Double Strollers: Read This Before You Buy!

Any parent of twins, or who has two toddlers close in age, knows the value of having a good double stroller. But for new parents, the number of choices available can be confusing. Choosing the right stroller for your needs can make all the difference.

Most standard double strollers these days are so well designed, they all do the job fairly well. They are, for the most part, suprisingly lightweight and easy to steer. With features such as swiveling wheels and pneumatic tires, strollers have become much easier to turn and provide a smoother ride. With other features such as cup holders and ample storage areas, double strollers are now more convenient than ever. They are quite versatile, and appropriate for most parents who need one "do-it-all"stroller.

One of the fundamental choices with double strollers is side-by-side seating or tandem, where the children sit one in front of the other. Tandem strollers are longer but narrow, making them easier to navigate through doorways or narrow store aisles. The negative here is the twins fighting over who sits where. If one child is taller, he/she can sit in the rear seat of a tandem stroller and see everything pretty easily. A side-by-side stroller fixes that problem, but the extra width can make it difficult to maneuver in cramped spaces.

Double strollers are also available as an umbrella stroller. They are very lightweight and fold up compactly, so they don't take up much trunk or floor space. I highly recommend them for short trips or running errands. They do not typically have any storage space, so plan to carry a bag for baby gear. My personal opinion is its worth investing in a good quality brand if you choose an umbrella stroller, like Peg Perego. The cheaper models are not very sturdy.

The double jogging stroller is great for young parents into maintaining their excercise routine and staying in shape. They are great for jogging, hiking, or long walks. They give the children a comfortable ride, but are primarily designed for traveling in a straight line, being difficult to turn around corners. Because of this, you wouldn't want to choose one of these for the grocery store or shopping mall.

Written by a father of 3 1/2 year old twins who knows how hard it can be to stay active and flexible with a young family.