What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The best double strollers develop with families and provide clever features to keep children at ease and content. This includes adjustable foot rests as well as a smooth ride on trails, gravel and old sidewalks.
Kerry was pleased that the stroller was packaged in multiple boxes, but everything was clearly labeled and simple for her to open. She also appreciated that the stroller can accept two infant car seats and it can be paired up with a riding-board for older children.
Seating Options
When it is double strollers, the seating options are what makes or breaks the purchase for many families. You'll want to consider the age of your children, their relative sizes and the seating configurations that are most suitable for your needs.
Alli Cavasino is a senior editor of Consumer Reports. She says that if you're planning to purchase a tandem stroller, you should look at one that has children's seats that are connected. This model doesn't require car seat adapters. These are typically wider than other double strollers, however, so they may not fit into standard door frames in your home.
If you're experiencing an age gap between your kids look into a double-seat stroller that has the option to change to a stand-and ride model that has an elevated or small bench seat in the back for children who likes to just ride along with their younger sibling. These in-line strollers are also able to accommodate infant car seats if needed and are ideal for children who will be 3 to 5 years apart.
You'll also need to take a look at the seat material, says Billingsley. Some offer more breathable fabrics than others and are easier to keep clean. It's also important to consider how easy it is to fold your stroller for transporting it to and from your car. "Nothing is more frustrating than buying your dream stroller, but finding it's too heavy to carry or too large for your trunk," she says.
If you're looking for an affordable option that has multiple configurations take a look at this award-winning stroller from Summer Infant. It comes with two toddler seats and the bassinet. It can be converted into a triple stroller by adding an additional seat or riding board. double pushchair recline and have the calf bar controls that can be adjusted independently, which is great for those times when one child needs to sleep while the other one wants to look around. It's also compact when folded and fits easily in the majority of trunks.
Age ranges
For families with kids who are close to their ages, a sit-and-stand stroller can provide the best combination of comfort for children and adults and ease of use. These strollers typically have a seat for an infant or toddler in front and a platform or bench that lets an older child stand or hop on and off in the back. These strollers are ideal for older children and toddlers however, they are not suitable for babies or children who do not have the coordination or balance to stand up on their own.
A narrow tandem stroller can help keep an eye on both kids at the same time and get through tight spots like crowded grocery store aisles or family photos in the park. These models are narrower and more maneuverable than side-byside double strollers, but they don't have as much storage under the carriage, and they're not able to fit an infant car seats.
If you're planning to use a double stroller for many years, or even for a decade, you should consider buying a model that can grow with your kids. Double strollers are typically more expensive than single strollers. However, If you choose the right one first time it could help you save money over time.
Our testers put each stroller through a series maneuverability tests and off-road excursions. They discovered that they were simple to maneuver over various terrains. If you plan to use it in urban areas or cities where the sidewalks and traffic can be bumpy, then you might want something more durable and sturdy capable of handling rough treatment.
Double strollers are built to last, however the seats can wear out sooner than you anticipate or your children might outgrow them before they're ready to retire. If you're on the tightest budget, go for a model with a rating of at least four years. It is best to use it for as long as it can.
Easy of Use
It's important to make sure that the double stroller is comfortable to use by both children. This means a comfortable harness for children who sit, and easy-to-grasp handles for toddlers who stand. The stroller can also be easily rolled and maneuvered around obstacles and in 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 to store. The best models fold in one or two steps and are compact enough to fit in most trunks. It's also an advantage if the stroller is versatile and has the option of adding a second seat or a ride-along board. Some strollers can hold infant car seats so you don't need to wake your baby to move them into the stroller when it's time to leave for home.
Furthermore, a quality double stroller should be sturdy so that it can be used on different types of terrain. Some are able to be transformed into a jogging stoller with a front wheel that is specially designed and others can be used as umbrella strollers. Some strollers come with a bag that can be tacked to the back of the stroller to carry shopping bags and groceries.
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 through tight spaces such as doorways and aisles of the grocery store. They are practical since they permit each child to view the same scene. They can also be easier to navigate in rough weather because they offer more protection from the elements for both children.
Many parents opt to purchase an adaptable stroller that can be used with a baby, and later converted into double strollers when their children are older. After speaking with parents, it became clear that it is better to purchase the items you require now rather than to try to predict what you'll require in the near-term.
Storage
If you're looking for a double stroller, you may need to think about the size and quantity of storage space. A lot of models have large, easy-to access baskets that can store a lot of cargo. Many models also feature several cup holders for parents as well as seats that can be reversible to give the best legroom for children. Some of these features can make the price more expensive therefore, make sure to review the reviews and descriptions thoroughly.
The majority of double strollers are classified as either tandem or side-by-side designs. Tandem strollers include two seats in one frame and are best for older children who can stand unaided. They tend to 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 has two seats that are set side-by-side. They're typically best suited to infants or toddlers who aren't yet ready for independent sitting. They are also more maneuverable and easy to push than tandem strollers. However, they tend to have smaller storage baskets than tandem models and can be more expensive.
There are also special double strollers specifically designed for jogging and biking. These are more expensive than standard all-terrain strollers and typically come with fixed front wheels that limit their flexibility. They're worth considering only if you intend to use them for these activities.
If you're looking for twins, an infant and a toddler, or another child who isn't quite ready to ride on their own, there's a great double stroller for you. Our top picks are easy to maneuver, versatile and stable, as well as seating that can grow with your child's. So whether you're in search of a tandem stroller or one that can accommodate your infant car seat, take a look at our top choices to find the right double stroller for your family.