What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The best double strollers are made to grow with your family and include thoughtful features that keep children at ease and happy. The best double strollers come with adjustable footrests and smooth riding on old sidewalks, gravel and trails.
Kerry appreciated that the stroller arrived in multiple boxes, but everything was labeled well and was easy to open. She also loved that the stroller can be used with two infant car seats and can be combined with a riding board for older kids.
Seating Options
Seating arrangements are a key element in determining whether not a family will purchase a double stroller. You'll have to think about the age of your children, the relative sizes and seating arrangements you like.
Alli Cavasino is a senior editor at Consumer Reports. She says that if you are looking to purchase a tandem stroller, it is best to look at one that has child seats that are attached. best double buggy does not require car seat adapters. These double strollers are typically wider than other double strollers. They might not fit through doors that are standard in your home.
If your children are a different age, you may think about a stroller with two seats that can be turned into a stand-and ride model. This will allow children to watch or ride with their siblings. These kinds of in-line strollers can also accommodate infant car seats, if needed and are a great choice for children who'll be 3 to 5 years apart, according Billingsley.
You'll also want to consider the type of seat material, according to Billingsley. Certain fabrics are more breathable than others, and easier to clean. You should also consider how easy it will be to fold your stroller for storage or transporting it to and from your vehicle. "Nothing is more frustrating than buying your dream stroller but you realize it's too heavy to carry or too big for your trunk," she says.
If you're looking for a low-cost option that can accommodate different seating options, check out 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 control mechanisms for the calf bar that allow them to adjust independently, which is perfect for when one child wants to nap while the other one wants to look around. When folded, it is small and easily fits into most trunks.
Age ranges
For families with children who are similar to their ages, a sit-and-stand stroller can provide the best combination of comfort for both children and convenience. These strollers usually have a seat for an infant or toddler in front and a bench or platform that lets an older child stand or jump on and off in the back. These strollers are great for older toddlers and children but not suitable for infants or children who do not yet have the balance and coordination to stand up on their own.
A narrow tandem stroller allows you to keep both children in view all at once, and it can fit through tight spaces like aisles at the supermarket or for family photos in parks. These strollers are typically smaller than double strollers with side-by-side designs and tend to maneuver easier, but they won't accommodate infant car seats and typically do not offer as much undercarriage storage.
If you are planning to use a double stroller over several years--or even a decade or more--it's worth investing in an option that can grow with your kids. Double strollers are typically more expensive than single strollers, but If you choose the right one first time around it can save you money over time.
Our testers ran each of these strollers through a series of maneuverability tests and off-road excursions, and they found them to be easy to navigate over different terrains. However, if you're going to be using it in cities or other urban areas where traffic and sidewalks can be bumpy, you might want something more robust and robust that can withstand the rough treatment.
Many double strollers are built to last a long time, but you could discover that the seats become worn out faster than expected or your children outgrow it before it's ready to retire. If you're on a tight budget, choose one with a rating of at minimum four years. It is best to use it for as long as it can.
Easy of Use
It is essential to ensure that the double stroller is comfortable to use by both children. This means a comfortable harness for kids who are seated and handles that are easy to grab for toddlers who stand. It also means that the stroller rolls easily, and can be maneuvered in tight spaces and around obstacles. The top-rated strollers from our Lab tests, like the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie or Thule Urban Glide 2 Double are among the most easy to move around.
It's also crucial that a double stroller be easy to fold and store. The best models use a one- or two-step procedure, and are small enough to fit into most trunks. It's also an advantage that the stroller can be used in a variety of ways with the option of adding a second seat or a ride-along board. Some strollers can accommodate infant car seats so you don't need to wake your baby up to move them into the stroller when it's time to go home.
In addition, a good double stroller must be durable to be able to be used on a variety of terrain. Some of them can be transformed into a jogging stoller with a front wheel that is specially designed and others can be used as umbrella strollers. Some strollers have a cargo bag that can be put to the back of the stroller to carry shopping bags and groceries.
A tandem stroller or side-byside is another option to consider. Side-by-side strollers tend to be bigger than tandem models and can be difficult to maneuver through tight spaces like doorways and aisles of grocery stores that are crowded. However, they offer the convenience of allowing each child to view the same scenery. They are also easier to navigate through in stormy weather because they offer more coverage from the elements for both children.
Many parents choose to buy an adaptable stroller that can be used by a newborn, and later converted into a double stroller once their children reach an older age. After talking to parents, it became clear that it is better to buy what you need today rather than to try to anticipate what you will require in the near future.
Storage
If you're looking for a double stroller, you may need to think about the size and amount of storage space. Many models come with large, easy-to access baskets that can store lots of items. They also typically have several cup holders for parents as well as reversible seating configurations that offer best-in-class legroom for children. However, some of these features can be costly in price and it's crucial to read reviews and descriptions carefully.
Most double strollers are classified as tandem or side by side models. Tandem strollers have two seats on one frame, and are best for older children who are able to sit without assistance. They usually have larger storage baskets than side-byside models. However, some may be difficult to push when the front seat is fully reclined.
Side-by-side strollers come with two separate seats positioned side by side and are generally for infants or toddlers who haven't yet learned independence sitting yet. They are also more maneuverable and easy to push than tandem strollers. However, they usually have smaller storage baskets than tandem strollers, and can be more expensive.
There are double strollers that are designed specifically for biking or jogging. These are usually more expensive than all-terrain strollers and come with fixed front wheels, which limit their flexibility. These strollers are only worth considering if you intend to use them for these activities.
There's a double stroller to suit every situation whether you're looking to purchase one for twins or a child that's not yet ready to take a ride by themselves or not quite old enough to be a proper rider. Our top picks are easy to maneuver, flexible and stable, with seating that grows with your child. So whether you're looking for a tandem stroller or one that will accommodate your infant car seat, check out our top picks to find the ideal double stroller for your family.