What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The best double strollers develop with families and offer clever features to keep children happy and comfortable. The best double strollers offer adjustable footrests and a smooth ride over gravel, old sidewalks and trails.
Kerry loved the fact that the stroller was delivered in multiple boxes, but everything was well-labeled and easy to open. She also appreciated the fact that it can accommodate two infant car seats and can be used with a riding board for older children.
Seating Options
When it is about double strollers, the seating options are what determines the success or failure of the purchase for many families. You'll want to consider the ages of your children, their respective sizes and the seating configurations that are most suitable for your needs.
Alli Cavasino is a senior editor at Consumer Reports. She says that if you're planning to purchase a tandem stroller, it is best to think about one with child seats that are attached. This model is not required to have car seat adapters. These double strollers are usually wider than other double strollers. They might not fit through standard doors in your home.
If you're facing an age gap between your children look into a double-seat stroller that can change to a stand-and ride model with a platform or small bench seat in the back for a kid who would like to ride with or observe their sibling. These types of in-line strollers can also be adapted to fit infant car seats should they be required and are a great option for children who will be 3 to 5 years apart, according Billingsley.
You'll also want to look at the type of seat material, says Billingsley. Some fabrics are more breathable than others, and easier to clean. You should also think about how easy it is to fold the stroller for storage purposes or transporting it between your vehicle and home. "There's nothing more frustrating than purchasing your dream stroller only discover that it's too heavy or bulky for your trunk," says the expert.
If you are looking for an affordable option that offers multiple configurations, then check out this award-winning stroller from Summer Infant. It has two toddler seats and a bassinet, and could be made into a triple stroller by adding a seat or riding board. The seats recline and come with calf bar controls to adjust independently, which is great for when one child wants to sleep while the other one wants to observe their surroundings. When folded, the seat is compact and fits into most trunks.
Age Ranges
For families with kids who are close in age, a sit and stand stroller can provide the best combination of comfort for both children and convenience. They typically come with seats for infants or toddler in the front, and a bench or platform that lets an older child stand or take a ride in the back. These strollers are ideal for older toddlers and children, but not for babies or children who do not have the coordination or balance to stand on their own.
A narrow tandem stroller allows you to keep both children in sight all at once, and it can be pushed through tight spaces, such as aisles in the grocery store or for family photos in parks. These models are often narrower than double strollers with side-by-side designs and tend to maneuver easier however they aren't able to accommodate infant car seats and generally do not offer the same amount of storage under the carriage.
If you are planning to use a double stroller over many years, or even over a decade, it's worth investing in one that will grow along with your children. Double strollers are more expensive than single ones however, if you select them wisely, you'll save money over the long haul.
Our testers ran each of these strollers through a series maneuverability tests as well as off-road adventures, and they found them easy to navigate over different terrains. But if you're planning to be using it in urban areas where traffic and sidewalks are prone to bumps and uneven, you may want something more robust and durable to withstand the rough treatment.
Double strollers are made to last, but the seats can be worn out earlier than you anticipate or your children may outgrow them before they're ready for retirement. If you're on a tight budget you should consider buying a model that has been tested for at least 4 years and is designed to last for as long as is possible.
User-Friendliness
If you're planning to purchase a double stroller, it's essential that it be simple to use for both children. That means comfortable harnesses for children who sit, and easy-to-grasp handles for toddlers who stand. This also means that the stroller can be moved easily, and can be maneuvered in 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 easiest to move around.
A double stroller should be easy to fold up and put away. The best models use a one- or two-step process, and they're small enough to fit into the majority of trunks. It's a plus when you can add a second chair or a ride-along stroller. double pushchair can even accommodate infant car seats, meaning you don't have to wake your baby to put them into their stroller when they're ready to go home.
Furthermore, a quality double stroller should be sturdy so that it can be used on different types of terrain. Some are able to be transformed into a jogging stoller with a front wheel that is specially designed and some can also be used as umbrella strollers. Some strollers come with a bag that can be put at the back to carry shopping bags and groceries.
A tandem stroller or side-byside is another option worth considering. Side-by-side strollers are generally larger than tandems, and can be difficult to navigate through tight spaces such as doorways or crowded aisles in grocery stores. They are practical because they allow both children to enjoy the same view. They can also be more easy to navigate in a storm, as they provide more coverage from the elements for both kids.
Many parents opt to purchase an adaptable stroller that can be used by a newborn, and later converted into a double stroller once their children are older. After talking to parents, it became clear that it is better to purchase what you need today rather than to try to predict what you might require in the near future.
Stores
When you're looking for a double-stroller, you need to take into consideration the amount of storage available and the size. Many models have spacious accessible baskets that can hold lots of cargo. They also typically have numerous cup holders for parents and reversible seating configurations that offer the most comfortable legroom for children. However, certain features can be costly in cost therefore it is important to read the descriptions and reviews carefully.
The majority of double strollers are classified as either tandem or side-by-side designs. Tandem strollers include two seats on one frame and are best for older children who are able to sit without assistance. They usually have bigger storage baskets than side-byside models. However, some models can be difficult to push with the front seat fully reclined.
Side-by-side strollers have two individual seats that are placed side-by-side, and they're typically better suited to younger babies or toddlers who haven't yet learned independence sitting yet. They are also more maneuverable and easy to push than tandem strollers. They can be more expensive, and they have smaller baskets.
There are also double pram and pushchair that are designed specifically for biking or jogging. They are more expensive than the standard strollers that are all-terrain, and they often come with fixed front wheels that limit their flexibility. They are worth considering only if you intend to use them for those activities.
If you're looking for twins, an infant and a toddler, or a child who isn't quite ready to ride on their own, there's a great double stroller available. The top choices that we tested are flexible and stable. They are also easy to use with seating that expands as your kids do. So whether you're looking for a tandem stroller or one that will accommodate your infant car seat, take a look at our top picks to choose the ideal double stroller for your family.