What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The best double strollers are built to grow with families and offer innovative features that keep kids comfortable and happy. This includes adjustable foot rests as well as an easy ride on trails, gravel and old sidewalks.
Kerry was pleased that the stroller arrived in multiple boxes but everything was labeled properly and easy to open. She also liked that the stroller can be used with two infant car seats and can be used with a riding board for older kids.
Seating Options
When it comes to double strollers, the seating options are the main factor that determines the purchase for many families. You'll have to think about the age of your children, the sizes of them, and the seating configurations you prefer.
For example, if you have children who are close in age and will be sitting side-by-side, you should consider a tandem stroller that has child seats that are attached to each other and doesn't require you to use car seat adapters, says Alli Cavasino who is a senior editor at Consumer Reports. Double strollers are generally wider than other double strollers. They may not fit through the standard doors of your home.
If you're experiencing an age gap between your kids, consider a dual-seat stroller that has the option to convert to a stand-and-ride model with a platform or small bench seat in the back for children who likes to just ride with or observe their younger sibling. These types of in-line strollers can also accommodate infant car seats in the event that they are needed and are a great option for children who will be three to five years apart, according to Billingsley.
Billingsley advises that you must also consider the type of material you choose for your seat. Certain fabrics are more breathable than others and are more easy to clean. It's also important to think about how easy it is to fold your new stroller down to store it or transport it to and from your car. "There's nothing more frustrating than purchasing the perfect stroller only to 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 seating configurations, check out this award winner from Summer Infant that comes with two toddler seats with a bassinet attachment. It could be expanded to make a triple stroller with an additional seat or riding board. The seats recline, and the controls for the calf bar can be adjusted separately. This is ideal when one child wants a nap while another wants to explore their surroundings. It's also compact when folded down and easily fits into most trunks.
Age ranges
For families with children who are close in age, a sit-and-stand stroller is the ideal combination of comfort for children and adults and ease of use. These strollers have a seat in the front for an infant or toddler and a bench, platform or other surface in the rear that allows older children to stand up or hop on/off. These strollers are ideal for toddlers and older children but not suitable for infants or children who do not have the coordination and balance to stand up on their own.
A narrow tandem stroller allows you to keep both children in view at the same time, and also fit through tight spaces like aisles in the grocery store or for family photos at the parks. These models are usually narrower than double strollers with side-by-side designs and are generally easier to maneuver however they aren't able to accommodate infant car seats and generally don't have the same amount of undercarry storage.
If you're planning to use a double stroller over some time--or even for a decade or more--it's worth investing in an option that can expand with your children. Double strollers tend to be more expensive than single strollers, but If you choose the right one first time around it can help you save money over time.
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. However, if you're planning to use it in cities or other urban zones where sidewalks and traffic are prone to bumps and uneven, you may want something stronger and more durable to withstand the rough treatment.
Double strollers are made to last, however the seats could wear out sooner than you think or your kids may outgrow them before they're ready for retirement. If you are on the tightest budget, go for one with a rating of at minimum four years. It should last as long as is possible.
User-Friendliness
If you're planning to invest in a double stroller, it's important that it's user-friendly for both children. This means that the harnesses must be comfortable for children sitting, and the handles should be a breeze to hold 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 easy to push.
A double stroller must be easy to fold and put away. The most efficient models fold in two or three steps and are compact enough to fit in the majority of trunks. It's also beneficial when the stroller is a versatile, with options to add a second seat or a ride-along board. Some strollers can accommodate infant car seats, meaning you don't have to wake your baby up to move them into the stroller when it's time to leave for home.
In addition, a good double stroller must be durable to be able to be used on various types of terrain. Some can be converted into a jogging stoller with a specific front wheel and some can also be used as umbrella strollers. Some strollers come with a cargo bag that can be put at the back to carry shopping bags and other items.
Another thing to consider is whether you'd like either a side-byside stroller or a tandem. Side-by-side models are usually wider than tandems and can be difficult to navigate narrow spaces like entrances or aisles that are crowded in grocery stores. They do offer the convenience of allowing each child to see the same scene. They can also be easier to navigate through in stormy weather as they provide greater coverage from the elements for both kids.
double buggy choose to purchase an adaptable single-to-double stroller, so that they can use it as a baby, and then change to a regular double when their kids are older. After talking with parents, it became clear that it is better to buy what you need today rather than to try to anticipate what you will require in the near-term.
Stores
If you're looking for a double stroller, then you might need to think about the size and the amount of storage space. A lot of models have large, easy-to-access baskets that can store a large amount of items. They also typically have multiple parent cup holders and reversible seating configurations that offer best-in-class legroom for children. Some of these features may add to the price, so be sure to go through the reviews and descriptions carefully.
Most double strollers are classified as either 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 more storage space than side-byside models. However, some can be difficult to push when the front seat is fully reclined.
Side-byside strollers have two distinct seats that are placed side-by-side, and they're typically better for infants or toddlers who aren't yet able to master independent sitting. They also have the added benefit of being more easy to push and maneuver than tandem strollers. They may be more expensive and have smaller baskets.
There are double strollers that are designed specifically for biking or jogging. They are generally more expensive than all-terrain strollers and have fixed front wheels which limit their flexibility. These strollers are worth considering if you intend to use them for these activities.
There's a double stroller to suit every situation, whether you're buying one for twins or a child that's not quite ready to ride alone, or a child who's not yet old enough to be a proper rider. Our top choices are easy to maneuver, flexible and stable, as well as seating that can grow with your child. So whether you're in search of a tandem stroller or one that will accommodate your infant car seat, take a look at our top picks to choose the right double stroller for your family.