What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The best double strollers are designed 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 rides over gravel, old sidewalks, and trails.
Kerry appreciated that the stroller arrived in multiple boxes, however everything was well-labeled and easy to open. double pram and pushchair appreciated that the stroller is able to accommodate two infant car seats, and it can be paired with a riding board for older children.
Seating Options
Seating arrangements are a key factor in determining whether or not a family will purchase a double stroller. You'll need to take into consideration the age of your children, the relative sizes and seating arrangements you prefer.
Alli Cavasino is a senior editor for Consumer Reports. She says that if you're planning to purchase a tandem stroller, it is best to consider one with child seats that are attached. This model doesn't require car seat adapters. They are generally larger than other types of double strollers, however they won't fit into standard door frames in your home.
If your children are older age, you might be interested in a stroller that has two seats that can be converted into a stand-and-ride model. This allows children to watch or ride with their siblings. These types of in-line strollers can also 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'll also need to take a look at the seat material, explains Billingsley. Some are more breathable than others and are more easy to clean. It's also important to think about how easy it is to fold your stroller for stowing or transporting to and from your car. "Nothing is more frustrating than acquiring your dream stroller, but then realizing it's too heavy for you to lift or too big for your trunk," she says.
If double pram and pushchair looking for a low-cost option that offers multiple seating configurations look no further than this award winner from Summer Infant, which has two toddler seats with a bassinet attachment. It 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 perfect for when one child wants to rest while another wants to explore their surroundings. When folded, it is compact and fits into the majority of trunks.
Age Variations
For families with kids who are similar in age, a sit and stand stroller is the perfect combination of comfort for children and adults and ease of use. They typically come with seats for infants 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're great for big toddlers and preschoolers, but they won't work well for younger babies or children who don't have the balance and coordination to stand on their own.
A narrow tandem stroller lets you to keep both children in view at once, and can be squeezed into tight spaces such as aisles at the supermarket or for family photos in the parks. These models are narrower and easier to maneuver than double strollers with side-by-side seating however they don't offer as much storage under the carriage, and they're not able to fit an infant car seats.
If you plan to utilize a double stroller for some time--or even for longer than a decade, it's worth investing in an option that will continue to adapt to your children's needs. Double strollers are typically 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 put each stroller through a series maneuverability tests and off-road excursions. They discovered that they were easy to navigate on various terrains. However, if you're going to use it in cities or other urban areas where sidewalks and traffic 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 for a long time, but you might find that the seats get used up faster than you anticipated or your kids grow out of it before it's ready to retire. If you're on a tight budget, consider getting one that's been rated for at least four years and aims to last as long as is possible.
Easy of Use
If you're going to purchase a double stroller, you need to ensure that it's user-friendly for both children. This means that the harnesses must be comfortable for children who are seated and the handles must be simple to grasp for toddlers. This also means that the stroller can be moved easily, and can be maneuvered around 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 easiest to move around.
It's also crucial that a double stroller be easy to fold and store. The best models use an easy one- or two-step process, and they're small enough to fit into the majority of trunks. It's a plus when you can add a second seat or a ride-along to the stroller. Some strollers can also hold infant car seats, so you don't need to wake your baby up to transfer them to the stroller when it's time to leave for home.
In addition, a good double stroller must be durable to be able to be used on a variety of terrain. Some of them can be converted into a jogging scooter with a front wheel that is specially designed and others can be used as umbrella strollers. Some even have a cargo basket which can be attached to the rear of the stroller to carry shopping bags or groceries.
Another consideration is whether you'd prefer either a side-byside stroller or a tandem. Side-by-side models are usually wider than tandems and can be difficult to navigate through narrow spaces like the aisles of doors or grocery stores. They are convenient since they permit each child to see the same scenery. They are also much easier to navigate in bad weather because they offer more protection from the elements.
Many parents choose to purchase an adaptable single-to-double stroller, so that they can use it with a baby and then change to a regular double when their kiddos are older. After talking to parents we've learned it's best to buy what you need at the time instead of trying to predict what your family might need in the near future.
Stores
When you're looking for double-strollers, it's crucial to take into consideration the amount of storage available and the size. A lot of models have large accessible baskets that can accommodate a lot of cargo. They also often feature several cup holders for parents as well as reversible seating configurations that offer the best legroom available for children. Certain of these features could increase the cost so make sure you review the reviews and descriptions thoroughly.
Most double strollers are classified as tandem or side by side designs. Tandem strollers are two seats in one frame, and are best for older children who can stand unaided. They tend to have larger storage baskets than side-by-side models. However, some can be difficult to push with the front seat fully reclined.
The side-by-side stroller comes with two seats that are placed side-by-side. They're usually best suited to infants or toddlers who aren't yet comfortable with sitting independently. They also have the benefit of being generally easier to maneuver and push than tandem strollers. However, they typically have smaller storage baskets than tandem strollers, and can be more expensive.
There are also double strollers designed specifically for jogging or biking. They're generally more expensive than all-terrain strollers, and have fixed front wheels, which limit their mobility. These strollers are worth considering if you intend to use them in these types of activities.
There's a double stroller for any situation, whether you're buying one for twins, a child who's not yet ready to take a ride by themselves, or a child who's not yet old enough. Our top picks are easy to maneuver, flexible and stable, as well as seating that can grow with your child's. Check out our top picks for the top double stroller that will meet your family's needs regardless of whether you are seeking a tandem stroller or one that can accommodate your infant car seat.