Traveling with multiple children can be a challenging experience, especially when it comes to transporting them around.
For parents, choosing the right stroller is essential for keeping their little ones safe and comfortable during their journey. And while there are many options available on the market, two popular choices are double strollers and stroller wagons.
Let's explore the differences between the two which may help you decide which one is the best fit for your family's needs.
Double Strollers
Double strollers come in many different styles and configurations such as side-by-side, tandem, and even jogger strollers.
The main advantage of a double stroller is in its variety. You can often find options that can accommodate infants and toddlers, making it a decent option for parents with kids of different ages. Double strollers also tend to be more compact and lightweight than stroller wagons, which makes them easier to maneuver through narrow spaces and crowded areas.
One potential downside of double strollers is that they can be challenging to fold and store, which can be a problem for families with limited trunk space or that are traveling often. Additionally, double strollers can be expensive and parents need to ensure that the stroller's weight limit is sufficient to accommodate both children.
What we use: Uppababy Vista V2
Why I like it: While it is an expensive stroller, we purchased our Vista before our first child. We used it as a single right up until the birth of our second and used it a lot even as a double. The toddler seat PLUS the infant bassinet coming with the purchase of this stroller made it a great option for our family with two babies under two.
Downsides: Very heavy, very long and very expensive; especially as the second baby grows out of the bassinet. Instead of purchasing the $200 rumble seat for baby number 2 we opted to invest that money into another kind of stroller.
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Stroller Wagon
Stroller wagons, on the other hand, are a newer addition to the market and have gained popularity in recent years. Stroller wagons are designed to look like wagons but function as strollers. They are generally larger than double strollers and can sometimes accommodate more than two children at a time, making them ideal for larger families or families with multiple children. Stroller wagons also tend to have more storage space than double strollers, which can be helpful for carrying supplies and other essentials.
Stroller wagons are also designed to be more versatile than double strollers. Some models can convert into a bench or a table, making them a useful addition to picnics or outdoor activities. They also tend to be more stable and durable than double strollers, which can be beneficial for rough terrain or bumpy roads.
However, stroller wagons can also have some disadvantages. They are often heavier and bulkier than double strollers, making them more difficult to maneuver through tight spaces or crowded areas. Depending on the brand they can also be more expensive than double strollers, and parents need to ensure that the stroller wagon can accomodate the needs of each individual child even if they are different ages.
What we use: Baby Trend Expedition 2-in-1 Stroller Wagon
Why I like it: While it has all of the benefits of the stroller wagon, it moves more like a stroller. I found it actually took up smaller space than the Vista and can be maneuvered really well around tight spaces and corners. It comes with a car seat adapter so within the already affordable price, it was ideal for my children at this age but will also grow with them. Plus we went with the "upgraded" version in the muv which also featured rubber wheels and nicer finishes.
The standard version however is still totally worth the buy as well.
There are really very few changes between that one and the one we purchased from BuyBuyBaby. We just wanted the rubber wheels for when we travel through Europe because #cobblestones.
Downsides: So far there aren't many. The vista is definitely a smoother push. It practically drives itself but for 4x the price I would hope so...
Additionally when baby is very small, they should not be in a car seat for very long and definitely not more than two hours. So having the bassinet on the Vista was ideal for that time. You can lay baby flat in the wagon, but the likelihood of my toddler kicking them the whole time is well... very likely.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing between a double stroller and a stroller wagon, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, and it ultimately depends on the needs of the family.
Double strollers are more compact, lightweight, and affordable, making them a practical option for parents with limited storage space or budget. Stroller wagons, on the other hand, are more versatile, stable, and can accommodate more children, making them ideal for larger families or outdoor activities.
Whichever option parents choose, it's important to consider the safety, comfort, and convenience of both the children and the parents. By doing so, parents can make an informed decision and enjoy their journey with their little ones.
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