How to Choose the Best Double Strollers
Whether you're out for a stroll in the sun or going for your morning jog with your kids, a double stroller will make life with twins or two kids of different ages much easier. With the many options available which one to pick? the most appropriate one for your family?
Our newest team member, Kerry, got her stroller feet wet by using this expandable model that lets you to alter the seating configuration to suit different requirements.
Safety
If you're running errands, visiting the zoo or out for a trick-or-treat with your kids stroller must be secure. This means a sturdy frame, as well as comfortable harnesses for kids who sit down, and easy-to-grab handles for toddlers who stand. It should also be able to fit through doors, easy to fold and move and easy to maneuver. It should also be reasonably priced.
Each double stroller we tested went through rigorous testing in our lab at the zoo, in our lab and on streets in the city. We also took them on family outings to suburban areas. Our lab tests assess the stroller's maneuverability, stability, and ease of steering. We also test the comfort of the suspension for both the driver and rider as well as the weight capacity, height of the canopy for the seat, and the storage space.
We ask parents for feedback on each model as well as the standard safety check performed by our team. We then consider all of this information when forming our recommendations.
If you're looking for a secure quality, high-quality stroller, begin with our top recommendations. These strollers are flexible and can be used for infant car seats. They're available in tandem or single stroller configurations, and they're suitable for children aged from birth to elementary school.
The top double strollers are made to adapt to your growing family. They are stylish and sleek, offer a range of customizations and can accommodate infants and toddlers with side-by-side seating or tandem (single file) seating. Most also feature a spacious storage basket as well as a telescoping handlebar and one-handed folding mechanisms.
If you have twins or a child who is a similar age to their sibling, you should consider selecting a tandem stroller that has a bench seat in the back that can be used by a 3rd child. They're a great choice for siblings who want to interact with each other but aren't in a position to sit close to one another in a stroller that is side-by-side, where they could end up arguing or fighting. There are also convertible models that allow you to remove the bench seat once your children are ready to go for a ride without using a car seat.
Comfort
The best double strollers feature comfortable child seats that are well-padded and supported. The best double strollers have plenty of storage, spacious footwells and legroom for children, and UPF 50+ canopy which provides great sun protection. The seats should recline at an angle to ensure children are comfortable, and they should include calf bars that allow parents to adjust the position of each seat independently. Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician. She says that the handlebars should be ergonomic and easy-to-maneuver. The handlebars should be close enough to your child's seat that you can grasp them and hold them. If the handlebars are separated and you'll have a tough time keeping your balance and maintaining good form when pushing them.
The ride should be smooth, even on rocky or uneven surfaces. Some of the models we test had shock absorbers to keep the ride steady. Some models have front and back suspensions which enhances control and reduces the force needed to push them. The wheels must have a long-lasting tread and be made from premium rubber.
We searched for the most versatile double strollers that can be used from birth through toddlerhood and beyond. A few of the ones we found can be configured as tandem strollers or side-by-side, and one of them is the Uppababy Vista v2, can even be converted into a single-file stroller for infants. This model is three times more expensive as our main tandem choice however, its materials are more durable and it will last longer.
The best double strollers will be light and maneuverable for long walks, trips to the zoo, park, and errands. They're generally larger than single strollers, and as such they won't be able to pass through narrow doors or in crowded aisles of stores. Some models cost more than single seat models however it's reasonable given that you're getting a much better value for your budget. The models we recommend are suitable for adults and children alike and will continue to develop with your family.
Convenience
If you are going to invest money in double-strollers, they should be easy to push and put away. The stroller should be light and easily fit into the trunk of your car or at home. It should be able navigate rough terrain and take precise turns. Some of the top double strollers have adjustable calf supports, as well as seats that recline, and offer UPF sun protection. The canopy should be large enough to cover two children. If you are worried about the sun glaring into their eyes, choose one with a peek-a-boo window.
Your children's ages and stages will play a role in the kind of stroller that's best for you. For instance, parents of twins might opt for a convertible stroller that can hold two infant car seats simultaneously or families with an older child and a toddler might prefer a side-byside double. You'll also need to decide whether you'd like an infant stroller that can be pushed through narrow doors or in crowded aisles of the grocery store and can be used on airplanes.
In double single pushchair , we found that the best double strollers are fairly easy to fold and carry. They typically have a oneor two-step process and they're small enough to fit in most compact cars. They're also designed to be sturdy when folded, which makes them easier to put back together.
Some of the best double strollers have useful features for parents like a one-parent cup holder and a large storage basket. Consider whether the stroller comes with locks on the front seat to prevent your child from climbing out. Some strollers have a universal adapter that fits car seats and can be converted into a single seat as your child grows.
Some of the best double strollers are a bit pricey, but they have higher quality construction and higher resale values than cheaper models. They are also easier to maneuver, and are able to handle rough terrain like city walkways or park trails.
Style
Parents who are looking for a double stroller want more than just a way to transport two children. They want a light, maneuverable stroller with sufficient storage space on the inside and thoughtful features that allow it to expand with their children. It should also be easy to push and maneuver. Since they'll be carrying more than the children, the stroller needs to be easy on their backs and shoulders.
This is why the best double strollers are sleek, offer a variety of designs, and accommodate infant car seats to ensure a seamless transition from toddler to baby. They're available in side by side or tandem (single-file seating) models and can be light enough to jog or for travel.
Aside from size one of the most important factors to consider for parents looking for a double stroller is whether or not it'll fit through doorways and other narrow spaces. Most of the models we evaluated for our latest update can fit through doors for exterior use that measure 36 inches wide.
When evaluating the top double strollers, we consider how easily they fold and unfold. We also look at how well-padded the seats and canopies are. We also think about how comfortable the buckles and seat straps are for children sitting in the stroller, and how easy it is to adjust the height of the handlebars.
Our top choice, Uppababy Vista V2, for example, is lightweight and offers plenty of storage space for both children. It has a parent cup holder and recliners that can be adjusted independently. It also comes with a large UPF 50+ canopy, with a peekaboo window. Its padded seat straps and buckles are among the most comfortable in our tests, and we found the seat to be one of the easiest to secure for children of all age groups.
If you're not quite ready to purchase a double stroller, Facebook Marketplace and second-hand-goods websites are able to offer used items in good condition at reasonable costs. Be sure to conduct your research before you buy to buying, examining for signs of damage and looking up possible recalls.