How to Choose the Correct Twin Stroller

Deciding on which style of twin stroller to choose is very important as this is a major purchase. Buying the wrong one can be a costly mistake and also creates problems that limit your ability to get from one place to another with your twins. Each type of stroller has its own advantages and disadvantages. You can have the best of all worlds if you are lucky enough to be able to afford buying more than one variety of stroller. However for most people, twin strollers are just too expensive for them to be able to purchase more than one or they simply do not have the space. Therefore, they must settle on the stroller that meets the requirements of their budget and lifestyle.

A good way to make up your mind on which stroller to get, is to consider how and where you will use the stroller. Will you need one that is light weight and easier to open and close because you will constantly be taking it in and out of your vehicle? Or will you just leave it open in the garage for walks around the block? Will you be going shopping in a crowded mall or down aisles where space is a premium or will you just be taking the twins out for some fresh air in a spacious park? Will you use it on pavement, dirt or floors? Talking with other parents you know for their opinions can also be very beneficial. The following comparison of the two main types of twin strollers can help with the decision making process.

Style One is a Tandem Twin Stroller.

The design of this stroller is where the seats are arranged front to back and one child sits behind the other. Some have the even seating and others have the stadium seating which is where the child in the back sits slightly higher than the one in front. There is also a version where the front seat can swivel so the children can sit face to face. Another model of the tandem type is a Sit and Stand Twin Stroller. Here the stroller can convert to a platform in the rear for a toddler to stand.

Pros:

1. They are easier to steer in crowded situations because they are narrower.

2. They have better control when there is only one child in the stroller.

3. Some versions can accommodate car seats or carriers.

Cons:

1. Their design makes them generally harder to control and maneuver.

2. While the back seat can totally recline, usually the front seat can only recline some of the way down unless it is a larger model.

3. Sometimes you must be careful not to recline the back seat if a child is not sitting in the front seat because it may tip the stroller. Check the instruction sheet.

4. The child in the back may not get as good a "view" as the one in front causing fights unless you get one with stadium seating. However, if the front canopy is up, stadium seating will not help because the canopy will block the view.

5. The child in the back may torment the one in the front by poking or pulling hair.

6. This style doesn't allow the children to interact so they may become bored quicker.

7. The child in the rear seat may not have enough leg room.

Style Two is a Side-By-Side Twin Stroller.

As the name suggests, this is where the seats are arranged side to side and the children are facing front.

Pros:

1. Both seats can recline all the way down.

2. They operate better because they are of a more steady design.

3. Both children get the same "view" as the other.

4. There is plenty of leg room for both children.

5. The design allows the children to interact better and they may not get as bored.

Cons:

1. Because they are wider, they can be difficult to fit in doorways or in cramped areas.

2. When there is only one child in the stroller, they can be harder to steer because the weight distribution is out of balance. This too can occur if you have children of different ages and one weighs more than the other.

3. The design permits the children to poke and fight.

As a side note, both tandem and side-by-side strollers also come in jogging models. They are made for the parent who wishes to get in some healthy exercise. They are better on rougher terrain. Some styles can be used as a bicycle trailer so you can ride your bike and have the kids in tow.

Once you have narrowed down the type of twin stroller you are looking to buy, go out and "test drive" a few. First try lifting them to see how heavy they are. Next open and close them to find the most trouble-free. Then push the strollers around preferably with a child or two sitting in them and see which brand has better handling.

Next ask yourself the following questions.

1. Is there enough room for children to grow?

2. What is the maximum weight allowed?

3. Can you get the children in and out safely?

4. How easy is the fabric to clean?

5. Does it have a large storage area underneath and is it simple to gain access?

6. What accessories does it come with or what extras can you buy?

While no twin stroller is everything to everyone all the time, informed parents that do proper research will be able to locate the best twin stroller for their particular circumstances. Thus relieving themselves from undue stress, unhappy children and wasted money.