What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The best double strollers are designed to adapt to the needs of your family and come with clever features that keep your kids at ease and happy. The top double strollers have adjustable footrests and a smooth ride over old sidewalks, gravel and trails.
Kerry was delighted that the stroller came in multiple boxes, but everything was clearly 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 double strollers, seating options are what determines the success or failure of the purchase for many families. You'll have to think about the age of your children, the sizes of them and the seating arrangements you like.
Alli Cavasino is a senior editor of Consumer Reports. She says that if you're planning to purchase a tandem stroller, you should look at one that has child seats that are attached. This model is not required to have car seat adapters. They're typically larger than other double strollers,, so they may not fit into standard door frames in 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 allows children to observe or ride with their siblings. These types of strollers can also be adapted to fit infant car seats in the event that they are needed and are a great choice for children who'll be 3 to 5 years apart, according Billingsley.
Billingsley explains that you should take into consideration the material you choose for your seat. Some offer more breathable fabrics than others, and are easier to clean. It's also important to take into consideration how easy it is to fold your stroller to store it or transport it to and from your car. "Nothing is more frustrating than acquiring the perfect stroller, only you realize it's too heavy to lift or too big for your trunk," she says.
If you're looking for a low-cost option that offers various seating options look no further than 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 calf bar controls to adjust independently, which is great for those times when one child needs to sleep while the other wants to observe their surroundings. It's also compact when folded down and easily fits in the majority of 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 user-friendliness. These strollers usually have a seat for an infant or toddler in the front, and a bench or platform that lets an older child stand or jump on and off in the back. These strollers are great 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 within sight at once, and can fit through tight spaces like aisles at the supermarket or for family photos in parks. sit and stand double stroller are usually narrower than double strollers that are side-by-side and tend to maneuver easier however they aren't able to accommodate infant car seats and typically don't offer as much undercarriage storage.
If you plan to use a double stroller over several years--or even longer than a decade, it's worth buying a stroller that will continue to adapt to your children's needs. Double strollers are generally more expensive than single strollers. However, if you choose the right one first time around it can help you save money over time.
Our test participants put each stroller through several maneuverability tests, as well as off-road excursions. They found them easy to navigate on different terrains. If you intend to use it in urban areas or in cities where the sidewalks and traffic are prone to bumps, you may need something more durable and sturdy that can withstand rough treatment.
Many double strollers are built to last for a long time, but you may find that the seats get more worn than you expected or your kids outgrow it before it's time for retirement. If you're on a tight budget, choose a model with a rating of at least four years. It should last as long as it can.
Simple to use
It's important to make sure that the double stroller is comfortable to use by both children. This means that the harnesses must be comfortable for children who are seated and the handles must be easy to grasp for toddlers. The stroller can also be easily rolled around and maneuvered over obstacles and tight spaces. 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 most comfortable to push.
It's also crucial that a double stroller is easy to fold and to store. The best models have the option of a two-step or one-step process, and they're small enough to fit in the majority of trunks. It's also beneficial that the stroller can be used in a variety of ways with the option of adding a second seat or a ride-along board. Some strollers can also hold infant car seats, so you don't have to wake your baby up to move them into the stroller when it's time to go home.
A good double stroller is also sturdy and can be used in different types of terrain. For instance, some models can be converted into an jogging stroller by using a specialized front wheel, and some can be used as an umbrella stroller. Some strollers come with a bag that can be attached to the back of the stroller to carry groceries and shopping bags.
Another consideration is whether you'd like a side-by-side stroller or a tandem. Side-by-side strollers are generally larger than tandem models, and can be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces like doorways and aisles of grocery stores that are crowded. However, they offer the convenience of allowing both children to view the same scenery. They can also be easier to navigate in rough weather, as they provide more coverage from the elements for both children.
Many parents choose to purchase a stroller that is convertible from single to double so that they can use it with a baby and then later change to a regular double when their kids are older. After talking to parents we've learned that it's best to get what you require at the moment, rather than trying to predict what your family may need in the future.
Storage
If you're looking for a double stroller, you might be interested in the size and the amount of storage space. Many models come with large, easy-to-access baskets that hold a lot of cargo. Many models also come with several cup holders for parents and reversible seat configurations to provide the best legroom possible for children. Some of these features may add to the price so make sure you review the reviews and descriptions thoroughly.
Most double strollers can be classified as tandem or side by side designs. Tandem strollers have two seats in one frame, and are best for older children who are able to sit without assistance. They also have a much larger storage basket than side-byside models, however some are awkward or difficult to push when the front seat is fully reclined.
The side-byside stroller features two separate seats that are positioned side-by-side. They're generally more suitable for infants or toddlers, who aren't yet comfortable with sitting independently. They are also easier to push and maneuver than tandem strollers. However, they typically have smaller storage baskets than tandem models and can be more expensive.
There are also specialized double strollers that are designed specifically for jogging and biking. These are usually more expensive than all-terrain strollers. They also have fixed front wheels, which restrict their mobility. They are worth considering only if you plan to use them for these activities.
There's a double stroller to suit every situation, whether you're buying one for twins or a child who's not quite ready to ride alone, or a child who's not yet old enough to be a proper rider. The top options we've found that we tested are flexible and stable. They are also easy to use, with seating that grows as your children grow. So whether you're in search of a tandem stroller or one that can accommodate your infant car seat, take a look at our top choices to find the ideal double stroller for your family.