Types of Double Strollers : Now that we know why we need a Double Stroller and what are the factors to be considered while buying a Double Stroller, the next question that jumps to the mind is, are there several types of Double Strollers? Yes, indeed. Since there are two children involved and both of different age and weights, unless they are twins, we can explore their seating arrangements to see which would be most convenient. There are two broad categories based on the seating positions of the children, and have their own advantages and disadvantages.
(a) Tandem type: In these types of Double Strollers, the children sit one behind the other. The advantage here is that these Double Strollers are almost the same width as single stroller, so it is easy to maneuver.
The basic versions have a front seat that reclines a bit, and the rear seat reclines fully. The staggered seating ones have higher seat in the front or back. Some have a stadium-style seating so even in any reclining position the rear seat is placed higher. Having the younger child in front and the elder heavier one at the back results in good weight distribution.
There are further two sub-categories of double tandem stroller, as given below:
- Sit and Stand : In this type of stroller too, the children sit one behind the other. However, in the back there is a standing platform as well as a seat so that the elder child can either stand or sit whatever he feels like. This is most suitable when there is a younger child and another who is two or more years old.
- Stand on Tandem : In this type, the older child can stand in the rear facing the front. This is suitable if the elder child is about 3 years or more and prefers not to sit on the seat of the stroller. He can walk along or stand as he likes as the standing platform at the back is easily accessible to hop in. If he gets tired, he can turn around, face the back and rest on the padded rear seat. The main advantage is that it is less bulky and easy to maneuver as it is almost the length of a single-stroller.
(b) Twin : Also known as side-by-side, it is like a single stroller copied twice side-by-side. Thus since all features are identical, they are best suited for twins. Sitting side by side, they can also communicate better with each other. But it has a prominent disadvantage, in that, it is almost twice wide so it is difficult to maneuver through doors and at other crowded places. In case it is not used for twins, but babies of different ages, then due to the difference in their weights, steering becomes difficult and the stroller tends to veer towards the heavier weight child.
Despite these disadvantages, double stroller side by side score over Tandem in that, they are available in a wide variety; such as; All-terrain strollers, fixed-wheel joggers, umbrella strollers etc. They are also available over a wide price range.