What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The most effective double strollers are designed to adapt to the needs of your family and include thoughtful features that keep children content and comfortable. The top double strollers have adjustable footrests, as well as smooth riding over gravel, old sidewalks and trails.
Kerry loved the fact that the stroller was delivered in multiple boxes but everything was labeled well and was easy to open. She also liked that the stroller can accommodate two infant car seats and it can be paired with a ride-board for older children.
Seating Options
When it is double strollers, seating options are the main factor that determines the purchase for many families. You'll want to think about the age of your children, their relative sizes, and the seating arrangements that will work best for you.
For instance, if have children who are close in age that will be seated side-by-side, you should consider a tandem model that has child seats linked to each other and does not require car seat adapters, explains Alli Cavasino, a senior editor at Consumer Reports. These double strollers are typically wider than other double strollers. They may not be able to fit through the standard doors of your home.
If you have an age gap between your kids look into a double-seat stroller that has the option to convert to a stand-and-ride model with a platform or small bench seat in the back for a child who wants to casually ride with or observe their sibling. These kinds of in-line strollers can also accommodate infant car seats, in the event that they are needed and are a great option for children who are three to five years apart, according to Billingsley.
You'll also want to consider the type of seat material, says Billingsley. Some offer more breathable fabrics than others and are easier to keep clean. It's also important to take into consideration how easy it is to fold your new stroller down to store it or transport it to and from your car. "Nothing is more frustrating than purchasing your dream stroller but you realize it's too heavy to carry or too large for your trunk," she says.
If you're looking for an affordable option that can accommodate different seating options take a look at this award winner from Summer Infant, which has two toddler seats, a bassinet attachment and can be expanded to become a triple stroller, with an additional seat or riding board. The seats recline, and the control of the calf bar can be adjusted independently. This is perfect for when one child wants to take a nap while the other wants to explore their surroundings. When folded, it's compact and fits into most trunks.
Age Ranges
Sit-and-stand strollers are a great option for families with children who are close in age. They offer comfort and ease of use. They have a seat in front for toddlers or infants, and a platform, bench or another type of surface in the rear that allows older children to stand up or get off and on. These strollers are great for older toddlers and children but not suitable for infants or children who do not have the coordination and balance to stand up on their own.
A narrow tandem stroller can help you keep an eye on both kids at once and fit through narrow spaces like the aisles of the grocery store that are crowded or family photos at the park. These models are usually narrower than double strollers that are side-by-side and are generally easier to maneuver, but they won't accommodate infant car seats and typically don't offer as much undercarriage storage.
If you plan on using a double stroller for many years, or even a decade, it's worth buying one that will grow with your children. Double strollers tend to be more expensive than single strollers. However, If you choose the right one the first time around it can help you save money over time.
Our testers took each stroller through an assortment of maneuverability tests as well as off road adventures. They found them easy to navigate on different terrains. If you intend to use it in urban areas or cities where the sidewalks and traffic are prone to bumps, you may need something more robust and durable that can withstand rough treatment.
Many double strollers are designed to last a long time, but you might discover that the seats become worn out faster than expected or your children outgrow it before it's time to retire. If you are on the tightest budget, go for a model with a rating of at least four years. It should last as long as it can.
Easy of Use
It is essential to ensure that the double stroller is easy to use by both children. This means a comfortable harness for children who sit and handles that are easy to grab for toddlers who stand. The stroller can also be easily rolled around and maneuvered over obstacles and tight spaces. The top strollers we tested in our Lab tests, such as the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie or Thule Urban Glide 2 Double, are among the easiest to move around.
It's also essential that a double stroller be easy to fold and put away. The most effective models come with a one- or two-step process, and they're small enough to fit into the majority of trunks. It's also a plus when the stroller is a versatile and has the option of adding an additional seat or ride-along board. Some can even hold infant car seats, so you don't have to wake up your baby to transfer them into their stroller once they're ready to head home.
In addition, a good double stroller should be sturdy so that it can be used on a variety of terrain. For example, some can be converted to an jogging stroller by using an adapted front wheel and some can be used as an umbrella stroller. Some strollers have a cargo bag that can be attached at the back to carry groceries and shopping bags.
Another thing to consider is whether you want either a side-byside stroller or a tandem. Side-by-side strollers are generally larger than tandems and can be difficult to navigate narrow spaces like the aisles of doors or grocery stores. They are convenient because they allow both children to view the same scene. They are also easier to navigate during bad weather because they offer more protection from the elements.
Many parents choose to purchase a stroller that can be converted from single to double, so they can use it for a newborn and then change to a regular double once their kiddos are older. After speaking with parents, it became clear that it is better to buy what you need now instead of trying to predict what you'll need in the near future.
Storage
If you're shopping for a double stroller, you might want to consider the size and quantity of storage space. Many models come with large, easy-to-access baskets that can hold a lot of cargo. They also typically have several cup holders for parents as well as convertible seating arrangements that provide best-in-class legroom for children. However, some of these features can increase in cost therefore it is important to read reviews and descriptions carefully.
Most double strollers are classified as tandem or side by side designs. Tandem strollers have two seats assembled on the same frame, and are generally better suited for older children who have already learned unassisted sitting. They also tend to have a bigger storage basket than side-by-side strollers, but some can be awkward or difficult to push when the front seat is reclined fully.
The side-byside stroller features two separate seats that are set side-by-side. They're typically more suitable for infants or toddlers, who haven't yet mastered independent sitting. They also have the benefit of being more easy to push and maneuver than tandem strollers. They can be more expensive and have smaller baskets.
There are also special double strollers that are designed specifically for biking and jogging. They're generally more expensive than all-terrain strollers and come with fixed front wheels, which limit their mobility. These strollers are worth considering if you plan to use them in these types of activities.
There's a double stroller that's suitable for any situation regardless of whether you're purchasing one for twins or a child that's not quite ready to take a ride by themselves or not quite old enough to be a proper rider. The top choices in our tests are affluent and stable. They're also easy to maneuver with seating that expands as your children get older. So whether tandem double buggy pushchairsandprams in search of a tandem stroller or one that will accommodate your infant car seat, take a look at our top choices to find the ideal double stroller for your family.