What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The best double strollers develop with families and provide innovative features that keep kids happy and comfortable. This includes adjustable foot rests as well as a smooth ride on gravel, trails and old sidewalks.
Kerry appreciated the fact that the stroller was delivered in multiple boxes but everything was labeled well and was easy 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 Options
When it comes to double strollers, seating options are what makes or breaks the purchase for many families. You'll want to consider the ages of your children, their relative sizes, and the seating arrangements that are most suitable for your needs.
For example, if you have children of similar age and will be sitting side-by-side, consider a tandem model that comes with child seats linked to each other and doesn't require you to use car seat adapters, according to Alli Cavasino an editor in the senior position at Consumer Reports. These double strollers are usually larger than other double strollers. They may not be able to fit through standard doors in your home.
If you're facing an age gap between your kids you should consider a stroller with two seats that can change to a stand-and ride model that has the option of a bench or a platform seat in the back for a kid who would like to ride with or observe their younger sibling. These in-line strollers are also able to accommodate infant car seats when needed and are suitable for children who will be 3-5 years apart.
Billingsley advises that you must take into consideration the fabric used to make the seat. Some are more breathable than others and are more easy to keep clean. It's also important to take into consideration how easy it is to fold your new stroller down for stowing or transporting to and from your car. "Nothing is more frustrating than buying the perfect stroller, only finding it's too heavy to carry or too large for your trunk," she says.
If you're looking for a low-cost option that offers various seating options, check out this award-winning model from Summer Infant, which has two toddler seats with a bassinet attachment. It can be made into a triple stroller with an additional seat or riding board. The seats recline and come with calf bar controls to adjust independently, which is ideal for those times when one child needs to rest while the other wants take in the surroundings. When folded, it is compact and fits into most trunks.
Age Ranges
Sit-and-stand strollers are a great option for families with children who are close in terms of age. They offer the comfort and convenience. These strollers usually have seats for infants or toddler in the front, and a bench or platform that lets an older child stand or hop on and off 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 coordination and balance to stand up on their own.
A narrow tandem stroller can help you keep an eye on both kids simultaneously and can fit into difficult areas like aisles of the grocery store that are crowded or family photos at the park. These strollers are a bit narrower and easier to maneuver than double strollers that are side-by-side however they don't offer enough storage space under the carriage and can't accommodate infant car seat.
If you're planning to use a double stroller for the course of a few years, or even for a decade, you should consider buying an item that can expand along with your children. Double strollers tend to be more expensive than single strollers, but if you choose the right one the first time around it could save you money over time.
Our test subjects put these strollers through a series maneuverability tests as well as off-road adventures, and they found them to be simple to maneuver over various terrains. However, if you're going to use it in urban areas where traffic and sidewalks are prone to bumps, you might want something more sturdy and robust that can withstand the rough treatment.
Double strollers are built to last, however the seats may be worn out earlier than you expect or your kids may outgrow them before they're ready for retirement. 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 is possible.
Easy of Use
If you're going to purchase a double stroller, it's essential that it be user-friendly for both children. This means a comfortable harness for kids who are seated, and easy-to-grasp handles for toddlers who stand. This also means that the stroller is able to roll easily and is able to be maneuvered through tight spaces and around obstacles. In fact the top strollers in our Lab tests -- such as the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie and Thule Urban Glide 2 Double--are among the most easy to push.
A double stroller should also be able to fold and take down and store. The best models use a one- or two-step process, and they're compact enough to fit in the majority of trunks. It's an advantage when you can add a second seat or a ride-along to the stroller. Some strollers can also hold infant car seats, so you don't have to wake your baby to transfer them to the stroller when it's time to go home.
A quality double stroller is also durable, so it can be used on a variety of kinds of terrains. For example, some can be converted into an jogging stroller by using a specialized front wheel, and some can also be used as an umbrella stroller. Some strollers come with a cargo bag that can be tacked at the back to carry shopping bags and other items.
Another consideration is whether you'd prefer either a side-byside stroller or a tandem. Side-by-side strollers are generally bigger than tandem models and they can be difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces like doorways or aisles of the grocery store. They do offer the convenience of allowing every child to see the same scene. They are also more convenient to navigate in bad weather because they offer more protection from the elements.
Many parents opt to buy a stroller that can be converted from single to double, so they can use it as a baby, and then later switch to a regular double once their kiddos are older. But after talking to parents we've learned it's best to purchase what you need at the time, rather than trying to predict what your family will require in the near future.
Storage
If you're looking for a double stroller, you might need to think about the size and the amount of storage space. Many models come with spacious, easy-to-access baskets that can accommodate a lot of cargo. Many models also have numerous cup holders for parents and reversible seat configurations to provide the best legroom possible for children. However, certain features can add up in cost therefore it is important to read the descriptions and reviews carefully.
Most double strollers are classified as tandem or side by side designs. Tandem strollers have two seats assembled on the same frame, and are generally better suited for older babies who have already mastered sitting without assistance. They usually have more storage space than side-by-side models. However, some can be difficult to push with the front seat fully reclined.
The side-byside stroller features two seats that are placed side-by-side. double buggy suited for younger babies or toddlers who aren't yet comfortable with independent sitting. They also have the advantage of usually being easier to push and maneuver than tandem strollers. However, double pram and pushchair have smaller storage baskets than tandem strollers, and can be more expensive.
There are also specially designed double strollers specifically designed for jogging and biking. They are more expensive than basic strollers that are all-terrain, and they typically have fixed front wheels that restrict their mobility. These strollers are only worth considering if you intend to use them in these kinds of activities.
Whether you're shopping for twins or a baby and a toddler, or a child who's not quite ready to go out on their own, there's an ideal double stroller available. Our top picks are easy to maneuver, flexible and stable, with seating that expands with your child. So whether you're looking for 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.