Not too long ago I was asked by a mama expecting her second baby if she should get a double stroller.
We had a conversation about the choices and recommendations. I thought I would share with you my experience.
While some people might advise you that having a double stroller can be heavy, cumbersome and even unnecessary, I have to disagree.
Before I found out my second pregnancy was actually two babies and not one, I was already cheering on the double stroller team. I knew it was going to make my life easier, without a doubt, and here is why: toddlers get tired.
You may be in your moment of happiness, glowing over the fact that your little one can now walk with you, side by side, holding hands, but the reality is that little ones get tired a lot faster than adults. And ultimately, children (dear I say of the ages of three even four years old) will tire out long before you are done your errand, or day excursion.
Call it a safeguard, but really it isn’t, because every time I had ever been out with my children, there was always a reason to use both seats of the double stroller. In fact, in my case I would have been wise to add an extension to the double stroller for my oldest!
This is the double stroller we used, and still did even a couple of years ago for days when we knew we would be out and about all day:
Our double stroller was an older version of this one from Easy Walker. We chose a sandy brown colour.
At the time, this was THE double stroller. We researched high and low for the best double stroller out there. I had few requirements but they were necessary in my purchase. Aside from the obvious safety standards, I was looking for a double stroller that was light, and one that could fit through a standard door frame. It is quite deceiving when you see it in person because it still is a very big unit. However, it DOES fit through a door frame without a problem. And that has saved us numerous occasions when visiting a store, zoo or museum and we have to get from one place to the other.
Our stroller also has the ability to lower the seats back to a reclining position, which is invaluable! Inevitably, one or more of my kids would be tired and ready to sleep while the other(s) would still want to stay upright.
Another fantastic bonus to this stroller is that when the two seats recline, I could actually fit all three of my kids in there when they all wanted a ride 😉
Other features to consider that are key in your double stroller enjoyment:
- A good UVB protective shade
- A good foot rest for the front (also comes in handy for the older child that wants a place to sit)
- Breathable fabric
- Washable fabric
- Easily collapsible for storage
- Good lock on the wheels
- Adjustable handle (for different height parents)
- A strong enough handle that can hold a light diaper bag or water bottle and clip
- Good grip tires for rough roads and winter conditions
- Area underneath for diaper bag, etc.
Since a double stroller is a big investment, you want to get the right one. I would even suggest taking them out for a test drive. If you can’t do that, at least play with them in the store. Check all the features and see if they work for you and your lifestyle.
If you have more than one child, what has been your experience with double strollers?
4 comments
We bought a double stroller when I was expecting baby number two and our oldest was two years old. Getting through the door at coffee shops was one of my tests and we bought a Bumbleride which fit the bill. The wheels were aligned with the frame rather than outside it. I’m so glad we got a double stroller for all the reasons you mentioned. This past summer we sold it to a couple expecting their second child and although it was time (our boys are now 3 and 5) we still miss it sometimes!
I miss ours too, Sara! I sometimes think it could still come in handy!! lol
I completely agree that the double is worthwhile. My kids are two years apart and I resisted for a long time – we have, and love, an Uppababy Vista and made do with the second seat and footboard for a while. But then I caved and bought a second-hand double Mountain Buggy and it’s so much better. Sometimes tough to navigate in stores but otherwise great – especially in snow!
For us is was essential, but it came in handy with the three together many times, Janet. I never ended up getting the footboard and sometimes think it would have been great.