What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The best double strollers are designed to grow with your family. They include clever features that keep your kids at ease and happy. The top double strollers have adjustable footrests, as well as smooth rides on old sidewalks, gravel and trails.
Kerry was pleased the fact that the stroller was delivered in multiple boxes, but everything was well-labeled and easy to open. She also appreciated that the stroller can be used with two infant car seats and can be paired with a riding board for older children.
Seating Options
Seating options are a major element in determining whether an entire family will invest in a double stroller. You'll need to take into consideration the age of your children, the sizes of them, and the seating arrangements you like.
For instance, if have children of similar age that will be seated side-by-side, consider a tandem model that comes with child seats attached to each other and doesn't require you to use car seat adapters, explains Alli Cavasino, a senior editor at Consumer Reports. These are typically wider than other types of double strollers, however, so they may not pass through door frames that are standard in your home.
If you're experiencing an age gap between your children you should consider a stroller with two seats that can convert to a stand-and-ride model with a platform or small bench seat in the back for children who likes to just ride with or observe their younger sibling. These strollers are able to accommodate infant car seats when needed and are suitable for children who are 3 to 5 years apart.
Billingsley suggests that you take into consideration the fabric used to make the seat. Some offer more breathable fabrics than others and are easier to keep clean. You should also think about how easy it will be to fold your stroller for storage or transport to and from your vehicle. " Get the facts is more frustrating than acquiring your dream stroller but then realizing it's too heavy for you to lift or too large for your trunk," she says.
If you're 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 as well as an infant bassinet. It can be expanded to a triple stroller by adding a seat or riding board. The seats recline and come with calf bar controls to adjust independently, which is perfect for when one child wants to sleep while the other wants to observe their surroundings. It's also compact when folded and easily fits in the majority of trunks.
Age ranges
Sit-and stand strollers are the ideal option for families with children who are similar in age. They offer convenience and comfort. These strollers typically have a seat for an infant or toddler in the front, and a bench or platform 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 work well for younger babies or kids who don't yet have the balance and coordination to stand on their own.
A narrow tandem stroller allows you to keep both children in sight all at once, and it can be pushed through tight spaces, such as aisles at the supermarket or for family photos in parks. These strollers are typically smaller than double strollers that are side-by-side and are generally easier to maneuver however they aren't able to accommodate infant car seats and typically don't have the same amount of undercarry storage.
If you're planning to use a double stroller over several years--or even over a decade, it's worthwhile investing in an option that can adapt to your children's needs. Double strollers are more expensive than single ones however, if you select them wisely, you'll save money in the long run.
Our test participants put each of these strollers through a series of maneuverability tests and off-road adventures, and they found them to be easy to navigate over various terrains. If you plan to use it in urban areas or in cities where the sidewalks and traffic are prone to bumps, you might want something more robust and durable capable of handling rough treatment.
A lot of double strollers are made to last for a long period of time, but you could notice that the seats are used up faster than you anticipated or your kids outgrow it before it's ready for retirement. If you are on the tightest budget, go for one with a rating of at least four years. It should last as long as it can.
Easy of Use
If you're going to purchase a double stroller, it's essential that it be simple to use for both children. This means comfortable harnesses for seated kids and handles that are easy to grasp for toddlers who stand. It also means that the stroller rolls easily, and can be maneuvered around 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 among the most comfortable to push.
A double stroller must be easy to fold and store. The best models use an easy one- or two-step process, and they're compact enough to fit into the majority of trunks. It's also a benefit to add a second seat or a ride-along stroller. Some strollers can even accommodate infant car seats, so you don't need to wake your baby to put them into their stroller when they're ready to head home.
A quality double stroller is also durable and can be used on a variety of kinds of terrains. Some can be transformed 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 cargo bag that can be put to the back of the vehicle to carry shopping bags and groceries.
Another thing to consider is whether you want an oversized stroller that can be used side-by-side or as a tandem. Side-by-side strollers are generally larger than tandems and can be difficult to navigate through tight spaces such as doorways or crowded aisles in grocery stores. However, they offer the convenience of allowing both children to enjoy the same view. They are also easier to navigate in a storm, as they provide more protection from the elements for both kids.
Many parents opt to buy an adaptable single-to-double stroller, to use it for a newborn and later change to a regular double when their kids are older. However, after speaking with parents we've learned that it's best to get what you need now instead of trying to predict what your family might need in the future.
Storage
When looking for a double-stroller, you need to think about the amount of storage and the dimensions. Many models have spacious accessible baskets that can hold lots of cargo. Many models also come with several cup holders for parents and reversible seat configurations to provide the most legroom for children. However, some of these features can be costly in price and it's crucial to read the descriptions and reviews carefully.
The majority of double strollers can be classified as tandem or side by side designs. Tandem strollers feature two seats that are positioned on the same frame, and are generally better suited for older children who have already mastered unassisted sitting. They usually have more storage space than side-by-side models. However, some can be difficult to push when the front seat is fully reclined.
The side-by-side stroller comes with two separate seats that are positioned side-by-side. They're usually better suited for younger babies or toddlers who aren't yet ready for sitting independently. They also have the added benefit of being generally easier to maneuver and push than tandem strollers. However, they usually have smaller storage baskets than tandem models and can be more expensive.
There are also specially designed double strollers designed for jogging and biking. They are generally more expensive than all-terrain strollers and come with fixed front wheels, which limit their mobility. It is worth looking into them only if you intend to use them for these activities.
There's a double stroller that's suitable for every scenario regardless of whether you're purchasing one for twins or a child who's not quite ready to ride alone, or a child who's not yet old enough to be a proper rider. Our top picks are simple to maneuver, adaptable and stable, with seating that can grow with your child. So whether you're looking for a tandem stroller or one that will accommodate your infant car seat, take a look at our top picks to choose the right double stroller for your family.