How Easy Is It to Push and Fold a Double Stroller?
A good double stroller will help you move around, whether you're walking with your toddler or running with your twins. Finding a double stroller which can be folded and easy to push is crucial.
Our Lab experts recommend side by side models with equal reclining, plenty of storage and car seat adapters to accommodate infants.
Seating
When shopping for a double stroller, your seating options are crucial. You might want to think about a tandem stroller that allows one child to stand while the other sits or a side by tandem option that lets your children sit together.
Seating arrangements can also impact your comfort when you are navigating busy sidewalks and streets. Find strollers that have reclined seats with footrests that recline, as well as large canopies to provide shade for the two passengers. Beware of hanging bags on the handlebars, as they can alter the stroller's centre of gravity, causing it to tip over.
Double strollers of good quality will also come with convenient storage compartments for your necessities. Check for compartments in the back of the seats or underneath the seats to keep toys, snacks and other items in a convenient place. Parents consoles and bags connected to the handles are also helpful for keeping essentials within reach on walks or outings.
If you have children nearing their age A stroller with a side-byside design could be the best choice. They tend to be more stable and provide better visibility for both passengers than stacking strollers. Some models can accommodate two infants in a car seats, which allows you to move your sleeping children from the car to the pram and not wake them.
Parents who have older kids who aren't afraid to sit separately or who enjoy a bit of independence might like a model that lets a bigger kid to get on the front and enjoy a ride. This kind of double-stroller isn't compatible with newborns, and it may require more maintenance in the future. However, it could be an excellent option for active families who want the versatility of one stroller that can be converted into an adult-only model.
The best travel pushchair double strollers are durable and easy to maneuver even on rugged terrain or in tight spaces. They're also lightweight and fold up for compact storage in your garage or trunk which makes them easy to transport and manage while traveling. Additionally, they have a robust construction to ensure the durability and safety of your children, and they meet the American Academy of Pediatricians' (AAP) guidelines for safety.
Canopy
A canopy shields both passengers from the sunlight, and some models offer the option of a visor to protect children's faces. Our top-scoring canopy options were the BOB Revolution Flex v3.0 Duallie, and the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Dual. Both have giant shades. Both models have ample coverage and cover children from head to toe, however, inline options tend to skimp on shade or only have a single canopy that only covers one seat. This can be problematic for siblings who need different levels protection.
Most of our top-rated canopys fit onto strollers with ease. However, make sure you check the dimensions of the model before you buy, as some canopies may require extra space in the basket for full extension and to prevent hitting the handles when they're folded.
Some parents like double strollers that come with an infant bassinet and car seat adapters to provide them with more options in the future. The UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double, for example, comes with a toddler seat as well as an additional RumbleSeat. This makes it an ideal option for families with twins or young children and require transportation at the same time. This versatile stroller offers the unique sit and stand configuration for older children who prefer to ride alone.
The organizer bags and consoles for parents can help your stroller be more efficient. They keep the essentials in your reach. These bags are particularly useful when you want to keep snacks and toys away from the view of. Some of these accessories are connected via a strap or snap which makes it easy to take them off when you're ready for the stroller to be used again.
If you're looking to make a long-term investment, look for a double stroller that's compatible with infant pushchairs car seats seats. It can also grow into a toddler stroller with an adjustable bench or glider board. The Graco RoomFor2 Travel System and the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Duallie both come with a car seat-compatible bassinet with a toddler seat as well as RumbleSeat. Both can expand into a triple stroller with the addition of a running board which is ideal for families with an active child who is active.
Wheels
The type of wheels a stroller comes with makes a difference in how it is easy to push. Generally, larger wheels are more maneuverable and can handle more terrain. The material used to make the wheels also affects how easy or difficult they are to push. Rubber wheels are more durable than plastic wheels and are able to withstand rougher surfaces.
Stroller wheels are available in a variety of designs, sizes and Compact stroller materials to fit a variety of environments and needs. Swivel wheels, for example can help to maneuver around tight corners and spaces. Fixed-wheels are more stable and better for smooth surfaces. If you plan to take your stroller off the road or on a rough terrain, you should consider purchasing air-filled tires instead of regular rubber tires. These tires are similar to bicycle tires that absorb shocks for better comfort on the road.
Double strollers that are side-by-side are more spacious than tandem models and may be more difficult to navigate through narrow doors or in crowded aisles. They offer your children the same amount of room to sit and let them stretch their legs. They're generally also more maneuverable and easy to steer than tandem strollers.
If you plan to use your stroller for biking or running then look for double joggers with all-terrain or jogging tires. These tires are larger and more robust, and also have sealed ball bearings that provide smoother rides on uneven surfaces. Some models, like the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double Stroller are compatible with a car seat that allow you to run while your children are safely secured in their car seats.
Other all-terrain/jogging doubles, like the Valco Baby Tri Mode Duo X allow a second seat in front, but they're generally too bulky to qualify as umbrella doubles. Also, in our testing the restraint buckles on this model were among the toughest to fasten, which can be a problem when trying to get two children in the stroller at the same time. The stroller is more expensive than the top single-to tandem pick, but offers high-quality components and a reasonable resale price.
Stores
A great double stroller must offer plenty of storage space for both parents and children. Insufficient storage space can make it difficult for parents to complete errands or take all the equipment needed to enjoy a day out with two children. In our Lab tests we found that the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double performed very well in this measurement it has a large and easily accessible basket that can hold up to 30 pounds.
Strollers that have multiple compartments and pockets can help families organize small things like keys, wallets and phones. A parent console or organizer bag that is attached to the handlebars of the stroller can be a great option for parents to store their personal belongings when out with their children.
The UPPAbaby vista comes with a large basket and can carry two infant car seats. (Not both bassinets, though.) It also comes with the ability to telescopically adjust its bar and has brakes that are easy to use. It also has one of the biggest maximum allowable weight ratings for seats in our collection, and an easy fold that fits through most standard door frames.
On the other hand our test participants discovered that the wagon-style Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite has an excellent handlebar that can be adjusted, ideal for parents with different heights. The wagon has two UV screens that fold up to ensure complete sun protection, and its cup holders as well as snack tray can accommodate different bottles for children and snacks.
A big challenge for any stroller is how to fold it up and then get it back into shape after usage, especially when you're carrying a toddler and an infant in the back. It's therefore important to choose one that folds quickly and effortlessly. Both the UPPAbaby Vista v2 stroller and Evenflo Pivot Xpand have a single-handed, simple-to-use mechanism that allows parents fold their foldable stroller quickly and efficiently, regardless of the configuration they're using.
While a double stroller might seem like a huge investment, parents who plan to use the product for a number of years should keep in mind that they'll typically spend more on this kind of equipment than single strollers. It's also worth checking whether the stroller is able to be disassembled into smaller pieces for storage and transport this is a vital factor if you're in a tight living or vehicle space.