What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The best double strollers are designed to grow with your family and come with clever features that keep your kids content and comfortable. The best double strollers offer adjustable footrests as well as smooth rides on old sidewalks, gravel and trails.
Kerry was thrilled that the stroller arrived in multiple boxes, but everything was clearly labeled and simple for her to open. She also appreciated that the stroller can accommodate two infant car seats, and it can be paired with a ride-board for older children.
Seating Options
When it comes to double strollers, the seating options are the main factor that determines the purchase of many families. You'll want to think about the ages of your children, their relative sizes, and the seating arrangements that are most suitable for your needs.
Alli Cavasino is a senior editor for Consumer Reports. She says that if you're looking to purchase a tandem stroller, you should consider one with children's seats that are connected. This model doesn't require car seat adapters. These are typically wider than other types of double strollers, however, so they may not fit through standard door frames in your home.
If you're facing an age gap between your kids look into a double-seat stroller that has the option to change to a stand-and ride model that has the option of a bench or a platform seat in the back for children who likes to just ride with or observe their sibling. These in-line strollers are also able to accommodate infant car seats if needed and are ideal for children who are 3 to 5 years apart.
You'll also need to consider the type of seat material, says Billingsley. Some fabrics are more comfortable than others, and are easier to clean. It's also important to take into consideration how easy it is to fold your stroller for transporting it to and from your car. "There's nothing more frustrating than purchasing the perfect stroller only to discover that it's too heavy or bulky for your trunk," says the expert.
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 has two toddler seats as well as the bassinet. It could be made into a triple stroller adding a seat or a riding board. The seats recline, and the controls for the calf bar can be adjusted in a separate manner. This is great when one child wants to rest while another wants to explore their surroundings. It's also
compact double buggy when folded down and easily fits into the majority of trunks.
Age Ranges
For families with kids who are close to their ages, a sit-and-stand stroller is the ideal combination of comfort for both children and ease of use. These strollers come with a seat in the front for toddlers or infants and a platform, bench or another surface in the rear which allows older children to stand up or get off and on. They're great for big toddlers and preschoolers, but don't be suitable for infants or children who don't have the balance and coordination to stand on their own.
A narrow tandem stroller can help keep an eye on both kids at the same time and get through difficult areas like aisles of the grocery store that are crowded or family photos in the park. These models are usually narrower than side-by-side double strollers and are generally easier to maneuver however they aren't able to accommodate carseats for infants and generally don't have as much undercarriage storage.
If you're planning to use a double stroller for a period of several years, or even a decade, it's worth buying a model that can grow with your kids. Double strollers are more expensive than single strollers however, if you select them properly, you'll save money in the long run.
Our test participants put each of these strollers through a series maneuverability tests and off-road adventures and found them to be easy to maneuver over different terrains. If you intend to use it in urban areas or in cities where the sidewalks and traffic can be bumpy, then you may want something more robust and durable capable of handling rough treatment.
Many
double pram buggy strollers are built to last for a long time, but you could discover that the seats become used up faster than you anticipated or your children grow out of it before it's ready to retire. If you are on the tightest budget, go for one with a rating of at minimum four years. It is best to use it for as long as possible.
Ease of Use
If you're planning to purchase a double stroller, it's important that it is user-friendly for both children. This means comfortable harnesses for children who
sit and Stand Double Stroller, and easy-to-grasp handles for toddlers who stand. The stroller can also be easily rolled and maneuvered over obstacles and tight spaces. The top strollers we tested in our Lab tests, such as the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie or Thule Urban Glide 2 Double are among the most easy to navigate.
It's also important that a double stroller be easy to fold and put away. The most effective models come with the option of a two-step or one-step process, and they're compact enough to fit into most trunks. It's also a plus if the stroller is versatile with the option of adding an additional seat or ride-along board. Some can even hold infant car seats, so you don't need to wake up your baby to put them into their stroller once they're ready to head home.
A good double stroller is also sturdy, so it can be used on a variety of terrains. Some are able to be converted into a jogging scooter with a front wheel that is specially designed and others can be used as
twin umbrella stroller strollers. Some strollers have a cargo bag that can be put to the back of the stroller to carry groceries and shopping bags.
Another consideration is whether you'd like either a side-byside stroller or a tandem. Side-by-side strollers tend to be wider than tandem models, and can be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces like doorways and aisles of grocery stores that are crowded. However, they provide the convenience of allowing every child to enjoy the same view. They are also more convenient to navigate in bad weather as they offer more protection from the elements.
Many parents opt to buy a stroller that is convertible from single to double to use it for a newborn and then later switch to a regular double once their kiddos are older. After talking to parents, it became apparent that it is better to buy what you need today rather instead of trying to predict what you'll require in the near-term.
Stores
When shopping for double-strollers, it's crucial to consider the amount of storage and the dimensions. Many models have large, easy-to-access baskets that can store plenty of stuff. Many models also feature several cup holders for parents as well as seating configurations that can be reversed to provide the most legroom for children. Some of these features may make the price more expensive so make sure you review the reviews and descriptions thoroughly.
Most double strollers are categorized as
tandem double buggy or side-byside designs. Tandem strollers come with two seats on the same frame and are typically more suitable for older babies who have already mastered unassisted sitting. They also typically have a much larger storage basket than side-by-side strollers, but some are awkward or difficult to push when the front seat is reclined fully.
The side-by-side stroller has two separate seats that are positioned side-by-side. They're generally more suitable for infants or toddlers who haven't yet mastered sitting independently. They also have the added benefit of being generally easier to maneuver and pushing than tandem strollers. They may be more expensive, and they have smaller baskets.
There are also specially designed double strollers that are designed specifically for jogging and biking. They are generally more expensive than all-terrain strollers. They also have fixed front wheels, which limit their mobility. It is worth looking into them only if you intend to use them for such activities.
There's a double stroller to suit every situation, whether you're buying one for twins or a child who's not quite ready to ride alone, or a child who's not quite old enough to be a proper rider. The best options that we tested are flexible and stable. They are also easy to use and have seating that grows as your kids do. So whether you're in search of a tandem stroller or one that will accommodate your infant car seat, check out our top picks to find the perfect double stroller for your family.