Many families put as much thought into choosing a double stroller as they do into selecting the make and model of a new car! And for good reason. When you have multiples, a stroller is a crucial piece of equipment. Your mobility depends on it. Without one -- or with the wrong one -- moving babies from place to place can be a logistics nightmare. The right double stroller makes for happy babies and happy parents.
There is no one perfect double stroller. If there was, every family with twins would own it. Different families have different needs; some stroller models meet particular needs better than others.
Types of Double Strollers
Double strollers for two babies come in two basic configurations: tandem double strollers (or front/back) where the seats are arranged in a line with one behind the other. In the other model, usually called "side-by-side" double strollers, the children sit next to each other, facing the same direction from the same linear position. There are advantages and disadvantages to both styles, and most parents have a strong preference for one or the other.
Here are some common opinions:
"I am a mother of 11 month old fraternal twin girls. I have always preferred the side-by-side strollers for a number of reasons. (1) Both seats recline all the way down. In tandem strollers, the front seat doesn't usually recline all the way; (2) both kids have the same view on the world; and (3) they are easier to maneuver around corners and are much more stable." -- Marina, mom of Sarah and Rachel
"We started using our side by side and it is such a pain. Yes, it folds small and is fairly light but it won't fit through a single door at our church -- we always have to open two. Sometimes in stores you have to "go around." -- Lana, mom of 14-month-old girls, Grace and Anna
"Before my girls were born, we bought a tandem stroller, thinking it was less "twinny" and more versatile. But it was absolutely useless. From a very early age, the baby in the back seat was miserable and would cry and kick the back of the front seat, thereby making the other baby miserable too. Miserable babies make for a miserable mommy! I ended up having to sell that tandem and buy another new stroller -- a side-by-side -- which served us well until my daughters outgrew the need for a stroller." -- Pam, mom of six-year-old girls
"I recommend a tandem stroller, and especially with the new tandems that take two infant car seats. I think a side-by-side would be too hard to manuver in certain places, like stores with crowded aisles. I guess it really depends on where you plan on using your stroller. Some people say their twins fight over who gets to sit in the front with a tandem -- my boys are almost 2 and never fight over that." -- Cathy, mom of James and Robert
What do you prefer? Take the Stroll Poll.
Try out models in both styles to evaluate which you feel most comfortable with. Some families realize the need for both styles. Talk to other parents about their experience with different models; your local multiples club is a great resource for this kind of information. You'll also find some helpful input right here in our message forum.
Read on for more tips on selecting the right double stroller for your twin babies.
