What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The best double strollers are made to grow with your family and come with thoughtful features that keep your children content and comfortable. This includes adjustable foot rests and an easy ride on trails, gravel and old sidewalks.
Kerry was thrilled that the stroller arrived in multiple boxes, however everything was clearly labeled and easy to open. She also liked that the stroller can accept two infant car seats and can be paired up with a riding-board for older children.
Seating Options
Seating arrangements are a key aspect in determining whether or not a family will purchase a double stroller. You'll need to consider the age of your children, the sizes of them, and the seating arrangements you prefer.
For instance, if have children who are close in age that will be seated side-by-side, consider a tandem model that has child seats attached to one another and does not require car seat adapters, explains Alli Cavasino, a senior editor at Consumer Reports. They're typically larger than other double strollers, they won't pass through door frames that are standard within your home.
If your children are of a different age, you might want to consider a stroller with two seats that can be transformed into a stand-and-ride model. This allows children to watch or ride with their siblings. These types of strollers can also fit infant car seats should they be required and are a great option for children who will be 3-5 years apart, says Billingsley.
Billingsley suggests that you also consider the type of material used for the seat. Certain fabrics are more comfortable than others, and easier to clean. You should also consider how easy it will be to fold your stroller for storage or transport to and from your car. "There's nothing more frustrating than buying the perfect 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 various seating options, check out this award winner from Summer Infant, which has two toddler seats, a bassinet attachment and can be expanded to become a triple stroller, with 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 rest while the other one wants to take in the surroundings. It's also compact when folded down and fits easily in the majority of trunks.
Age ranges
Sit-and stand strollers are the ideal option for families with children who are close in terms of age. They offer the comfort and convenience. These strollers usually have seats for infants or toddler in the front, and a bench or platform that allows an older child to stand or jump on and off in the back. They are great for big toddlers and preschoolers, but don't work well for younger babies or kids who do not yet have the balance or coordination to stand on their own.
A narrow tandem stroller allows you to keep both children in sight at once, and can fit through tight spaces like aisles at the supermarket or for family photos at the parks. These models are smaller and more maneuverable than double strollers with side-by-side seating however they don't have as much storage space under the carriage, and they're not able to fit an infant car seats.
If you're planning to use a double stroller over many years, or even over a decade, it's worthwhile purchasing a model that will grow with your kids. Double strollers are generally more expensive than single strollers, but if you choose the right one first time it can save you money over time.
Our test participants took each stroller through a series maneuverability tests and off road adventures. They found that they were simple to maneuver over a variety terrain. If you intend to use it in urban areas or cities where the sidewalks and traffic can be bumpy, you may need something more durable and sturdy that can withstand rough treatment.
Many double strollers are built to last a long time, but you may discover that the seats become used up faster than you anticipated or your kids outgrow it before it's ready for retirement. If you're on a budget look into one that's been rated for at least four years and is designed to last for as long as is possible.
Easy of Use
If you're planning to purchase a double stroller, it's essential that it be user-friendly for both children. It means that the harnesses need to be comfortable for children sitting, and the handles should be simple to grasp for toddlers. It also means that the stroller is able to roll easily and is able to be maneuvered in 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 among the easiest to push.
A double stroller must be easy to fold up and store. The most effective models come with an easy one- or two-step process, and they're small enough to fit in most trunks. It's a plus when you can add a second seat or a ride-along stroller. Some even have the capacity to hold infant car seats, meaning you don't need to wake your baby to get them into the stroller when they're ready to head home.
A quality double stroller is also durable and can be used in different terrains. For instance, some strollers can be converted to a jogging stroller with a specialized front wheel, and some are able to be used as an umbrella stroller. Some come with a cargo basket that can be affixed to the back of the stroller to carry groceries or shopping bags.
pushchair twin or side-by-side stroller is another option worth considering. Side-by-side strollers are typically larger than tandem models, and they can be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces such as doorways and aisles of the grocery store. However, they provide the convenience of allowing each child to view the same scenery. They are also more convenient to navigate in bad weather because they offer 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 with a baby and then change to a regular double once their kiddos are older. After speaking with parents we've learned it's best to get what you require at the moment, rather than trying to predict what your family will require in the near future.
Stores
When shopping for a double-stroller, it's important to take into consideration the amount of storage available and the dimensions. A lot of models have large accessible baskets that can hold lots of cargo. Many models also have multiple cup holders for parents and seats that can be reversible to give the best legroom possible for children. However, some of these features can add up in price and it's crucial to read descriptions and reviews carefully.
The majority of double strollers are classified as tandem or side-byside designs. double pram pushchair feature two seats that are positioned on the same frame, and are generally better suited for older babies who are already comfortable with sitting without assistance. They typically have more storage space than side-by-side models. However, some may be difficult to push when the front seat is fully reclined.
Side-byside strollers have two distinct seats that are positioned side-by-side and are generally for infants 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 models and can be more expensive.
There are also double strollers that are designed specifically for jogging or biking. They're generally more expensive than all-terrain strollers. They also have fixed front wheels which restrict their mobility. These strollers are worth considering if you intend to use them for these types of activities.
There's a double stroller that's suitable for every scenario, whether you're buying one for twins or a child that's not quite ready to ride alone or not quite old enough. Our top picks are easy to maneuver, versatile and stable, with seating that expands with your child's. Take a look at our top choices for the best double stroller to fit your family regardless of whether you are searching for a tandem or one that can accommodate your infant car seat.