What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The best double strollers grow with families and have innovative features that keep kids happy and comfortable. The top double strollers have adjustable footrests as well as smooth rides over old sidewalks, gravel, and trails.
Kerry was pleased the fact that the stroller was delivered in multiple boxes, however everything was well-labeled and easy to open. She also loved the fact that it can accommodate two infant car seats and can be combined with a riding board for older kids.
Seating Options
When it is about double strollers, the seating options are what determines the success or failure of the purchase for many families. You'll have to think about the age of your children, their relative sizes and seating configurations you prefer.
Alli Cavasino is a senior editor of Consumer Reports. She says that if you're looking to purchase a tandem stroller, it is best to look at one that has children's seats that are connected. This model does not require car seat adapters. These double strollers are usually wider than other double strollers. They might not fit through standard doors in your home.
If you're facing an age gap between your children you should consider a stroller with two seats that has the option to transform into a stand-and-ride model that has the option of a bench or a platform seat in the back for a kid who wants to casually ride along or watch their sibling. These kinds of in-line strollers can also be adapted to fit 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.
You should also take a look at the seat material, explains Billingsley. Some offer more breathable fabrics than others, and are easier to clean. It's also important to think about how easy it is to fold your new stroller down to store it or transport 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 large for your trunk," says the expert.
If you're looking for an affordable option that has multiple configurations look no further than this award-winning stroller from Summer Infant. It comes with two toddler seats and an infant bassinet. twin stroller with car seats can be expanded into a triple stroller by adding a third seat or riding board. The seats recline and the controls for the calf bar can be adjusted independently. This is perfect for when one child wants a nap while another is looking to explore the surroundings. When folded, the seat is compact and can fit easily into most trunks.
Age ranges
Sit-and stand strollers are the ideal option for families with children who are close in terms of age. They offer comfort and ease of use. They have a seat in the front for toddlers or infants and a bench, platform or another type of surface in the rear that allows older children to stand up or get off and on. They are great for big toddlers and preschoolers, but won't work well for younger babies or children who don't have the balance or coordination to stand on their own.
A narrow tandem stroller allows you to keep both children in view all at once, and it can be squeezed into tight spaces such as grocery store aisles or for family photos in the parks. These strollers are typically smaller than double strollers that are side-by-side and are able to move more easily but they don't have the capacity to fit carseats for infants and generally don't have the same amount of storage under the carriage.
If you're planning to use a double stroller for many years, or even for a decade, you should consider purchasing a model that can grow with your kids. Double strollers are more expensive than single ones however, if you choose them correctly, you can save money in the end.
Our test participants put each stroller through an assortment of maneuverability tests as well as off-road excursions. They found them easy to navigate on a variety terrain. However, if you're planning to be using it in urban areas where traffic and sidewalks are prone to bumps and uneven, you may want something more robust and robust that can withstand the rough treatment.
Double strollers are designed to last, but the seats can get worn out faster than you anticipate or your children might outgrow them before they're ready for retirement. If you're on the tightest budget, go for an option with a warranty of at minimum four years. It should last as long as it can.
Simple to use
If you're going to invest in a double stroller, it's important that it is simple to use for both children. That means comfortable harnesses for seated kids, and easy-to-grasp handles for toddlers who stand. The stroller can also be easily rolled and moved around obstacles and in tight spaces. The top-rated strollers from our Lab tests, such as the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie or Thule Urban Glide 2 Double are among the most easy to maneuver.
It's also essential that a double stroller is easy to fold and put away. The most efficient models fold in just a couple of steps and are small enough to fit into most trunks. It's also an advantage when the stroller is a versatile with the option of adding an additional seat or ride-along board. Some strollers can also hold infant car seats, meaning you don't need to wake your baby to transfer them to the stroller when it's time to go home.
Furthermore, a quality double stroller should be sturdy to be able to be used on a variety of terrain. For example, some can be converted into an jogging stroller by using a front wheel that is specially designed, and some can be used as an umbrella stroller. Some strollers have a cargo bag that can be attached to the back of the stroller to carry groceries and shopping bags.
A tandem or side-by-side stroller is an alternative to think about. Side-by-side strollers are generally wider than tandem models, and aren't easy to maneuver in narrow spaces like doorways or crowded grocery store aisles. However, they offer the convenience of allowing every child to see 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 opt to buy a stroller that can be converted from single to double, so they can use it for a newborn and later change to a regular double once their kids are older. But after speaking with parents, we've learned that it's best to buy what you need at the time instead of trying to predict what your family might need in the future.
Storage
When looking for a double-stroller, it's important to take into consideration the amount of storage and the size. A lot of models have large, easy-to access baskets that can store lots of items. They often also have numerous cup holders for parents and reversible seating configurations that offer the best legroom available for children. Certain of these features could increase the cost therefore, make sure to go through the reviews and descriptions carefully.
The majority of double strollers can be classified as tandem or side by side designs. Tandem strollers include two seats on one frame and are suited to older babies who can stand unaided. They also tend to have a much larger storage basket than side-byside models, however some can be difficult or awkward 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 more suitable for infants or toddlers who aren't yet ready for sitting on their own. They also have the added benefit of being generally easier to maneuver and pushing than tandem strollers. They can be more expensive and come with smaller baskets.
There are also double strollers designed specifically for biking or jogging. They are generally more expensive than all-terrain strollers. They also have fixed front wheels, which restrict their mobility. They're worth considering only if you intend to use them for such activities.
If you're looking for twins or an infant and an older toddler, or a child who isn't quite ready to go out on their own, there's a great double stroller for you. The top options we've found in our tests are affluent and stable. They're also easy to navigate, with seating that grows as your kids do. Take a look at our top picks for the best double stroller to fit your family whether you're looking for a tandem or one that will fit your infant car seat.