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 content and comfortable. The best double strollers come with adjustable footrests and smooth riding over old sidewalks, gravel, and trails.
Kerry was pleased that the stroller was packaged in multiple boxes, but everything was clearly labeled and easy for her to open. She also appreciated the fact that it can accommodate two infant car seats and can be paired with a riding board for older children.
Seating Options
Seating options are an important factor in determining whether or the family will buy a double stroller. You'll have to think about the age of your children, their relative sizes of them, and the seating arrangements you like.
For instance, if you have children of similar age that will be seated side-by-side, you should consider a tandem model that has child seats linked to one another and does not require car seat adapters, explains Alli Cavasino who is a senior editor at Consumer Reports. They're typically larger than other double strollers, however they might not pass through door frames that are standard within your home.
If your children are of a different age, you might want to consider a stroller that has two seats that can be converted into a stand-and ride model. This will allow children to watch or ride along with their siblings. twin stroller of in-line strollers can also be adapted to fit infant car seats if needed, and are a good option for children who will be three to five years apart, according to Billingsley.
You should also look at the type of seat material, explains Billingsley. Some fabrics are more air-conditioned than others, and are easier to clean. It's also important to consider how easy it is to fold your stroller for stowing or transporting to and from your car. "Nothing is more frustrating than purchasing the perfect stroller, only you realize it's too heavy to lift or too big for your trunk," she says.
If you're looking for a budget-friendly option that has multiple configurations, then check out this award-winning stroller from Summer Infant. It comes with two toddler seats and a bassinet, and can be expanded into a triple stroller by adding an additional seat or a riding board. The seats recline and the controls for the calf bar can be adjusted independently. This is ideal when one child needs a nap while another wants to explore their surroundings. When folded, it is small and easily fits into most trunks.
Age ranges
Sit-and stand strollers are the ideal option for families with children who are similar in age. They offer the comfort and convenience. These strollers have an area in front that seats toddlers or infants and a platform, bench or other surface in the rear which allows older children to stand up or hop on/off. These strollers are ideal for older toddlers and children but not suitable for infants or children who do not have the balance and coordination to stand up on their own.
A narrow tandem stroller can help you keep your eyes on both children at once and fit through tight spots like crowded grocery store aisles or family photos at the park. These models are usually narrower than double strollers with side-by-side designs and are able to move more easily but they don't have the capacity to fit carseats for infants and generally don't offer the same amount of undercarry storage.
If you're planning to use a double stroller over several years--or even a decade or more--it's worth investing in an option that will continue to expand with your children. Double strollers are typically more expensive than single strollers, however 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 found them easy to navigate through a variety of terrain. But if you're planning to be using it in urban areas where traffic and sidewalks can be bumpy, you might want something stronger and more robust that can withstand the rough treatment.
A lot of double strollers are made to last a long time, but you may discover that the seats become more worn than you expected or your children outgrow it before it's ready for retirement. If you're on a tight budget, consider getting a model that has been evaluated for at least four years and is designed to last as long as possible.
Easy of Use
If you're going to invest in a double stroller, it's important that it is simple to use for both children. This means a comfortable harness for kids who are seated and handles that are easy to grab for toddlers who stand. The stroller can also be easily rolled and moved over obstacles and tight spaces. 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 comfortable to push.
A double stroller must be able to fold and put away. The best models use a one- or two-step process, and they're small enough to fit into the majority of trunks. It's also a benefit if you can include a second chair or a ride-along to the stroller. Some can even hold infant car seats, so you don't have to wake your baby to transfer them into the stroller when they're ready to head home.
Additionally, a great double stroller should be sturdy so that it can be used on various types of terrain. For example, some can be converted into a jogging stroller with a specialized front wheel, and some can also be used as an umbrella stroller. Some strollers come with a bag that can be put to the back of the stroller to carry groceries and shopping bags.
Another thing to consider is whether you'd prefer an oversized stroller that can be used side-by-side or as a tandem. Side-by-side strollers tend to be bigger than tandem models and they can be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces like doorways and aisles of grocery stores that are crowded. They are practical because they allow both children to see the same scenery. They are also easier to navigate in a storm as they provide greater coverage from the elements for both kids.
Many parents opt to purchase an adaptable stroller that can be used by a baby and then converted to a double stroller once their children are older. After speaking with parents, it became apparent that it is better to buy what you need now instead of trying to anticipate what you will require in the near-term.
Storage
If you're looking for a double stroller, you may be interested in the size and amount of storage space. A lot of models have large easy-to-access baskets that are able to store a large amount of items. Many models also come with several cup holders for parents and seating configurations that can be reversed to provide the most legroom for children. Some of these features can make the price more expensive therefore, make sure to go through the reviews and descriptions carefully.
Most double strollers are classified as tandem or side by side models. Tandem strollers feature two seats that are positioned on the same frame, and they're typically better suited for older children who have already learned unassisted sitting. They typically have bigger storage baskets than side-by-side models. However, some models can be difficult to push when the front seat is fully reclined.
The side-by-side stroller comes with two seats that are set side-by-side. They're generally best suited to infants or toddlers, who haven't yet mastered sitting independently. They are also more maneuverable and easy to push than tandem strollers. However, they typically have smaller storage baskets than tandem models and can be more expensive.
There are also special double strollers that are designed specifically for jogging and biking. They're generally more expensive than all-terrain strollers, and have fixed front wheels, which limit their flexibility. They're worth considering only if you intend to use them for those activities.
Whether you're shopping for twins, an infant and an older toddler, or a child who's not quite ready to walk on their own, there's a great double stroller available. The best options in our tests are versatile and stable. They are also easy to use with seating that expands as your children get older. So whether you're in search of a tandem stroller or one that will accommodate your infant car seat, take a look at our top picks to choose the ideal double stroller for your family.