How to Choose the Best Double Strollers
Whether you're out for an easy stroll or taking on your morning jog with your children, a double stroller will make life with twins or two children of varying ages a lot easier. What are the best options to choose from the many choices available?
Our new team member, Kerry, got her stroller's feet wet when she tried it out with this expandable model that lets you to change the seating configuration for different requirements.
Safety
When you're doing around town, going to the zoo, or heading out trick-or-treating with your kiddos, your stroller needs to be secure. It should have a sturdy frame and comfortable harnesses for children who sit down, as well as easy-to-grab handles for toddlers who stand. It should also be able to pass through doorways and be easy to maneuver and fold. It should also be affordable.
We put every double stroller through vigorous testing in our lab at the Zoo, on city streets, and during family outings in suburban neighborhoods. Our lab tests evaluate the stroller's maneuverability, stability, and ease of steering. We also test the comfort of the suspension for both the driver and rider and the capacity for weight, seat canopy heights, as well as the storage space.
In addition to the regular safety checks conducted by our team of stroller experts We also request parents to give feedback on their experiences with each model. Then, we take all the information into consideration when making our recommendations.
If you're looking for a safe quality, high-quality stroller, begin with our top picks. These strollers are versatile and can be used as infant car seats. They are available in single or tandem stroller configurations, and they're suitable for children from birth to elementary school.
The best double buggy strollers are made to adapt to your growing family. They're stylish and sleek and can accommodate a variety of customizations and can accommodate toddlers and infants in tandem or side-byside (single-file) seating designs. Many also have a large storage basket, a telescoping handlebar, and one-handed folding mechanisms.
If you have twins or children who are similar age to their sibling, you should consider using a tandem stroller with an extra bench seat in the back that can be used by a third child. They're a great choice for siblings who want to interact with each other however they may not be capable of sitting with each other in a side-by-side stroller, where they could end in fighting or arguing. There are also convertible models that allow you to remove the bench seat for your child when they're ready to go without the car seat.
Comfort
The best double strollers have comfortable child seats that have plenty of padding and support. They also have plenty of storage space, spacious footwells for children's feet and legroom, and UPF 50+ canopy which offer great sun protection. The seats should recline at an angle to ensure that children are at ease, and they should have calf bars that permit parents to adjust the height of each seat independently. The handlebars must be comfortable and easy to move, says Alli Cavasino, a certified child passenger safety technician. The handlebars should be close enough to the kids seats that you can reach them and hold on to them. If the handlebars are far apart, you'll have a hard in keeping your balance and retaining good posture when pushing them.
The ride should be smooth, even on rough or rough surfaces. Some of the models we tested include shock absorbers to keep the ride stable. Some have rear and front suspension, which can reduce the amount of force you need to push them and improve the control you have over them. The wheels should have a long-lasting tread and made of premium rubber.
We searched for the most versatile double-strollers that could be used from the age of infancy to toddlerhood. Some of the double strollers we came across can be converted into tandem strollers or side-byside strollers. One of them is the Uppababy Vista V2, can even be converted to an infant stroller with a single file. This model is three times more expensive as our primary tandem option however, its materials are more durable and it should last longer.
The best double pushchair strollers are light and movable enough for long walks, errands and trips to the zoo or park. They're typically wider than single strollers, which means they may not be able to fit through narrow entrances or store aisles that are crowded. Some are more expensive than single-seaters. This is understandable because you get a lot for your money. The models we recommend are safe for kids and adults alike, and they'll develop with your family.
Convenience
If you're planning to spend the money to buy a double stroller, you'll need one that's easy to move and store. The stroller should be light and easily fit into your car's trunk or at home. It should be able to maneuver rough terrain and make precise turns. Some of the top double-strollers come with adjustable calf support and seats that recline. They also offer UPF sun protection. The canopy should be big enough to fit two children. If you're worried about the sun's rays getting into their eyes, go for a stroller with a peek-a-boo window.
The age and stage of your child will play a role in the type of stroller that's best for you. For instance, parents with twins might choose a convertible stroller that can hold two infant car seats at the same time, while a family with an older child and a toddler might prefer a side-by-side double. It is also important to determine whether you want an infant stroller that can be pushed through narrow doors or in crowded aisles of the grocery store and can be used on planes.
In our Lab tests we found that most double to single buggy strollers were easy to fold and carry. They usually have a singleor two-step process and they're small enough to fit into the majority of cars that are compact. They are also designed to be sturdy, making them easier to assemble.
The best double strollers come with convenient parent features such as cups holder for one parent as well as a huge storage basket. Check if the stroller comes with locks for the front seat, to prevent your child from climbing out. Some strollers have a universal adapter that fits car seats and can be converted into one seat as your child grows.
The price tag on some of the best double strollers can be a bit high, but they generally have a higher build quality and resale value as compared to less expensive models. They are also easier to maneuver and can handle rough terrain such as city walkways or park trails.
Style
When parents are looking for a double stroller, they're looking for more than a way to transport their two kids. They want a lightweight stroller that can be maneuvered with enough onboard storage and thoughtful features that allow it to adapt to the changing needs of children. It should also be easy for them to push and navigate. Also, since they'll carry more weight than their peers so the stroller must be comfortable on shoulders and back.
This is why the best double strollers are sleek and offer a variety of designs, and accommodate infant car seats for an effortless transition from baby to toddler. They're available in side by side or tandem (single-file seating) designs and can be light enough for jogging or for travel.
Aside from size, one of the most important factors to consider for parents looking for a double stroller is whether it'll fit through doorways and other narrow spaces. Fortunately, the majority of strollers we tested in our most recent update are able to pass through doors that are standard for exteriors, which are 36 inches wide, and they can be used for interior doors that measure 28 to 35 inches wide.
When evaluating the top double strollers, it is important to take into consideration how easy they fold and unfold. We also consider how comfortable the seats and canopies are. Additionally, we examine how comfortable the seat straps and buckles are for seated children and how easy it is to access and adjust the height of the handlebar.
For example, our top choice, the Uppababy Vista V2, is lightweight and offers plenty of storage for both children. It has a parent cup holder and recliners that can be adjusted independently. It also has an ample UPF 50+ canopy, with a the peek-a-boo window. The straps and buckles are cushioned and among the most comfortable that we have tested. We also found it to be the most simple seat for children to secure.
If you're not ready to purchase a double stroller, Facebook Marketplace and other second-hand sites often have good-condition used options for reasonable prices. Just make sure to do your research before committing to a purchase, looking for signs of damage and looking for recalls.