What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The best double strollers grow with families and provide innovative features that keep kids at ease and content. This includes adjustable foot rests and a smooth ride on trails, gravel and old sidewalks.
Kerry was delighted that the stroller was packaged in multiple boxes, but everything was clearly labeled and simple for her to open. She also appreciated that the stroller accepts two infant car seats and can be used with a riding board for older kids.
Seating Options
When it is double strollers, the seating options are the main factor that determines the purchase for many families. You'll need to consider the age of your children, their relative sizes of them, and the seating arrangements you prefer.
Alli Cavasino is a senior editor at Consumer Reports. She says that if you're looking to buy a tandem stroller, you should look at one that has child seats attached together. double pram pushchair doesn't require car seat adapters. These are typically wider than other double strollers, however they won't fit into standard door frames in your home.
If your children are older age, you might be interested in a stroller that has two seats that can be transformed into a stand-and ride model. This will allow children to watch or ride with their sibling. These types of in-line strollers can also fit infant car seats, if needed and are a great option for children who are 3-5 years apart, says Billingsley.
You'll also want to consider the type of seat material, explains Billingsley. Some are more breathable than others and are more easy to clean. It is also important to consider how easy it will be to fold down your stroller for storage or transportation to and from your car. "Nothing is more frustrating than acquiring your dream stroller but then realizing it's too heavy to lift or too large for your trunk," she says.
If you're looking for an affordable option that offers different seating options, check out this award winner from Summer Infant that comes with two toddler seats as well as a bassinet attachment. The stroller could be expanded to make triple stroller by adding an additional seat or riding board. The seats recline and the control of the calf bar can be adjusted separately. This is great when one child needs a nap while another is looking to explore the surroundings. When folded, the seat is compact and can fit easily into the majority of trunks.
Age Ranges
For families with children who are similar to their ages, a sit-and-stand stroller is the perfect combination of comfort for both children and user-friendliness. These strollers typically have a seat for an infant or toddler in front and a platform or bench that lets an older child stand or jump on and off in the back. They are great for big toddlers and preschoolers, but won't be ideal for babies or children who don't have the balance or coordination to stand on their own.
A narrow tandem stroller can help keep your eyes on both children at once and fit through tight spots like aisles of the grocery store that are crowded or family photos in the park. These models are often narrower than double strollers that are side-by-side and are able to move more easily however they aren't able to accommodate carseats for infants and generally don't have the same amount of storage under the carriage.
If you're planning to use a double stroller for several years--or even a decade or more--it's worth investing in an option that will adapt to your children's needs. Double strollers are more expensive than single strollers however, if you select them correctly, you can save money in the long run.
Our test participants took each stroller through a series maneuverability tests and off-road adventures. They discovered that they were easy to navigate on different terrains. If you intend to use it in cities or areas where the traffic and sidewalks can be bumpy, then you may want something that is more durable and robust capable of handling rough treatment.
Double strollers are made to last, however the seats could be worn out earlier than you expect or your children may outgrow them before they're ready for retirement. If you're on a tight budget, consider getting one that's been evaluated for at least four years and is designed to last as long as is possible.
Easy of Use
It is essential to ensure that the double stroller is easy to use by both children. This means comfortable harnesses for children who sit and handles that are easy to grasp for toddlers who stand. The stroller can also be easily rolled and moved over obstacles and tight spaces. The top strollers we tested in our Lab tests, like the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie or Thule Urban Glide 2 Double are among the easiest to maneuver.
It's also important that a double stroller be easy to fold and to store. The best models use an easy one- or two-step procedure, and are small enough to fit into most trunks. It's an advantage if you can add a second seat or a ride-along stroller. Some strollers can even accommodate infant car seats, so you don't have to wake your baby to put them into their stroller once they're ready to go home.
In addition, a good double stroller must be durable to be able to be used on various types of terrain. Some are able to be transformed into a jogging stoller with a front wheel that is specially designed and some can also be used as umbrella strollers. Some strollers come with a bag that can be put to the back of the stroller to carry shopping bags and other items.
A tandem or side-by-side is another option worth considering. Side-by-side models are usually wider than tandems, and can be difficult to navigate tight spaces such as doorways or crowded aisles in grocery stores. However, they provide the convenience of allowing each child to enjoy the same view. They can also be more easy to navigate in a storm as they provide greater protection from the elements for both kids.
Many parents decide to purchase an adaptable stroller that can be used by a baby and later converted into double strollers when their children reach an older age. After speaking with parents, it became apparent that it is better to buy what you need today rather than to try to predict what you'll require in the near-term.
Stores
When looking for double-strollers, it's crucial to consider the amount of storage available and the dimensions. Many models come with large, easy-to-access baskets that can store plenty of stuff. Many models also come with multiple cup holders for parents as well as reversible seat configurations to provide the best legroom for children. Some of these features can increase the cost so make sure you go through the reviews and descriptions carefully.
The majority of double strollers can be classified as tandem or side by side models. Tandem strollers come with two seats on the same frame and they're typically better suited for older children who are already comfortable with sitting without assistance. They also typically have a larger storage basket than side-by-side models, though they can be a bit difficult or awkward to push when the front seat is reclined fully.
Side-by-side strollers have two individual seats positioned side by side, and they're typically better suited to younger babies or toddlers who haven't mastered independent sitting yet. They are also more maneuverable and easy to push than tandem strollers. They are more expensive, and they have smaller baskets.
There are also specialized double strollers specifically designed for biking and jogging. They are more expensive than the standard all-terrain strollers, and they usually have fixed front wheels that restrict their mobility. They're worth considering only if you plan to use them for these activities.
There's a double stroller to suit every scenario regardless of whether you're purchasing one for twins or a child who's not yet ready to ride on their own or not yet old enough to be a proper rider. The top options we've found that we tested are flexible and stable. They're also easy to maneuver, with seating that grows as your children get older. Check out our top picks for the top double stroller that will fit your family, whether you are seeking a tandem stroller or one that will fit your infant car seat.