How to Choose the Best Double Strollers
When you're going for a leisurely stroll or tackling your morning jog with your children, a double stroller could make life with twins or two kids with different ages a lot simpler. But with so many options out there to choose from, how do you pick the most appropriate one for your family?
Our new team member, Kerry, got her stroller feet wet by using this expandable model that allows you to alter the seating configuration to suit different requirements.
Safety
Whether you're running through the zoo, running errands or out for a trick-or-treat with your kids, your stroller needs to be secure. That means a sturdy frame and comfortable harnesses for children who sit down, as well as easy-to-grab handles for toddlers who stand. It should also to pass through doors, be easy to fold and move and easy to move. Of course, it should be a good value.
Every double stroller we tested was put 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 suspension comfort for both the driver and the rider, the weight capacity, seat canopy heights, as well as the storage space.
We ask parents for feedback on each model in addition to the routine safety check carried out by our team. We then take into consideration all of the information provided when making recommendations.
Take a look at our top picks to help you find a stroller that is secure and durable. These strollers are versatile and can be used as infant car seats. They are available in single or tandem stroller configurations, and they're suitable for children ranging from birth to elementary school.
The top double strollers are designed to adapt to the needs of your family. They're stylish and sleek, support many different customization options, and can accommodate both toddlers and infants in tandem or side-byside (single-file) seating styles. Many also come with large storage baskets, a handlebar that can be telescopically adjusted, as well as one-handed fold mechanisms.
Consider a tandem stroller that has benches in the back for a third child if you have twins, or a child of similar age. They're an excellent option for siblings who wish to be social with one another but aren't capable of sitting next to each other in a stroller with a side-byside feature, where they could end with fighting or arguing. There are also convertible models, which permit you to remove a bench seat for your child once they are at the point of riding without a car seat.
Comfort
The best double strollers feature comfortable child seats that have plenty of padding and support. They also have plenty of storage, roomy footwells for kids' feet and legroom, and UPF 50+ canopies that provide great sun protection. The seats should recline at a slight angle to ensure children are comfortable, and they should have calf bars that permit parents to adjust the position of each seat independently. Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician. She suggests that the handlebars must be ergonomic and easy-to-maneuver. The handlebars must be close enough to the children's seats that you can reach them and hold onto them. If the handlebars are spread out and you'll have a tough to maintain your balance and retaining good posture when pushing them.
The ride should be smooth, even on rough or uneven surfaces. Some of the models we tested include shock absorbers to keep the ride stable. Some have rear and front suspension, which reduce the amount of force you need to push them and improve your control over them. The wheels must be made of high-quality rubber with robust tread that can withstand many years of wear and tear.
We looked for the most versatile double-strollers that can be used from the time of to toddlerhood. Some of the models we found could be used as tandem strollers or side-byside and one, the Uppababy Vista v2, can even be transformed into a single-file stroller suitable for infants. The model is three times more than our primary tandem model, but it's of higher quality and should last longer due to its sturdy materials.
The best double strollers are lightweight and easy to maneuver for long walks, errands and trips to the park or zoo. They're typically wider than single strollers, and as such they may not be able to fit through narrow entrances or store aisles that are crowded. Some are also priced more than single seat models, but that's understandable since you're getting greater value for your dollars. The models we recommend are safe for adults and children alike, and they'll expand with your family.
Convenience
If you're going to spend the money to buy a double stroller, you'll need one that's easy to move and put away. The stroller should be lightweight and easily fit in the trunk of your car or at home. It should also be able to navigate through rough terrain and take tight turns. Some of the most reliable double strollers have adjustable calf supports, and seats that recline and offer UPF sun protection. The canopy should be wide enough to accommodate two children. If you're worried about the sun's rays getting into their eyes, go for a stroller with a peek-a-boo window.
The age and stage of your child will influence the type of stroller that's most suitable for your needs. Parents of twins may choose a convertible stroller that can accommodate two infant car seats simultaneously and families with an older child and toddlers may prefer side-byside doubles. You'll also need to decide whether you'd like a stroller that fits through narrow doorways or crowded aisles in grocery stores and can be used on planes.
In our Lab tests, we found that most double strollers are easy to fold and move. Most double strollers fold in just one or two steps, and are small enough to fit into the majority of compact cars. They're also designed to be stable when folded, which makes them much easier to put back together.
Some of the top double-strollers have convenient parent features like cups holder for one parent and a large storage basket. Be sure to check if the stroller is equipped with locks for the front seat to stop your child from climbing out. Some of the best strollers come with an adapter for car seats that is universal and can be converted into one-seaters as your children get older.
Some of the top double strollers are expensive, but they offer higher quality construction and have higher resales values than cheaper models. They're also more maneuverable and can handle tough terrain, such as park trails or city sidewalks.
Style
When parents are looking for a double-stroller, they're looking for more than a way to carry their two children. They're looking for a light, maneuverable stroller with ample storage on the board and thoughtful features to expand with their children. It should also be easy to push and navigate. Since they will be carrying more than children, the stroller needs to be easy on their backs and shoulders.
That's why the best double strollers are sleek and offer a variety of designs, and accommodate infant car seats for an easy transition from toddler to baby. They're available in side-by-side or tandem (single-file seating) designs and can be light enough for jogging or for travel.
In addition to size parents should also think about whether the double stroller can fit through doorways or other tight spaces. Fortunately, the majority of models we tested in our most recent update can pass through doors that are standard for exteriors that measure 36 inches wide, and most can accommodate interior doors that range from 28 to 35 inches wide.
When reviewing the best double strollers, we also look at how easily they fold and unfold. We also take a look at how comfortable the seats and canopies are. We also think about how comfortable the seat straps and buckles are for children who sit in the stroller, and how easy it is to adjust the handlebar height.
Our top choice, Uppababy Vista V2, for instance, is light and offers ample storage space for both children. It has a parent cup holder, as well as seats that recline independently. It also has a large UPF 50+ canopy that has a windows that peek out. small double buggy and buckles are padded and are among the most comfortable we have test. We also found it to be the easiest seat for children to attach.
If you're not quite ready to buy a double stroller, Facebook Marketplace and second-hand-goods websites can offer used options in good condition at reasonable prices. Be sure to do your research and look for signs of damage before you buy.