What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The most effective double strollers are designed to grow with your family and come with thoughtful features that keep your children content and comfortable. This includes adjustable foot rests as well as a smooth stroll on trails, gravel and old sidewalks.
Kerry was delighted that the stroller was packaged in multiple boxes, however everything was clearly labeled and simple for her to open. She also liked that the stroller can accommodate two infant car seats, and it can be paired up 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 of many families. You'll want to think about the ages of your children, their respective sizes and the seating configurations that will work best for you.
For instance, if you have children of similar age and will be sitting side-by-side, you should consider a tandem model that comes with child seats attached to one another and doesn't require you to use car seat adapters, explains Alli Cavasino, a senior editor at Consumer Reports. They're typically larger than other types of double strollers,, so they may not pass through door frames that are standard in your home.
If you're experiencing an age gap between your kids, consider a dual-seat stroller with the option to convert to a stand-and-ride model that has an elevated or small bench seat in the back for a kid who wants to casually ride along with their younger sibling. These kinds of in-line strollers can also accommodate infant car seats if needed and are a great option for children who will be 3 to 5 years apart, according Billingsley.
stroller double advises that you must take into consideration the material you choose for your seat. Certain fabrics are more breathable than others, and are easier to keep clean. It's also important to take into consideration how easy it is to fold your new stroller down for transporting it to and from your car. "There's nothing more frustrating than purchasing your dream stroller only to find out that it is too heavy or big for your trunk," says the expert.
If you're looking for a low-cost option that has various seating options, check out this award winner from Summer Infant that comes with two toddler seats, a bassinet attachment and can be expanded to become triple stroller by adding an additional seat or riding board. The seats recline and the controls for the calf bar can be adjusted separately. This is great when one child wants to rest while another wants to explore their surroundings. When folded, it's compact and can fit easily into the majority of trunks.
Age ranges
For families with kids who are similar to their ages, a sit-and-stand stroller is the perfect combination of comfort for both children and user-friendliness. They typically come with a seat for an infant or toddler in front and a platform or bench that allows an older child to stand or hop on and off in the back. They're ideal for big toddlers and preschoolers, but they won't be ideal for babies or kids who do not yet have the balance and coordination to stand on their own.
A narrow tandem stroller can help you keep an eye on both kids at the same time and get through narrow spaces like the busy aisles in the grocery store or family photos in the park. These models are narrower and easier to maneuver than side-byside double strollers however they don't offer as much storage under the carriage and can't accommodate infant car seats.
If you plan on using a double stroller over many years or even over a decade, it's worth buying an item that can expand with your kids. Double strollers tend to be more expensive than single strollers, however if you choose the right one the first time it could help you save money over time.
Our test subjects put these strollers through a series of maneuverability tests and off-road adventures and found them to be easy to maneuver over various terrains. If you intend to use it in urban areas or in cities where sidewalks and traffic can be bumpy, then you may need something more robust and durable capable of handling rough treatment.
Many double strollers are built to last for a long period of time, but you may discover that the seats become more worn than you expected or your kids outgrow it before it's time to retire. If you are on an extremely tight budget, you should choose an option with a warranty of at least four years. It should last as long as it can.
Simple to Use
It's crucial to ensure that the double stroller is simple to use by both children. It means that the harnesses must be comfortable for children sitting, and the handles should be a breeze to hold for toddlers. It also means that the stroller can be moved effortlessly, and is able to be maneuvered around tight spaces and around obstacles. The top strollers we tested in our Lab tests, such as the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie or Thule Urban Glide 2 Double are among the most easy to move around.
A double stroller should also be able to fold and store. The best models fold down in just a couple of steps and are small enough to fit into the majority of trunks. It's also a plus when the stroller is a versatile, with options to add an additional seat or ride-along board. Some strollers can also hold infant car seats so you don't need to wake your baby to transfer them to the stroller when it's time to go home.
A quality double stroller is also durable and can be used on a variety of terrains. Some can be converted into a jogging stoller with a front wheel that is specially designed and some can also be used as umbrella strollers. Some strollers come with a bag that can be tacked at the back to carry groceries and shopping bags.
Another factor to consider is whether you'd prefer an oversized stroller that can be used side-by-side or as a tandem. Side-by-side strollers tend to be wider than tandems, and may be difficult to maneuver through tight spaces such as the aisles of doors or grocery stores. They are practical because they allow each child to view the same scene. They can also be easier to navigate through in stormy weather as they provide greater protection from the elements for both children.
Many parents decide to purchase an adaptable stroller that can be used by a baby and then transformed into a double stroller once their children reach an older age. After talking with parents, it became clear that it is better to purchase what you need today rather instead of trying to anticipate what you will require in the near future.
Storage
If you're looking for a double stroller, you may want to consider the size and amount 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 numerous cup holders for parents and seating configurations that can be reversed to provide the most legroom for children. Some of these features may make the price more expensive so make sure you read reviews and descriptions carefully.
Most double strollers can be classified as tandem or side by side models. Tandem strollers have two seats on one frame, and are best suited to older babies who can sit unassisted. They usually have larger storage baskets than side-byside models. However, some models can be difficult to push with the front seat fully reclined.
The side-byside stroller features two separate seats that are positioned side-by-side. They're generally best suited to infants or toddlers, who aren't yet comfortable with independent sitting. They are also more maneuverable and easy to push than tandem strollers. They may be more expensive, and they have smaller baskets.
There are also double strollers that are designed specifically for jogging or biking. These are more expensive than basic all-terrain strollers and typically have fixed front wheels that limit their flexibility. They are worth considering only if you intend to use them for these activities.
Whether you're shopping for twins or a baby and an older toddler, or a child who's not yet ready to go out on their own, there's a perfect double stroller available. The best options in our tests are affluent, stable, and easy to navigate and have seating that grows as your children get older. So whether you're looking for a tandem stroller or one that can accommodate your infant car seat, check out our top choices to find the right double stroller for your family.