How Easy Is It to Push and Fold a Double Stroller?

When you're taking your toddler on a walk or jogging with your twins, the best double stroller will make it easier for everyone to move around. But finding one that's easy to push and fold is a must.

Our Lab experts recommend side-by-side models that have equal recline and plenty of storage space, as well as car adapters for infants' seats.

Seating

When you are looking for a double stroller, seating options are important. You may want to consider a tandem stroller that lets one child stand while the other one sits, or a side by side model that allows your children to sit together.

Seating configurations can also impact your comfort when you're walking on busy sidewalks and streets. Find strollers with reclining chairs, footrests that recline and large canopy covers to provide shade for two passengers. Beware of hanging bags on the handlebars, as they can alter the stroller's center of gravity, causing it to tip.

Double strollers of good quality will also come with convenient storage compartments to store your essentials. Look for storage compartments on the seat backs or underneath the seats to keep toys, snacks and other essentials in one place. Parent consoles and organizer bags attached to the handles are also useful to keep essentials in reach during walks or outings.

A side-by-side stroller is the best option for parents who have children of the same age. They tend to be more stable and offer better visibility for both of the passengers than strollers that stack. Some options accept two infant car seats, which allows you to take your sleepy children from the car to the pram without waking them.

Parents who have older kids who don't mind sitting separately or who enjoy a bit of independence might like a sit-and-stand model that allows an older child to climb onto the front and ride along. This kind of double-stroller is not newborn-compatible, and it may require more maintenance over the course of time. However, it can be an excellent option for active families who need the versatility of a stroller that can be converted into an adult-only model.

The most effective double strollers are durable and easy-to-maneuver, even in rough terrain or tight spaces. They're also light and fold down for compact stroller storage in your garage or trunk making them easy to transport and manage when traveling. Finally, they feature sturdy construction to ensure the longevity and safety of your children. Furthermore, they are compliant with the American Academy of Pediatricians' (AAP) guidelines for safety.

Canopy

A canopy can shield both the passenger and the sun's rays, and some models come with the option of a visor that can further protect kids' faces. Models with huge shades like the BOB Revolution Flex 3 in 1 pram.0 Duallie and the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double earned our top scores for their canopy options. Both models provide adequate coverage and cover children from head to toe while inline options often do not have shade, or provide a single canopy that only covers one seat. This can be problematic for siblings who require different levels protection.

A quality canopy should be able to slide easily onto the stroller, and many of our top-rated models accomplish that. However, make sure you check the model's dimensions before you purchase, as certain canopy may require additional space in the basket for full extension, and to avoid hitting the handles when they're folded.

Some parents prefer a double stroller that comes with a bassinet, car seat adapters or other accessories to provide them with more options down the road. For instance the UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double features a toddler seat and an additional RumbleSeat making it an ideal choice for families with twins or young children who may need to transport more than two children at once. This stroller is a versatile model that offers an unique sit-and-stand arrangement for older children who prefer to travel on their own.

Parent consoles and organizer bags can help your stroller be more efficient. They keep your essentials at hand. They are especially useful for strollers that aren't used frequently and when you'll need to store snacks and toys away from prying hands. Some of these accessories can be secured using a strap or snap making it easy to take them off when you're ready to use the stroller again.

If you're looking to make a long-term investment, look for a double stroller compatible with infant car seats. It can also transform into a toddler stroller with the option of a bench seat or a glider board. The Graco RoomFor2 Travel System and the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Duallie both come with an auto seat-compatible bassinet as well as a toddler seat and RumbleSeat. Both are able to be expanded into a triple pram stroller with the addition of a running board which is ideal for families with an active kid who prefers to stay on the move.

Wheels

The type of wheels that are used on the stroller can make an enormous difference in how it is simple or difficult to push. In general, bigger wheels are easier for you to maneuver and will be able to tackle an array of terrain. The material of the wheels also determines how they are to push. Rubber wheels, for instance, are typically more durable and are able to withstand rougher surfaces than plastic ones.

Stroller wheels are available in a variety styles sizes, dimensions and materials to accommodate a wide range of needs and environments. Swivel wheels, for example can make it easier to maneuver through tight corners and narrow spaces. Fixed-wheels are more stable and suitable for smooth surfaces. If you intend to use your stroller on rough terrain or off-road air-filled tires are more suitable than the standard rubber tires. These tires are similar in design to bicycle tires and absorb shocks, making for more comfortable riding.

Side-by-side double strollers are wider than tandem models, and they can be difficult to squeeze through narrow doors or store aisles. But they give your children equal seating space and allow them to stretch out their legs. They're usually also more maneuverable and easy to steer than tandem strollers.

If you intend to use your stroller to run or bike then look for double joggers with all-terrain or jogging tires. These tires are bigger, thicker, and feature sealed ball bearings that provide a smoother ride on uneven surfaces. Some models, such as the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double Stroller are compatible with a car seats which allows you to jog while your children are safely in their car seats.

Other strollers that are all-terrain and jogging, such as the Valco Baby Tri Mode Duo X allow a second child in front but are too bulky to qualify as umbrella doubles. In our tests, we discovered that the buckles on this stroller were the most difficult to fasten. This can be a problem when you have to squeeze two children in the stroller at the same time. The stroller is costly with a price that is hundreds higher than our top single-to tandem option, but it does come with top-quality materials and an excellent resale value.

Stores

A quality double stroller should have ample storage space for both children and parents. Insufficient storage can make it hard for a parent to complete errands or take all the equipment needed to enjoy an outing with two children. In our Lab tests, the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored very well in this measurement it has a large and easily accessible basket that can accommodate up to 30 lbs.

Strollers that have pockets or compartments that are multiple can help families keep in mind small items such as phones, keys, and wallets. A parent console or organizer bag that is attached to the handlebars can provide a convenient place for moms and dads to store their personal belongings during outings with their kids.

The UPPAbaby Vista has an enormous basket that can carry two car seats for infants. (Not both bassinets however.) It also has an adjustable telescoping bar as well as brakes that are simple to use. It also has one of the largest max allowable weight ratings for seats in our range, as well as an easy fold that fits through most standard door frames.

Our test participants also discovered that the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite wagon comes with a fantastic adjustable bar, which is perfect for parents with different heights. The wagon features two folding stroller UV screens to provide complete sun protection and its cup holders as well as snack tray can be used to hold different bottles for children and snacks.

The biggest challenge for any stroller is the ability to fold it up and then get it back into shape after usage, especially when you have a toddler and an infant in the back. It's the reason it's essential to select a stroller that is easy to fold and easy fold. Both the UPPAbaby Vista v2 stroller and Evenflo Pivot Xpand have a single-handed, easy-to-use mechanism that lets parents to fold their strollers quickly and efficiently, no matter what configuration they're in.

While a double stroller might seem like a huge purchase, parents who intend to use the product for several years should keep in mind that they'll generally pay more for this kind of equipment than single strollers. It's also worth looking into whether the stroller can be disassembled into smaller pieces to make it easier to transport and store this is a vital factor if you're in a tight space in your home or vehicle.