What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The best double strollers grow with families and have thoughtful features to keep kids comfortable and happy. This includes adjustable foot rests as well as an easy stroll on trails, gravel and old sidewalks.
Kerry was pleased that the stroller was packaged in multiple boxes, however everything was clearly labeled and easy for her to open. She also liked that the stroller can be used with two infant car seats and can be combined with a riding board for older kids.
Seating double buggy
When it is about double strollers, the seating options are what determines the success or failure of the purchase of many families. You'll have to think about the age of your children, their relative sizes of them, and the seating configurations you prefer.
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 look at one that has child seats that are attached. This model is not required to have car seat adapters. These are typically wider 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 older age, you might think about a stroller that has two seats that can be converted into a stand-and-ride model. This will allow a child to watch or ride along with their siblings. These types of strollers can also accommodate infant car seats, in the event that they are needed, and are a good choice for children who'll be 3-5 years apart, says Billingsley.
Billingsley explains that you should also consider the type of fabric used to make the seat. Some offer more breathable fabrics than others and are more easy to keep clean. You should also consider how easy it will be to fold the stroller for storage purposes or transporting it to and from your car. "Nothing is more frustrating than purchasing your dream stroller but finding it's too heavy for you to lift or too big for your trunk," she says.
If you're looking for a budget-friendly option that can accommodate 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 control mechanisms for the calf bar that allow them to adjust independently, which is perfect for when one child wants to sleep 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
For families with kids who are close in age, a sit and stand stroller is the perfect combination of comfort for children and adults and user-friendliness. They typically come with a seat for an infant or toddler in the front, and a platform or bench that lets an older child stand or take a ride in the back. These strollers are ideal for toddlers and older children however, they are not suitable for babies or children who do not yet have the balance and coordination to stand up on their own.
A narrow tandem stroller can help keep your eyes on both children at once and fit through tight spots like crowded grocery store aisles or family photos in the park. These strollers are typically smaller than double strollers that are side-by-side and are generally easier to maneuver however they aren't able to accommodate carseats for infants and generally don't have as much undercarriage storage.
If you are planning to use a double stroller for the course of a few years, or even over a decade, it's worth purchasing an item that can expand along with your children. extra resources are more expensive than single strollers, but if they're chosen wisely, you'll save money in the end.
Our testers put each stroller through a series maneuverability tests and off-road adventures. They found that they were simple to maneuver over different terrains. If you intend to use it in urban areas or cities where the sidewalks and traffic can be bumpy, then you may need something that is more durable and robust that can handle rough treatment.
Double strollers are built to last, however the seats can wear out sooner than you anticipate or your children might outgrow them before they're ready to retire. If you're on the tightest budget, go for a model with a rating of at minimum four years. It is best to use it for as long as possible.
Easy of Use
If you're going to purchase a double stroller, you need to ensure that it's user-friendly for both children. This means a comfortable harness for kids who are seated, and easy-to-grasp handles for toddlers who stand. It also means that the stroller rolls effortlessly, and is able to 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 essential that a double stroller is easy to fold and to store. The best models fold down in two or three steps and are compact enough to fit into most trunks. It's an advantage to add a second chair or a ride-along stroller. Some strollers can accommodate infant car seats, meaning you don't have to wake your baby up to move them into the stroller when it's time to go home.
Additionally, a great double stroller needs to be sturdy to be able to be used on different types of terrain. For example, some can be converted to a jogging stroller with an adapted 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 rear of the stroller to carry shopping bags or groceries.
A tandem or side-by-side is another option to consider. Side-by-side strollers are generally larger than tandem models, and aren't easy to maneuver through tight spaces such as doorways and aisles of grocery stores that are crowded. They are convenient since they permit each child to view the same scene. They are also easier to navigate in a storm as they provide greater protection from the elements for both children.
Many parents choose to purchase an adaptable single-to-double stroller, so they can use it with a baby and then later switch to a regular double when their kiddos are older. But after talking to parents we've learned that it's best to purchase what you need now, rather than trying to predict what your family may need in the future.
Stores
When looking for a double-stroller, it's important to consider the amount of storage space available and the dimensions. Many models have large, easy-to access baskets that hold lots of items. They also typically have multiple parent cup holders and convertible seating arrangements that provide the best legroom available for children. However, some of these features can increase in price therefore it is important to read descriptions and reviews carefully.
The majority of double strollers are classified as tandem or side-byside designs. Tandem strollers have two seats assembled on the same frame, and are typically more suitable for older children who are already comfortable with unassisted sitting. They usually have more storage space than side-by-side models. However, some can be difficult to push when the front seat is fully reclined.
The side-by-side stroller comes with two seats that are placed side-by-side. They're usually best suited to infants or toddlers who aren't yet comfortable with sitting on their own. They are also easier to push and maneuver than tandem strollers. They may be more expensive and have smaller baskets.
There are also specialized double strollers specifically designed for biking and jogging. They are generally more expensive than all-terrain strollers, and have fixed front wheels, which restrict their mobility. They are worth considering only if you plan to use them for such activities.
Whether you're shopping for twins or an infant and an older toddler, or a child who's not yet ready to walk on their own, there's a great double stroller out there. Our top picks are simple to maneuver, adaptable, stable and have seating that expands with your child's. So whether you're in search of a tandem stroller or one that can accommodate your infant car seat, check out our top picks to choose the ideal double stroller for your family.