by Mark Very

Created on: December 12, 2009   Last Updated: December 13, 2009

Double Strollers - Know Your Options Before You Buy!

Any parent of twins, or who has two young children close in age, knows the importance of having a good double stroller. I know...believe me. I am the father of 3 1/2 year old twins. But for new parents, the number of options 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 perform well. They are, for the most part, surprisingly lightweight and easy to maneuver. With features such as swiveling wheels and pneumatic tires, strollers have become much easier to turn and provide a smoother ride. Additional features such as cup holders and well-designed storage areas, double strollers are now more convenient than ever. They are quite versatile, and suitable for most parents who need one stroller for all occasions.

One of the basic 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 maneuver through doorways or narrow store aisles. The downside here is the twins fighting over who sits where. If one child is older, he/she can sit in the rear seat of a tandem stroller and see everything pretty easily. A side-by-side stroller solves that problem, but the extra width can make it difficult to maneuver in tight 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. No storage space, so be prepared to carry a backpack 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 cheap models are not very durable.

The double jogging stroller is great for young parents into maintaining their excercise regimen and staying fit. They are great for jogging, hiking, or long walks. They give the children a smooth 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 take one of these to 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.

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