What Should I Look for in a Double Stroller?

When I found out I was pregnant with my second my daughter was 12 months old, and I knew I needed to find a good double stroller, there was no way I was going to be able to live without one. So, for the next 7 months I researched double strollers until I found one that I felt would fit my lifestyle. So, which one did I finally go with? The Phil and Ted's Sport with Doubles Kit. I like it, and have used the heck out of it, but not every stroller fits every family, so here are some things you should ask yourself before buying a double stroller.

* What is the age difference between my kids?

If you have a smaller age gap between your kids (say 2 under 2) you will need to make sure the stroller you get is good for at least a couple of years and is comfortable for both kiddos. Look for seats that adjust separately, sunshades that adjust separately, and things like that. If your kids are more spread out, you might want to look for a double stroller more in lines of a sit n stand. Your older kiddo probably won't want to always be in the stroller and so you will probably really only need a double stroller for long trips (if this is the case invest in a single stroller for the new baby).


* Where do I live and what am I going to be using the stroller for?

If you live in a city and do a lot of traveling on public transportation like the metro, etc, you are going to want a light weight double that is front to back. There is nothing more embarrassing than not being able to get your stroller through the door of a store or cafe or into the elevator in the metro (but air filled tires are a REALLY good idea for city dwellers!). If you don't live in a bigger city and you are going to be using your stroller a lot, it doesn't really matter if you get a front to back or a side by side, but you will want to look for air filled tires (makes the ride smoother) and you are also going to want to look for shocks if you are going to be using the stroller on rough terrain.


* Are my kids attached? Will the like sitting next to each other or in front and behind each other?

Some kids don't like sitting next to their brother or sister, and they tend to fight. If this is true getting a side by side isn't the best idea. If you have twins or two kiddos who really like seeing each other and being able to touch each other, a front to back is probably not the best idea. My girls like to see and play with each other, they are always near each other. I have both a side to side and a front to back. When they are in the front to back there is a lot of whining, twisting, and "I want to see Evie". But, where they are in the side by side they play, share food, and keep each other occupied.


So here are some of my stroller suggestions:

* EasyWalker Duo- a side by side, great wheels and shocks, fully adjustable seats and canopies, roomy, easy to maneuver. I HIGHLY recommend this!

* Phil and Ted's Sport with Doubles Kit- a front to back, convertible from single stroller to double, easy to use, comfortable.

* Joovy Sit n Stand- a sit n stand type stroller, good for larger gaps between children.