What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The most effective double strollers are designed to grow with your family and include thoughtful features that keep children at ease and happy. The best double strollers come with adjustable footrests and smooth rides over gravel, old sidewalks, and trails.
Kerry was pleased that the stroller arrived in multiple boxes but everything was well-labeled and easy to open. She also loved the fact that it can accommodate two infant car seats and can be combined with a riding board for older kids.
Seating Options
When it is double strollers, the seating options are what determines the success or failure of the purchase of many families. You'll have to think about the age of your children, the sizes of them, and the seating arrangements you like.
Alli Cavasino is a senior editor for Consumer Reports. She says that if you're looking to purchase a tandem stroller, it is best to consider one with child seats attached together. This model does not require car seat adapters. These double strollers are usually larger than other double strollers. They may not fit through the standard doors of your home.
If you're facing an age gap between your children, consider a dual-seat stroller that can change to a stand-and ride model that has a platform or small bench seat in the back for a child who would like to ride along or watch their younger sibling. These types of strollers can also be adapted to fit infant car seats in the event that they are needed and are a great choice for children who'll be 3-5 years apart, says Billingsley.
You'll also need to take a look at the seat material, explains Billingsley. Some offer more breathable fabrics than others and are easier to clean. It is also important to consider how easy it will be to fold your stroller to store it or for transport between your vehicle and home. "There's nothing more frustrating than purchasing your dream stroller only discover that it's too heavy or big for your trunk," says the expert.
If you're looking for a budget-friendly option that has multiple configurations, then check out this award-winning stroller from Summer Infant. It comes with two toddler seats as well as the bassinet. It can be converted to a triple stroller by adding a seat or riding board. The seats recline, and the controls for the calf bar can be adjusted in a separate manner. This is great the time when one child is in need of to take a nap while the other wants to explore their surroundings. It's also compact when folded and easily fits in the majority of trunks.
Age Variations
For families with children who are similar in age, a sit and stand stroller is the ideal combination of comfort for children and adults and convenience. 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 take a ride in the back. They are great for big toddlers and preschoolers, but don't work well for younger babies or kids who don't yet have the balance or coordination to stand on their own.
A narrow tandem stroller can help keep an eye on both kids at once and fit through narrow spaces like the crowded grocery store aisles or family photos in the park. These models are often narrower than side-by-side double strollers and tend to maneuver easier but they don't have the capacity to fit infant car seats and generally do not offer as much undercarriage storage.
If you are planning to use a double stroller over some time--or even for a decade or more--it's worth buying a stroller that can expand with your children. https://www.pushchairsandprams.uk/categories/double-pushchairs are typically more expensive than single strollers, but when you pick the right one first time around it can save you money over the course of time.
Our test participants put each stroller through several maneuverability tests, as well as off-road adventures. They found that they were simple to maneuver over a variety terrain. If you plan to use it in urban areas or in cities where the sidewalks and traffic can be bumpy, then you might want something more robust and durable that can handle rough treatment.
Double strollers are built to last, but the seats could wear out sooner than you expect or your kids may outgrow them before they're ready for retirement. If you're looking for a bargain, consider getting one that's been rated for at least four years and aims to last as long as possible.
Easy of Use
It's important to make sure that the double stroller is easy 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. The stroller can also be easily rolled around and maneuvered over obstacles and tight spaces. In fact, the top-rated strollers in our Lab tests--such as the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie and Thule Urban Glide 2 Double among the most easy to push.
A double stroller should be easy to fold and take down and store. The best models have a one- or two-step process, and they're compact enough to fit in most trunks. It's also a plus when the stroller is a versatile with the option of adding another seat or a ride-along board. Some strollers can even accommodate infant car seats, so you don't need to wake your baby to put them into their stroller once they're ready to go home.
A quality double stroller is also strong, so it can be used on a variety of kinds of terrains. For example, some can be converted to a jogging stroller with a specialized front wheel, and some can also be used as an umbrella stroller. Some come with cargo baskets that can be affixed to the back of the stroller to carry groceries or shopping bags.
Another factor to consider is whether you'd like a side-by-side stroller or a tandem. Side-by-side strollers are generally larger than tandems, and may be difficult to navigate narrow spaces like the aisles of doors or grocery stores. They are practical since they permit each child to view the same scene. They are also easier to navigate during bad weather because they offer more protection from the elements.
Many parents decide to purchase an adaptable stroller that can be used by a newborn, and then transformed into a double stroller when their children are older. But after speaking with parents, we've learned that it's best to get what you need at the time, rather than trying to anticipate what your family may need in the near future.
Storage
When shopping for a double-stroller, you need to consider the amount of storage space available and the dimensions. Many models come with large, easy-to access baskets that hold plenty of stuff. They also often feature several cup holders for parents as well as seats that can be reversible to provide best-in-class legroom for children. However, certain features can be costly in price and it's crucial to read the descriptions and reviews carefully.
The majority of double strollers can be classified into tandem or side by side designs. Tandem strollers feature two seats that are positioned on the same frame and they're typically better suited for older children who have already learned sitting on their own. They also tend to have a larger storage basket than side-byside models, however they can be a bit awkward or difficult to push when the front seat is fully reclined.
Side-by-side strollers come with two separate seats that are placed side-by-side, and they're typically better for babies and toddlers who haven't mastered independent sitting yet. They also have the added benefit of being more easy to maneuver and pushing than tandem strollers. However, they typically have smaller storage baskets than tandem models and can be more expensive.
There are double strollers that are designed specifically for jogging or biking. They are more expensive than the standard strollers that are all-terrain, and they often have fixed front wheels that restrict their mobility. These strollers are worth considering if you plan to use them for these activities.
There's a double stroller to suit every situation, whether you're buying one for twins, a child who's not quite ready to ride on their own, or a child who's not quite old enough. Our top picks are simple to maneuver, adaptable, stable and have seating that expands with your child's. Take a look at our top picks for the best double stroller to fit your family regardless of whether you are searching for a tandem or one that can accommodate your infant car seat.