How to Choose the Perfect Double Stroller

Choosing the perfect double stroller turned out to be harder than choosing my first car.  It wasn’t until I was expecting my 3^rd child that I really felt the need to use a double stroller but with my two youngest being barely 22 months apart I wanted one, and after months of bedrest and plenty of pregnancy weight to lose, I needed one. Choosing which double stroller to buy, however, turned out to be a challenge.

 

Look Beyond your Local Stores

During my search for a double stroller I discovered that, while I had plenty of local stores to choose from, they all carried the same selection of double strollers. My research online made it clear that not only were there many more double strollers to choose from, but that the ones the local stores carried were not usually the best ones. The Graco DuoGlider is in nearly every store but while it’s affordable and gets the job done, it’s a bit like driving a cheap car – it’s just not fun to use. The problem with shopping online for a double stroller is that I had to base my decision off of online stroller reviews and gut instinct.  Returning a stroller that I purchased online was certainly an option, but many online retailers required that I paid for return shipping and I absolutely didn’t want to do that if I didn’t have to.

I looked for local boutique baby stores that were more likely to have a larger variety of double strollers and searched for single versions of the double strollers I was looking for in local stores to get an idea of what the double version would be like. I found that even when they carried a double stroller I was interested in, I could often find it cheaper online but it gave me the opportunity to test out the stroller in person before I made a purchase. Amazon price matches many sale prices for other retailers so they often have the lowest price and they offer free shipping.

Most stores will let you take a stroller for a test drive, either around the store or in the parking lot. Be sure and look at how easily the stroller folds, how heavy it is, and whether or not it has the features you are looking for. This will give you a better idea of what to look for if you turn to an online retailer.

Decide What Style Double Stroller you Want

I quickly discovered during my search for a double stroller that I did not want a traditional tandem stroller. While the narrower configuration of the tandem stroller was appealing for many situations, I found that most were just too awkward to push. I liked the feel of the side-by-side strollers much better, especially since I planned on using the stroller for several years and wanted to distribute the weight more evenly as my kids grew. I eventually ended up purchasing a Maclaren Twin Techno because of the great experience I’d had with their single strollers. Now, more and more companies are beginning to offer inline and modular double stroller options and those are ideal for most moms.

Many features are personal preference but sometimes you need to take a few strollers for a test drive so you can figure out what you like. Do you like a single handle or two handles? Do you prefer a 3-wheeled design?

Consider How you are Going to be Using your Double Stroller

A big consideration for me when buying a double stroller was the ease of folding and the total weight of the stroller. I knew myself well enough to know that if it was too complicated or heavy, I was probably not going to use it enough to make it worth the money – and double strollers are an investment. BOB double strollers got rave reviews from everyone I talked to and they are great strollers but for what I was looking for it wasn’t a good fit. I was still in my pre-minivan days and didn’t have a huge trunk to lug around a double stroller and after months and months on bedrest, I wasn’t exactly feeling like superwoman. That narrowed down my choices considerably.

Before beginning your search for the perfect double stroller, it helps to know what features are most important to you – because every stroller has it’s pros and cons so you probably aren’t going to find a stroller that has everything you are looking for. Do you want seats that will accommodate tall children? Are you looking for lots of accessories like great cup holders and a spot to put your cell phone? Do you travel a lot and need a stroller that will hold up to abuse from the airlines? Will the material on the stroller hold up to extended use? Are you going to be using your double stroller primarily inside or outside (while all double strollers will fit through a standard doorway, not all doorways are standard size)?

Once you determine which features are the most important to you, you’ll be able to target your search for a double stroller that will meet your needs.

Consider Alternatives to a Traditional Double Stroller

I realize that most moms start shopping for a double stroller as soon as they find out they are pregnant with #2, but you may not need a double stroller in every situation. If you have an older child who only uses a stroller occasionally, you may want to consider using a high quality baby carrier until your older child has outgrown the need for a stroller. Many single strollers can have a buggy board added to them to allow an older child to ride for short periods of time – perfect if you have a child who mostly prefers to walk on his own but sometimes needs a break (check out this awesome scooter buggy board from Mountain Buggy that can be taken off and used as a regular scooter). If you need something that accommodates an older child for longer periods of time, the Joovy Caboose Stand on tandem stroller allows an older child to sit or stand but is shorter and more maneuverable than a regular tandem stroller.