What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The best double strollers are made to adapt to the needs of your family. They include clever features that keep your kids happy and comfortable. The best double strollers come with adjustable footrests and smooth rides over old sidewalks, gravel, and trails.
Kerry loved that the stroller arrived in multiple boxes, but everything was labeled properly and easy to open. She also appreciated the fact that it can accommodate two infant car seats and can be used with a riding board for older children.
Seating Options
When it comes to double strollers, seating options are what determines the success or failure of the purchase of many families. You'll need to consider the age of your children, their respective sizes and the seating configurations that are most suitable for your needs.
Alli Cavasino is a senior editor at Consumer Reports. She says that if you are looking to buy a tandem stroller, you should consider one with children's seats that are connected. This model does not require car seat adapters. They're typically larger than other types of double strollers, they won't pass through door frames that are standard within your home.
If your children are a older age, you might want to consider a stroller with two seats that can be converted into a stand-and-ride model. This allows a child to watch or ride with their siblings. These strollers are able to accommodate infant car seats if necessary and are ideal for children aged 3-5 years apart.
Billingsley advises that you must also consider the type of material used for the seat. Certain fabrics are more breathable than others and are more easy to clean. It's also important to take into consideration how easy it is to fold your stroller to store it or transport it to and from your car. "There's nothing more frustrating than purchasing your dream stroller only to find out that it is too heavy or big for your trunk," says the expert.
If you're looking for a budget-friendly option that has various seating options look no further than this award winner 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 the controls for the calf bar can be adjusted independently. This is ideal when one child wants to rest while another wants to explore their surroundings. It's also compact when folded and easily fits in most trunks.
Age Variations
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 have a seat in front for toddlers or infants, and a bench, platform or other surface at the rear which allows older children to stand up and walk on/off. These strollers are ideal for older toddlers and children however, they are not suitable for babies or children who do not yet have the balance and coordination to stand on their own.
A narrow tandem stroller lets you to keep both children in sight all at once, and it can fit through tight spaces like grocery store aisles or for family photos in parks. These models are usually narrower than side-by-side double strollers and tend to maneuver easier however they aren't able to accommodate infant car seats and generally don't have the same amount of undercarry storage.
If you plan to use a double stroller for many years, or even longer than a decade, it's worth purchasing a model that will continue to adapt to your children's needs. Double strollers tend to be more expensive than single strollers, however when you pick the right one first time around it can save you money over time.
Our test subjects put these strollers through a series of maneuverability tests as well as off-road adventures, and they found them easy to navigate through different terrains. But if you're planning to be using it in urban zones where sidewalks and traffic can be bumpy and uneven, you may want something more robust and durable to withstand the rough treatment.
Many double strollers are built to last for a long period of time, but you could notice that the seats are more worn than you expected or your children outgrow it before it's time for retirement. If you're looking for a bargain, consider getting a model that has been rated for at least four years and aims to last as long as is possible.
User-Friendliness
It's important to make sure that the double stroller is easy to use by both children. This means comfortable harnesses for seated kids and handles that are easy to grab for toddlers who stand. The stroller can also be easily rolled and moved around obstacles and in tight spaces. The top-rated strollers from our Lab tests, such as the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie or Thule Urban Glide 2 Double, are among the easiest to maneuver.
It's also important that a double stroller be easy to fold and store. The most effective models come with a one- or two-step process, and they're small enough to fit in the majority of trunks. It's also a plus when the stroller is a versatile and has the option of adding a second seat or a ride-along board. Some strollers can even accommodate infant car seats, meaning you don't have to wake up your baby to get them into their stroller once they're ready to go home.
A quality double stroller is also durable, so it can be used on a variety of kinds of terrains. Some are able to be converted into a jogging scooter with a specific front wheel and some can also be used as umbrella strollers. Some come with a cargo basket that can be affixed to the back of the stroller to carry shopping bags or groceries.
Another consideration is whether you'd prefer an oversized stroller that can be used side-by-side or as a tandem. Side-by-side strollers are generally larger than tandem models, and they can be difficult to maneuver in narrow spaces like doorways or aisles of the grocery store. They do offer the convenience of allowing each child to enjoy the same view. They are also much easier to navigate in bad weather as they offer more protection from the elements.
Many parents opt to buy an adaptable single-to-double stroller, to use it for a newborn and then change to a regular double when their children are older. After talking to parents we've learned that it's best to get what you need now instead of trying to anticipate what your family might need in the future.
Storage
When looking for double-strollers, it's crucial to think about the amount of storage space available and the size. Many models have large, easy-to access baskets that can hold plenty of stuff. They also often feature numerous cup holders for parents and convertible seating arrangements that provide the best legroom available for children. However, sit and stand double stroller can increase in cost, so it's important to read descriptions and reviews carefully.
Most double strollers are classified as tandem or side-byside designs. Tandem strollers have two seats in one frame and are best suited to older babies who can stand unaided. They typically have bigger storage baskets than side-by-side models. However, some may be difficult to push with the front seat fully reclined.
The side-by-side stroller comes with two separate seats that are positioned side-by-side. They're generally more suitable for infants or toddlers, who haven't yet mastered sitting independently. They are also more maneuverable and easy to push than tandem strollers. They may be more expensive and have smaller baskets.
There are also double strollers designed specifically for jogging or biking. These are usually more expensive than all-terrain strollers and come with fixed front wheels, which restrict their mobility. These strollers are worth considering if you plan to use them in these kinds of activities.
There's a double stroller for every situation, whether you're buying one for twins, a child who's not yet ready to ride on their own, or a child who's not yet old enough. Our top picks are easy to maneuver, versatile and stable, with seating that grows with your child. So whether you're in search of a tandem stroller or one that will accommodate your infant car seat, look through our top picks to find the perfect double stroller for your family.