How Easy Is It to Push and Fold a Double Stroller?
Whether you're taking your toddler on the streets or jogging with your twins, having the perfect double stroller makes it easier for everyone to move around. Choosing a double stroller that can be folded and easy to push is crucial.
Our Lab experts suggest side-byside models with equal recline and plenty of storage space, including car adapters for infants' seats.
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 side option that allows your children to sit together.
The seating arrangement can impact your comfort when you're navigating busy sidewalks and streets. Find strollers with reclined chairs with reclined footrests, large canopy to provide shade for the two passengers. Beware of hanging bags from handlebars, as they can alter the stroller's centre of gravity, causing it to tip.
Double strollers that are of good quality will also have convenient storage compartments to store your essentials. Find storage compartments underneath the seats or in the backs of the seats. These are great places to store toys, snacks and other essentials. Parent consoles and organizer bags connected to the handles are also useful to keep things within reach on walks or outings.
A side-by-side stroller is the best option for parents with children of the same age. They're usually more stable than stacking models and provide better views for stroller both passengers. Some options also accept two car seats for infants which allows you to move your sleeping kids from the car to the stroller and not wake them.
Sit-and-stand strollers are a great option for parents with older children who don't mind their kids sitting separately and who like some independence. They also allow an older child to ride in the front. This type of double stroller is not compatible with newborns, and it may require more maintenance over time. However, it can be an excellent option for families with active children who need the versatility of a stroller that transforms into a two-kid model.
The most effective double strollers are robust and easy to maneuver even in rough terrain or tight spaces. They are also light and foldable to make it easy to store them in your garage or trunk. This makes them easy to transport when you travel. They are also built to last and comply with the safety standards of the American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP).
Canopy
A canopy shields both passengers from direct sunlight and, in some models, a an apron that protects children's faces. Models with giant shades like the BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 Duallie and the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double received our top scores for their canopy options. They both offer plenty of coverage and cover kids from head to knee whereas inline options tend to be less generous with shade or provide a single canopy that only covers one seat, which is problematic for siblings who want different levels of protection.
A good canopy should be able to slide easily onto 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 models may require extra space to expand fully and avoid hitting the handles.
Some parents prefer double strollers that come with a bassinet or car seat adapters to give them more options in the future. The UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double, for instance, has an infant seat and an add-on RumbleSeat. This makes it an ideal option for families with twins or young kids and need to transport them at the same time. This versatile stroller offers a unique sit and stand arrangement for older children who prefer to prams travel system alone.
Other accessories that can help make your stroller more useful include parent consoles and bags that organize, which allow you to keep essentials within reach. They're especially useful for strollers that don't get used often or when you want to keep snacks and toys away from prying hands. Some of these accessories are connected with a snap or strap, making it easy to remove them when you're ready for the stroller to be used again.
If you're planning on a long-term investment consider a double stroller compatible with infant car seats and can grow into a toddler stroller (read more on bookmarkfly.com`s official blog) that has a bench seat or glider board. The Graco RoomFor2 Travel System and the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Duallie both feature an auto seat-compatible bassinet with a toddler seat as well as RumbleSeat. Both are able to be expanded into a triple stroller through the addition of a running board, which is perfect for families with an active child who likes to be on the move.
Wheels
The kind of wheels a stroller has makes an impact on how it is easy to push. In general, larger wheels are easier to maneuver and can handle an array of terrain. The material used to make the wheels also determines how they are easy or difficult to push. Rubber wheels, for example are generally more durable and can stand up to rougher surfaces than plastic ones.
Stroller wheels are available in a variety of styles sizes, dimensions, and materials to meet the needs of a variety of people and environments. For instance, swivel wheels make it easier to navigate narrow spaces and tight turns. Fixed-wheels offer more stability and are better for smooth surfaces. If you plan to use your stroller on rough terrain or off-road air-filled tires are more suitable than standard rubber tires. These tires are similar to bicycle tires, and absorb shocks to provide a more comfortable ride.
Side-by-side double strollers are much wider than tandem models and can be difficult to maneuver through narrow doors or aisles in stores. However, they offer your children equal seating space and let them stretch their legs. They're also generally easier to steer and maneuver than tandem strollers.
If you plan to use your stroller for an exercise bike or run, choose a double jogger that comes with special all-terrain tires or jogging wheels. These tires are bigger, thicker, and feature sealed ball bearings for an easier ride on rough surfaces. Certain models, such as the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double Stroller are compatible with car seats which allow you to jog with your children securely strapped in their car seats.
Other strollers that are all-terrain and jogging like the Valco Baby Tri Mode Duo X accept two children in the front, but they are too heavy to qualify as umbrella doubles. In our tests, we discovered that the buckles on this stroller were the most difficult to fasten. This could be a problem if are trying to fit two children on the stroller simultaneously. This stroller is pricey with a price that is hundreds higher than our top single-to-tandem option, but it does come with high-quality materials and good selling value.
Storage
A good double stroller should provide ample storage space for both parents and children. A lack of storage can make it difficult for parents to complete around and carry all the equipment they require for a family outing. In our Lab tests, baby stroller the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double did well in this metric it has a large and easily accessible basket that can hold up to 30 pounds.
Strollers that have multiple compartments and pockets can aid families in organizing small things like keys, wallets, and phones. A parent console or organizer bag that can be attached to the handlebars of the stroller could be a convenient method for parents to keep their personal belongings while outing with their children.
In addition to a large basket, the UPPAbaby Vista carries two infant car seats (though not both bassinets) It also comes with an adjustable handlebar that telescopically extends and brakes that are simple to use. It also comes with one of the highest maximum allowable weight ratings for seats in our lineup and a simple fold that fits through most standard door frames.
On the flip side our test participants discovered that the wagon-style Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite has an adjustable handlebar that is perfect for parents of different heights. The wagon also features two UV screens that fold down to provide full sun coverage, and its cup and snack tray holders can hold a variety of bottles and snacks for children.
A major challenge for anyone using a stroller is the ability to fold it down and return it to shape after use, particularly when you have two children in the stroller. It's the reason it's essential to select a stroller with a smooth and user-friendly fold. Both the UPPAbaby Vista v2 stroller and Evenflo Pivot Xpand have a single-handed, simple-to-use mechanism that lets parents fold their stroller quickly and efficiently, regardless of the configuration they're using.
While a double stroller might appear like a costly investment, parents who plan to use the product for several years should be aware that they'll typically pay more for this type of equipment than single strollers. Also, you should consider whether the stroller is able to be disassembled for storage and transportation. This is essential when you have a limited space in your home or vehicle.