What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The best double strollers grow with families and provide clever features to keep children at ease and content. The best double strollers offer adjustable footrests, as well as smooth rides over old sidewalks, gravel and trails.
Kerry was delighted that the stroller was packaged in multiple boxes, however everything was clearly labeled and easy for her to open. She also liked that the stroller can be used with two infant car seats and can be used with a riding board for older kids.
Seating Options
When it comes to double strollers, seating options are what makes or breaks the purchase for many families. You'll need to take into consideration the age of your children, the sizes of them and the seating arrangements you like.
For instance, if have children who are close in age and will be sitting side-by-side, consider a tandem model that has child seats linked to each other and doesn't require you to use car seat adapters, explains Alli Cavasino an editor in the senior position at Consumer Reports. They're typically larger than other double strollers, however they won't fit into standard door frames in your home.
If your children are of a different age, you might want to consider a stroller with two seats that can be converted into a stand-and ride model. This allows a child to watch or ride with their siblings. These types of in-line strollers can also fit infant car seats should they be required, and are a good option for children who will be three to five years apart, according to Billingsley.
You should also look at the type of seat material, explains Billingsley. Some offer more breathable fabrics than others and are easier to keep clean. It's also important to take into consideration how easy it is to fold your stroller for stowing or transporting to and from your car. "Nothing is more frustrating than acquiring your dream stroller, but finding it's too heavy to lift or too large for your trunk," she says.
If you're looking for a low-cost option that has multiple seating configurations look no further than this award-winning model from Summer Infant that comes with two toddler seats with a bassinet attachment. It could be expanded to make a triple stroller, with an additional seat or riding board. The seats recline, and the control of the calf bar can be adjusted in a separate manner. This is great when one child wants a nap while another is looking to explore the surroundings. When folded, it's compact and can fit easily into most trunks.
Age Variations
For families with kids who are near in age, a sit and stand stroller is the ideal combination of comfort for both children and user-friendliness. These strollers usually have seats for infants or toddler in front and a platform or bench that lets an older child stand or hop on and off in the back. These strollers are great for older children and toddlers but not suitable for infants or children who do have the coordination and balance to stand on their own.
A narrow tandem stroller lets you to keep both children within sight at once, and can fit through tight spaces like aisles in the grocery store or for family photos in the parks. These models are smaller and more maneuverable than double strollers that are side-by-side however they don't offer as much storage under the carriage and aren't able to accommodate an infant car seats.
If you're planning to utilize a double stroller for some time--or even for a decade or more--it's worth buying a stroller that can adapt to your children's needs. Double strollers are more expensive than single ones however, if you choose them wisely, you'll save money over the long haul.
Our test participants took each stroller through a series maneuverability tests and off road adventures. They found them simple to maneuver over different terrains. If you plan to use it in urban areas or in cities where sidewalks and traffic can be bumpy, you might want something more robust and durable that can handle rough treatment.
Double strollers are made to last, but the seats could be worn out earlier than you think or your children might outgrow them before they're ready for retirement. If you are on a tight budget, choose a model with a rating of at minimum four years. It is best to use it for as long as possible.
Ease of Use
It's crucial to ensure that the double stroller is easy to use by both children. It means that the harnesses must be comfortable for children who sit, and the handles should be simple to grasp for toddlers. The stroller can also be easily rolled and moved around obstacles and in tight spaces. The top-rated strollers in our Lab tests, including the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie or Thule Urban Glide 2 Double, are among the easiest to maneuver.
A double stroller should also be easy to fold up and put away. The most effective models come with the option of a two-step or one-step procedure, and are small enough to fit into most trunks. It's also an advantage if the stroller is versatile and has the option of adding an additional seat or ride-along board. Some can even hold infant car seats, meaning you don't have to wake up your baby to transfer them into their stroller when they're ready for a trip home.
Additionally, a great double stroller must be durable to be able to be used on a variety of terrain. Some are able to be converted into a jogging stoller with a special front wheel and others can be used as umbrella strollers. Some strollers come with a bag that can be tacked at the back to carry shopping bags and groceries.
Another thing to consider is whether you want an oversized stroller that can be used side-by-side or as a tandem. double pushchair -by-side strollers are generally wider than tandem models, and they aren't easy to maneuver through narrow spaces like doorways or aisles of the grocery store. However, they provide the convenience of allowing each child to view the same scenery. They can also be more easy to navigate in a storm, as they provide more coverage from the elements for both kids.
Many parents opt to buy a stroller that can be converted from single to double, so they can use it with a baby and then later switch to a regular double once their kiddos are older. However, after talking to parents, we've learned that it's best to purchase what you need now, rather than trying to predict what your family might need in the future.
Storage
When you're looking for double-strollers, it's crucial to take into consideration the amount of storage available and the dimensions. Many models come with spacious, easy-to-access baskets that can accommodate a lot of cargo. Many models also come with multiple cup holders for parents and seats that can be reversible to give the best legroom for children. Certain of these features could make the price more expensive so make sure you go through the reviews and descriptions carefully.
The majority of double strollers are classified as tandem or side by side models. Tandem strollers are two seats in one frame and are suited to older babies who can sit unassisted. They also typically have a much larger storage basket than side-by-side strollers, but some are awkward or difficult to push when the front seat is fully reclined.
The side-byside stroller features two seats that are placed side-by-side. They're generally best suited to infants or toddlers, who aren't yet ready for sitting on their own. They also have the advantage of usually being easier to maneuver and push than tandem strollers. They are more expensive and have smaller baskets.
There are also specialized double strollers designed for biking and jogging. They're generally more expensive than all-terrain strollers and come with fixed front wheels, which limit their mobility. These strollers are only worth considering if you intend to use them for these types of activities.
If you're looking for twins or a baby and an older toddler, or a child who isn't quite ready to walk on their own, there's a perfect double stroller available. The top choices that we tested are flexible, stable, and easy to use and have seating that grows as your children grow. Take a look at our top picks for the best double stroller to fit your family whether you're looking for a tandem or one that accommodates your infant car seat.