What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The best double strollers are designed to grow with your family. They include thoughtful features that keep children content and comfortable. The best double strollers come with adjustable footrests and a smooth ride on old sidewalks, gravel and trails.
Kerry was delighted that the stroller arrived in multiple boxes, but everything was clearly labeled and simple for her to open. She also loved that the stroller can be used with two infant car seats and can be used with a riding board for older children.
Seating Options
Seating arrangements are a key factor in determining whether or an entire family will invest in a double stroller. You'll need to consider the age of your children, the relative sizes of them and the seating arrangements you like.
For instance, if you have children who are close in age who will sit together, consider a tandem model that has child seats that are attached to each other and does not require car seat adapters, according to Alli Cavasino who is a senior editor at Consumer Reports. These double strollers are usually wider than other double strollers. They may not be able to fit through the standard doors of your home.
If you're experiencing an age gap between your children, consider a dual-seat stroller with the option to change to a stand-and ride model that has an elevated or small bench seat in the back for children who likes to just ride along with their sibling. These types of in-line strollers can also accommodate infant car seats should they be required, and are a good option for children who will be three to five years apart, according to Billingsley.
double pram pushchair advises that you must be aware of the fabric used to make the seat. Some fabrics are more air-conditioned than others, and are easier to clean. It is also important to consider how easy it will be to fold your stroller to store it or for transporting it to and from your car. "Nothing is more frustrating than acquiring the perfect stroller, only then realizing it's too heavy for you to lift or too big for your trunk," she says.
If you are looking for a budget-friendly alternative that can be configured in a variety of ways look no further than this award-winning stroller from Summer Infant. It has two toddler seats and an infant bassinet. It could be made into a triple stroller by adding a seat or a riding board. The seats recline, and have the calf bar controls that can be adjusted independently, which is great for when one child wants to rest while the other wants to observe their surroundings. It's also compact when folded and fits easily in the majority of trunks.
Age ranges
Sit-and-stand strollers are a great option for families with children who are close in terms of age. They provide convenience and comfort. These strollers usually have seats for infants or toddler in the 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 toddlers and older children but not suitable for infants or children who do have the coordination and balance to stand on their own.
A narrow tandem stroller can help keep your eyes on both children at the same time and get through difficult areas like aisles of the grocery store that are crowded or family photos at the park. These strollers are typically smaller than double strollers that are side-by-side and tend to maneuver easier, but they won't accommodate carseats for infants and generally don't have the same amount of storage under the carriage.
If you're planning to use a double stroller for several years--or even a decade or more--it's worth purchasing a model that will continue to expand with your children. Double strollers are more expensive than single ones, but if they're chosen correctly, you can save money over the long haul.
Our test participants put each of these strollers through a series of maneuverability tests and off-road adventures, and they found them easy to maneuver over various terrains. If you intend to use it in cities or areas where the sidewalks and traffic can be bumpy, you might want something that is more durable and robust that can handle rough treatment.
A lot of double strollers are made to last for a long time, but you could notice that the seats are worn out faster than expected or your children outgrow 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 should last as long as possible.
Easy of Use
It is essential to ensure that the double stroller is easy to use by both children. This means that the harnesses need to be comfortable for children who sit, and the handles should be easy to grasp for toddlers. This also means that the stroller rolls easily and is able to be maneuvered in tight spaces and around obstacles. The top-rated strollers from our Lab tests, such as 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 is easy to fold and put away. The most effective models come with an easy one- or two-step procedure, and are small enough to fit in most trunks. It's an advantage to add a second seat or a ride-along to the stroller. Some can even hold infant car seats, meaning you don't have to wake your baby to put them into their stroller once they're ready to head home.
Furthermore, a quality double stroller needs to be sturdy to be able to be used on a variety of terrain. For instance, some strollers can be converted into an jogging stroller that has a front wheel that is specially designed, and some are able to be used as an umbrella stroller. Some even have a cargo basket that can be affixed to the rear of the stroller to carry groceries or shopping bags.
Another consideration is whether you want either a side-byside stroller or a tandem. Side-by-side strollers are generally wider than tandem models, and can be difficult to maneuver in narrow spaces like doorways or aisles of grocery stores that are crowded. However, they offer the convenience of allowing both children to see the same scene. They are also easier to navigate during bad weather as they offer more protection from the elements.
Many parents decide to purchase an adaptable stroller that can be used by a newborn, and then transformed into a double stroller when their children reach an older age. After speaking with parents, it became clear that it is better to buy what you need now than to try to anticipate what you will require in the near-term.
Storage
If you're looking for a double stroller, then you might want to consider the size and amount of storage space. Many models come with large, easy-to access baskets that can store a lot of cargo. Many models also have multiple cup holders for parents and reversible seat configurations to provide the most legroom for children. However, some of these features can increase in cost therefore it is important to read descriptions and reviews carefully.
The majority of double strollers are classified as tandem or side by side models. Tandem strollers come with two seats on the same frame, and are generally better suited for older children who have already learned sitting on their own. They usually have larger storage baskets than side-by-side models. However, some models can be difficult to push with the front seat fully reclined.
Side-by-side strollers come with two separate seats that are positioned side-by-side, and they're typically better for babies and toddlers who haven't yet learned independence sitting. They are also more maneuverable and easy to push than tandem strollers. However, they usually have smaller storage baskets than tandem strollers and may be more expensive.
There are double strollers made specifically for jogging or biking. They're generally more expensive than all-terrain strollers and come with fixed front wheels, which restrict their mobility. They are worth considering only if you intend to use them for these activities.
There's a double stroller to suit every scenario whether you're looking to purchase one for twins or a child who's not yet ready to take a ride by themselves or not yet old enough. The top choices in our tests are versatile, stable, and easy to use, with seating that grows as your children get older. Check out our top picks for the best double stroller to meet your family's needs whether you're seeking a tandem stroller or one that will fit your infant car seat.