What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The best double strollers are made to adapt to the needs of your family and come with clever features that keep your kids happy and comfortable. This includes adjustable foot rests as well as an easy ride on trails, gravel and old sidewalks.
Kerry was thrilled that the stroller came in multiple boxes, but 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 paired with a riding board for older kids.
Seating Options
Seating options are a major factor in determining whether or the family will buy a double stroller. You'll need to consider the age of your children, the sizes and seating configurations you prefer.
For instance, if you have children who are close in age and will be sitting together, consider a tandem stroller that has child seats attached to one another and doesn't require you to use car seat adapters, according to Alli Cavasino, a senior editor at Consumer Reports. They are generally larger than other double strollers, however they won't fit through standard door frames in your home.
If you have an age gap between your children look into a double-seat stroller that has the option to convert to a stand-and-ride model that has a platform or small bench seat in the back for a child who likes to just ride along or watch their younger sibling. These types of in-line strollers can also accommodate infant car seats, in the event that they are needed and are a great choice for children who'll be 3-5 years apart, says Billingsley.
Billingsley suggests that you take into consideration the fabric used to make the seat. Some offer more breathable fabrics than others and are more easy to clean. It's also important to consider how easy it is to fold your stroller to store it or transport it to and from your car. "Nothing is more frustrating than buying your dream stroller but you realize it's too heavy to lift or too big for your trunk," she says.
If you're looking for an affordable option that offers multiple seating configurations take a look at this award-winning model from Summer Infant that comes with 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 come with the calf bar controls that can be adjusted independently, which is great for those times when one child needs to sleep while the other wants take in the surroundings. It's also compact when folded and easily fits into most trunks.
Age Ranges
For families with children who are close in age, a sit and stand stroller is the ideal combination of comfort for children and adults and user-friendliness. These strollers have a seat in the front for toddlers or infants and a platform, bench or another type of surface at the rear which allows older children to stand up and walk on/off. These strollers are ideal for toddlers and older children but not suitable for infants or children who do not have the coordination and balance to stand up on their own.
double buggy with carrycot lets you to keep both children in sight all at once, and it can be pushed through tight spaces, such as aisles at the supermarket or for family photos at the parks. These models are often narrower than double strollers with side-by-side designs and are able to move more easily but they don't have the capacity to fit infant car seats and typically don't offer the same amount of storage under the carriage.
If you're planning to utilize a double stroller for some time--or even for longer than a decade, it's worth investing in an option that will continue to grow with your kids. Double strollers are more expensive than single strollers however, if you choose them correctly, you can 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 found them to be simple to navigate over a variety of terrain. But if you're planning to use it in cities or other urban areas where traffic and sidewalks are prone to bumps You might need something more sturdy and durable to withstand the rough treatment.
Many double strollers are designed to last for a long period of time, but you may notice that the seats are more worn than you expected or your children outgrow it before it's time for retirement. If you're looking for a bargain, consider getting one that's been tested for at least 4 years and is designed to last as long as possible.
Simple to Use
It's important to make sure 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 should be easy to grasp for toddlers. This also means that the stroller rolls effortlessly, and is able to be maneuvered through 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--are among the easiest to push.
It's also important that a double stroller be easy to fold and store. The most effective models come with a one- or two-step procedure, and are small enough to fit into the majority of trunks. It's also an advantage when the stroller is a versatile and has the option of adding another seat or a ride-along board. Some strollers can accommodate infant car seats, meaning you don't have to wake your baby to move them into the stroller when it's time to leave for home.
Furthermore, a quality double stroller must be durable so that it can be used on a variety of terrain. For instance, some strollers can be converted to an jogging stroller by using a specialized front wheel, and some can also be used as an umbrella stroller. Some come with a cargo basket that can be attached to the back of the stroller to carry groceries or shopping bags.
A tandem stroller or side-byside is another option to consider. Side-by-side strollers are typically wider than tandem models, and they can be difficult to maneuver through tight spaces such as doorways and aisles of the grocery store. However, they offer the convenience of allowing each child to view the same scenery. They are also easier to navigate during bad weather since they provide more protection from the elements.
Many parents choose to purchase a stroller that can be converted from single to double, to use it with a baby and then later change to a regular double once their kiddos are older. After speaking with parents, it became apparent that it is better to buy the items you require now rather instead of trying to predict what you'll require in the near future.
Storage
If you're considering a double stroller, then you might be interested in the size and amount of storage space. Many models come with spacious, easy-to-access baskets that can hold lots of cargo. Many models also feature several cup holders for parents, as well as seats that can be reversible to give the best legroom possible for children. Some of these features may make the price more expensive so make sure you review the reviews and descriptions thoroughly.
Most double strollers can be classified into tandem or side by side models. Tandem strollers are two seats in one frame and are for older children who are able to sit without assistance. They also have a much larger storage basket than side-by-side models, though they can be a bit difficult or awkward to push when the front seat is reclined fully.
Side-by-side strollers come with two separate seats that are placed side-by-side and are typically for infants or toddlers who haven't mastered independent sitting yet. They also have the added benefit of being generally easier to maneuver and push than tandem strollers. They may be more expensive and have smaller baskets.
There are also specially designed double strollers specifically designed for jogging and biking. These are more expensive than the standard all-terrain strollers, and they typically have fixed front wheels that limit their flexibility. They're worth considering only if you intend to use them for those activities.
Whether you're shopping for twins or a baby and a toddler, or a child who isn't quite ready to go out on their own, there's an ideal double stroller available. The best options that we tested are flexible and stable. They are also easy to navigate and have seating that grows as your kids do. So whether you're looking for a tandem stroller or one that will accommodate your infant car seat, check out our top picks to choose the ideal double stroller for your family.