What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The best double strollers develop with families and have clever features to keep children at ease and content. The best double strollers come with adjustable footrests as well as smooth riding over gravel, old sidewalks and trails.
Kerry loved that the stroller arrived in multiple boxes, however everything was labeled well and was easy to open. She also appreciated the fact that the stroller is able to accommodate two infant car seats and it is able to be set with a ride-board for older children.
Seating Options
When it is about double strollers, seating options are what makes or breaks the purchase of many families. You'll need to take into consideration the age of your children, their relative sizes and seating configurations you prefer.
Alli Cavasino is a senior editor of Consumer Reports. She says that if you are looking to buy a tandem stroller, you should think about one with children's seats that are connected. This model is not required to have car seat adapters. They are generally larger than other double strollers, however they won't fit into standard door frames within your home.
If you have an age gap between your children look into a double-seat stroller that can transform into a stand-and-ride model that has an elevated or small bench seat in the back for a child who would like to ride along with their younger sibling. These strollers are capable of accommodating infant car seats if necessary, and are good for children who are 3-5 years apart.
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. It's also important to think about how easy it is to fold your new stroller down for stowing or transporting to and from your car. "There's nothing more frustrating than buying your dream stroller only find out that it is too heavy or large for your trunk," says the expert.
If you are looking for a budget-friendly option that offers multiple configurations, then check out this award-winning stroller from Summer Infant. It features two toddler seats and an infant bassinet. It could be made to a triple stroller by adding an additional seat or a 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 sleep while the other wants to look around. It's also compact when folded and fits easily in the majority of trunks.
Age ranges
Sit-and-stand strollers are the best option for families with children who are similar in age. They provide the comfort and convenience. These strollers have a seat in the front for toddlers or infants, and a bench, platform or other surface at the rear that lets older children stand up or get off and on. These strollers are ideal for older toddlers and children, but not for babies or children who do have the balance and coordination to stand on their own.
A narrow tandem stroller allows you to keep both children in view all at once, and it can be pushed through tight spaces, such as grocery store aisles or for family photos in the parks. These models are narrower and easier to maneuver than double strollers with side-by-side seating, but they don't have enough storage space under the carriage, and they're not able to fit an infant car seats.
If you plan to use a double stroller for many years, or even over a decade, it's worthwhile purchasing a model that will expand with your children. Double strollers are more expensive than single strollers however, if you choose them properly, you'll save money over the long haul.
Our test participants put each stroller through a series maneuverability tests and off-road excursions. They found them simple to maneuver over various terrains. But if you're planning to be using it in urban areas where traffic and sidewalks can be bumpy and uneven, you may want something stronger and more robust that can withstand the rough treatment.
Many double strollers are designed to last for a long period of time, but you could find that the seats get used up faster than you anticipated or your kids grow out of it before it's ready to retire. If you are on an extremely tight budget, you should choose one with a rating of at minimum four years. It is best to use it for as long as is possible.
Simple to use
If you're planning to purchase a double stroller, it's important that it is easy to use for both children. It means that the harnesses should be comfortable for children who sit and the handles should be easy to grasp for toddlers. The stroller can also be easily rolled and moved through tight spaces. The top strollers we tested in our Lab tests, including the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie or Thule Urban Glide 2 Double are among the most easy to move around.
It's also essential that a double stroller be easy to fold and put away. The best models fold in one or two steps and are small enough to fit into most trunks. It's also beneficial if the stroller is versatile, with options to add another seat or a ride-along board. Some even have the capacity to hold infant car seats, so you don't have to wake your baby to transfer them into their stroller when they're ready to head home.
A quality double stroller is also durable, so it can be used in different types of terrain. Some are able to be converted into a jogging scooter with a front wheel that is specially designed and some can also be used as umbrella strollers. Some strollers come with a cargo bag that can be put at the back to carry groceries and shopping bags.
A tandem or side-by-side is another option to consider. Side-by-side strollers tend to be wider than tandems and can be difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces like the aisles of doors or grocery stores. They are useful since they permit each child to enjoy the same view. They are also easier to navigate in a storm as they provide greater protection from the elements for both kids.
double tandem pushchair opt to purchase an adaptable stroller that can be used by a baby and then converted to a double stroller when their children reach an older age. After talking to parents, it became clear that it is better to purchase what you need today rather than to try to predict what you might require in the near future.
Stores
When shopping for a double-stroller, it's important to consider the amount of storage available and the dimensions. Many models have large, easy-to-access baskets that can hold lots of items. They also often feature multiple parent cup holders and reversible seating configurations that offer best-in-class legroom for children. Certain of these features could increase the cost so make sure you review the reviews and descriptions thoroughly.
Most double strollers are classified as tandem or side by side models. Tandem strollers include two seats in one frame and are best for older children who can sit unassisted. They also have a bigger storage basket than side-by-side strollers, but some can be difficult or awkward to push when the front seat is fully reclined.
Side-by-side strollers have two individual seats that are positioned side-by-side and are generally suited to younger babies or toddlers who haven't yet learned independence sitting yet. They also have the added benefit of being more easy to maneuver and pushing than tandem strollers. They can be more expensive, and they have smaller baskets.
There are also specialized double strollers specifically designed for jogging and biking. These are usually more expensive than all-terrain strollers, and have fixed front wheels, which restrict their mobility. These strollers are worth considering if you intend to use them for these kinds of activities.
If you're looking for twins or an infant and a toddler, or a child who isn't quite ready to go out on their own, there's an ideal double stroller out there. Our top picks are easy to maneuver, versatile, stable and have seating that grows with your child's. So whether you're in search of a tandem stroller or one that can accommodate your infant car seat, check out our top picks to choose the ideal double stroller for your family.