How Easy Is It to Push and Fold a Double Stroller?
If you're taking your toddler out for the streets or jogging with your twins, having the right double stroller makes it easier for everyone to move around. It's important to find one that's easy to fold and push is essential.
Our Lab experts suggest side-byside models with equal recline and ample storage space, including car adapters for infants' seats.
Seating
When shopping for a double stroller, the seating options are crucial. You may want to consider a tandem stroller that allows one child to stand while the other sits, or a side by tandem option that allows your children to sit together.
Seating configurations can also affect your comfort while you're walking on the busy streets and sidewalks. Look for strollers with reclined seats, reclined footrests and generous canopies that provide shade for both passengers. Also, avoid hanging bags on the handlebars because they could alter the stroller's centre of gravity and increase tipping.
A good quality double stroller will have useful storage for your necessities as well. Look for storage compartments on the seat backs or underneath the seats to keep toys, snacks and other essentials in one place. You can also make use of organizer bags and consoles for parents affixed to the handles of the car to keep items close at hand during walks or outings.
A side-by-side stroller is the best option for parents who have children of similar age. They are generally more stable than stacking types, and they offer better sightlines for both passengers. Some options accept two infant car seats, allowing you to take your sleepy children from the car to the babiie pram without waking them.
Sit-and-stand models are a good option for parents with older children who don't mind their kids sitting separately and who like some freedom. They also allow an older child to ride in the front. This kind of double stroller generally isn't suitable for newborns and could require more maintenance as the years progress, but it can be a great option for active families that want the versatility of an individual stroller that converts to a double-kid version.
The best double strollers will be robust and easy to maneuver, even in rough terrain or tight spaces. They're also light and fold for compact stowing in your garage or trunk which makes them easy to transport and manage while traveling. They are made to last and comply with the safety guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP).
Canopy
A canopy shields both passengers from the sunlight and some models even have a an apron that protects children's faces. Shades that are massive like the BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 Duallie and the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double have earned us top scores for their canopy options. They both provide plenty of coverage and cover kids from head to knee however, inline models tend to skimp on shade or have one canopy that only covers one seat, which is difficult for siblings who need different levels of protection.
A good canopy should be able to fit comfortably on the stroller, and a number of our top-rated models can do that. Be sure to verify the dimensions of the canopy prior to buying, as some may need extra space to extend completely and avoid hitting the handles.
Some parents prefer a double stroller that includes a bassinet and car seat adapters, as well as other accessories that provide them with more options down the road. The UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double, for example, comes with a toddler seat as well as an added RumbleSeat. This makes it a great option for families with twins or young children and require transportation at the same time. This stroller has a unique sit and stand configuration for older children who prefer to ride on their own.
The organizer bags and consoles for parents can also make your stroller more useful. They keep the essentials in your reach. They are especially useful for strollers that aren't frequently used or when you want to store snacks and toys away from prying hands. Some of these accessories can be secured with either a strap or snap, which makes it easy to remove them when you're ready to put them on the pushchair stroller once more.
If you're looking to make investing in a long-term plan, look for a double stroller compatible with infant car seats and will transform into a toddler stroller complete with the option of a bench seat or a glider board. Both the Graco Travel System RoomFor2 and UPPAbaby's Vista Duallie come with a bassinet that is compatible with car seats, a toddler seat, and a RumbleSeat. Both strollers can be expanded into triple strollers with the addition a running board. This is perfect for families with active children. one child who likes to travel strollers.
Wheels
The type of wheels used on the stroller makes an enormous difference in how it is simple or difficult to push. Generally speaking, larger wheels are more maneuverable and are able to handle more terrain. The material the wheels are made from also plays a role in how easy or hard they are to push. Rubber wheels are more durable than plastic ones and are able to handle rougher surfaces.
Stroller wheels come in a variety styles, sizes, and materials to meet a wide range of needs and conditions. Swivel wheels, for example can help to navigate tight corners and narrow spaces. Fixed wheels provide more stability and are ideal for smooth surfaces. If you are planning to use your stroller off-road or over rough terrain, you should consider purchasing air-filled tires instead of standard rubber tires. These tires are similar to bicycle tires, and absorb shocks for a more comfortable ride.
Side-by-side double strollers are much wider than tandem models and can be difficult to squeeze through narrow doorways or crowded store aisles. They provide your children with the same amount of space to sit down and stretch their legs. They're generally also easier to steer and maneuver than tandem strollers.
If you intend to use your stroller to run or bike, look for double joggers that have all-terrain or jogging tires. These are large, thicker and come with sealed ball bearings to provide a smoother ride over uneven surfaces. Some models, like the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 double stroller (Minecraftcommand.Science) are compatible with car seats that allow you to run with your children safely strapped in their pushchair car seat seats.
Other all-terrain/jogging doubles, like the Valco Baby Tri Mode Duo X can accommodate the addition of a second seat however they're usually too heavy to be considered umbrella doubles. In our tests the restraint buckles of this model were among the most difficult to fasten, which can be a problem when trying to get two children in the stroller at the same time. The stroller is costly and costs a lot more than our top single-to tandem option, but it does come with top-quality materials and a good selling value.
Stores
A well-designed double stroller should have enough storage space for the children as well as the parents. Lack of storage makes it difficult for parents to run errands or bring all the equipment needed to enjoy an outing with two kids. In our Lab tests, the UPPAbaby v2 double pram scored well in this measurement. It has a large and easy-to-access storage basket that can accommodate up to 30 pounds.
Strollers that have pockets and compartments can assist families in organizing small things like wallets, keys, and phones. A parent console or organizer bag that attaches to the handlebars of the stroller could be a great way for parents to store their personal belongings when out with the children.
Along with a spacious basket the UPPAbaby Vista comes with two infant car seats (though not both bassinets) It also comes with a telescoping handlebar and easy-to-use brakes. It also comes with one of the highest max allowable seat weight ratings in our range, as well as it folds easily through the majority of door frames.
On the flip side, our testers discovered that the wagon-style Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite has a great adjustable handlebar, ideal for parents with different heights. The wagon also comes with two UV screens that fold up to provide full sun coverage, and its snack tray and cup holders can hold plenty of kid snacks and bottles.
The most difficult thing about any stroller is folding it and getting it back in shape after you've used it. This is especially true for those who have a toddler or infant with you. This is why it's crucial to select a stroller that is easy to fold and user-friendly fold. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 and Evenflo Pivot Xpand both feature an easy-to-use, single-handed mechanism that lets parents quickly and easily fold their strollers regardless of the configuration they're in.
While a double stroller might seem like a daunting investment, parents who plan to utilize the product for several years should remember that they'll generally pay more for this kind of stroller than single strollers. It is also important to determine if the stroller can be disassembled for storage and transport. This is essential when you have a limited space in your home or vehicle.