Tips for selecting double stroller for your baby

Posted by Angela Brown on May 30th, 2019

Whether you are expecting multiples or are expecting a new little brother or sister, you may be in the market for a double stroller.

Strollers that can accommodate more than one child are perfect for getting you through most any situation with two (or in some cases, even more) kids. Going to the grocery store? No problem. Park day with the gang? Strap them in!

But wait: what features should you be considering? What is worth paying for and what is just another bell and whistle? What is the difference between a side-by-side and tandem stroller?

Well, what you need depends on how varied your needs are, the space you have available, and the temperaments and ages of your children.

The experts at The Baby Cubby always recommend asking yourself these three questions before going through this guide:

    Where will you take your stroller?
    What are your children's temperaments (how well do they get along)?
    How much space do you have on a regular basis in your car trunk?

Got your answers? Good. Let's get you on your way to finding the double stroller of your dreams!

The First Choice: Which kind?

When it comes to double strollers you have two main options: the in-line (or tandem) stroller where one seat is (generally) higher than the other; and, the side-by-side where each child has their own space. Both have their pros and their cons, and both types are better for different activities.

There are also other types of double strollers to consider for specific reasons, such as having an older child along with a baby or for a very active lifestyle.

Why You Would Want an In-Line

In-line strollers are one of the fastest growing sections of the double stroller industry. Parents love their sleek looks, versatility, and easy handle. There is a lot to be said for these beauties, but let's talk about the nitty gritty details.

Best Double stroller – 2019 Guide

Versatility

Although there are some in-lines on the market that feature built-in seats that do not move (much like a side-by-side, but just stacked in front of one another) the up and coming models are what the industry refers to as single and double modular strollers. What does this mean? That either one or both seats can be turned to face forward, or face towards the parent (AKA backwards). What does this mean for you? More versatility. Think about when your three- or four-month-old baby is finally ready to go in the stroller. Do you really not want to be able to see them? With a modular stroller all you have to do is turn the seat around to face you! That way, they're not missing out on the wiggle room and you're not missing out on all that face-to-face time. Or, what if you have two children and have both seats on? Are they bored? You have the option to turn the seats to face each other and the kiddos can play together while you get all of your shopping done! (Or at least you can dream they will.) In any case, versatility is the name of the game when it comes to parenthood, so it's no wonder in-line modular strollers are quickly making a name for themselves.

For example, the Baby Jogger City Select stroller features over 16 different configurations, making it possible to stick with one stroller from the birth of your first baby until two little ones are preschoolers. It's also available in tons of colors, including your choice of frame color.

Check out this You Tube video for more information on how this inline stroller functions.

Maneuverability

Maneuverability can sometimes be a tricky thing for double strollers, but that is where in-lines are mom's new best friend! Because of their “stacked” design, they tend to be shorter than the old “limousine” models that you may have grown up with. This makes for easy meandering around tight corners or spaces. It is important to keep in mind though that because the weight is centered on a line ahead of you, some models can be more difficult to push than others. That's why when looking for in-lines you will want to check their tires. Ask:

    How large are the wheels?
    What are the wheels made of?

Let's address question 1 first –

Have you ever seen a jogging stroller? True joggers have very, very large wheels – some even up to 15″. Why? Because the larger the wheel the smoother the ride. Same goes for every other stroller on the market. Thus, if you are getting larger wheels on your in-line double you will most likely be getting a smoother ride.

source: everydayfamily.com/slideshow/everything-you-need-to-know-about-double-strollers