The Reasons Double Strollers Is Everywhere This Year

Buying Guide For Double Strollers

A double stroller is a great investment for families with two children of similar age. These narrow tandem buggies as well as versatile side by side buggies allow you to keep both children within sight while you shop and parks, as well as whatever else life throws at you.

Comfort

When shopping for a double stroller, comfort is a major factor to consider. This includes the seating arrangement and overall size, which can have an impact on the ease of use and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child expert in development from the Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, suggests parents check the stroller's weight and folded dimensions. "They must also take into consideration the recline options for seats, as well as the ages of their children to ensure it's a perfect fit."

A reputable double stroller must be able to navigate a variety of surfaces easily, from suburban sidewalks to parks, and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should also have flexible seating arrangements for children of varying age groups and comfort features such as windows that peek out and adjustable canopy to protect children from sun or rain.

For many families double strollers will be used 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 that are next to each other," Billingsley explains. Some parents prefer the inline option due to its sleek style and its 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 distinction is more common in models that are in-line. Billingsley suggests selecting a product that has a nearly flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats, so that each child can sleep comfortably.

In the end, she suggests looking for strollers with storage compartments that enable parents to access their snacks, toys and personal items while on the move. She also recommends that it's helpful to choose a stroller that has a parent console, or organizer bag that is attached to the handlebars. This can help parents keep essentials close at hand.

Some of the top-rated double strollers can be expanded which allows parents to alter the set-up based on the needs of their expanding 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 the addition of a second seat and bassinet) as the child gets older.

Safety

Double strollers need to be able to carry the weight of two passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers must be able to move and push, especially when on rough terrain and in tight spaces. The best double strollers strollers have ergonomic handlebars and adjustable heights which make it easier for parents to maintain a good posture when pushing them. A harness that does not need to be rethread that makes the adjustment of seat belts faster and easier to do, is a nice feature to look out for. A sturdy brake system and wheels that can glide over any surface are important safety features.

Some parents opt for a side-by-side design that allows both children to see each other during family outings. This arrangement can stop siblings fighting over who is allowed to sit in which spot, but it's not foolproof. If the seats are located at different heights, a child could kick or punch another while walking in the event that the seats are at different levels.

For parents of twins or siblings close in age, a tandem double buggy-style stroller can be beneficial in being able to see both children at the same time. However, these can be wider than other Pushchair double strollers, so they might not be able to pass through all doors in your home. For maximum flexibility, think about a single-to-double stroller which can switch from a single stroller to a tandem in various ways, such as the well-known CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can accommodate a wide range of configurations and permit you to insert infant car seats or cot attachments, depending on your needs.

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

It's easy to get caught in the sound of bells and whistles, but it's important to remember that strollers are in essence baby carriers that will be carried for long periods of durations. It should be comfortable for both the passengers as well as easy to clean and maintain, and ideally it should feature an intuitive, familiar design 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.

User-Friendliness

A double stroller must be easily maneuverable on various of terrains for families that are constantly on the move. Strollers that have features like windows that can be opened and closed, adjustable canopy and reliable brake systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children. But there are also other features that make them more convenient to use. For instance the stroller must be small double stroller enough to fit in the trunk of your car, but still provide ample storage space for food items and other things. It's also important to include thoughtful details, such as a cup holder for one parent as well as consoles for parents and snacks on trays. These will help make traveling with two children much easier.

During our testing we evaluated each stroller based on its performance on different surfaces and its ability to maneuver through tight spaces. We also looked at how easy it was to fold the stroller in half and then unfold it in a timely manner, and if a specific feature enhanced the overall functionality. For example a stroller with a no-rethread harness makes adjusting the seat belts simple and easy. This can be a huge benefit for parents who are on the move since it reduces time and eliminates the need to re-thread the harness.

The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double was a top performer in this metric, as it came with a variety of seating configurations and additional accessories to accommodate families that are growing. 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 that plan to spend long days in the car with a variety of children of different age groups. It also glides smoothly across pavement, cobblestones and ballfields--and folds flat for easy storage in a closet or trunk. Our test subject Kerry loved the simple, intuitive nature of this stroller's design. The smart packaging with clearly marked sections as well as a user's manual made it easy to put this stroller together.

Stores

Double strollers can hold twice as much as a single one So, make sure to look for plenty of storage space. You'll want a stroller that has enough storage space to store the essentials of both parents and children like bottles as well as snacks, toys and diapers. Look for baskets that fit under the seat and other pockets, and consider a stroller with an expandable cargo space that can carry heavy items such as diaper bags and lunch bags.

A quality double stroller will be able to adapt to the needs of your family. Billingsley states that certain models have a bassinet attachment to accommodate infants. Others have child seats that grow with the child until they are old enough to ride on the back. Some double strollers permit older siblings to share in the fun with the rider board.

You'll find a wide variety of double strollers on the market, from elegant, high-performance models that are able to handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models that are more for everyday use. While shopping, take a look at user reviews and recommendations from families like yours to gain an idea of what to expect with the double stroller you choose.

Double strollers are available in three models: 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 similar ages. Tandem double travel buggy strollers on the other hand, feature two seats that are placed next to each other and facing opposite directions. It's a great option for children of the same age or for siblings who like to interact with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces, and are less likely to fit in doorways.

Take a look at this top choice by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon style double stroller. This affordable model was praised by testers for its many seating options. 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 and canopy that has 50+ SPF, and foam-filled wheels that will never wear out. And when it's time for you to fold, this model needs only a couple of pulls on the straps on each seat (under the seat where kids sit) to fold in half.