller you select.

Double strollers come in three different designs including tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Billingsley says that side-by-side strollers are the most flexible and suitable for twins or children of a similar age. Tandem double strollers, on the contrary, have two seats that are arranged next to each other and facing in opposite directions. This is a good option for kids of the same age, or for siblings who like to interact with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces and are less likely to fit through doorways than their side-by-side counterparts.

If you prefer a wagon-style double stroller, check out this top pick from Safety 1st. Testers loved how this affordable model comes with a variety of seating options, including the ability to snap in two infant car seats or a single child riding in a convertible toddler seat. Our reviewers also praised the comfortable memory foam seats and the 50+ SPF canopy and foam-filled tires that never stop running flat. And when it's time for you to fold, this model requires just a couple of tugs on straps on each seat (under where the kids sit) to fold it in half.