What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The best double strollers are built to grow with families and offer thoughtful features to keep kids comfortable and happy. This includes adjustable foot rests and a smooth stroll on trails, gravel and old sidewalks.
Kerry was pleased that the stroller was packaged 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 combined with a riding board for older kids.
Seating Options
When it is double strollers, seating options are what makes or breaks the purchase of many families. You'll want to consider the ages of your children, their respective sizes, and the seating arrangements that are most suitable for your needs.
Alli Cavasino is a senior editor for Consumer Reports. Push Chairs And Prams says that if you're looking to buy a tandem stroller, it is best to look at one that has child seats attached together. This model is not required to have car seat adapters. Double strollers are generally wider than other double strollers. They might not fit through the standard doors of your home.
If your children are a different age, you may think about 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 kinds of in-line strollers can also fit infant car seats, in the event that they are needed and are a great choice for children who'll be 3-5 years apart, says Billingsley.
Billingsley advises that you must take into consideration the fabric used to make the seat. 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. "Nothing is more frustrating than purchasing your dream stroller, but you realize it's too heavy to carry or too large for your trunk," she says.
If you're looking for a low-cost option that can accommodate various seating options take a look at this award-winning model from Summer Infant It comes with two toddler seats with a bassinet attachment. It can be expanded to become a triple stroller, with an additional seat or riding board. The seats recline and the calf bar controls can be adjusted separately. This is great when one child wants to take a nap while the other wants to explore their surroundings. When folded, the seat is compact and fits into the majority of trunks.
Age Ranges
For families with kids who are similar in age, a sit-and-stand stroller is the ideal combination of comfort for both children and convenience. They typically come with a seat for an infant or toddler in front and a bench or platform that allows an older child to stand or jump on and off in the back. These strollers are ideal for older children and toddlers however, they are not suitable for babies or children who do not yet have the balance and coordination to stand up on their own.
A narrow tandem stroller lets you to keep both children in sight at the same time, and also fit through tight spaces like grocery store aisles or for family photos in parks. These strollers are a bit narrower and easier to maneuver than double strollers with side-by-side seating however they don't offer as much storage space under the carriage and can't accommodate infant car seats.
If you're planning to use a double stroller over the course of a few years, or even for a decade, you should consider purchasing a model that can grow with your children. Double strollers are generally more expensive than single strollers, but when you pick the right one the first time, it can save you money over the course of time.
Our testers ran each of these strollers through a series of maneuverability tests and off-road excursions and found them easy to maneuver over various terrains. However, if you're planning to be using it in urban areas where sidewalks and traffic are prone to bumps You might need something stronger and more durable to withstand the rough treatment.
A lot of double strollers are made to last for a long time, but you may discover that the seats become worn out faster than expected or your children grow out of it before it's ready for retirement. If you're on an extremely tight budget, you should choose one with a rating of at least four years. It should last as long as possible.
Simple to use
If you're going to purchase a double stroller, you need to ensure that it's simple to use for both children. That 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 maneuvered through 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.
A double stroller must be easy to fold up and put away. The best models use the option of a two-step or one-step process, and they're small enough to fit into the majority of trunks. It's also a plus when the stroller is a versatile, with options to add another seat or a ride-along board. Some strollers can accommodate infant car seats, meaning you don't need to wake your baby up to move them into the stroller when it's time to go home.
A good double stroller is also strong and is able to be used in a variety of types of terrain. For instance, some models can be converted to a jogging stroller with an adapted front wheel and some can be used as an umbrella stroller. Some even come with a cargo basket which can be attached to the rear of the stroller to carry shopping bags or groceries.
A tandem or side-by-side stroller is an alternative to think about. Side-by-side strollers are generally larger than tandem models, and they aren't easy to maneuver through tight spaces such as doorways and crowded grocery store aisles. However, they provide the convenience of allowing each child to view the same scenery. They are also easier to navigate in rough weather, as they provide more coverage from the elements for both children.
Many parents decide to purchase a stroller that is convertible from single to double so that they can use it for a newborn and later switch to a regular double when their children are older. After speaking with parents, it became clear that it is better to purchase what you need now than to try to predict what you might require in the near future.
Stores
When you're looking for a double-stroller, it's important to think about the amount of storage and the dimensions. Many models come with large, easy-to-access baskets that hold lots of items. They also typically have multiple parent cup holders and convertible seating arrangements that provide the best legroom available for children. However, a few of these features can be costly in price and it's crucial to read the descriptions and reviews carefully.
The majority of double strollers can be classified as tandem or side by side models. Tandem strollers feature two seats that are positioned on the same frame and are generally better suited for older children who are already comfortable with unassisted sitting. They typically have more storage space than side-by-side models. However, some may 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 they're typically better for babies and toddlers who haven't mastered independent sitting. They also have the benefit of being generally easier to push and maneuver than tandem strollers. They can be more expensive and come with smaller baskets.
There are double strollers made specifically for biking or jogging. They are generally more expensive than all-terrain strollers and come with fixed front wheels, which limit their flexibility. These strollers are only worth considering if you intend to use them for these kinds of activities.
There's a double stroller to suit any situation whether you're looking to purchase one for twins or a child who's not yet ready to ride on their own, or a child who's not yet old enough to be a proper rider. Our top choices are simple to maneuver, adaptable and stable, with seating that can grow with your child's. Take a look at our top choices for the best double stroller to meet your family's needs whether you're searching for a tandem or one that will fit your infant car seat.