How to Choose the Best Double Strollers
A double stroller with reversible handle stroller can make things easier for parents of twins or children of different ages whether you're taking your way to a relaxing walk or for a morning jog. What should you consider when choosing between the many options available?
This expandable model allows you to adjust the seating to meet different requirements. Our latest member, Kerry, tested it out.
Safety
If you're running around town, going to the zoo, or heading out trick-or-treating with your kiddos stroller must be secure. It's important to have sturdy frames with comfortable harnesses, a comfortable and comfortable handle for toddlers. It should also be able to fit through doors and be easy to move and fold. It should also be reasonably priced.
We put each double stroller through rigorous testing in our lab, at the zoo, on streets in the city, and during family outings in suburban neighborhoods. Our lab tests assess the stroller's stability and maneuverability, ease of steering and handling as well as the comfort of suspension for the rider and the driver the capacity for weight and seat canopy heights and storage space.
In addition to the routine security checks carried out by our stroller experts, we request parents to provide feedback on their experiences with each model. Then, we take that information into account when making recommendations.
Begin with our top choices to help you find an excellent stroller that's secure and durable. These versatile strollers offer multiple seating options for infant car seats, can be used as an individual stroller or in tandem and are suitable for children from birth to elementary school.
The best double strollers are designed to grow with your family. They're stylish and sleek they can be fitted with a variety of customizations and can accommodate toddlers and infants in tandem or side-by-side (single-file) seating styles. Many also have a large storage basket and a telescoping handlebar and one-handed folding mechanisms.
If you have twins or an infant who is similar age to their sibling, think about choosing a tandem stroller with a bench seat in the back that could be used by a 3rd child. These strollers are great for siblings who wish to get together, but not be able sit side-by-side in a standard stroller. They may end up fighting or arguing. There are also convertible models that allow you to remove a bench seat for your child once they are ready to go without the car seat.
Comfort
The best double strollers come with comfortable child seats that are well-padded and bolstered. They also have plenty of storage space, large footwells that can accommodate kids' feet and legroom, and UPF 50+ sun-protection canopies that offer excellent sun protection. The seats should recline at a slight angle to ensure children are comfortable. They should also have calf bars that allow parents to adjust the height of each seat independently. The handlebars should be ergonomic and easy to move, says Alli Cavasino, a certified child-passenger safety technician. The handlebars must be close enough to the kids' seats that you can reach them and grasp them. If the handlebars are too far apart you'll have a difficult to maintain your balance and retaining good form when pushing them.
The ride should be smooth, even on rocky or uneven surfaces. Some of the models that we test had shock absorbers to keep the ride steady. Some have rear and front suspension, which can reduce the amount of force you need to push them and increase your control over them. The wheels should have a long-lasting tread and made of high-quality rubber.
We scoured the internet for the most versatile double strollers that can be used from the time of infancy through toddlerhood. Some of the models we came across can be set up as tandem strollers or side-by-side and one, the Uppababy Vista v2, can even be converted into a single-file stroller suitable for infants. The model is three times as expensive as our main tandem model however its materials are more durable and it will last longer.
The best double strollers are light and movable enough for long walks, errands and trips to the park or zoo. The double strollers are typically bigger than single strollers, and can be difficult to fit into narrow doorways or store aisles. Some are more expensive than single-seaters, but it's reasonable since you get a lot more for your money. These models are suitable for both adults and children, and will expand with your family.
Convenience
If you're planning to spend the money on a double stroller, you'll need one that's convenient to move and to store. It should be light and easy to store in the trunk of your car or in the space at home. It must also be able to navigate tough terrain and handle tight turns. Some of the best double strollers have adjustable calf supports, and seats that recline and offer UPF sun protection. The canopy should be big enough to cover both kids If you're worried about getting the sun in their eyes, opt for one with a window that can be opened for peek-aboo.
Your children's ages and stages will influence the kind of stroller that's best for you. Parents with twins can opt for a convertible stroller that can hold two infant car seats at once, while families with an older child and toddler might prefer side-by-side doubles. You'll need to decide if you'd like strollers that can go through narrow doors, grocery store aisles or even on planes.
In our Lab tests, we discovered that the best cheap double buggy strollers are relatively easy to fold and carry. The majority of double strollers fold down in just one or two steps and are small enough to fit into most compact cars. They are designed to be stable, making them easier to put back together.
Some of the best double strollers have useful features for parents, such as a one-parent cup holder and a spacious storage basket. You should consider whether the stroller is locked on the front seat so that you can keep your children from escaping in case they get bored. Some of the better strollers include an adapter for car seats that is universal and can be converted into one-seaters as your children get older.
The price tag on some of the top double strollers is a bit steep, but they typically are of higher quality and resale value as compared to less expensive models. They're also more maneuverable and can withstand rough terrains, such as urban sidewalks or parks.
Style
Parents who are looking for a double stroller are looking for more than just a means to transport two children. They're looking for a lightweight stroller that is easy to move and has enough space to expand with their children. Because they will be carrying more than the children, the stroller should be easy on their backs and shoulders.
That's why the best double strollers are sleek and allow for a variety of options for customization, and be adapted to infant car seats for a seamless transition from toddler to baby. They are available in tandem (single-file seating) as well as side-by-side. They are even light enough for running.
In addition to size, one of the primary aspects to consider when parents are shopping for a double stroller is whether it will fit through doorways or other small double buggy spaces. The majority of the strollers that we tested for our latest update are able to fit through doors for exterior use that are 36 inches wide.
Other factors we look at when evaluating the top double strollers include the speed and ease with which they fold and unfold, the size the cargo basket is, how padded the seats are, and how adjustable the canopies are. Additionally, we examine how comfortable the straps and buckles are for seated children and how easy it is to reach and adjust the height of the handlebar.
Our top choice, Uppababy Vista V2, for instance, is light and offers ample storage space for both children. It has one parent cup seat that reclines independently, and a large UPF 50+ canopies with windows that can be peekaboo. Its padded seat straps and buckles are among the most comfortable we have found in our tests and we found the seat to be one of the easiest to secure for children of all different ages.
If you aren't quite ready to purchase a double stroller yet, Facebook Marketplace and second-hand-goods websites offer used products in good condition at affordable costs. Just make sure to do your research before you buy, scanning for indications of damage and checking for recalls that could be possible.