What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The best double strollers are made to adapt to the needs of your family and include thoughtful features that keep children happy and comfortable. This includes adjustable foot rests and an easy ride on trails, gravel and old sidewalks.
Kerry was pleased that the stroller arrived in multiple boxes but everything was labeled well and was easy to open. She also loved that the stroller can be used with two infant car seats and can be combined with a riding board for older kids.
Seating Options
Seating options are an important factor in determining whether or an entire family will invest in a double stroller. You'll have to think about the age of your children, the sizes and seating arrangements you prefer.
For example, if you have children who are close in age that will be seated together, consider a tandem model that has child seats linked to each other and does not require car seat adapters, according to Alli Cavasino, a senior editor at Consumer Reports. They're typically larger than other double strollers, they might not fit into standard door frames in your home.
If your children are a different age, you may be interested in a stroller with two seats that can be turned into a stand-and ride model. This allows children to watch or ride along with their siblings. These in-line strollers are also able to accommodate infant car seats if needed, and are good for children who are 3 to 5 years apart.
You'll also need to look at the type of seat material, explains Billingsley. Some fabrics are more breathable than others, and easier to clean. It's also important to consider how easy it is to fold your new stroller down for stowing or transporting to and from your car. "Nothing is more frustrating than purchasing the perfect stroller, only finding it's too heavy to lift or too large for your trunk," she says.
If pushchair twin are looking for an affordable alternative that can be configured in a variety of ways, then check out this award-winning stroller from Summer Infant. It comes with two toddler seats and the bassinet. It could be made into a triple stroller by adding a seat or riding board. The seats recline, and have the calf bar controls that can be adjusted independently, which is great for when one child wants to sleep while the other wants to look around. It's also compact when folded and easily fits into most trunks.
Age ranges
Sit-and-stand strollers are the best option for families with children who are similar in age. They offer comfort and ease of use. They have an area in front that seats an infant or toddler and a bench, platform or another surface at the rear that lets older children stand up or hop on/off. These strollers are great for toddlers and older children 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 view at once, and can be squeezed into tight spaces such as aisles at the supermarket or for family photos in parks. These strollers are typically smaller than double strollers with side-by-side designs and are generally easier to maneuver however they aren't able to accommodate infant car seats and typically don't offer the same amount of undercarry storage.
If you are planning to utilize a double stroller for several years--or even longer than a decade, it's worth investing in an option that will grow with your kids. Double strollers are typically more expensive than single strollers, but when you pick the right one the first time around it can save you money over the course of time.
Our testers ran each of these strollers through a series maneuverability tests and off-road adventures, and they found them easy to navigate through various terrains. However, if you're planning to use it in cities or other urban zones where sidewalks and traffic are prone to bumps You might need something more robust and durable that can handle the rough treatment.
Many double strollers are designed to last for a long period of time, but you might discover that the seats become worn out faster than expected or your kids grow out of it before it's ready for retirement. If you are on a tight budget, choose a model with a rating of at minimum four years. It is best to use it for as long as is possible.
Ease of Use
It's crucial to ensure that the double stroller is comfortable to use by both children. It means that the harnesses should be comfortable for children sitting and the handles must be simple to grasp for toddlers. The stroller can also be easily rolled and maneuvered around obstacles and in tight spaces. The top-rated strollers in our Lab tests, such as the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie or Thule Urban Glide 2 Double, are among the easiest to maneuver.
It's also crucial that a double stroller be easy to fold and store. The best models use the option of a two-step or one-step process, and they're compact enough to fit in most trunks. It's an advantage to include a second chair or a ride-along stroller. Some strollers can even accommodate infant car seats, meaning you don't need to wake up your baby to transfer them into the stroller when they're ready to head home.
A good double stroller is also strong, so it can be used on a variety of types of terrain. Some are able to be converted into a jogging stoller with a specific front wheel and some can also be used as umbrella strollers. Some strollers come with a bag that can be attached at the back to carry shopping bags and other items.
Another factor to consider is whether you'd prefer 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. They are practical since they permit each child to enjoy the same view. They are also easier to navigate in a storm as they provide greater protection from the elements for both children.
Many parents opt to purchase an adaptable stroller that can be used by a newborn, and then converted to a double stroller once their children are older. After talking to parents, it became clear that it is better to purchase what you need today rather instead of trying to anticipate what you will need in the near future.
Storage
If you're looking for a double stroller, you might want to consider the size and quantity of storage space. Many models come with spacious accessible baskets that can accommodate a lot of cargo. They also typically have numerous cup holders for parents and seats that can be reversible to provide the best legroom available for children. Some of these features can make the price more expensive, so be sure to go through the reviews and descriptions carefully.
The majority of double strollers are classified as tandem or side by side models. Tandem strollers include two seats on one frame, and are best suited to older babies who can stand unaided. They also tend to have a larger storage basket than side-by-side models, though some are difficult or awkward to push when the front seat is fully reclined.
The side-by-side stroller comes with two separate seats that are set side-by-side. pushchair twin for infants or toddlers who aren't yet ready for independent sitting. They also have the added advantage of usually being easier to maneuver and pushing than tandem strollers. They may be more expensive, and they have smaller baskets.
There are also special double strollers that are designed specifically for biking and jogging. These are usually more expensive than all-terrain strollers, and have fixed front wheels which limit their mobility. They're worth considering only if you intend to use them for those activities.
If you're looking for twins or an infant and a toddler, or another child who's not quite ready to go out on their own, there's a great double stroller out there. Our top choices are easy to maneuver, flexible, stable and have seating that can grow with your child's. Take a look at our top picks for the best double stroller to fit your family, whether you are looking for a tandem or one that will fit your infant car seat.