What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The best double strollers are designed to grow with your family and come with clever features that keep your kids at ease and happy. The best double strollers offer adjustable footrests as well as smooth rides over gravel, old sidewalks, and trails.
Kerry was delighted that the stroller was packaged in multiple boxes, but everything was clearly labeled and easy for her to open. She also liked that the stroller can accept two infant car seats, and can be paired with a ride-board for older children.
Seating Options
Seating options are an important factor in determining whether or the family will buy a double stroller. You'll want to consider the age of your children, their respective sizes, and the seating arrangements that will work best for you.
Alli Cavasino is a senior editor for Consumer Reports. She says that if you are looking to buy a tandem stroller, it is best to consider one with child seats that are attached. This model does not require car seat adapters. They are generally larger than other double strollers, however they might not fit through standard door frames in your home.
If your children are older age, you might want to consider a stroller that has two seats that can be converted into a stand-and ride model. This will allow children to watch or ride along with their siblings. These types of in-line strollers can also accommodate infant car seats, in the event that they are needed, and are a good option for children who will be 3 to 5 years apart, according Billingsley.
Billingsley explains that you should be aware of the material used for the seat. Some offer more breathable fabrics than others and are easier to keep clean. It's also important to consider how easy it is to fold your stroller to store it or transport it to and from your car. "There's nothing more frustrating than purchasing your dream stroller only to discover that it's too heavy or bulky for your trunk," says the expert.
If you're looking for a budget-friendly option that has multiple seating configurations take a look at this award-winning model from Summer Infant, which has two toddler seats, a bassinet attachment and can be made into a triple stroller with an additional seat or riding board. The seats recline and the calf bar controls can be adjusted separately. This is great when one child wants to rest while another is looking to explore the surroundings. It's also compact when folded and easily fits in the majority of trunks.
Age ranges
For families with children who are similar in age, a sit and stand stroller can provide the best combination of comfort for children and adults and ease of use. These strollers have an area in front that seats an infant or toddler and a platform, bench or another type of surface at the rear that allows older children to stand up and walk on/off. These strollers are ideal for older children and toddlers, but not for babies or children who do have the coordination or balance to stand on their own.
A narrow tandem stroller lets you to keep both children in sight at the same time, and also be squeezed into tight spaces such as aisles in the grocery store or for family photos at the parks. These models are smaller and more maneuverable than side-byside double strollers, but they don't have as much storage under the carriage, and they're not able to fit an infant car seat.
If you plan on using a double stroller over many years, or even for a decade, you should consider purchasing one that will grow with your kids. Double strollers are generally more expensive than single strollers, but if you choose the right one first time it could save you money over time.
Our testers ran each of these strollers through a series of maneuverability tests and off-road excursions and found them to be simple to navigate through different terrains. If you intend to use it in urban areas or in cities where sidewalks and traffic can be bumpy, you might want something more durable and sturdy that can handle rough treatment.
Double strollers are made to last, however the seats can be worn out earlier than you anticipate or your children might outgrow them before they're ready to retire. If you're on a tight budget look into one that has been evaluated for at least four years and aims to last for as long as you can.
Simple to Use
If you're planning to invest in a double stroller, it's essential that it be simple to use for both children. This means that the harnesses need to be comfortable for children who sit and the handles must be easy to grasp for toddlers. double pram and pushchair means that the stroller rolls easily, and can be maneuvered in tight spaces and around obstacles. In fact the top-rated strollers from our Lab tests -- such as the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie and Thule Urban Glide 2 Double--are among the easiest to push.
A double stroller should also be easy to fold up and take down and store. The best models fold in two or three steps and are compact enough to fit in most trunks. It's an advantage to add a second chair or a ride-along to the stroller. Some strollers can even accommodate infant car seats, so you don't have to wake up your baby to get them into their stroller when they're ready for a trip home.
Furthermore, a quality double stroller needs to be sturdy to be able to be used on different types of terrain. Some of them can be converted into a jogging stoller with a front wheel that is specially designed and others can be used as umbrella strollers. Some even come with cargo baskets that can be attached to the rear of the stroller to carry groceries or shopping bags.
A tandem or side-by-side stroller is another option worth considering. Side-by-side strollers tend to be wider than tandem models, and aren't easy to maneuver through narrow spaces like doorways or crowded grocery store aisles. They are convenient because they allow both children to enjoy the same view. They are also much easier to navigate in bad weather since they provide more protection from the elements.
Many parents opt to purchase an adaptable stroller that can be used with a baby, and later converted into double strollers when their children get older. But after talking to parents, we've learned that it's best to purchase what you need at the time instead of trying to predict what your family might need in the future.
Storage
When looking for double-strollers, it's crucial to consider the amount of storage space available and the size. A lot of models have large accessible baskets that can accommodate a lot of cargo. They often also have multiple parent cup holders and convertible seating arrangements that provide the most comfortable legroom for children. However, some of these features can increase in price and it's crucial to read the descriptions and reviews carefully.
Most double strollers are categorized as tandem or side-byside designs. Tandem strollers feature two seats that are positioned on the same frame and are generally better suited for older babies who have already learned unassisted sitting. They tend to have more storage space than side-byside models. However, some models can be difficult to push when the front seat is fully reclined.
The side-byside stroller features two seats that are positioned side-by-side. They're usually better suited for younger babies or toddlers, who aren't yet ready for sitting independently. They are also easier to push and maneuver than tandem strollers. They are more expensive and come with smaller baskets.
There are also specialized double strollers that are designed specifically for biking and jogging. These are more expensive than standard all-terrain strollers and usually come with fixed front wheels that restrict their mobility. They are worth considering only if you intend to use them for these activities.
Whether you're shopping for twins or a baby and an older toddler, or a child who's not yet ready to go out on their own, there's a perfect double stroller out there. The top choices in our tests are affluent and stable. They're also easy to navigate with seating that expands as your kids do. Check out our top picks for the best double stroller to meet your family's needs whether you're looking for a tandem or one that can accommodate your infant car seat.