What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The most effective double strollers are designed to adapt to the needs of your family and include thoughtful features that keep children at ease and happy. This includes adjustable foot rests and an easy stroll on trails, gravel and old sidewalks.
Kerry loved that the stroller arrived in multiple boxes but everything was well-labeled and easy to open. She also appreciated that the stroller is able to accommodate two infant car seats, and it is able to be set with a ride-board for older children.
Seating Options
When it is about double strollers, seating options are the main factor that determines the purchase for many families. You'll have to think about the age of your children, the sizes of them and the seating configurations you prefer.
Alli Cavasino is a senior editor of Consumer Reports. She says that if you are looking to purchase a tandem stroller, you should think about one with child seats that are attached. This model is not required to have car seat adapters. They are generally larger than other double strollers, they won't fit through standard door frames in your home.
If you're experiencing an age gap between your kids look into a double-seat stroller that has the option to convert to a stand-and-ride model with a platform or small bench seat in the back for a kid who would like to ride along or watch their sibling. These types of strollers can also be adapted to fit infant car seats in the event that they are needed and are a great option for children who are three to five years apart, according to Billingsley.
You should also look at the type of seat material, explains Billingsley. Some fabrics are more breathable than others, and they are also easier to clean. It's also important to take into consideration how easy it is to fold your new stroller down to store it or transport it to and from your car. "Nothing is more frustrating than buying your dream stroller but then realizing it's too heavy to carry or too big for your trunk," she says.
If you are looking for a budget-friendly alternative that can be configured in a variety of ways look no further than this award-winning stroller from Summer Infant. It comes with two toddler seats as well as an infant bassinet. It could be made into a triple stroller by adding an additional seat or riding board. The seats recline and the calf bar controls can be adjusted independently. This is great the time when one child is in need of a nap while another is looking to explore the surroundings. It's also compact when folded and easily fits in most trunks.
Age ranges
Sit-and stand strollers are the ideal option for families with children who are similar 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 platform or bench that allows an older child to stand or hop on and off in the back. They're great for big toddlers and preschoolers, but they 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 an eye on both kids at once and fit through tight spots like busy aisles in the grocery store or family photos in the park. These models are usually narrower than double strollers that are side-by-side and are able to move more easily but they don't have the capacity to fit infant car seats and generally do not offer the same amount of storage under the carriage.
If you're planning to use a double stroller over the course of a few years, or even a decade, it's worth purchasing an item that can expand with your kids. Double strollers are generally more expensive than single strollers, but if you choose the right one the first time around, it can save you money over the course of time.
Our test participants put each stroller through a series maneuverability tests and off-road adventures. They discovered that they were simple to maneuver over different terrains. If you plan to use it in cities or areas where the traffic and sidewalks can be bumpy, you might want something more robust and durable capable of handling rough treatment.
Double strollers are designed to last, but the seats may get worn out faster than you expect or your children might outgrow them before they're ready to retire. If you're on the tightest budget, go for one with a rating of at minimum four years. It should last as long as possible.
Simple to use
If you're planning to purchase a double stroller, you need to ensure that it's simple to use for both children. This means comfortable harnesses for children who sit, and easy-to-grasp handles for toddlers who stand. The stroller can also be easily rolled and moved through tight spaces. In fact, the top-rated strollers in our Lab tests -- such as the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie and Thule Urban Glide 2 Double--are among the most comfortable to push.
It's also important that a double stroller is easy to fold and store. The best models fold down in two or three steps and are compact enough to fit into most trunks. It's also an advantage that the stroller can be used in a variety of ways with the option of adding another seat or a ride-along board. Some can even hold infant car seats, so you don't have to wake your baby to put them into the stroller when they're ready to head home.
A quality double stroller is also sturdy and is able to be used in a variety of types of terrain. Some of them can 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 have a cargo bag that can be tacked to the back of the vehicle to carry groceries and shopping bags.
A tandem or side-by-side is an alternative to think about. Side-by-side models are usually wider than tandems and can be difficult to navigate tight spaces such as entrances or aisles that are crowded in grocery stores. They are convenient because they allow both children to see the same scenery. They are also more convenient to navigate in bad weather since they provide more protection from the elements.
Many parents choose to purchase a stroller that can be converted from single to double, so they can use it for a newborn and then later change to a regular double once their kids are older. After speaking with parents, it became clear that it is better to buy what you need today rather instead of trying to predict what you might require in the near future.
Stores
If you're considering a double stroller, you might be interested in the size and quantity of storage space. A lot of models have large, easy-to-access baskets that can accommodate a lot of cargo. They also typically have several cup holders for parents as well as reversible seating configurations that offer best-in-class legroom for children. However, certain features can be costly in price, so it's important to read reviews and descriptions carefully.
The majority of double strollers are classified as either tandem or side-by-side designs. Tandem strollers come with two seats on the same frame and are typically more suitable for older babies who are already comfortable with sitting on their own. They usually have bigger storage baskets than side-byside models. However, some can be difficult to push with the front seat fully reclined.
The side-by-side stroller comes with two seats that are placed side-by-side. They're usually more suitable for infants or toddlers, who haven't yet mastered sitting independently. They also have the added advantage of usually being easier to maneuver and pushing than tandem strollers. They can be more expensive and have smaller baskets.
There are also specialized double pram pushchair designed for biking and jogging. These are more expensive than the standard strollers that are all-terrain, and they typically have fixed front wheels that restrict their mobility. These strollers are only worth considering if you intend to use them in these 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 a great double stroller out there. The best options in our tests are affluent and stable. They're also easy to navigate and have seating that grows as your kids do. Take a look at our top picks for the top double stroller that will meet your family's needs, whether you are looking for a tandem or one that will fit your infant car seat.