What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The best double strollers grow with families and offer clever features to keep children at ease and content. This includes adjustable foot rests as well as a smooth stroll on trails, gravel and old sidewalks.
Kerry loved that the stroller arrived in multiple boxes but everything was labeled well and was easy to open. She also liked that the stroller can be used with two infant car seats and can be combined with a riding board for older children.
Seating Options
Seating arrangements are a key aspect in determining whether or not a family will purchase a double stroller. You'll need to consider the age of your children, their relative sizes of them, and the seating configurations you prefer.
For instance, if have children of similar age that will be seated together, 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, a senior editor at Consumer Reports. These are typically wider than other double strollers, they might not fit into standard door frames within your home.
If you're facing an age gap between your kids, consider a dual-seat stroller that can convert to a stand-and-ride model that has an elevated or small bench seat in the back for a kid who likes to just ride along with their sibling. These in-line strollers are also capable of accommodating infant car seats when needed and are suitable for children who are three years apart.
You'll also need to consider the type of seat material, according to Billingsley. Some offer more breathable fabrics than others, and are easier to clean. You should also consider how easy it is to fold your stroller to store it or for transporting it between your vehicle and home. "Nothing is more frustrating than acquiring your dream stroller but finding it's too heavy to lift or too big for your trunk," she says.
If you're looking for an affordable option that has different seating options look no further than this award winner from Summer Infant It comes with two toddler seats, a bassinet attachment and could be expanded to make triple stroller by adding an additional seat or riding board. The seats recline, and have control mechanisms for the calf bar that allow them to adjust independently, which is great for when one child is looking to nap while the other wants observe their surroundings. It's also compact when folded down and easily fits into the majority of trunks.
Age Variations
Sit-and-stand strollers are a great option for families with children who are close in age. They provide convenience and comfort. These strollers usually have a seat for an infant or toddler in the front, and a platform or bench that lets an older child stand or jump on and off in the back. These strollers are ideal for older toddlers and children but not suitable for infants or children who do not have the balance and coordination to stand on their own.
A narrow tandem stroller can help keep an eye on both kids at the same time and get through difficult areas like crowded grocery store aisles or family photos at the park. These models are usually narrower than side-by-side double strollers and are able to move more easily but they don't have the capacity to fit infant car seats and typically do not offer as much undercarriage storage.
If double pram pushchair plan on using a double stroller for the course of a few years or even over a decade, it's worth investing in an item that can expand with your kids. Double strollers tend to be more expensive than single strollers. However, If you choose the right one first time around it could save you money over the course of time.
Our test participants put each of these strollers through a series of maneuverability tests as well as off-road adventures, and they found them to be simple to navigate over different terrains. If you plan to use it in urban areas or cities where the traffic and sidewalks can be bumpy, then you may want something that is more durable and robust capable of handling rough treatment.
A lot of double strollers are made to last for a long time, but you might notice that the seats are used up faster than you anticipated or your kids outgrow it before it's ready to retire. If you are on a tight budget, choose a model with a rating of at minimum four years. It should last as long as it can.
Simple to use
It is essential to ensure that the double stroller is comfortable to use by both children. This means comfortable harnesses for kids who are seated and handles that are easy to grab for toddlers who stand. This also means that the stroller can be moved easily and is able to 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 among the most easy to push.
It's also crucial that a double stroller be easy to fold and to store. The most efficient models fold in just a couple of steps and are compact enough to fit in most trunks. It's also an advantage that the stroller can be used in a variety of ways, with options to add an additional seat or ride-along board. Some even have the capacity to hold infant car seats, meaning you don't need to wake up your baby to transfer them into their stroller when they're ready to head home.
In addition, a good double stroller must be durable so that it can be used on various types of terrain. Some can be transformed into a jogging stoller with a front wheel that is specially designed and some can also 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 to consider. Side-by-side strollers are typically wider than tandem models, and they aren't easy to maneuver through narrow spaces like doorways or aisles of the grocery store. They do offer the convenience of allowing every child to see the same scene. They are also easier to navigate during bad weather because they offer more protection from the elements.
Many parents opt to purchase an adaptable stroller that can be used with a baby, and then converted to double strollers when their children reach an older age. However, 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
If you're shopping for a double stroller, then you might want to consider the size and the amount of storage space. A lot of models have large, easy-to access baskets that hold plenty of stuff. Many models also have several cup holders for parents and seating configurations that can be reversed to provide the best legroom possible for children. However, certain features can be costly in price, so it's important to read descriptions and reviews carefully.
Most double strollers are classified as tandem or side-byside designs. Tandem strollers are two seats on one frame and are best suited to older babies who are able to sit without assistance. They typically have larger storage baskets than side-by-side models. However, some models can be difficult to push when the front seat is fully reclined.
The side-by-side stroller comes with two seats that are placed side-by-side. They're usually better suited for younger babies or toddlers who aren't yet ready for sitting independently. They also have the benefit of being generally easier to push and maneuver than tandem strollers. However, they tend to have smaller storage baskets than tandem strollers, and can be more expensive.
There are also special double strollers specifically designed for biking and jogging. They are generally more expensive than all-terrain strollers and have fixed front wheels, which restrict their mobility. It is worth looking into them only if you intend to use them for such activities.
There's a double stroller for any situation, whether you're buying one for twins or a child that's not quite ready to ride on their own, or a child who's not yet old enough. Our top picks are easy to maneuver, flexible and stable, with seating that grows with your child. Take a look at our top picks for the best double stroller to meet your family's needs whether you're seeking a tandem stroller or one that accommodates your infant car seat.