What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The best double strollers are built to grow with families and have thoughtful features to keep kids comfortable and happy. The best double strollers offer adjustable footrests as well as a smooth ride over old sidewalks, gravel and trails.
Kerry appreciated the fact that the stroller was delivered in multiple boxes, however everything was labeled well and was easy to open. She also liked that the stroller can accept two infant car seats, and it is able to be set with a ride-board for older children.
Seating Options
When it is double strollers, seating options are what makes or breaks the purchase of many families. You'll have to think about the age of your children, the relative sizes of them, and the seating arrangements you like.
Alli Cavasino is a senior editor at Consumer Reports. She says that if you are looking to buy a tandem stroller, you should consider one with child seats that are attached. This model doesn't require car seat adapters. These double strollers are typically wider than other double strollers. They might not fit through standard doors in your home.
If your children are different age, you may think about a stroller with two seats that can be transformed into a stand-and ride model. This will allow children to watch or ride along with their sibling. These in-line strollers are also capable of accommodating infant car seats when needed, and are good for children who are 3-5 years apart.
You'll also want to consider the type of seat material, says Billingsley. Some are more breathable than others, and are easier to keep clean. It's also important to consider how easy it is to fold your stroller for stowing or transporting to and from your car. "Nothing is more frustrating than acquiring the perfect stroller, only then realizing it's too heavy 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 winner from Summer Infant, which has two toddler seats, a bassinet attachment and can be made into triple stroller by adding an additional seat or riding board. The seats recline and the controls for the calf bar can be adjusted in a separate manner. This is great the time when one child is in need of to take a nap while the other wants to explore their surroundings. It's also compact when folded down and easily fits in the majority of trunks.
Age Ranges
For families with children who are close in age, a sit and stand stroller can provide the best combination of comfort for both children and ease of use. These strollers have a seat in the front for an infant or toddler and a platform, bench or other surface in the rear that allows older children to stand up or get off and on. They're ideal for big toddlers and preschoolers, but won't work well for younger babies or children who don't have the balance and coordination to stand on their own.
A narrow tandem stroller can help you keep your eyes on both children at the same time and get through narrow spaces like the busy aisles in the grocery store or family photos in the park. These models are narrower and more maneuverable than double strollers that are side-by-side however they don't have enough storage space under the carriage and aren't able to accommodate an the infant car seat.
If you're planning to use a double stroller for several years--or even over a decade, it's worthwhile buying a stroller that will grow with your kids. Double strollers are generally more expensive than single strollers, but If you choose the right one first time, it can help you save money over time.
Our testers tested each stroller in several maneuverability tests, as well as off-road excursions. They found that they were easy to maneuver on various terrains. If you plan to use it in urban areas or in cities where the sidewalks and traffic are prone to bumps, you may need something that is more durable and robust capable of handling rough treatment.
Many double strollers are designed to last a long time, but you may discover that the seats become worn out faster than expected or your kids grow out of it before it's ready to retire. If you're looking for a bargain you should consider buying one that's been evaluated for at least four years and aims to last for as long as is possible.
Simple to Use
It is essential to ensure that the double stroller is simple to use by both children. small double stroller means comfortable harnesses for seated kids and handles that are easy to grasp for toddlers who stand. The stroller can also be easily rolled and moved through tight spaces. In fact the top strollers in our Lab tests -- such as the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie and Thule Urban Glide 2 Double--are among the easiest to push.
It's also essential that a double stroller be easy to fold and to store. The best models have an easy one- or two-step process, and they're small enough to fit in the majority of trunks. It's also a benefit to add a second seat or a ride-along stroller. Some strollers can hold infant car seats, so you don't have to wake your baby to move them into the stroller when it's time to go home.
A good double stroller is also durable, so it is able to be used in a variety of types of terrain. Some can be converted into a jogging scooter with a special front wheel and some can also be used as umbrella strollers. Some strollers come with a cargo bag that can be attached at the back to carry shopping bags and groceries.
A tandem or side-by-side is another option worth considering. Side-by-side strollers tend to be bigger than tandem models and aren't easy to maneuver in tight spaces like doorways and aisles of grocery stores that are crowded. double umbrella stroller are practical since they permit each child to enjoy the same view. They are also easier to navigate during bad weather as they offer more protection from the elements.
Many parents decide to purchase an adaptable stroller that can be used with a baby, and later converted into double strollers when their children reach an older age. But after speaking with parents we've learned it's best to buy what you need at the time instead of trying to predict what your family may need in the future.
Stores
If you're shopping for a double stroller, you might need to think about the size and the amount of storage space. A lot of models have large accessible baskets that can store a large amount of items. Many models also come with several cup holders for parents, as well as seats that can be reversible to give the best legroom for children. Certain of these features could increase the cost, so be sure to go through the reviews and descriptions carefully.
Most double strollers are classified as tandem or side-by-side designs. Tandem strollers come with two seats on the same frame, and are generally better suited for older babies who have already mastered unassisted sitting. They usually have more storage space than side-byside 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 positioned side-by-side. They're usually better suited for younger babies or toddlers, who haven't yet mastered independent sitting. They are also more maneuverable and easy to push than tandem strollers. However, they typically have smaller storage baskets than tandem models and can be more expensive.
There are also specially designed double strollers specifically designed for biking and jogging. They're generally more expensive than all-terrain strollers, and come with fixed front wheels, which restrict their mobility. These strollers are worth considering if you plan to use them in these types of activities.
Whether you're shopping for twins or an infant and a toddler, or another child who's not yet ready to go out on their own, there's an ideal double stroller out there. Our top choices are easy to maneuver, flexible, stable and have seating that grows with your child's. So whether you're in search of a tandem stroller or one that can accommodate your infant car seat, look through our top choices to find the ideal double stroller for your family.