What to Look For in a Double StrollerThe best double strollers are designed to adapt to the needs of your family and include thoughtful features that keep your children content and comfortable. The best double strollers come with adjustable footrests, as well as smooth riding on old sidewalks, gravel, and trails.
Kerry was pleased that the stroller arrived in multiple boxes but everything was labeled properly and easy to open. She also appreciated that the stroller can accommodate two infant car seats, and it is able to be set with a ride-board for older children.
Seating Options
Seating options are an important element in determining whether the family will buy a double stroller. You'll need to take into consideration the age of your children, their relative sizes and seating configurations you prefer.
Alli Cavasino is a senior editor of Consumer Reports. She says that if you're planning to buy a tandem stroller, it is best to consider one with children's seats that are connected. This model doesn't require car seat adapters. These double strollers are usually wider than other double strollers. They may not fit through the standard doors of your home.
If your children are older age, you might think about a stroller with two seats that can be transformed into a stand-and ride model. This will allow a child to watch or ride with their sibling. These in-line strollers are also equipped to accommodate infant car seats when needed, and are good for children who will be 3-5 years apart.
You'll also want to look at the type of seat material, says Billingsley. Certain fabrics are more comfortable than others, and are easier to clean. It's also important to consider how easy it is to fold your stroller to store it or transport it to and from your car. "Nothing is more frustrating than purchasing 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 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 a bassinet, and can be converted into a triple stroller by adding a third seat or riding board. The seats recline, and have control mechanisms for the calf bar that allow them to adjust independently, which is ideal for when one child is looking to sleep while the other wants to take in the surroundings. It's also compact when folded and easily fits into most trunks.
Age Ranges
Sit-and-stand strollers are the best option for families with children who are close in age. They provide comfort and ease of use. They typically come with a seat for an infant or toddler in the front, and a bench or platform that allows an older child to stand or jump on and off in the back. They are great for big toddlers and preschoolers, but don't work well for younger babies or children who don't have the balance or 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 busy aisles in the grocery store or family photos at the park. These strollers are typically smaller 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 do not offer as much undercarriage storage.
If you plan on using a double stroller over a period of several years, or even for a decade, you should consider buying a model that can grow with your kids. smallest double buggy strollers tend to be more expensive than single and double stroller strollers. However, when you pick the right one first time it could save you money over time.
Our testers ran each of these strollers through a series of maneuverability tests as well as off-road adventures and found them easy to navigate over a variety of terrain. However, if you're planning to be using it in cities or other urban areas where traffic and sidewalks can be bumpy You might need something more sturdy and durable to withstand the rough treatment.
Double strollers are designed to last, however the seats could be worn out earlier than you expect or your kids may outgrow them before they're ready to retire. If you're on a tight budget look into one that has been tested for at least 4 years and is designed to last as long as you can.
Simple to Use
It is essential 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 around obstacles and in 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 easiest to maneuver.
A double stroller must be able to fold and put away. The best models fold down in just a couple of steps and are compact twin stroller enough to fit into most trunks. It's also beneficial if the stroller is versatile, with options to add another seat or a ride-along board. Some can even hold infant car seats, so you don't need to wake up your baby to transfer them into their stroller when they're ready to go home.
Additionally, a great double stroller must be durable to be able to be used on different types of terrain. For example, some can be converted to an jogging stroller by using a specialized front wheel, and some can also be used as an umbrella stroller. Some strollers come with a cargo bag that can be put to the back of the stroller to carry shopping bags and other items.
A tandem or side-by-side is another option worth considering. Side-by-side strollers are generally larger than tandems, and may be difficult to navigate through narrow spaces like the aisles of doors or grocery stores. They do offer the convenience of allowing both children to see the same scene. They can also be more easy to navigate in rough weather as they provide greater protection from the elements for both children.
Many parents opt to purchase an adaptable stroller that can be used by a newborn, and then transformed into a double stroller when their children are older. However, after speaking with parents we've learned that it's best to purchase what you require at the moment, rather than trying to predict what your family may need in the near future.
Storage
If you're shopping for a double stroller, you might be interested in the size and amount of storage space. Many models have large, easy-to-access baskets that can store a lot of cargo. Many models also come with numerous cup holders for parents and seating configurations that can be reversed to provide the best legroom possible for children. Some of these features can make the price more expensive therefore, make sure to read reviews and descriptions carefully.
Most double strollers are classified as tandem or side-by-side designs. Tandem strollers have two seats on one frame, and are best twin buggy suited to older babies who can stand unaided. They tend to have larger storage baskets than side-by-side models. However, some may be difficult to push with the front seat fully reclined.
Side-byside strollers have two distinct seats that are placed side-by-side and are generally suited to younger babies or toddlers who haven't mastered independent sitting. They are also easier to push and maneuver than tandem strollers. However, they usually have smaller storage baskets than tandem strollers, and can be more expensive.
There are also specialized double strollers that are designed specifically for biking and jogging. These are usually more expensive than All Terrain Double Buggy-terrain strollers. They also have fixed front wheels, which limit their flexibility. These strollers are worth considering if you intend to use them for these kinds of activities.
Whether you're shopping for twins or a baby and a toddler, or a child who isn't quite ready to go out on their own, there's an ideal double stroller out there. Our top choices are easy to maneuver, versatile and stable, with seating that grows with your child. Take a look at our top choices for the top double stroller that will meet your family's needs whether you're searching for a tandem or one that will fit your infant car seat.