What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The best double strollers develop with families and provide thoughtful features to keep kids at ease and content. The best double strollers come with adjustable footrests and a smooth ride over gravel, old sidewalks and trails.
Kerry was pleased the fact that the stroller was delivered in multiple boxes, however everything was labeled properly and easy to open. She also appreciated that the stroller can accommodate two infant car seats and can be paired with a riding board for older children.
Seating Options
Seating options are an important aspect in determining whether or not a family will purchase a double stroller. You'll want to consider the ages of your children, their respective sizes and the seating configurations that are most suitable for your needs.
For instance, if have children close in age who will sit side-by-side, consider a tandem model that has child seats linked to one another and does not require car seat adapters, according to Alli Cavasino an editor in the senior position at Consumer Reports. Double strollers are generally larger than other double strollers. They might not fit through the standard doors of your home.
If you're facing an age gap between your kids you should consider a stroller with two seats that has the option to transform into a stand-and-ride model with an elevated or small bench seat in the back for a kid who likes to just ride with or observe their younger sibling. These strollers are able to accommodate infant car seats if necessary, and are good for children aged 3 to 5 years apart.
You'll also want to look at the type of seat material, says Billingsley. Certain fabrics are more air-conditioned than others, and are easier to clean. It's also important to take into consideration how easy it is to fold your stroller for transporting it to and from your car. "Nothing is more frustrating than acquiring your dream stroller but finding 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 different seating options look no further than this award-winning model from Summer Infant, which has two toddler seats with a bassinet attachment. It could be expanded to make a triple stroller with an additional seat or riding board. The seats recline and come with calf bar controls to adjust independently, which is great for those times when one child needs to nap while the other wants observe their surroundings. When folded, it is small and easily fits into most trunks.
Age Ranges
For families with children who are near to their ages, a sit-and-stand stroller is the ideal combination of comfort for both children and user-friendliness. They have an area in front that seats an infant or toddler and a bench, platform or other surface in the rear that lets older children stand up or hop on/off. These strollers are great for older children and toddlers, but not for babies or children who do have the balance and coordination to stand up on their own.
A narrow tandem stroller lets you to keep both children within sight at once, and can be squeezed into tight spaces such as aisles in the grocery store or for family photos at the parks. These models are often narrower than side-by-side double strollers and are generally easier to maneuver but they don't have the capacity to fit infant car seats and typically don't offer the same amount of undercarry storage.
If you are planning to use a double stroller over many years, or even a decade or more--it's worth buying a stroller that will continue to expand with your children. double buggy tend to be more expensive than single strollers. However, 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 of maneuverability tests and off-road excursions and found them to be simple to maneuver over different terrains. However, if you're planning to be using it in cities or other urban areas where sidewalks and traffic 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 may wear out sooner than you expect or your children may outgrow them before they're ready for retirement. If you are on a tight budget, choose a model with a rating of at minimum four years. It is best to use it for as long as possible.
Simple to use
If you're planning to invest in a double stroller, it's important that it be user-friendly for both children. That means comfortable harnesses for seated kids and handles that are easy to grasp for toddlers who stand. The stroller can also be easily rolled around and maneuvered over obstacles and tight spaces. In fact the top strollers in our Lab tests -- such as the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie and Thule Urban Glide 2 Double among the easiest to push.
It's also essential that a double stroller is easy to fold and store. The best models use an easy one- or two-step process, and they're compact enough to fit into most trunks. It's also an advantage when the stroller is a versatile and has the option of adding another seat or a ride-along board. Some can even hold infant car seats, so you don't have to wake up your baby to get them into their stroller when they're ready to go home.
A good double stroller is also durable, so it can be used on a variety of terrains. Some are able to be converted into a jogging scooter with a special front wheel and some can also be used as umbrella strollers. Some even come with a cargo basket that can be affixed to the rear of the stroller to carry groceries or shopping bags.
Another thing 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 are typically bigger than tandem models and they can be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces like doorways and aisles of the grocery store. They are practical because they allow both children to view the same scene. They are also easier to navigate during bad weather as they offer more protection from the elements.
Many parents opt to buy an adaptable single-to-double stroller, to use it as a baby, and then later change to a regular double when their children 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 will require in the future.
Storage
If you're considering a double stroller, you might be interested in the size and quantity of storage space. Many models come with large, easy-to access baskets that can store a lot of cargo. They often also have several cup holders for parents as well as convertible seating arrangements that provide the best legroom available for children. Certain of these features could make the price more expensive therefore, make sure to read reviews and descriptions carefully.
Most double strollers are categorized as tandem or side-by-side designs. Tandem strollers have two seats assembled on the same frame and they're typically better suited for older babies who have already learned sitting without assistance. They also tend to have a larger storage basket than side-byside models, however some are difficult or awkward to push when the front seat is fully reclined.
The side-by-side stroller has two seats that are placed side-by-side. They're generally better suited for younger babies or toddlers, who aren't yet comfortable with sitting on their own. They also have the added benefit of being more easy to push and maneuver than tandem strollers. They are more expensive and come with smaller baskets.
There are also specially designed double strollers that are designed specifically for biking and jogging. These are more expensive than the standard all-terrain strollers, and they usually have fixed front wheels that restrict their mobility. These strollers are only worth considering if you plan to use them in these activities.
There's a double stroller that's suitable for any situation whether you're looking to purchase one for twins or a child who's not quite ready to ride on their own, or a child who's not quite old enough to be a proper rider. Our top choices are easy to maneuver, flexible and stable, as well as seating that grows with your child's. So whether you're in search of a tandem stroller or one that will accommodate your infant car seat, take a look at our top picks to choose the ideal double stroller for your family.