What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The best double strollers are designed to adapt to the needs of your family and come with clever features that keep your kids happy and comfortable. The best double strollers offer adjustable footrests, as well as a smooth ride on old sidewalks, gravel and trails.
Kerry appreciated that the stroller arrived in multiple boxes, but everything was well-labeled and easy to open. She also appreciated that the stroller can be used with two infant car seats and can be paired with a riding board for older children.
Seating Options
Seating arrangements are a key element in determining whether the family will buy a double stroller. You'll need to consider the age of your children, the relative sizes of them and the seating arrangements you like.
Alli Cavasino is a senior editor of Consumer Reports. She says that if you're looking to buy a tandem stroller, it is best to think about one with child seats attached together. This model doesn't require car seat adapters. These are typically wider than other double strollers, they might not pass through door frames that are standard within your home.
If your children are of a different age, you might think about a stroller with two seats that can be transformed into a stand-and-ride model. This allows a child to watch or ride along with their siblings. These strollers are equipped to accommodate infant car seats when needed, and are good for children aged 3 to 5 years apart.
You'll also want to consider the type of seat material, explains Billingsley. Certain fabrics are more breathable than others and are more easy to keep clean. You should also think about how easy it will be to fold your stroller to store it or for transport to and from your vehicle. "Nothing is more frustrating than buying the perfect stroller, only then realizing it's too heavy for you to lift or too big for your trunk," she says.
If you are 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 an infant bassinet. It could be made to a triple stroller by adding a seat or riding board. The seats recline and have calf bar controls to adjust independently, which is ideal for when one child wants to nap while the other wants observe their surroundings. It's also compact when folded down and easily fits in the majority of trunks.
Age Variations
Sit-and-stand strollers are the best option for families with children who are similar in age. They provide convenience and comfort. They have a seat in the front for an infant or toddler and a platform, bench or other surface at the rear which allows older children to stand up or hop on/off. They're ideal for big toddlers and preschoolers, but won't work well for younger babies or children who don't have the balance or coordination to stand on their own.
A narrow tandem stroller lets you to keep both children in sight at the same time, and also be pushed through tight spaces, such as aisles in the grocery store or for family photos at the parks. These models are often narrower than double strollers with side-by-side designs and are generally easier to maneuver but they don't have the capacity to fit infant car seats and typically don't offer the same amount of storage under the carriage.
If tandem double stroller planning to use a double stroller over many years, or even over a decade, it's worth investing in a model that can grow with your children. Double strollers are more expensive than single ones, but if they're chosen properly, you'll save money in the end.
Our testers took each stroller through several maneuverability tests, as well as off road adventures. They discovered that they were easy to maneuver on a variety terrain. However, if you're going to be using it in cities or other urban areas where sidewalks and traffic can be bumpy and uneven, you may want something stronger and more durable that can handle the rough treatment.
Many double strollers are built to last for a long period of time, but you could find that the seats get worn out faster than expected or your children grow out of it before it's ready for retirement. If you are on an extremely tight budget, you should choose one with a rating of at minimum four years. It is best to use it for as long as it can.
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 who are seated, and the handles should be simple to grasp for toddlers. The stroller can also be easily rolled around and maneuvered around obstacles and in tight spaces. In fact the top strollers in our Lab tests, such as the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie and Thule Urban Glide 2 Double--are among the most comfortable to push.
It's also crucial that a double stroller be easy to fold and store. The best models use a one- or two-step process, and they're compact enough to fit in most trunks. It's also an advantage if the stroller is versatile with the option of adding a second seat or a ride-along board. Some can even hold infant car seats, meaning you don't need to wake your baby to get them into their stroller once they're ready for a trip home.
A quality double stroller is also strong and can be used on a variety of types of terrain. For example, some can be converted into a jogging stroller with a specialized front wheel, and some can also be used as an umbrella stroller. Some even come with a cargo basket that can be affixed to the rear of the stroller to carry groceries or shopping bags.
A tandem stroller or side-byside is an alternative to think about. Side-by-side strollers tend to be wider than tandems, and may be difficult to maneuver through tight spaces such as the aisles of doors or grocery stores. They are practical because they allow each child to enjoy the same view. all terrain double buggy can also be easier to navigate through in stormy weather because they offer more coverage from the elements for both kids.
Many parents decide to purchase an adaptable stroller that can be used by a newborn, and later converted into a double stroller once their children are older. But after talking to parents we've learned it's best to buy what you need at the time instead of trying to predict what your family will require in the near future.
double stroller for twins
When you're looking for double-strollers, it's crucial to consider the amount of storage available and the dimensions. Many models have spacious accessible baskets that can store a large amount of items. They also typically have multiple parent cup holders and seats that can be reversible to provide best-in-class legroom for children. However, some of these features can increase in cost and it's crucial to read the descriptions and reviews carefully.
Most double strollers are classified as tandem or side-by-side designs. Tandem strollers are two seats on one frame, and are best suited to older babies who can stand unaided. They tend to have larger storage baskets than side-byside models. However, some may be difficult to push with the front seat fully reclined.
Side-by-side strollers have two individual seats positioned side by side and are typically for babies and toddlers who aren't yet able to master independent sitting yet. They are also more maneuverable and easy to push than tandem strollers. However, they typically have smaller storage baskets than tandem strollers, and can be more expensive.
There are also double strollers made specifically for biking or jogging. These are more expensive than standard strollers that are all-terrain, and they often have fixed front wheels that limit their flexibility. These strollers are only worth considering if you intend to use them in these types of activities.
If you're looking for twins or a baby and a toddler, or a child who isn't quite ready to walk on their own, there's a great double stroller available. Our top choices are simple to maneuver, adaptable and stable, with seating that grows with your child. Check out our top picks for the top double stroller that will meet your family's needs whether you're looking for a tandem or one that will fit your infant car seat.