If you're in the market for twin strollers, you'll probably look at baby catalogs or ask your friends and colleagues. You might visit a store to get an idea of what they look like. It's a critical purchase since you want to make sure that your children are getting the best and the safest strollers.

Whether you shop online or offline, these tips should serve as guidelines when purchasing twin strollers:

1.Type

Tandem or side-by-side? Both models have their advantages and disadvantages. Side-by-side are easier to fold and are lighter. Both babies have equal access to most entry and exit points of any given place. The tandem types (front and back) are cheaper in price and are ideal for tight spaces.

2.Materials

Pay attention to the materials used by the twin stroller manufacturer. Are they environmentally safe? Sturdy? Do they meet government standards for safety? Are they lightweight? Can they withstand inclement weather conditions? You don't want to be stuck with rusty twin strollers after they've been exposed to rain and snow.

3.Wheels

You want to be able to take your babies everywhere. This is why it is essential to ensure that the wheels of your twin strollers are all-terrain wheels. These wheels can withstand rugged surfaces, slippery and rough roads. No matter what the street conditions are, your twin strollers should glide smoothly through curbs and sidewalks and muddy fields!

4.Mobility/Foldability

Modern twin strollers take into account the fact that vehicles and home entrances as well as bedrooms have access areas that vary in size. Make sure your twin strollers can fit into the tiniest spaces such as alleys, corridors, narrow doors and check-in points in public places like airports, supermarkets, and gas stations. One vital factor is to check the foldability of twin strollers. Can they be folded when not in use and do they take up a lot of storage space? Jot down the folding dimensions of the twin strollers just in case.

5.Warranties

It is important to ask for at least a 12-month guarantee from the store. Defects in design can render twin strollers un-usable and impractical after a few months due to manufacturing defects.

6.Testimonials/Consumer Reports

If you can't decide on which type or brand you want and you're wondering what the experiences of others are with respect to certain models, then read testimonials (most online store publish testimonials on their web site) and consumer reports. It is a fact that recommendations and referrals are often what clinch a deal.

7.Accessories and Extras

Find out if your twin strollers come with practical accessories: hoods, bags, and extra safety harnesses for the handle bars and seats. Find out if the cloth lining is machine-washable. Examine the parking brake as well. A great bonus is if the seats can be configured in four different seating positions ? since babies we know are restless and wiggly creatures!

8.Inventory and Shipping

If your need for twin strollers is urgent, you don't want to settle on a type only to find out at checkout that it's on back order or will arrive only after 8 weeks. Make sure you clarify availability and shipping with the retailer.

As for capacity, twin strollers should be able to carry a maximum weight of 60 pounds. No less!