Why Double Strollers Will Be Your Next Big Obsession

Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is a great investment for families with two children with similar ages. double buggy 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 at you.
Comfort
When shopping for a double stroller, comfort is a major aspect to take into consideration. This can include the seating arrangement as well as the overall size, which has an impact on ease of use and storage. "Parents should determine how much the stroller weighs and its dimensions folded," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They must also take into consideration the seat recline options as well as the ages of their children to ensure that it's the perfect fit."
A well-constructed double stroller will be durable enough to travel on various surfaces with ease, from suburban sidewalks to park trails, and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should offer a range of seating options for children of different age groups, and features that provide comfort, such as a peek-aboo windows and adjustable canopy options that protect children from the sun or rain.
For a lot of families, a double stroller will be used from birth and into childhood, so it's important to consider the seating options. Billingsley says there are two major categories: in-line, with one seat in-front of the other and side-byside with seats adjacent to each other. Some parents prefer the in-line model due to its sleek style and flexibility. Others prefer the wagon style double stroller to maximize space for grocery or bulky items.
In-line models are more likely to have this kind of difference. Some models might offer different recline options, with one seat being nearly flat, and the other remaining relatively upright. Billingsley recommends selecting a product with both a near flat recline as well as leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children lay down comfortably.
She also suggests that parents look for strollers with storage compartments to allow them to easily access personal items, snacks and toys when in motion. She also suggests that it is beneficial to choose a stroller that includes a parent console or organizer bag, that can be attached to the handlebars. This will help parents keep essentials close in their reach.
A few of the top-rated double strollers can be expanded giving parents the ability to customize the setup based on their family's needs. 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 an additional seat and bassinet) as the child gets older.
Safety
Double strollers need to be able to carry the weight of both passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers should be easy to maneuver and push, particularly on difficult terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to help parents maintain good posture when pushing them. Another nice feature is a no-rethread belt harness that allows for a more comfortable adjustment of the belts on the seat. Finally, 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 see one another during family outings. This arrangement can prevent siblings fighting over who is allowed to sit in which spot but it's not a guarantee. If the seats are placed at different heights, one child could be able to kick or punch the other during a walk.
A tandem-style stroller is a excellent option for parents with twins or siblings that are similar in age. It lets parents see both children at once. These double strollers can be larger, and might not fit through certain doors inside. Think about a stroller that is single-to-double that can be transformed from a single to double in various ways. The most popular models are the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you opt for a side-byside or tandem-style stroller, make sure the product is certified by JPMA to meet stringent safety standards. Pay attention to the maximum weight limit for each seat. Exceeding these limits could cause frame fatigue and other issues.
It's easy to be swept in the jingles and whistles, but it's important to keep in mind that strollers are in essence baby carriers that are carried for long periods of time. It must be easy to clean and maintain and comfortable for both passengers. It should also have a an easy-to-use, familiar design that allows the person pushing the stroller to maneuver it effortlessly.
Easy to Use
For families who are constantly on the move, a double stroller should be easy to maneuver over different terrains. Features like adjustable canopy systems with windows that peek out and reliable braking systems are critical to help ensure the safety of your children, however, there are other elements that affect stroller ease of use. For instance the stroller should be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your car, while still offering ample storage space for food items and other things. 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 significantly simpler.
In our testing, we evaluated each stroller on how well it did on a variety of terrains and how easily it could maneuver in tight spaces. We also assessed how easy it was to fold and unfold and whether or not a particular feature added to the overall function of the stroller. For example, a stroller with no-rethread harnesses makes adjusting the seat belts quick and simple. This is a major selling point for parents who are on the move because it cuts down on time and eliminates the need to re-thread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double was a top performer in this metric, as it offered an impressive range of seating configurations and additional accessories to accommodate growing families. The wagon-style double stroller is able to allow for a second seat, a bassinet or even a toddler riding board that is perfect for active families planning long days on the go with multiple kids of varying ages. It also glides smoothly across cobblestones, balls and pavements. It can be folded flat for simple storage in a closet or trunk. The design of this stroller is simple and intuitive and was a big hit with our test participant Kerry. Its stylish packaging with clearly labeled sections as well as a helpful user guide made putting together this stroller a breeze.
Storage
A double stroller is able to hold twice as much as a single stroller so look for ample storage space. Ideally, you want a stroller that is able to hold the essentials for both kids--nappies bottles, snacks, and toys, as well as parents' belongings like wallets, phones keys and wallets. Find baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller that has an expandable cargo area to accommodate bulky items such as diaper bags and lunchbags.
A quality double stroller will be able to adapt to the needs of your family. Billingsley states that certain models come with the option of a bassinet attachment that can accommodate newborns. Others have child seats that can expand with the child until they are old enough to ride on the back. Some double strollers also allow for a rider board to allow older siblings to take part in the fun.
There's a wide selection of double strollers available on the market, from sleek, high-performance options that excel on rough terrain to budget-friendly models that are more suitable for use in the everyday. While shopping, you can read reviews and suggestions from families just like yours to get a better idea of what to expect from the double stroller you pick.
Double strollers are available in three different styles: tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Billingsley says that side-by-side strollers are the most adaptable and ideal for twins as well as children of similar ages. Tandem double strollers, on the contrary, have two seats that are placed adjacent to one another and facing in opposite directions. This is a great option for children of the same age, or for siblings who love to interact with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces, and are less likely to be able to fit through doors.
If you prefer a wagon-style double stroller, check out this top pick from Safety 1st. This model is affordable and was praised by test participants for its multiple seating configurations. It can be used with two infant car seats or one child sitting in a convertible toddler seat. Our experts also praised memory foam seats and canopy that has 50+ SPF, and foam-filled wheels that never go flat. When it's time for folding, this model only requires a few tugs on the straps underneath each seat (under where kids sit) to fold.