What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The best double strollers develop with families and offer thoughtful features to keep kids at ease and content. This includes adjustable foot rests and an easy ride on gravel, trails and old sidewalks.
Kerry was delighted that the stroller arrived in multiple boxes, but everything was clearly labeled and simple for her to open. She also liked that the stroller can accommodate two infant car seats, and can be paired up with a riding-board for older children.
Seating Options
Seating options are a major element in determining whether the family will buy a double stroller. You'll need to consider the age of your children, the sizes of them and the seating arrangements you like.
For instance, if you have children who are close in age that will be seated side-by-side, you should consider a tandem stroller 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. These double strollers are usually larger than other double strollers. They may not fit through the standard doors of your home.
If you're experiencing an age gap between your children look into a double-seat stroller that can change to a stand-and ride model with an elevated or small bench seat in the back for children who wants to casually ride with or observe their sibling. These types of strollers can also accommodate infant car seats should they be required, and are a good choice for children who'll be three to five years apart, according to Billingsley.
You'll also need to consider the type of seat material, according to Billingsley. Some are more breathable than others and are more easy to clean. It is also important to consider how easy it will be to fold the stroller for storage purposes or transportation to and from your vehicle. "Nothing is more frustrating than acquiring your dream stroller, but you realize it's too heavy for you to lift or too large for your trunk," she says.
If you're looking for a low-cost option that can accommodate multiple seating configurations look no further than this award winner from Summer Infant It comes with two toddler seats as well as a bassinet attachment. The stroller can be expanded to become a triple stroller with an additional seat or riding board. The seats recline, and the calf bar controls can be adjusted independently. This is ideal when one child needs to rest while another is looking to explore the surroundings. It's also compact when folded and easily fits in the majority of trunks.
Age Ranges
For families with children who are near in age, a sit-and-stand stroller is the perfect combination of comfort for both children and convenience. These strollers have a seat in front for an infant or toddler and a platform, bench or other surface in the rear that lets older children stand up and walk on/off. They're great for big toddlers and preschoolers, but they won't be suitable for infants or children who don't have the balance and coordination to stand on their own.
A narrow tandem stroller can help keep your eyes on both children at the same time and get through difficult areas like aisles of the grocery store that are crowded or family photos at the park. These models are usually narrower than side-by-side double strollers and tend to maneuver easier but they don't have the capacity to fit infant car seats and typically do not offer the same amount of undercarry storage.
If you're planning to use a double stroller over a period of several years or even a decade, it's worth purchasing one that will grow with your children. double pushchair are generally more expensive than single strollers, however if you choose the right one the first time around it could save you money over the course of time.
Our test participants put each of these strollers through a series maneuverability tests and off-road excursions and found them to be easy to navigate through various terrains. However, if you're going to use it in urban areas where traffic and sidewalks are prone to bumps You might need something more sturdy and robust that can withstand the rough treatment.
Double strollers are built to last, but the seats could be worn out earlier than you think or your children might outgrow them before they're ready for retirement. If you are on a tight budget, choose an option with a warranty of at minimum four years. It should last as long as it can.
User-Friendliness
It's crucial to ensure that the double stroller is comfortable to use by both children. This means comfortable harnesses for children who sit and handles that are easy to grasp for toddlers who stand. The stroller can also be easily rolled and moved over obstacles and tight spaces. The top-rated strollers from our Lab tests, like the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie or Thule Urban Glide 2 Double are among the most easy to move around.
It's also essential that a double stroller is easy to fold and store. The best models fold in two or three steps and are compact enough to fit into the majority of trunks. It's also a plus that the stroller can be used in a variety of ways with the option of adding a second seat or a ride-along board. Some can even hold infant car seats, so you don't need to wake your baby to transfer them into the stroller when they're ready to go home.
A quality double stroller is also sturdy, so it can be used on a variety of terrains. For example, some can be converted into an jogging stroller that has a specialized front wheel, and some can be used as an umbrella stroller. Some even come with a cargo basket which can be attached to the back of the stroller to carry groceries or shopping bags.
A tandem or side-by-side is another option worth considering. Side-by-side strollers are generally wider than tandem models, and aren't easy to maneuver through narrow spaces like doorways or crowded grocery store aisles. However, they offer the convenience of allowing each child to see the same scene. They are also easier to navigate during bad weather as they offer more protection from the elements.
Many parents choose to purchase an adaptable single-to-double stroller, so that they can use it for a newborn and then later switch to a regular double once their children are older. After talking to parents, it became clear that it is better to buy the items you require now rather than to try to predict what you'll need in the near future.
Storage
If you're looking for a double stroller, you may be interested in the size and amount of storage space. Many models come with large, easy-to access baskets that can hold lots of items. They often also have several cup holders for parents as well as reversible seating configurations that offer the most comfortable legroom for children. Certain of these features could increase the cost so make sure you go through the reviews and descriptions carefully.
The majority of 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 children who have already mastered sitting on their own. They also tend to have a much larger storage basket than side-by-side models, though some can be awkward or difficult to push when the front seat is fully reclined.
Side-by-side strollers have two individual seats positioned side by side and are typically for infants or toddlers who haven't yet learned independence sitting. They also have the added advantage of usually being easier to maneuver and pushing than tandem strollers. However, they typically have smaller storage baskets than tandem strollers and may be more expensive.
There are double strollers made specifically for biking or jogging. They're generally more expensive than all-terrain strollers. They also have fixed front wheels, which restrict their mobility. These strollers are worth considering if you intend to use them in these activities.
If you're looking for twins, an infant and a toddler, or a child who's not yet ready to go out on their own, there's a perfect double stroller for you. The top options we've found that we tested are flexible, stable, and easy to maneuver, with seating that grows as your children grow. So whether you're in search of a tandem stroller or one that can accommodate your infant car seat, look through our top picks to find the ideal double stroller for your family.