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Buying Guide For Double Strollers If you have two kids who are close in age, a double stroller could be a valuable investment. These narrow tandem buggies or flexible side by side buggies will keep both children within sight when you are navigating the aisles of your grocery store and parks, as well as whatever else life throws at you. Comfort Comfort is a major factor to consider when shopping for a double-stroller. This includes both the seating arrangement and the overall dimensions of the stroller which impacts convenience and storage. “Parents should check 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 and the ages of their children to ensure it is a perfect fit.” A well-constructed double stroller will be robust enough to navigate various surfaces with ease, from urban sidewalks to parks trails and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should come with a variety of seating options for children at different ages, as well as features that provide comfort, such as a peek-aboo window and adjustable canopy which protect children from rain or sun. For a majority of families, a double stroller will be utilized from birth until childhood, so it's important to think about the seating options. “There are two main categories: in-line with one seat in front of the other, and side by side with seats adjacent to each other,” Billingsley explains. “Some parents prefer an in-line option for its sleek design and versatility, whereas others prefer a wagon-style double stroller to make the most space for large items or grocery bags.” While double umbrella stroller may have different recline options – with one seat being almost flat, while the other is upright, this type of distinction is more common in in-line models. Billingsley suggests selecting a model 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 parents look for strollers with storage compartments to allow them to quickly access their snacks, personal items and toys when moving about. She also says that it is beneficial to find a stroller which comes with a parent console or organizer bag attached on the handlebars. This will help parents keep essentials close at hand. Some of the best-rated double strollers can be enlarged to allow parents to modify the layout 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 tandem (with an additional seat and bassinet) as the child gets older. Safety Double strollers should be able to handle the weight of two passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers must also be simple to maneuver and push, especially in tight spots and on difficult terrain. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to ensure that parents maintain a good posture when pushing them. A harness that does not need to be rethread that makes the adjustment of seat belts quicker and easier, is another nice feature to look out for. Also, a strong brake system and wheels that glide over any surface are important safety features. Some parents choose side-by-side designs that allow both children to view one another during family outings. This arrangement can prevent sibling fights over which child is allowed to sit where however it's not foolproof. If the seats are different heights, a child could punch or kick another during a walk in the event that the seats are at different levels. A tandem-style stroller is a great option for parents with twins or siblings who are similar in age. It lets them see both children at once. However, these can be more spacious than other double strollers, and they may not be able to be able to pass through all doors in your home. You could consider a single-to-double stroller that can be converted from a single to double in various ways. The most popular models are the CYBEX gazelle S. Whether you choose a side-by-side or tandem stroller, make sure that the stroller is JPMA-certified to meet stringent safety standards. Be aware of the maximum weight limits for each seat, as over-weighting could lead to frame fatigue or other issues. It's easy to get caught up in the bells and whistles, but it's important to keep in mind that strollers are in essence baby carriers that are used for a long period of durations. It should be comfortable for both passengers as well as easy to clean and maintain, and most importantly it should have an easy-to-use, familiar design so that the person pushing it can easily maneuver it without having to think twice about how to move forward, turn left or right, or apply the brakes. Easy of Use For families that are on the move, a double stroller must be able to navigate different terrains. Features like adjustable canopy systems, peek-aboo windows and reliable braking systems are critical to help ensure the safety of your children but there are other factors that affect stroller ease of use. For example the stroller should be compact enough to fit into the trunk of your car yet provide ample storage space for your groceries and other items. Also important are thoughtful touches like a cup holder with a single parent as well as a console for parents and a snack tray for kids—all things that make life on the go with two kids significantly easier. During our testing we evaluated each stroller according to its ability to perform on different surfaces and its ability to maneuver through tight spaces. We also looked at how simple it was to fold the stroller and then unfold it in a timely manner, and if a specific feature enhanced the overall functionality. A stroller without rethread straps is easy to adjust the seat belts. This can be a huge selling point for parents who are on the move because it cuts down on time and removes the need to re-thread the harness. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double was a top performer in this measure, since it offered an impressive range of seating configurations and additional accessories to accommodate families that are growing. The wagon-style double-stroller 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 a lot of time in the car with a variety of children of various ages. It also glides smoothly across pavement, cobblestones and ballfields—and it folds flat to make simple storage in a closet or trunk. The design of this stroller is simple and easy to use and was a big hit with our test participant Kerry. Its smart packaging, clearly labeled sections and an informative user guide made putting together this stroller an absolute breeze. Storage A double stroller can be able to hold twice as much stuff as a single stroller, therefore, you should look for plenty of storage space. You want a stroller with enough storage space to hold the essentials of both parents and children like bottles and snacks, toys, and diapers. Find baskets under the seat as well as other pockets, and consider a stroller with an expandable cargo space that can carry bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags. A good double stroller will be able to adapt to the needs of your family. For instance certain models come with a bassinet attachment that can be used for newborns, and others have child seats that can be adapted to your children until they're ready to move to the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers even permit a rider's board that allows older children to be part of the fun. There are a variety of double strollers on the market. You can choose from models with high-performance features which are suitable for rough terrain, as well as more budget-friendly options that you can use on a daily basis. As you shop, read reviews and suggestions from families just like yours to get an understanding of what to expect with the double stroller you choose. Double strollers are available in three different designs: tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-by-side strollers are the most versatile and suitable for twins or children of similar ages. Tandem double strollers come with two seats arranged in tandem, facing opposite directions. This is a good option for children of the same age or siblings who prefer to interact with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces, and 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 model is affordable and was praised by testers for its many seating options. It can be used with two car seats for infants or one child sitting in a convertible toddler chair. Our experts also praised memory foam seats, canopy with 50+ SPF and foam-filled wheels that will never wear out. When it's time to fold, this model needs only a few tugs on the straps of each seat (under the seats where kids are) to fold it in half.