How to Choose the Best Double Strollers
A double stroller can make life easier for parents with twins or children of different ages whether you're taking an easy stroll or going for a morning jog. What are the best options to choose from the various choices available?
Our new team member, Kerry, got her stroller feet wet by using this expandable model that allows you to change the seating configuration to suit different requirements.
Safety
Your stroller must be secure, whether you're out on errands with your children, going to the zoo, or going trick-or-treating. That means an sturdy frame and comfortable harnesses for children who sit down, as well as easy-to-grab handles for toddlers who stand. It should also be able to pass through doorways and be easy to maneuver and fold. Of course, it should be a good value.
We put every double stroller we reviewed through vigorous tests in our lab, at the Zoo, on the city streets, and during family outings in suburban areas. Our lab tests evaluate the stroller's stability and maneuverability, ease of steering and handling and suspension comfort for both the rider and the driver capacity to carry weight as well as the height of the canopy on the seat and storage space.
We ask parents for feedback on each model in addition to the safety checks that are routinely performed by our team. Then, we take that information into account when making recommendations.
Start with our top picks If you're in search of an excellent stroller that is secure and durable. These strollers are incredibly versatile and can be used with infant car seats. They are available in tandem or single stroller models, and are suitable for children aged from birth to elementary school.
The best double strollers are made to adapt to the needs of your family. They're stylish and sleek, support a variety of customizations and can be used by toddlers and infants in a side-by-side or tandem (single-file) seating designs. Many also come with large storage baskets as well as a handlebar that could be adjusted telescopically, and one-handed folding mechanisms.
If you have twins or a child who is a similar age to their sibling, you should consider using a tandem stroller with an extra bench seat in the back that could be used by a 3rd child. These strollers are ideal for siblings who would like to get together, but not be able to sit side-by-side in a standard stroller. They could be fighting or arguing. There are also convertible models, which allow you to remove the bench seat for your child once they are ready to go without the car seat.
Comfort
The best double strollers come with comfortable child seats that are well-padded and well-supported. The best double strollers have plenty of storage, spacious footwells and legroom for children, as well as a UPF 50+ canopy that offers great sun protection. Seats should recline at an angle so that kids are comfortable. They should also include adjustable calf bars that let parents independently adjust each seat. The handlebars should be comfortable and easy to maneuver, says Alli Cavasino, a certified child-passenger safety technician. The handlebars must be close enough to the children's' seats that you can reach them and hold onto them. If the handlebars on the stroller are not close enough it will be a challenge to maintain your balance and good posture while pushing them.
The ride should be smooth, even on rough or uneven surfaces. Some of the models we tested have shock absorbers to keep the ride steady. Certain models come with front and back suspension which enhances control and reduces the amount of force needed to push them. The wheels must have a long-lasting tread and be made from premium rubber.
We looked for the most flexible double strollers that can be used from birth through toddlerhood and beyond. Some of the models we found could be used as tandem strollers or side-by-side and one that we found, the Uppababy Vista v2, can even transform into a single-file stroller for infants. That model costs three times more than our primary tandem pick, but it's of higher quality and should last longer due to its sturdy materials.
The best double strollers will be lightweight and able to be maneuvered for long walks and trips to the zoo or the park and for other errands. The double strollers are typically bigger than single strollers, and may not fit into narrow aisles in stores or doors. Some are also priced more than single-seat models however it's reasonable since you're getting much better value for your dollars. The models we recommend are safe for both adults and kids, and they'll expand with your family.
Convenience
If you're going to spend money on a double-stroller, it should be easy to push and to store. The stroller should be light and easily fits in the trunk of your car or at home. It should be able to maneuver rough terrain and take precise turns. Some of the most reliable double strollers have adjustable calf supports and seats that recline and provide UPF sun protection. The canopy should be big enough to accommodate two children. If you're worried about the sun glaring into their eyes, go for the stroller with a peek-aboo window.
The stage and age of your children will determine what type stroller you need. For instance, parents with twins might choose a convertible stroller that can hold two infant car seats at once or families with an older child and a toddler may prefer a double that is side-by-side. You'll need to decide if you'd like strollers that can go through narrow doors, grocery store aisles or on planes.
In our Lab tests, we discovered that the best double strollers are relatively easy to fold and carry. The majority of double strollers fold down in one or two steps and are compact 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 best double-strollers include convenient features for parents, such as cups holder for one parent and a large storage basket. Consider whether the stroller comes with a lock on the front seat, to prevent your child from escaping. Some of the top strollers include a universal car seat adapter and can be converted into one-seaters when your children grow.
The top double strollers are expensive, but they offer a better build quality and higher resale values than cheaper models. They are also easier to maneuver, and can withstand rough terrain such as park trails or city walkways.
Style
If parents are in the market for a double-stroller they're looking for more than just a means to transport their two children. They want a lightweight stroller that is easy to move and has enough space to grow with their children. Since they will be carrying more than the children, the stroller must be comfortable on their backs and shoulders.
This is why the best double strollers are sleek and offer a variety of options for customization, and accommodate infant car seats to ensure an easy transition from baby to toddler. They come in tandem (single-file seating) as well as side-by-side. They are even light enough for running.
In addition to the 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, which are 36 inches wide. Moreover, they can be used for interior doors that range from 28 to 35 inches wide.
When we review the top double strollers, it is important to look at how easily they fold and unfold. We also look at how comfortable the seats and canopy are. Additionally, we examine how comfortable the straps and buckles are for seated children, and how easy it is to reach and adjust the height of the handlebar.
For double pram and pushchair , our top choice one, the Uppababy Vista V2, is lightweight and offers plenty of storage for both children. It has a parent cup holder, as well as seats that recline individually. It also has an ample UPF 50+ canopy with the peek-a-boo window. The seat's buckles and straps are cushioned and among the most comfortable we've test. We also found it to be the most simple seat for children to secure.
If you're not ready to purchase a double stroller, Facebook Marketplace and other secondhand-goods sites can often offer good-condition used options for affordable prices. Make sure to do your research prior to making a purchase to buying, examining for evidence of damage and looking for recalls that could be possible.