What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The best double strollers are designed to adapt to the needs of your family and come with thoughtful features that keep your children happy and comfortable. This includes adjustable foot rests and an easy ride on gravel, trails and old sidewalks.
Kerry loved that the stroller arrived in multiple boxes but everything was labeled well and was easy to open. She also liked that the stroller can accept two infant car seats and it is able to be set up 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 want to think about the age of your children, their relative sizes and the seating configurations that will work best for you.
Alli Cavasino is a senior editor at Consumer Reports. She says that if you're planning to buy a tandem stroller, you should look at one that has child seats that are attached. This model does not require car seat adapters. Double strollers are generally larger than other double strollers. They may not be able to fit through standard doors in your home.
If you're facing an age gap between your children you should consider a stroller with two seats that can transform into a stand-and-ride model that has the option of a bench or a platform seat in the back for a child who would like to ride with or observe their sibling. These types of strollers can also fit infant car seats, in the event that they are needed, and are a good option for children who are 3 to 5 years apart, according Billingsley.
You'll also want to consider the type of seat material, explains Billingsley. Some offer more breathable fabrics than others, and are easier to keep clean. It's also important to consider how easy it is to fold your new stroller down for transporting it to and from your car. "There's nothing more frustrating than purchasing your dream stroller only find out that it is too heavy or big for your trunk," says the expert.
If you are looking for an affordable option that offers multiple configurations look no further than this award-winning stroller from Summer Infant. It features two toddler seats as well as a bassinet, and can be expanded to a triple stroller by adding an additional seat or a riding board. The seats recline and come with control mechanisms for the calf bar that allow them to adjust independently, which is perfect for when one child wants to nap while the other wants to take in the surroundings. When folded, the seat is compact and can fit easily into most trunks.
Age Variations
For families with kids who are close in age, a sit and stand stroller is the perfect combination of comfort for children and adults and convenience. These strollers have a seat in front for toddlers or infants and a bench, platform or another type of surface at the rear that allows older children to stand up and walk on/off. These strollers are great for older toddlers and children but not suitable for infants or children who do not have the coordination and balance to stand on their own.
A narrow tandem stroller allows you to keep both children within sight at once, and can be squeezed into tight spaces such as aisles in the grocery store or for family photos in the parks. These strollers are typically smaller than side-by-side double strollers and tend to maneuver easier, but they won't accommodate infant car seats and typically don't offer as much undercarriage storage.
If you're planning to use a double stroller for several years--or even longer than a decade, it's worth investing in an option that will continue to adapt to your children's needs. Double strollers are generally more expensive than single strollers, however when you pick the right one the first time around it could save you money over the course of time.
Our testers tested each stroller in an assortment of maneuverability tests as well as off-road excursions. They found them simple to maneuver over a variety terrain. If you intend to use it in urban areas or in cities where the traffic and sidewalks can be bumpy, then you may want something more durable and sturdy capable of handling rough treatment.
Double strollers are designed to last, however the seats may get worn out faster than you anticipate or your children may outgrow them before they're ready for retirement. If you're on the tightest budget, go for one with a rating of at minimum four years. It is best to use it for as long as possible.
Simple to use
If you're planning to purchase a double stroller, you need to ensure that it be user-friendly for both children. It means that the harnesses must be comfortable for children sitting and the handles should be a breeze to hold for toddlers. It also means that the stroller is able to roll easily and is able to be maneuvered through tight spaces and around obstacles. 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 easiest to push.
It's also crucial that a double stroller is easy to fold and put away. The most efficient models fold in just a couple of steps and are small enough to fit into the majority of trunks. It's also a benefit when you can add a second chair or a ride-along stroller. Some strollers can accommodate infant car seats so you don't need to wake your baby to move them into the stroller when it's time to leave for home.
A good double stroller is also durable, so it is able to be used in a variety of kinds of terrains. For instance, some models can be converted into an jogging stroller by using an adapted front wheel and some are able to be used as an umbrella stroller. Some strollers have a cargo bag that can be tacked to the back of the stroller to carry groceries and shopping bags.
A tandem stroller or side-byside is an alternative to think about. Side-by-side strollers are typically wider than tandem models, and aren't easy to maneuver through narrow spaces like doorways or aisles of the grocery store. However, they offer the convenience of allowing both children to view the same scenery. They are also more convenient to navigate in bad weather as they offer more protection from the elements.
Many parents decide to purchase an adaptable stroller that can be used by a baby and later converted into double strollers when their children reach an older age. After speaking with parents, it became clear that it is better to buy the items you require now rather instead of trying to predict what you'll require in the near future.
Stores
When shopping for a double-stroller, you need to consider the amount of storage space available and the dimensions. Many models have spacious accessible baskets that can accommodate a lot of cargo. Many models also come with multiple cup holders for parents, as well as seating configurations that can be reversed to provide the best legroom for children. However, some of these features can increase in price therefore it is important to read reviews and descriptions carefully.
The majority of double strollers can be classified as tandem or side by side designs. Tandem strollers feature two seats that are positioned on the same frame, and are typically more suitable for older babies who are already comfortable with sitting without assistance. They typically have larger storage baskets than side-byside models. However, some 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 are typically suited to younger babies or toddlers who haven't mastered independent sitting yet. They are also more maneuverable and easy to push than tandem strollers. However, they typically have smaller storage baskets than tandem models and can be more expensive.
There are also specially designed double strollers designed for biking and jogging. double buggy are 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 those activities.
There's a double stroller to suit every situation whether you're looking to purchase one for twins or a child who's not yet ready to take a ride by themselves, or a child who's not quite old enough to be a proper rider. Our top choices are easy to maneuver, flexible, stable and have seating that grows with your child. Take a look at our top choices for the best double stroller to accommodate your family, whether you are searching for a tandem or one that will fit your infant car seat.