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Double Strollers and Twin Strollers
If you have twins or two children who are close in age, then you may be looking at double strollers or twin strollers. And if you only have one baby at the moment, but anticipate having a second child soon, it might be financially sound to buy a two-seater right away and skip the single stroller altogether. Some parents with only one child even purchase a double model in order to have lots of room for hauling stuff while travelling or shopping!
Aren't Double Strollers and Twin Strollers the Same Thing?
No they aren't, actually, even though people often use them interchangeably. A twin stroller is made specifically with two children of the same age in mind, which means that the features are a little different. For example, on a true twin stroller, both seats should fully recline for newborns and it should also the option of attaching two infant car seats to it. That doesn't mean that you can't also use it for two children of different ages, however.
A double stroller is designed more for a baby and an older sibling. With the
tandem seating design,
the older child usually sits in the front seat, which doesn't recline fully, while the baby sits or lays in the fully reclining rear seat. It may have the option of attaching one infant car seat to the rear seat. Check out the
Graco DuoGlider Double Stroller.
Double strollers with a
side-by-side seating design
are suitable for both twins or a baby and an older sibling.
Types of Strollers for Two
You can find as many
types of baby strollers
for two children as for one child, adding to your options for getting out of the house when you need a change of scenery!
In addition to the "standard" tandem double stroller or twin stroller (used mainly for strolls and shopping), the following types of strollers and child carriers are available with seating capacity for two:
| Stroller Type |
| lightweight strollers (ex. umbrella strollers) - side-by-side design |
| stroller travel systems (stroller and car seat combination) - tandem design |
| universal car seat carriers (stroller frames) - tandem design |
| prams/carriages - tandem design |
| jogging strollers - tandem or side-by-side design |
| all-terrain strollers - side-by-side design
|
| bike trailers/strollers - side-by-side design
|
| wheeled multi-use child carriers - side-by-side design |
Other Ways to Accommodate Two Children
There are also "sit-and-stand" tandem double strollers that are really pushcarts with only one padded, secure seat for a baby and a jump seat with a platform for an older child to sit or stand on. Check this one out:
Baby Trend Sit N Stand Stroller.
Lifestyle Considerations
Like all strollers, some double or twin strollers are great for certain activities and not so great for others. Your lifestyle needs will determine which one will be the best choice for you.
And remember, many families have more than one stroller because they want the flexibility to do a variety of activities with their children without sacrificing comfort and function. Yes, you can find one double or twin stroller that permits you to go shopping and jogging with your two little ones, but just be aware that you will inevitably have to put up with some (or even many!) inconveniences.
Price Considerations
Unfortunately, the experts say that there isn't much choice between the low-price ($150) and high-price double and twin strollers ($300 and up), so your options are limited. You need to decide whether it's worth your while to pay more for a higher quality stroller right off the bat or take your chances and hope your low end stroller lasts you a few years without too many hassles.
Parent reviews of lower quality models abound with complaints about limited durability and breaking parts. Many parents write about how they wished they had paid the extra money for a better quality stroller in the first place, especially since double and twin strollers take twice the abuse of single strollers. High-end strollers also have a higher resale value (and are more likely to sell), which is something worth considering as well.
Recommended Features
If you're looking to purchase a double or twin stroller for general everyday use, make sure it has these
recommended features.
Innovative Double and Twin Stroller
If you're interested in looking at a unique double stroller, which is also a double jogging stroller, take a look at the
Runabout Sport Two Seater Stroller
. It can easily expand from being a one seater to a two seater, which is great if you're planning on having a second child later on.Runabout Strollers are a unique line of multi-child strollers that parents of multiple children and daycare providers rave about. They are hand-made one at a time in Oregon and are available for two, three, four or even five children from newborn to the age of 5 years (55 pounds).
Click here
for more information about the features and prices of Runabout Strollers, my own personal review and a special offer available only to Stroller Advisor visitors.
Best Double and Twin Strollers
Now, take a look at what the experts say are the
best double strollers and twin strollers
on the market.
Articles
Twins: Getting Out and About
- Getting out of the house with twins can be difficult, but with a little planning and flexibility, it can be done.
Double Strollers: What Do You Really Need?
- Narrow down the possibilities by answering 8 important questions about choosing a double stroller that's best for your lifestyle.
Resources for Parents of Multiples
Are you the parents or parents-to-be of twins or higher order multiples? Then check out my
Parent Resources
page for some very informative websites.
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