What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The most effective double strollers are designed to grow with your family. They include thoughtful features that keep children happy and comfortable. This includes adjustable foot rests and a smooth ride on gravel, trails and old sidewalks.
Kerry appreciated the fact that the stroller was delivered in multiple boxes, but everything was well-labeled and easy to open. She also liked that the stroller accepts two infant car seats and can be used with a riding board for older kids.
Seating Options
When it is double strollers, the seating options are what determines the success or failure of the purchase for many families. You'll want to consider the age of your children, their respective sizes and the seating configurations that work best for you.
For instance, if have children close in age and will be sitting side-by-side, consider a tandem stroller that has child seats linked to each other and does not require car seat adapters, explains Alli Cavasino who is a senior editor at Consumer Reports. They're typically larger than other double strollers, they might not fit through standard door frames in your home.
If your children are of a different age, you may think about a stroller that has two seats that can be turned into a stand-and ride model. This will allow children to watch or ride along with their siblings. These strollers are able to accommodate infant car seats when needed and are ideal for children who will be 3-5 years apart.
Billingsley advises that you must be aware of the fabric used to make the seat. Some fabrics are more breathable than others, and they are also easier to clean. It's also important to think about how easy it is to fold your stroller to store it or transport it to and from your car. "Nothing is more frustrating than acquiring your dream stroller but you realize it's too heavy to lift or too big for your trunk," she says.
If you're looking for an affordable option that offers multiple configurations take a look at this award-winning stroller from Summer Infant. It features two toddler seats and a bassinet, and can be expanded into a triple stroller adding an additional seat or riding board. The seats recline and come with calf bar controls to adjust independently, which is perfect for those times when one child needs to rest while the other one wants to observe their surroundings. When folded, it's compact and fits into most trunks.
Age Ranges
Sit-and-stand strollers are a great option for families with children who are similar in age. They offer convenience and comfort. These strollers come with a seat in front for an infant or toddler and a platform, bench or another type of surface at the rear that lets older children stand up and walk on/off. They are great for big toddlers and preschoolers, but 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 can help keep your eyes on both children simultaneously and can fit into difficult areas like busy aisles in the grocery store or family photos at the park. These models are usually narrower than double strollers with side-by-side designs and are generally easier to maneuver 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 are planning to use a double stroller for the course of a few years, or even a decade, it's worth purchasing a model that can grow with your children. Double strollers are more expensive than single strollers however, if you select them correctly, you can save money in the end.
Our testers put each stroller through a series maneuverability tests and off-road adventures. They found that they were easy to navigate on a variety terrain. If you intend to use it in urban areas or cities where the sidewalks and traffic can be bumpy, you may need something more durable and sturdy that can withstand rough treatment.
Double strollers are built to last, however the seats can be worn out earlier than you think or your children might outgrow them before they're ready to retire. If tandem double stroller on an extremely tight budget, you should choose a model with a rating of at least four years. It is best to use it for as long as possible.
Ease of Use
It's important to make sure that the double stroller is comfortable to use by both children. This means that the harnesses should be comfortable for children who sit, and the handles should be easy to grasp for toddlers. It also means that the stroller is able to roll easily and is able to be maneuvered through tight spaces and around obstacles. The top strollers we tested in our Lab tests, including the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie or Thule Urban Glide 2 Double, are among the easiest to navigate.
A double stroller should also be able to fold and put away. The most effective models come with the option of a two-step or one-step procedure, and are small enough to fit in most trunks. It's a plus to include a second chair or a ride-along to the stroller. Some can even hold infant car seats, so you don't need to wake up 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 types of terrain. Some are able to be converted into a jogging scooter with a front wheel that is specially designed and some can also be used as umbrella strollers. Some strollers come with a bag that can be tacked at the back to carry groceries and shopping bags.
Another consideration is whether you want either a side-byside stroller or a tandem. Side-by-side strollers tend to be bigger than tandem models and aren't easy to maneuver through tight spaces such as doorways and crowded grocery store aisles. They do offer the convenience of allowing both children to enjoy the same view. They can also be more easy to navigate in rough weather because they offer more protection from the elements for both children.
Many parents decide to purchase a stroller that is convertible from single to double so they can use it with a baby and then later change to a regular double once their children are older. After talking with parents, it became clear that it is better to buy what you need now than to try to predict what you'll require in the near-term.
Stores
If you're looking for a double stroller, you may be interested in the size and quantity of storage space. Many models have large, easy-to-access baskets that can store a lot of cargo. They also often feature multiple parent cup holders and seats that can be reversible to provide the best legroom available for children. Some of these features can increase the cost therefore, make sure to review the reviews and descriptions thoroughly.
The majority of double strollers can be classified as tandem or side by side designs. Tandem strollers are two seats on one frame and are for older children who are able to sit without assistance. They also have a larger storage basket than side-by-side strollers, but some are awkward or difficult to push when the front seat is fully reclined.
Side-by-side strollers come with two separate seats that are placed side-by-side and are typically suited to younger babies or toddlers who haven't yet learned independence sitting yet. They also have the advantage of usually being 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 double strollers made specifically for jogging or biking. They're generally more expensive than all-terrain strollers, and have fixed front wheels, which limit their flexibility. They are worth considering only if you intend to use them for those activities.
Whether you're shopping for twins or a baby and a toddler, or another child who's not yet ready to go out on their own, there's a perfect double stroller out there. The top choices that we tested are flexible, stable, and easy to maneuver and have seating that grows as your children get older. Check out our top picks for the top double stroller that will meet your family's needs whether you're looking for a tandem or one that accommodates your infant car seat.