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 your children at ease and happy. The top double strollers have adjustable footrests as well as smooth riding over old sidewalks, gravel and trails.
Kerry was delighted that the stroller came in multiple boxes, however everything was clearly labeled and easy for her to open. She also appreciated that the stroller can be used with two infant car seats and can be used with a riding board for older kids.
Seating Options
When it comes to double strollers, the seating options are what makes or breaks the purchase for many families. You'll need to consider the ages of your children, their relative sizes, and the seating arrangements that will work best for you.
For instance, if have children of similar age who will sit together, consider a tandem stroller that has child seats attached to one another and does not require car seat adapters, says Alli Cavasino who is a senior editor at Consumer Reports. They're typically larger than other types of double strollers, they won't fit into standard door frames in your home.
If your children are different age, you might think about a stroller that has two seats that can be converted into a stand-and-ride model. This will allow a child to watch or ride along with their sibling. These kinds of in-line strollers can also accommodate infant car seats should they be required and are a great option for children who are 3 to 5 years apart, according Billingsley.
You should also consider the type of seat material, explains Billingsley. Certain fabrics are more breathable than others, and are easier to clean. It is also important to consider how easy it will be to fold down the stroller for storage purposes or transportation to and from your car. "There's nothing more frustrating than buying your dream stroller only find out that it is too heavy or large for your trunk," says the expert.
If you're looking for a budget-friendly option that offers different seating options, check out this award winner from Summer Infant that comes with two toddler seats as well as a bassinet attachment. The stroller could be expanded to make triple stroller by adding an additional seat or riding board. The seats recline and have calf bar controls to adjust independently, which is ideal for those times when one child needs to rest while the other wants to take in the surroundings. When folded, it's compact and can fit easily into most trunks.
Age Variations
Sit-and-stand strollers are the best option for families with children who are close in age. They offer convenience and comfort. These strollers have a seat in front for toddlers or infants and a platform, bench or another type of surface at the rear that lets older children stand up and walk on/off. These strollers are great for older children and toddlers, but not for babies or children who do not yet have the coordination or balance to stand on their own.
A narrow tandem stroller can help keep your eyes on both children at once and fit through narrow spaces like the busy aisles in the grocery store or family photos in the park. These models are narrower and more maneuverable than double strollers with side-by-side seating however they don't offer as much storage under the carriage and aren't able to accommodate an infant car seats.
If you plan to use a double stroller over some time--or even for over a decade, it's worthwhile buying a stroller that will continue to expand with your children. Double strollers are more expensive than single ones, but if they're chosen wisely, you'll save money in the long run.
Our testers took each stroller through a series maneuverability tests and off road adventures. They discovered that they were easy to maneuver on various terrains. However, if you're planning to be using it in cities or other urban areas where sidewalks and traffic are prone to bumps and uneven, you may want something more sturdy and robust that can withstand the rough treatment.
Double strollers are built to last, however the seats may get worn out faster than you expect or your kids may outgrow them before they're ready for retirement. If you're looking for a bargain look into a model that has been evaluated for at least four years and is designed to last for as long as you can.
Simple to use
It's crucial to ensure that the double stroller is simple to use by both children. This means comfortable harnesses for seated kids, and easy-to-grasp handles for toddlers who stand. The stroller can also be easily rolled around and maneuvered over obstacles and tight spaces. In fact, the top-rated strollers in our Lab tests -- such as the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie and Thule Urban Glide 2 Double--are among the most comfortable to push.
It's also crucial that a double stroller is easy to fold and store. The most efficient models fold in one or two steps and are compact enough to fit into most trunks. It's a plus when you can include a second chair or a ride-along to the stroller. Some strollers can hold infant car seats so you don't need to wake your baby up to move them into the stroller when it's time to leave for home.
A quality double stroller is also durable and can be used in different terrains. For instance, some strollers can be converted to an jogging stroller by using a specialized front wheel, and some can also be used as an umbrella stroller. Some strollers have a cargo bag that can be put to the back of the stroller to carry shopping bags and other items.
Another thing to consider is whether you'd like a side-by-side stroller or a tandem. Side-by-side strollers tend to be wider than tandems, and can be difficult to maneuver through tight spaces such as the aisles of doors or grocery stores. They do offer the convenience of allowing both children to see the same scene. They can also be easier to navigate in a storm, as they provide more coverage from the elements for both kids.
Many parents decide to purchase a stroller that can be converted from single to double, so that they can use it for a newborn and then later switch to a regular double when their kiddos are older. But after talking to parents we've learned that it's best to purchase what you need now instead of trying to anticipate what your family might need in the future.
Stores
If you're considering a double stroller, you may need to think about the size and amount of storage space. Many models come with spacious accessible baskets that can store a large amount of items. They often also have several cup holders for parents as well as seats that can be reversible to provide best-in-class legroom for children. However, some of these features can increase in cost, so it's important to read reviews and descriptions carefully.
Most double strollers are categorized as tandem or side-by-side designs. Tandem strollers are two seats on one frame, and are best suited to older babies who are able to sit without assistance. They usually have bigger storage baskets than side-byside models. However, double pram pushchair can be difficult to push when the front seat is fully reclined.
Side-by-side strollers have two individual seats positioned side by side and are generally suited to younger babies or toddlers who aren't yet able to master independent sitting. They are also easier to push and maneuver than tandem strollers. They can be more expensive and come with smaller baskets.
There are also specialized double stroller s designed for jogging and biking. These are more expensive than basic all-terrain strollers and usually have fixed front wheels that restrict their mobility. It is worth looking into them only if you intend to use them for such activities.
Whether you're shopping for twins or an infant and an older toddler, or a child who's not quite ready to walk on their own, there's a perfect double stroller available. Our top picks are simple to maneuver, adaptable and stable, as well as seating that expands with your child's. Take a look at our top choices for the top double stroller that will fit your family whether you're looking for a tandem or one that accommodates your infant car seat.