A Comparison of Double Strollers

A Comparison of Double Strollers
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Double strollers position children side by side and are popular with parents of twins and those with two small children in the house. They're generally easier to steer than tandem strollers, which position one child in front of the other, but they can be hard to fit through doors and along narrow sidewalks. Also, many models feature relatively narrow seats as compared with tandem strollers.

Weight and Bulkiness

Double strollers tend to be less bulky than tandem strollers, but nevertheless it's easy to find models weighing in at more than 35 pounds. If you're looking for a lightweight stroller, consider models such as the Graco DuoRider, which weighs 24 pounds; the Jeep Wrangler Twin Sport All-Weather by Kolcraft, which weighs 23 pounds; or the Combi Twin Sport, which weighs 22 pounds.

Foldability

Another factor to consider is how easy it is to fold up a double stroller. Umbrella-style strollers are purposefully lightweight and fold into a compact shape, and there are a few double-stroller styles on the market. An added bonus is that they're usually relatively inexpensive. Models in this style include the Jeep Wrangler Twin Sport All-Weather by Kolcraft and the Maclaren Twin Techno.

Maneuverability

The small wheels of umbrella-style strollers, on the other hand, are often not suited for use on uneven ground. If you're looking for extra maneuverability, consider jogging-style strollers with a large front wheel, like the BOB Sport Utility Duallie or the Baby Jogger City Mini Double. The trade-off is that these models are less compact when folded.

Special Features

Other questions and features to consider: How much shade do the sun canopies provide? How much storage do you need built into the stroller? Does it fit through a standard 30-inch doorway? How far do the seats recline? Is it compatible with car seats? Generally, you'll pay more as you add more features.

Price

Double strollers range widely in price, from about $100 for the Jeep Wrangler Twin Sport All-Weather by Kolcraft to about $750 for the Mountain Buggy Urban Double. The Maclaren Twin Techno and the Baby Jogger City Mini Double represent the midrange point at about $400.

References

Article reviewed by Tara Merrill Last updated on: Jun 1, 2010

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