What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The best double strollers grow with families and have thoughtful features to keep kids happy and comfortable. This includes adjustable foot rests and an easy ride on trails, gravel and old sidewalks.
Kerry was delighted that the stroller arrived in multiple boxes, but everything was clearly labeled and simple for her to open. She also appreciated that the stroller can accept two infant car seats, and can be paired with a ride-board for older children.
Seating Options
When it is about double strollers, seating options are what makes or breaks the purchase for many families. You'll need to take into consideration the age of your children, the relative sizes of them, and the seating arrangements you like.
For instance, if have children of similar age and will be sitting together, consider a tandem stroller that has child seats linked to one another and doesn't require you to use car seat adapters, explains Alli Cavasino an editor in the senior position at Consumer Reports. These are typically wider than other double strollers, however, so they may not fit through standard door frames within your home.
If your children are a older age, you might be interested in a stroller with two seats that can be transformed into a stand-and ride model. This allows children to watch or ride with their sibling. These in-line strollers are also capable of accommodating infant car seats if necessary and are ideal for children who will be three years apart.
You'll also want to consider the type of seat material, explains Billingsley. Some are more breathable than others, and are easier to clean. You should also think about how easy it will be to fold down your stroller to store it or for transport to and from your vehicle. "There's nothing more frustrating than purchasing your dream stroller only to discover that it's too heavy or big for your trunk," says the expert.
If you're looking for a budget-friendly option that can accommodate multiple seating configurations, check out this award winner from Summer Infant that comes with two toddler seats with a bassinet attachment. It could be expanded to make a triple stroller, with an additional seat or riding board. The seats recline and come with the calf bar controls that can be adjusted independently, which is great for when one child wants to sleep while the other wants take in the surroundings. It's also compact when folded down and easily fits in most trunks.
Age Variations
For families with children who are close to their ages, a sit-and-stand stroller can provide the best combination of comfort for both children and user-friendliness. These strollers typically have a seat for an infant or toddler in the front, and a platform or bench that lets an older child stand or hop on and off in the back. They are great for big toddlers and preschoolers, but they won't work well for younger babies or kids who do not yet have the balance or coordination to stand on their own.
A narrow tandem stroller can help you keep an eye on both kids simultaneously and can fit into difficult areas like busy aisles in the grocery store or family photos in the park. These models are usually narrower than double strollers that are side-by-side and are generally easier to maneuver but they don't have the capacity to fit infant car seats and typically do not offer the same amount of storage under the carriage.
If you plan on using a double stroller for a period of several years or even for a decade, you should consider buying a model that can grow with your children. Double strollers are generally more expensive than single strollers, however if you choose the right one first time it can help you save money over time.
Our test subjects put these strollers through a series maneuverability tests and off-road adventures, and they found them to be easy to navigate through various terrains. However, if you're planning to be using it in cities or other urban areas where traffic and sidewalks are prone to bumps, you might want something more sturdy and durable that can handle the rough treatment.
A lot of double strollers are made to last for a long period of time, but you may find that the seats get more worn than you expected or your children grow out of it before it's ready to retire. If you're looking for a bargain you should consider buying one that's been rated for at least four years and is designed to last for as long as is possible.
User-Friendliness
If you're going to purchase a double stroller, you need to ensure that it be simple to use for both children. That means comfortable harnesses for children who sit and handles that are easy to grasp for toddlers who stand. This also means that the stroller is able to roll effortlessly, and is able to be maneuvered in tight spaces and around obstacles. The top-rated strollers in our Lab tests, including the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie or Thule Urban Glide 2 Double, are among the easiest to move around.
A double stroller must be easy to fold up and store. The best models use a one- or two-step process, and they're small enough to fit in most trunks. It's also beneficial if the stroller is versatile, with options to add an additional seat or ride-along board. Some can even hold infant car seats, so you don't need to wake up your baby to transfer them into the stroller when they're ready for a trip home.
A quality double stroller is also durable, so it is able to be used in a variety of types of terrain. For example, some can be converted to a jogging stroller with a specialized front wheel, and some can be used as an umbrella stroller. Some strollers have a cargo bag that can be put to the back of the vehicle to carry groceries and shopping bags.
A tandem stroller or side-byside is another option to consider. Side-by-side strollers tend to be larger than tandem models, and they aren't easy to maneuver in tight spaces like doorways and aisles of grocery stores that are crowded. However, they provide the convenience of allowing each child to enjoy the same view. They can also be more easy to navigate in rough weather because they offer more coverage from the elements for both kids.
double pram and pushchair choose to purchase an adaptable single-to-double stroller, so they can use it with a baby and then later change to a regular double when their kids are older. After talking to parents, it became apparent that it is better to buy what you need now instead of trying to predict what you might require in the near-term.
Storage
If you're looking for a double stroller, you might need to think about the size and amount of storage space. Many models come with spacious, easy-to-access baskets that can hold lots of cargo. double pram pushchair come with multiple cup holders for parents as well as seating configurations that can be reversed to provide the best legroom for children. However, a few of these features can add up in cost, so it's important to read reviews and descriptions carefully.
Most double strollers are classified as tandem or side by side models. Tandem strollers have two seats assembled on the same frame and are generally better suited for older children who are already comfortable with sitting on their own. 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 positioned side-by-side. They're generally best suited to infants or toddlers, who aren't yet comfortable with sitting independently. They also have the benefit of being more easy to maneuver and push 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. These are usually more expensive than all-terrain strollers, and have fixed front wheels which limit their flexibility. These strollers are only worth considering if you plan to use them for these types of activities.
There's a double stroller to suit every scenario, whether you're buying one for twins or a child that's not yet ready to ride on their own or not yet old enough. The top options we've found in our tests are versatile, stable, and easy to use with seating that expands as your children grow. Check out our top picks for the top double stroller that will fit your family whether you're seeking a tandem stroller or one that can accommodate your infant car seat.