What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The best double strollers develop with families and have thoughtful features to keep kids comfortable and happy. This includes adjustable foot rests and a smooth ride on trails, gravel and old sidewalks.
Kerry was pleased that the stroller was packaged in multiple boxes, but everything was clearly labeled and easy for her to open. She also appreciated the fact that it can accommodate two infant car seats and can be paired with a riding board for older children.
Seating Options
When it is about double strollers, the seating options are what makes or breaks the purchase for many families. You'll want to think about the ages of your children, their relative sizes and the seating configurations that will work best for you.
Alli Cavasino is a senior editor of Consumer Reports. She says that if you're looking to purchase a tandem stroller, it is best to think about one with children's seats that are connected. This model is not required to have car seat adapters. Double strollers are generally wider than other double strollers. They may not be able to fit through the standard doors of your home.
If you have an age gap between your children, consider a dual-seat stroller that has the option to change to a stand-and ride model with an elevated or small bench seat in the back for a kid who wants to casually ride along or watch their younger sibling. These in-line strollers are also capable of accommodating infant car seats if necessary, and are good for children who are three years apart.
You should also consider the type of seat material, says Billingsley. Some are more breathable than others and are easier to clean. It's also important to consider how easy it is to fold your stroller for transporting it to and from your car. "There's nothing more frustrating than purchasing the perfect stroller only to find out that it is too heavy or bulky for your trunk," says the expert.
If you're looking for an affordable option that offers multiple configurations, then check out this award-winning stroller from Summer Infant. It has two toddler seats and an infant bassinet. It can be converted into a triple stroller by adding a third seat or a riding board. The seats recline and have calf bar controls to adjust independently, which is great for those times when one child needs to sleep while the other one wants to take in the surroundings. It's also compact when folded and easily fits into the majority of trunks.
Age Ranges
For families with children who are similar in age, a sit and stand stroller is the perfect combination of comfort for both children and convenience. They have a seat in front for toddlers or infants, and a bench, platform or other surface at the rear which allows older children to stand up and walk on/off. They're ideal for big toddlers and preschoolers, but they won't be ideal for babies or children who don't have the balance and coordination to stand on their own.
A narrow tandem stroller allows you to keep both children in sight at the same time, and also fit through tight spaces like aisles at the supermarket or for family photos in the parks. These models are smaller and more maneuverable than double strollers with side-by-side seating, but they don't have as much storage under the carriage and aren't able to accommodate an infant car seats.
If you are planning to use a double stroller over the course of a few years, or even over a decade, it's worth buying one that will grow with your kids. Double strollers are more expensive than single ones however, if you choose them wisely, you'll save money in the end.
Our test subjects put these strollers through a series of maneuverability tests as well as off-road adventures and found them to be easy to navigate over different terrains. If you intend to use it in urban areas or in cities where the sidewalks and traffic can be bumpy, you may want something more robust and durable that can handle rough treatment.
A lot of double strollers are made to last for a long time, but you may notice that the seats are used up faster than you anticipated or your children outgrow it before it's ready for retirement. If you're on a tight budget, consider getting one that's been evaluated for at least four years and aims to last for as long as is possible.
Easy of Use
If you're going to invest in a double stroller, it's important that it is easy to use for both children. It means that the harnesses must be comfortable for children sitting, and the handles should be easy to grasp for toddlers. It also means that the stroller rolls easily, and can be maneuvered around tight spaces and around obstacles. The top-rated strollers from our Lab tests, such as the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie or Thule Urban Glide 2 Double are among the easiest to move around.
A double stroller must be able to fold and take down and store. The best models fold down in two or three steps and are compact enough to fit into the majority of trunks. It's also a plus that the stroller can be used in a variety of ways with the option of adding a second seat or a ride-along board. Some can even hold infant car seats, so you don't need to wake your baby to get them into the stroller when they're ready to go home.
A quality double stroller is also strong, so it can be used in different types of terrain. Some can be transformed into a jogging stoller with a special front wheel and some can also be used as umbrella strollers. Some even come with a cargo basket which can be attached to the rear of the stroller to carry groceries or shopping bags.
A tandem stroller or side-byside is another option to consider. Side-by-side strollers are generally bigger than tandem models and can be difficult to maneuver in narrow spaces like doorways or aisles of grocery stores that are crowded. They do offer the convenience of allowing both children to enjoy the same view. They are also easier to navigate during bad weather since they provide more protection from the elements.
Many parents decide to purchase an adaptable stroller that can be used by a baby and later converted into a double stroller when their children get older. However, after talking to parents we've learned that it's best to buy what you require at the moment, rather than trying to predict what your family may need in the future.
Stores
When looking for double-strollers, it's crucial to think about the amount of storage and the size. Many models have spacious easy-to-access baskets that are able to accommodate a lot of cargo. They often also have several cup holders for parents as well as seats that can be reversible to provide the most comfortable legroom for children. However, double pushchair can be costly in cost therefore it is important to read descriptions and reviews carefully.
Most double strollers are categorized as either tandem or side-by-side designs. Tandem strollers have two seats assembled on the same frame and are generally better suited for older children who have already learned sitting on their own. They also have a bigger storage basket than side-by-side models, though some can be difficult or awkward to push when the front seat is reclined fully.
The side-byside stroller features two seats that are set side-by-side. They're generally more suitable for infants or toddlers, who haven't yet mastered sitting independently. They are also easier to push and maneuver than tandem strollers. However, they typically have smaller storage baskets than tandem strollers, and can be more expensive.
There are also specialized double strollers specifically designed for jogging and biking. They are generally more expensive than all-terrain strollers. They also have fixed front wheels which limit their mobility. They are worth considering only if you intend to use them for those activities.
Whether you're shopping for twins, an infant and an older toddler, or a child who isn't quite ready to ride on their own, there's a great double stroller out there. The top options we've found in our tests are versatile and stable. They're also easy to navigate and have seating that grows as your children grow. So whether you're in search of a tandem stroller or one that will accommodate your infant car seat, look through our top choices to find the perfect double stroller for your family.