What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The best double strollers grow with families and have thoughtful features to keep kids comfortable and happy. This includes adjustable foot rests and a smooth stroll on trails, gravel and old sidewalks.
Kerry was pleased the fact that the stroller was delivered in multiple boxes but everything was labeled properly and easy to open. She also loved that the stroller accepts two infant car seats and can be combined with a riding board for older kids.
Seating Options
When it comes to double strollers, the seating options are what determines the success or failure of the purchase for many families. You'll need to take into consideration the age of your children, their relative sizes of them, and the seating arrangements you prefer.
For instance, if have children who are close in age who will sit side-by-side, consider a tandem model that comes with child seats attached to each other and doesn't require you to use car seat adapters, says Alli Cavasino who is a senior editor at Consumer Reports. They are generally larger than other types of double strollers,, so they may not pass through door frames that are standard within your home.
If you're facing an age gap between your children you should consider a stroller with two seats that has the option to change to a stand-and ride model with the option of a bench or a platform seat in the back for a child who would like to ride along or watch their sibling. These kinds of in-line strollers can also accommodate infant car seats if needed and are a great option for children who will be 3 to 5 years apart, according Billingsley.
You'll also need to take a look at the seat material, explains Billingsley. Some fabrics are more air-conditioned than others, and easier to clean. It's also important to consider how easy it is to fold your stroller to store it or transport it to and from your car. "Nothing is more frustrating than acquiring your dream stroller but finding it's too heavy to carry or too large for your trunk," she says.
If you're looking for an affordable option that offers different seating options look no further than this award-winning model from Summer Infant that comes with two toddler seats, a bassinet attachment and can be made into a triple stroller, with an additional seat or riding board. The seats recline and have the calf bar controls that can be adjusted independently, which is great for when one child is looking to sleep while the other wants observe their surroundings. When folded, it is compact and fits into most trunks.
Age ranges
For families with kids who are similar in age, a sit-and-stand stroller is the perfect combination of comfort for both children and convenience. These strollers come with a seat in front for toddlers or infants, and a bench, platform or another surface in the rear that lets older children stand up or get off and on. These strollers are great for older children and toddlers, but not for babies or children who do not yet have the balance and coordination to stand on their own.
A narrow tandem stroller can help you keep an eye on both kids at the same time and get through narrow spaces like the aisles of the grocery store that are crowded or family photos in the park. These strollers are a bit narrower and more maneuverable than side-byside double strollers however they don't have as much storage space under the carriage and can't accommodate infant car seats.
If you plan on using a double stroller over many years, or even for a decade, you should consider buying a model that can grow with your kids. Double strollers are generally more expensive than single strollers, but if you choose the right one the first time it can save you money over time.
Our test subjects put these strollers through a series maneuverability tests and off-road excursions, and they found them easy to navigate over a variety of terrain. But if you're planning to use it in cities or other urban areas where sidewalks and traffic can be bumpy, you might want something stronger and more durable that can handle the rough treatment.
A lot of double strollers are made to last for a long period of time, but you may discover that the seats become used up faster than you anticipated or your kids outgrow it before it's time to retire. If you're looking for a bargain look into a model that has been rated for at least four years and aims to last as long as you can.
Easy of Use
It's crucial to ensure that the double stroller is easy to use by both children. It means that the harnesses should be comfortable for children who sit, and the handles should be a breeze to hold for toddlers. This also means that the stroller can be moved easily, and can be maneuvered through tight spaces and around obstacles. In fact the top-rated strollers from our Lab tests -- such as the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie and Thule Urban Glide 2 Double among the most easy to push.
It's also essential that a double stroller be easy to fold and store. The best twin buggy models fold down in two or three steps and are compact enough to fit into most trunks. It's also a plus if the stroller is versatile with the option of adding another seat or a ride-along board. Some can even hold infant car seats, meaning you don't have to wake your baby to transfer them into their twin stroller once they're ready for a trip home.
A quality double stroller is also durable and is able to be used in a variety of terrains. Some can be converted into a jogging scooter with a front wheel that is specially designed and others can be used as umbrella strollers. Some even have a cargo basket that can be attached to the rear of the stroller to carry groceries or shopping bags.
Another factor to consider is whether you'd like an oversized stroller that can be used side-by-side or as a tandem. Side-by-side strollers tend to be larger than tandem models, and they aren't easy to maneuver through tight spaces such as doorways and aisles of grocery stores that are crowded. They are useful because they allow each child to enjoy the same view. They are also more convenient to navigate in bad weather as they offer more protection from the elements.
Many parents decide to purchase a stroller that can be converted from single and double stroller to double, to use it as a baby, and then change to a regular double when their kiddos are older. After talking to parents, it became clear that it is better to buy the items you require now rather than to try to predict what you'll need in the near future.
Stores
When looking for a double-stroller, you need to think about the amount of storage available and the size. Many models have spacious accessible baskets that can hold lots of cargo. Many models also feature multiple cup holders for parents, as well as seats that can be reversible to give the best legroom possible for children. Some of these features can increase the cost, so be sure to review the reviews and descriptions thoroughly.
Most double strollers can be classified into tandem or side by side designs. tandem double stroller strollers are two seats on one frame and are for older children who can sit unassisted. They usually have more storage space than side-byside models. However, some can be difficult to push with the front seat fully reclined.
Side-byside strollers have two distinct seats positioned side by side and are generally suited to younger babies or toddlers who aren't yet able to master independent sitting yet. They also have the added benefit of being more easy to maneuver and pushing than tandem strollers. They may be more expensive and have smaller baskets.
There are also special double strollers specifically designed for biking and jogging. They are more expensive than basic strollers that are all-terrain, and they typically come with fixed front wheels that limit their flexibility. They are worth considering only if you plan to use them for such activities.
If you're looking for twins, an infant and a toddler, or a child who's not quite ready to go out on their own, there's a perfect double stroller for you. Our top choices are easy to maneuver, flexible and stable, as well as seating that can grow with your child's. Take a look at our top choices for the best double stroller to accommodate your family regardless of whether you are searching for a tandem or one that can accommodate your infant car seat.