What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The best double strollers develop with families and provide thoughtful features to keep kids at ease and content. This includes adjustable foot rests as well as an easy stroll on trails, gravel and old sidewalks.
Kerry appreciated that the stroller arrived in multiple boxes, but everything was labeled properly and easy to open. She also loved 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 comes to double strollers, seating options are the main factor that determines the purchase of many families. You'll need to take into consideration the age of your children, their relative sizes and seating arrangements you prefer.
For instance, if have children of similar age that will be seated side-by-side, consider a tandem model that comes with child seats attached to each other and does not require car seat adapters, according to Alli Cavasino, a senior editor at Consumer Reports. These double strollers are typically larger than other double strollers. They may not be able to fit through the standard doors of your home.
If you're experiencing an age gap between your children look into a double-seat stroller with the option to change to a stand-and ride model with a platform or small bench seat in the back for a child who likes to just 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 to 5 years apart, according Billingsley.
Billingsley suggests that you take into consideration the material used for the seat. Certain fabrics are more air-conditioned than others, and are easier to clean. It's also important to consider how easy it is to fold your new stroller down to store it or transport it to and from your car. "Nothing is more frustrating than purchasing your dream stroller but then realizing it's too heavy to carry or too big for your trunk," she says.
If you're looking for an affordable option that offers multiple configurations take a look at this award-winning stroller from Summer Infant. It has two toddler seats as well as the bassinet. It can be expanded into a triple stroller adding a third seat or riding board. The seats recline and the control of the calf bar can be adjusted in a separate manner. This is great when one child wants to rest while another is looking to explore the surroundings. It's also compact when folded down and easily fits into most trunks.
Age Ranges
Sit-and-stand strollers are the best option for families with children who are close in terms of age. They provide the comfort and convenience. These strollers have a seat in front for an infant or toddler and a platform, bench or another surface at the rear that allows older children to stand up or get off and on. They're great for big toddlers and preschoolers, but won't work well for younger babies or kids who don't yet 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 be pushed through tight spaces, such as aisles in the grocery store or for family photos in parks. These strollers are a bit narrower and easier to maneuver than double strollers that are side-by-side, but they don't have as much storage under the carriage, and they're not able to fit an infant car seats.
If you are planning to use a double stroller for a period of several years or even for a decade, you should consider investing in one that will grow along with your children. Double strollers are generally more expensive than single strollers, but when you pick the right one the first time around, it can save you money over the course of time.
Our testers ran each of these strollers through a series of maneuverability tests as well as off-road adventures and found them easy to navigate through a variety of terrain. If you plan to use it in urban areas or cities where the sidewalks and traffic can be bumpy, then you may need something that is more durable and robust that can handle rough treatment.
Double strollers are designed to last, but the seats can be worn out earlier than you think or your children may outgrow them before they're ready to retire. If you're on a tight budget you should consider buying a model that has been tested for at least 4 years and is designed to last for as long as possible.
Easy of Use
If you're going to invest in a double stroller, it's essential that it's simple to use for both children. That means comfortable harnesses for kids who are seated and handles that are easy to grab for toddlers who stand. This also means that the stroller can be moved easily and is able to be maneuvered through tight spaces and around obstacles. The top-rated strollers in our Lab tests, such as the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie or Thule Urban Glide 2 Double, are among the easiest to move around.
It's also crucial that a double stroller be easy to fold and put away. The best models use the option of a two-step or one-step process, and they're compact enough to fit into the majority of trunks. It's also beneficial when the stroller is a versatile and has the option of adding an additional seat or ride-along board. Some strollers can hold infant car seats, meaning you don't need to wake your baby to transfer them to the stroller when it's time to leave for home.
Additionally, a great double stroller should be sturdy to be able to be used on various types of terrain. Some can be converted into a jogging stoller with a front wheel that is specially designed and others can be used as umbrella strollers. Some come with a cargo basket which can be attached to the rear of the stroller to carry shopping bags or groceries.
A tandem stroller or side-byside is another option worth considering. Side-by-side models are usually wider than tandems, and can be difficult to maneuver through tight spaces such as the aisles of doors or grocery stores. They are convenient since they permit each child to see the same scenery. They can also be more easy to navigate through in stormy weather as they provide greater coverage from the elements for both kids.
Many parents decide to purchase an adaptable stroller that can be used with a baby, and later converted into a double stroller when their children get older. But after speaking with parents we've learned it's best to purchase what you need at the time instead of trying to anticipate what your family may need in the near future.
Stores
When looking for a double-stroller, it's important to consider the amount of storage space available and the size. Many models have spacious accessible baskets that can accommodate a lot of cargo. Many models also have multiple cup holders for parents, as well as seats that can be reversible to give the best legroom possible for children. However, some of these features can increase in cost and it's crucial to read reviews and descriptions carefully.
The majority of double strollers are classified as tandem or side-byside designs. Tandem strollers have two seats assembled on the same frame, and are typically more suitable for older babies who are already comfortable with sitting without assistance. They usually have larger storage baskets than side-by-side models. However, some may be difficult to push with the front seat fully reclined.
Side-by-side strollers have two individual seats that are placed side-by-side, and they're typically better for infants or toddlers who haven't yet learned independence sitting yet. They also have the benefit of being more easy to maneuver and push than tandem strollers. They may be more expensive, and they have smaller baskets.
There are also specialized double strollers that are designed specifically for biking and jogging. These are usually more expensive than all-terrain strollers, and have fixed front wheels, which restrict their mobility. They are worth considering only if you plan to use them for such activities.
There's a double stroller to suit every situation, whether you're buying one for twins or a child that's not yet ready to ride alone or not quite old enough. The top choices in our tests are versatile and stable. They are also easy to use, with seating that grows as your children get older. So whether you're looking for a tandem stroller or one that can accommodate your infant car seat, look through our top choices to find the ideal double stroller for your family.