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 traveling 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 lies 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 TwoYou 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:
Other Ways to Accommodate Two ChildrenThere 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 ConsiderationsLike 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 ConsiderationsUnfortunately, the experts say that there isn't much choice between the low-price ($200) and high-price double and twin strollers ($400 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 FeaturesIf 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 StrollerIf 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).
Best Double and Twin StrollersNow, take a look at what the experts say are the best double strollers and twin strollers on the market.Resources for Parents of MultiplesAre 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.Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Raising TwinsI have twin boys, so I know what it's like to go through the endless nights with very little sleep, the almost constant breastfeeding, the crying "in stereo" and the lack of time to do things like get dressed or showered in the morning. Regardless of the fatigue I was feeling, I wanted to learn about how to best take care of my twins. However, finding the time to scour the Internet for information on raising twins or reading long-winded books about twins is difficult when you're right in the middle of it!I discovered a wonderful e-book written by a mother of twins called Twins! The Survival Guide. It is the result of her own experience and that of many other twin moms she's interviewed. She also researched many other books about twins and hundreds of web pages, letters and emails from moms and dads of twins. "This book is a simple practical, pick-up-and-read guide. It’s a book to make your life with twins a joy and a little less of a relentless struggle. It’s a book filled with do’s, not don’ts." If you know someone who is having twins or already has them, I strongly recommend you get them this book TODAY! TOP of Double Strollers and Twin Strollers HOME to Stroller Advisor
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