The Most Successful Double Strollers Gurus Are Doing Three Things

Buying Guide For Double Strollers

A double stroller is a great investment when you have two kids with similar age. These compact tandem buggies or flexible side by side buggies let you keep both children in the same place while navigating the grocery aisle or in parks, or whatever else life can throw at you.

Comfort

When shopping for a double stroller, comfort is a major consideration. This can include both the seating arrangements and the overall dimensions of the stroller which can impact the 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 reputable double stroller must be able to handle different surfaces with ease from suburban sidewalks to park paths and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should come with a variety of seating options for children of different stages of development, as well as comfort features like peek-a-boo windows and adjustable canopy options that shield kids from the sun or rain.

Seating options are important for many families that will use a double stroller from the time of birth until childhood. "There are two main categories--in-line with one seat ahead of the other, and side-byside with seats adjacent to each other," Billingsley explains. "Some parents prefer an in-line option for its sleek look and versatility, whereas others prefer a wagon-style double stroller to make the most space for bulky items or groceries."

In-line models tend to have this kind of difference. Certain models may provide different recline options, with one being nearly flat, and the other one remaining fairly upright. Billingsley recommends selecting a product with a near-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 so that they can quickly access their snacks, personal items and toys in motion. She also suggests that it is helpful to choose a stroller that comes with a parent console or organizer bag attached on the handlebars. This will help parents keep their essentials at hand.

Some of the top-rated double strollers are expandable, allowing parents to customize the configuration to meet the requirements of their growing family. For example the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used with just a single seat as early as 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 carry the weight of two passengers--plus any additional cargo. Strollers should also be easy to maneuver and push, especially in tight areas and on terrain that is difficult to navigate. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars and adjustable heights which make it easier for parents to maintain good form when pushing them. Another great feature is a no-rethread belt harness that allows for a more comfortable adjustment of the seat belts. Finally, a sturdy brake system and wheels that glide across any surface are crucial safety features.

Some parents opt for the side-by-side design to allow both children to be together on family outings. This arrangement can reduce sibling rivalries over who sits in which spot however it's not foolproof. If the seats are different heights, a child could kick or punch another during a walk in the event that the seats are at different levels.

A tandem stroller is a excellent option for parents with twins or siblings who are close in age. It allows them to be able to see both children simultaneously. However, these can be wider than other double strollers, and they may not be able to fit through all interior doorways. For maximum flexibility, think about a stroller that can change from a single stroller to a tandem in different ways, such as the renowned CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can be adapted to a wide range of configurations and allow you to click in infant car seats or cot attachments, depending on your needs.

If you're looking for a tandem or a side-by-side stroller, make sure that the stroller has been JPMA certified to meet stringent safety standards. Pay attention to the weight limit that applies to each seat. Overstepping these limits can cause frame fatigue or other problems.

It's easy to get caught in the jingles and whistles, but it's important to keep in mind that strollers are essentially baby carriers that are used for a long period of time. It should be comfortable for both passengers as well as easy to clean and maintain, and ideally, it should offer an intuitive, familiar design so that the person pushing it is able to easily maneuver it without having to think twice about how to move forward, turn left or right, or apply the brakes.

Simple to Use

For families who are constantly on the move, a double stroller needs to be able to navigate a variety of terrains. Features like adjustable canopy windows, peek-aboo windows, and dependable braking systems are critical to help ensure the safety of your children but there are other factors that contribute to stroller ease of use. For instance, a stroller must be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your car yet provide ample storage space for groceries and other belongings. It's also important to include thoughtful details, such as the cup holder for one parent or consoles for parents, as well as a snack tray. These will make traveling with two kids much easier.

During our testing, we evaluated each stroller based on its performance on various surfaces and its ability to maneuver in tight spaces. We also assessed 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 no-rethread harnesses makes adjusting the seat belts simple and easy. This can be a major benefit for parents who are on the move, as it saves time and eliminates the need to re-thread the harness.

The UPPAbaby 2 Double scored highly in this measure because it offered a wide range of seating configurations, and other accessories that could accommodate growing families. The double-stroller that looks like a wagon expands so that it can accommodate an additional seat, a bassinet or even a toddler's riding board. This is perfect for families who want to spend long hours on the road with multiple children of different ages. It also glides smoothly over pavement, cobblestones and ballfields--and can be folded flat for simple storage in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is simple and easy to use which was well-loved by our test subject Kerry. Its clever packaging, clearly labeled sections and an informative user guide made assembling this stroller an absolute breeze.

Stores

Double strollers can hold twice as much as a single one, so make sure you look for plenty of storage space. Ideally, you'll want an item that can hold the necessities for both kids, including nappies, bottles, snacks and toys, in addition to parents' belongings like wallets, phones keys, wallets and phones. Find baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, consider a stroller with an expandable cargo space to accommodate bulky items such as diaper bags and lunchbags.

A good double stroller should be able to adapt to the needs of your family. Billingsley states that certain models come with an attachment for a bassinet to accommodate infants. Some models have child seats which can grow with the child until they are old enough to ride on the back. Some double strollers allow older children to join in the fun by riding on the rider board.

You'll find a wide variety of double strollers available on the market, ranging from sleek, high-performance options that can handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models that are more suited for daily use. While shopping, read reviews and opinions of families similar to yours to get an idea of what you can expect from the double stroller you choose.

Double strollers are available in three different design formats: side-by-side, tandem, and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers offer the most flexibility and are perfect for twins or children who are close to their age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers, on the other hand, feature two seats set next to each other and facing in opposite directions--a good option for kids of the same age or for siblings who enjoy interacting with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through tight spaces, and are less likely to fit into doors.

If you're looking for a wagon-style double stroller, take a look at this top choice from Safety 1st. This affordable model was praised by test participants for its various seating configurations. It can be used with two car seats for infants or one child in a convertible toddler seat. Our experts also praised memory foam seats, canopy with 50+ SPF and foam-filled wheels that never go flat. And when  double buggy side by side  to fold, this model needs only a few tugs on the straps of each seat (under the seats where kids are) to fold in half.