What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The best double strollers are designed to grow with your family. They include clever features that keep your kids content and comfortable. The top double strollers have adjustable footrests, as well as smooth riding over old sidewalks, gravel, and trails.
Kerry was thrilled that the stroller was packaged in multiple boxes, however everything was clearly labeled and easy to open. She also liked that the stroller accepts two infant car seats and can be combined with a riding board for older kids.
Seating Options
When it is about double strollers, seating options are what makes or breaks the purchase of many families. You'll need to take into consideration the age of your children, their relative sizes of them and the seating configurations you prefer.
Alli Cavasino is a senior editor for Consumer Reports. She says that if you're planning to purchase a tandem stroller, you should look at one that has children's seats that are connected. This model does not require car seat adapters. These double strollers are usually larger than other double strollers. They might not fit through the standard doors of your home.
If your children are a older age, you might be interested in a stroller with two seats that can be turned into a stand-and-ride model. This will allow a child to watch or ride with their siblings. These in-line strollers are also equipped to accommodate infant car seats when needed, and are good for children aged 3 to 5 years apart.
You'll also want to look at the type of seat material, explains Billingsley. Certain fabrics are more breathable than others, and are easier to keep clean. You should also think about how easy it is to fold your stroller to store it or for transporting it to and from your car. "There's nothing more frustrating than purchasing your dream stroller only to find out that it is too heavy or large for your trunk," says the expert.
If you're 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 as well as a bassinet attachment. The stroller could be expanded to make a triple stroller, with an additional seat or riding board. The seats recline and the calf bar controls can be adjusted separately. This is ideal the time when one child is in need of a nap while another is looking to explore the surroundings. It's also compact when folded and easily fits into the majority of trunks.
Age Ranges
Sit-and-stand strollers are a great option for families with children who are close in terms of age. They provide the comfort and convenience. These strollers come with a seat in the front for an infant or toddler and a platform, bench or other surface at the rear that lets older children stand up or get off and on. These strollers are ideal for older toddlers and children, but not for babies or children who do have the coordination and balance to stand up on their own.
A narrow tandem stroller allows you to keep both children within sight all at once, and it can 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 under the carriage and aren't able to accommodate an infant car seats.
If you plan to utilize a double stroller for some time--or even for a decade or more--it's worth buying a stroller that will continue to expand with your children. Double strollers are more expensive than single strollers however, if you select them wisely, you'll save money in the end.
Our test participants put each stroller through a series maneuverability tests and off-road adventures. They found them simple to maneuver over a variety terrain. If you intend to use it in cities or areas where sidewalks and traffic can be bumpy, you may want something that is more durable and robust that can withstand rough treatment.
double buggy are made to last, but the seats can be worn out earlier than you expect or your kids may outgrow them before they're ready for retirement. If you are on an extremely tight budget, you should choose an option with a warranty of at minimum four years. It is best to use it for as long as it can.
Simple to Use
If you're going to purchase a double stroller, it's important that it be simple to use for both children. This means that the harnesses need to be comfortable for children who sit and the handles should be easy to grasp for toddlers. This also means that the stroller is able to roll easily, and can be maneuvered around tight spaces and around obstacles. The top strollers we tested in our Lab tests, including the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie or Thule Urban Glide 2 Double, are among the easiest to navigate.
A double stroller must be easy to fold up and take down and store. The best models fold in just a couple of steps and are small enough to fit in the majority of trunks. It's a plus when you can include a second chair or a ride-along to the stroller. Some can even hold infant car seats, meaning you don't need to wake your baby to put them into their stroller when they're ready for a trip home.
A quality double stroller is also durable and is able to be used in a variety of types of terrain. Some are able to be converted into a jogging stoller with a specific front wheel and others can be used as umbrella strollers. Some even come with an accessory basket that can be affixed to the back of the stroller to carry groceries or shopping bags.
A tandem or side-by-side stroller is another option worth considering. Side-by-side models are usually wider than tandems and can be difficult to navigate tight spaces such as doorways or crowded aisles in grocery stores. They are convenient because they allow each child to enjoy the same view. They are also much easier to navigate in bad weather since they provide more protection from the elements.
Many parents choose to purchase a stroller that can be converted from single to double, so that they can use it for a newborn and then later change to a regular double when their kids are older. After speaking with parents, it became clear that it is better to buy what you need now than to try to predict what you'll require in the near-term.
Storage
If you're considering a double stroller, then you might be interested in the size and the amount of storage space. A lot of models have large, easy-to-access baskets that can hold lots of items. Many models also come with numerous cup holders for parents as well as seating configurations that can be reversed to provide the best legroom possible for children. However, a few of these features can add up in cost, so it's important to read descriptions and reviews carefully.
Most double strollers are classified as tandem or side-by-side designs. Tandem strollers come with two seats on the same frame and they're typically better suited for older babies who have already learned sitting on their own. They usually have larger storage baskets than side-byside models. However, some models can be difficult to push with the front seat fully reclined.
Side-byside strollers have two distinct seats that are positioned side-by-side and are typically suited to younger babies or toddlers who aren't yet able to master independent sitting. They are also more maneuverable and easy to push than tandem strollers. However, they usually have smaller storage baskets than tandem strollers, and can be more expensive.
There are also specialized double strollers specifically designed for jogging and biking. They're generally more expensive than all-terrain strollers and have fixed front wheels which limit their mobility. They're worth considering only if you plan to use them for those activities.
There's a double stroller for every situation regardless of whether you're purchasing one for twins, 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 easy to maneuver, flexible, stable and have seating that grows with your child's. Take a look at our top picks for the best double stroller to fit your family, whether you are seeking a tandem stroller or one that accommodates your infant car seat.