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 children at ease and happy. This includes adjustable foot rests as well as a smooth ride on gravel, trails and old sidewalks.
Kerry appreciated that the stroller arrived in multiple boxes but everything was well-labeled and easy to open. She also appreciated that the stroller is able to accommodate two infant car seats, and can be paired up with a riding-board for older children.
Seating Options
Seating options are an important element in determining whether the family will buy a double stroller. he said 'll want to consider the ages of your children, their relative 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 together, consider a tandem model that has child seats that are attached to each other and doesn't require you to use car seat adapters, according to Alli Cavasino who is a senior editor at Consumer Reports. They're typically larger than other types of double strollers, however, so they may not pass through door frames that are standard in your home.
If your children are of a different age, you might want to consider a stroller that has two seats that can be converted into a stand-and ride model. This allows children to watch or ride with their siblings. These in-line strollers are also equipped to accommodate infant car seats if necessary and are ideal 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 air-conditioned than others, and they are also easier to clean. It's also important to consider how easy it is to fold your stroller for transporting it to and from your car. "There's nothing more frustrating than purchasing your dream stroller only find out that it is too heavy or large for your trunk," says the expert.
If you're looking for a budget-friendly option that has different seating options take a look at this award winner from Summer Infant, which has two toddler seats with a bassinet attachment. It could be expanded to make a triple stroller with an additional seat or riding board. The seats recline, and have calf bar controls to adjust independently, which is perfect for when one child is looking to rest while the other one wants to take in the surroundings. When folded, it is compact and can fit easily into 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 convenience and comfort. They typically come with a seat for an infant or toddler in 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 children and toddlers but not suitable for infants or children who do not yet have the coordination or balance 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 in the parks. These models are usually narrower than double strollers that are side-by-side and are generally easier to maneuver however they aren't able to accommodate infant car seats and typically do not offer the same amount of undercarry storage.
If you are planning to use a double stroller over some time--or even for over a decade, it's worthwhile buying a stroller that will continue to adapt to your children's needs. Double strollers are more expensive than single ones however, if you choose them properly, you'll save money in the long run.
Our testers ran each of these strollers through a series maneuverability tests as well as off-road adventures and found them easy to maneuver over various terrains. However, if you're planning to be using it in cities or other urban areas where traffic and sidewalks can be bumpy, you might want something more sturdy and durable to withstand the rough treatment.
Double strollers are built to last, but the seats can get worn out faster than you expect or your children might outgrow them before they're ready for retirement. If you're on a tight budget, consider getting one that has been rated for at least four years and is designed to last as long as you can.
Simple to use
It is essential to ensure that the double stroller is comfortable to use by both children. It means that the harnesses must be comfortable for children who are seated and the handles must be simple to grasp for toddlers. This also means that the stroller is able to roll easily and is able to be maneuvered around tight spaces and around obstacles. In fact the top-rated strollers from our Lab tests -- such as the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie and Thule Urban Glide 2 Double among the most easy to push.
It's also essential that a double stroller is easy to fold and to store. The best models use an easy one- or two-step process, and they're small enough to fit in the majority of trunks. It's an advantage to add a second chair or a ride-along to the stroller. Some strollers can accommodate infant car seats, so you don't need to wake your baby up to move them into the stroller when it's time to leave for home.
A good double stroller is also sturdy, so it can be used in different kinds of terrains. For example, some can be converted to an jogging stroller that has a specialized front wheel, and some are able to be used as an umbrella stroller. Some come with a cargo basket which 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 tend to be wider than tandems, and can be difficult to navigate through narrow spaces like doorways or crowded aisles in grocery stores. They are useful because they allow both children to see the same scenery. They are also easier to navigate during bad weather as they offer more protection from the elements.
Many parents choose to buy an adaptable stroller that can be used with a baby, and then transformed into a double stroller once their children are older. However, after talking to parents, we've learned that it's best to buy what you need at the time instead of trying to predict what your family might need in the future.
Stores
If you're considering a double stroller, you might need to think about the size and quantity of storage space. A lot of models have large easy-to-access baskets that are able to store a large amount of items. Many models also have multiple cup holders for parents as well as seats that can be reversible to give the most legroom for children. However, some of these features can increase in price therefore it is important to read reviews and descriptions carefully.
The majority of double strollers can be classified into tandem or side by side models. Tandem strollers are two seats on one frame and are best suited to older babies who can stand unaided. They also typically have a bigger storage basket than side-by-side strollers, but they can be a bit awkward or difficult to push when the front seat is fully reclined.
Side-byside strollers have two distinct seats positioned side by side and are typically for babies and toddlers who aren't yet able to master independent sitting. They are also easier to push and maneuver than tandem strollers. They are more expensive and come with smaller baskets.
There are also special double strollers that are designed specifically for biking and jogging. These are more expensive than basic strollers that are all-terrain, and they often have fixed front wheels that restrict their mobility. They're 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 perfect double stroller available. The top choices that we tested are flexible and stable. They're also easy to use, with seating that grows as your children get older. So whether you're looking for a tandem stroller or one that will accommodate your infant car seat, check out our top picks to find the perfect double stroller for your family.