What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The most effective double strollers are designed to grow with your family and come with thoughtful features that keep children content and comfortable. The top double strollers have adjustable footrests as well as a smooth ride over old sidewalks, gravel and trails.
Kerry was thrilled that the stroller arrived in multiple boxes, but everything was clearly labeled and easy for her to open. She also appreciated that the stroller can accommodate two infant car seats, and can be paired with a riding board for older children.
Seating Options
Seating arrangements are a key element in determining whether not a family will purchase a double stroller. You'll need to consider the ages of your children, their respective sizes, and the seating arrangements that are most suitable for your needs.
For example, if you have children close in age and will be sitting side-by-side, consider a tandem stroller that has child seats that are attached to each other and doesn't require you to use car seat adapters, according to Alli Cavasino an editor in the senior position at Consumer Reports. Double strollers are generally larger than other double strollers. They may not fit through the standard doors of your home.
If your children are a older age, you might want to consider a stroller with two seats that can be converted into a stand-and-ride model. This will allow children to observe or ride along with their sibling. These strollers are equipped to accommodate infant car seats if necessary and are ideal for children who will be 3-5 years apart.
You'll also want to take a look at the seat material, according to Billingsley. Certain fabrics are more breathable than others, and they are also easier to clean. It's also important to take into consideration how easy it is to fold your stroller for transporting it to and from your car. "Nothing is more frustrating than buying your dream stroller, but you realize it's too heavy for you to lift or too large for your trunk," she says.
If you're looking for an affordable option that has multiple seating configurations, check out this award-winning model from Summer Infant that comes with two toddler seats with a bassinet attachment. It can be made into triple stroller by adding an additional seat or riding board. The seats recline and have control mechanisms for the calf bar that allow them to adjust independently, which is great for when one child is looking to nap while the other wants to observe their surroundings. When folded, it's small 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 convenience and comfort. These strollers come with a seat in front for toddlers or infants, and a platform, bench or other surface in the rear which allows older children to stand up or hop on/off. They're ideal for big toddlers and preschoolers, but they won't work well for younger babies or kids who don't yet have the balance or coordination to stand on their own.
A narrow tandem stroller lets you to keep both children in sight all at once, and it can fit through tight spaces like aisles in the grocery store or for family photos at the parks. These models are narrower and more maneuverable than side-byside double strollers however they don't have as much storage space under the carriage and can't accommodate the infant car seat.
If you are planning to use a double stroller over a period of several years, or even a decade, it's worth buying a model that can grow with your kids. Double strollers are more expensive than single ones however, if you choose them properly, you'll save money in the end.
Our test subjects put these strollers through a series of maneuverability tests and off-road excursions, and they found them easy to navigate over various terrains. But if you're planning to be using it in cities or other urban zones where sidewalks and traffic can be bumpy and uneven, you may want something stronger and more robust that can withstand the rough treatment.
Double strollers are designed to last, however the seats can be worn out earlier than you anticipate or your children may outgrow them before they're ready to retire. If you're looking for a bargain look into one that's been rated for at least four years and is designed to last for as long as you can.
Easy of Use
It's crucial to ensure that the double stroller is easy to use by both children. This means comfortable harnesses for children who sit and handles that are easy to grasp for toddlers who stand. This also means that the stroller rolls easily, and can be maneuvered around tight spaces and around obstacles. The top-rated strollers in our Lab tests, like the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie or Thule Urban Glide 2 Double are among the most easy to navigate.
It's also crucial that a double stroller be easy to fold and store. The best models fold down in two or three steps and are small enough to fit in most trunks. It's also beneficial when the stroller is a versatile, with options to add another seat or a ride-along board. Some strollers can also hold infant car seats, so you don't need to wake your baby to move them into the stroller when it's time to go home.
Additionally, a great double stroller must be durable so that it can be used on different types of terrain. Some can be transformed into a jogging stoller with a special front wheel and some can also be used as umbrella strollers. Some come with cargo baskets that can be attached to the back of the stroller to carry shopping bags or groceries.
Another factor to consider is whether you'd prefer either a side-byside stroller or a tandem. Side-by-side strollers are typically larger than tandem models, and they aren't easy to maneuver through narrow spaces like doorways or aisles of the grocery store. They are useful since they permit each child to view the same scene. They are also more convenient to navigate in bad weather as they offer more protection from the elements.
Many parents opt to buy a stroller that is convertible from single to double to use it with a baby and later change to a regular double once their kids are older. After speaking with parents, it became clear that it is better to purchase the items you require now rather instead of trying to predict what you might require in the near-term.
Stores
If you're considering a double stroller, you might be interested in the size and quantity of storage space. A lot of models have large, easy-to access baskets that can store plenty of stuff. double pushchair from birth feature numerous cup holders for parents and seating configurations that can be reversed to provide the best legroom for children. However, some of these features can add up in price, so it's important to read reviews and descriptions carefully.
Most double strollers are categorized as tandem or side-byside designs. Tandem strollers come with two seats on the same frame, and are typically more suitable for older children who have already mastered unassisted sitting. They also typically have a much larger storage basket than side-by-side models, though some are difficult or awkward to push when the front seat is 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 haven't mastered independent sitting yet. They are also more maneuverable and easy to push than tandem strollers. However, they tend to have smaller storage baskets than tandem strollers, and can be more expensive.
There are double strollers that are designed specifically for biking or jogging. They are more expensive than the standard strollers that are all-terrain, and they usually come with fixed front wheels that limit their flexibility. These strollers are only worth considering if you intend to use them in these kinds of activities.
If you're looking for twins or an infant and a toddler, or a child who isn't quite ready to walk on their own, there's a perfect double stroller out there. Our top choices are easy to maneuver, flexible, stable and have seating that grows with your child's. So whether you're looking for a tandem stroller or one that can accommodate your infant car seat, check out our top choices to find the right double stroller for your family.