What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The best double strollers are made to adapt to the needs of your family and come with clever features that keep your kids at ease and happy. This includes adjustable foot rests as well as a smooth stroll on trails, gravel and old sidewalks.
Kerry was delighted that the stroller was packaged in multiple boxes, but everything was clearly labeled and simple to open. She also appreciated that the stroller is able to accommodate two infant car seats and can be paired up with a riding-board for older children.
Seating Options
When it is about double strollers, 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 arrangements that work best for you.
For example, if you have children close in age and will be sitting side-by-side, consider a tandem model that comes with child seats that are attached to one another and does not require car seat adapters, according to Alli Cavasino an editor in the senior position at Consumer Reports. They are generally larger than other double strollers, they might not pass through door frames that are standard within your home.
If your children are a older age, you might think about a stroller with two seats that can be turned into a stand-and-ride model. This will allow children to observe or ride with their siblings. These kinds of in-line strollers can also fit infant car seats, in the event that they are needed, and are a good option for children who are 3 to 5 years apart, according Billingsley.
Billingsley explains that you should be aware of the material used for the seat. Some are more breathable than others and are more easy to keep clean. It is also important to consider how easy it is to fold the stroller for storage purposes or transport between your vehicle and home. "Nothing is more frustrating than acquiring the perfect stroller, only finding it's too heavy to lift or too big for your trunk," she says.
If you're looking for an affordable option that offers multiple configurations, then check out this award-winning stroller from Summer Infant. It features two toddler seats as well as the bassinet. It could be made into a triple stroller adding an additional seat or riding board. The seats recline and the calf bar controls can be adjusted independently. This is great when one child needs to take a nap while the other wants to explore their surroundings. When folded, it's compact and fits into most trunks.
Age ranges
For families with children who are near in age, a sit and stand stroller is the perfect combination of comfort for both children and convenience. These strollers typically have a seat for an infant or toddler in front and a platform or bench that allows an older child to stand or take a ride in the back. https://pastelink.net/gpzswdht for big toddlers and preschoolers, but don't be suitable for infants or children who don't have the balance or coordination to stand on their own.
A narrow tandem stroller can help you keep an eye on both kids simultaneously and can fit into difficult areas like aisles of the grocery store that are crowded or family photos in the park. These strollers are a bit narrower and more maneuverable than double strollers with side-by-side seating, but they don't have as much storage space under the carriage and can't accommodate infant car seat.
If you're planning to use a double stroller over the course of a few years or even a decade, it's worth purchasing one that will grow with your children. Double strollers are generally more expensive than single strollers. However, when you pick the right one the first time it could save you money over time.
Our testers ran each of these strollers through a series of maneuverability tests and off-road excursions, and they found them to be easy to navigate through a variety of terrain. However, if you're going to use it in cities or other urban areas where sidewalks and traffic are prone to bumps, you might want something stronger and more durable to withstand the rough treatment.
A lot of double strollers are made to last a long time, but you might notice that the seats are worn out faster than expected or your kids outgrow it before it's time to retire. If you're on a tight budget, choose a model with a rating of at least four years. It is best to use it for as long as it can.
User-Friendliness
If you're planning to purchase a double stroller, it's important that it is easy to use for both children. This means comfortable harnesses for kids who are seated, and easy-to-grasp handles for toddlers who stand. This also means that the stroller rolls effortlessly, and is able to be maneuvered around tight spaces and around obstacles. 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 easiest to push.
It's also essential that a double stroller be easy to fold and put away. The most efficient models fold in one or two steps and are compact enough to fit in the majority of trunks. It's also a benefit to include a second chair or a ride-along to the stroller. Some even have the capacity to hold infant car seats, meaning you don't have to wake your baby to put them into the stroller when they're ready for a trip home.
Furthermore, a quality double stroller needs to be sturdy so that it can be used on various types of terrain. For instance, some strollers can be converted into an jogging stroller that has a specialized front wheel, and some are able to be used as an umbrella stroller. Some even have an accessory basket that can be attached to the back of the stroller to carry groceries or shopping bags.
Another consideration is whether you'd prefer a side-by-side stroller or a tandem. Side-by-side strollers are typically bigger than tandem models and can be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces like doorways and aisles of grocery stores that are crowded. However, they provide the convenience of allowing every child to view the same scenery. They are also more convenient to navigate in bad weather because they offer more protection from the elements.
Many parents decide to purchase an adaptable single-to-double stroller, to use it for a newborn and then later switch to a regular double once their kiddos are older. But after speaking with parents we've learned it's best to purchase what you need now instead of trying to predict what your family might need in the near future.
Storage
If you're shopping for a double stroller, you might want to consider the size and quantity of storage space. Many models have 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 the most comfortable legroom for children. However, certain features can add up in cost and it's crucial to read the descriptions and reviews carefully.
Most double strollers can be classified as tandem or side by side designs. Tandem strollers have two seats on one frame and are best for older children who are able to sit without assistance. They usually have more storage space than side-byside models. However, some may be difficult to push with the front seat fully reclined.
Side-by-side strollers come with two separate seats positioned side by side and are typically suited to younger babies or toddlers who aren't yet able to master independent sitting yet. They also have the added benefit of being generally easier to maneuver and pushing than tandem strollers. However, they tend to have smaller storage baskets than tandem strollers and may be more expensive.
There are also specially designed double strollers designed for biking and jogging. They are more expensive than basic all-terrain strollers and typically come with fixed front wheels that restrict their mobility. It is worth looking into them only if you plan to use them for such activities.
There's a double stroller to suit every situation regardless of whether you're purchasing one for twins, a child who's not yet ready to ride alone or not quite old enough. Our top choices are simple to maneuver, adaptable, stable and have seating that expands with your child. So whether you're looking for 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.