What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The best double strollers are made to grow with your family. They include thoughtful features that keep children at ease and happy. The best double strollers offer adjustable footrests, as well as smooth riding on old sidewalks, gravel and trails.
Kerry was pleased the fact that the stroller was delivered in multiple boxes but everything was labeled properly and easy to open. She also appreciated the fact that the stroller can accept two infant car seats and can be paired with a ride-board for older children.
Seating Options
Seating options are a major factor in determining whether or the family will buy a double stroller. You'll need to consider the age of your children, their respective sizes, and the seating arrangements that work best for you.
For instance, if have children close in age that will be seated together, consider a tandem stroller that has child seats that are attached to each other and doesn't require you to use car seat adapters, explains Alli Cavasino who is a senior editor at Consumer Reports. These are typically wider than other double strollers, however, so they may not fit through standard door frames in your home.
If you're facing an age gap between your children look into a double-seat stroller with the option to convert to a stand-and-ride model that has an elevated or small bench seat in the back for children who likes to just ride along with their sibling. These in-line strollers are also capable of accommodating infant car seats if necessary, and are good for children aged 3 to 5 years apart.
Billingsley advises that you must be aware of the fabric used to make the seat. Some offer more breathable fabrics than others, and are easier to keep clean. It's also important to take into consideration how easy it is to fold your stroller for stowing or transporting to and from your car. "There's nothing more frustrating than buying your dream stroller only find out that it is too heavy or big for your trunk," says the expert.
If you're looking for a low-cost option that offers various seating options, check out this award-winning model from Summer Infant that comes with two toddler seats as well as a bassinet attachment. The stroller could be expanded to make a triple stroller with an additional seat or riding board. The seats recline and have the calf bar controls that can be adjusted independently, which is perfect for when one child is looking to nap while the other one wants to observe their surroundings. When folded, the seat is compact and can fit easily into most trunks.
Age Ranges
For families with children who are near in age, a sit and stand stroller is the ideal combination of comfort for both children and ease of use. They have a seat in the front for toddlers or infants and a bench, platform or another surface at the rear that lets older children stand up or hop on/off. They're ideal for big toddlers and preschoolers, but won't be suitable for infants or children who don't have the balance or coordination to stand on their own.
A narrow tandem stroller can help you keep your eyes on both children at once and fit through difficult areas like crowded grocery store aisles or family photos in the park. These models are narrower and easier to maneuver than double strollers with side-by-side seating however they don't have as much storage under the carriage and aren't able to accommodate an infant car seats.
If you are planning to use a double stroller over some time--or even for longer than a decade, it's worth investing in an option that will continue to expand with your children. Double strollers tend to be more expensive than single strollers, however If you choose the right one first time around, it can save you money over time.
Our test participants put each stroller through several maneuverability tests, as well as off-road adventures. They found them easy to maneuver on a variety terrain. If you intend to use it in urban areas or cities where the sidewalks and traffic are prone to bumps, you might want something that is more durable and robust capable of handling rough treatment.
Double strollers are made to last, but the seats may be worn out earlier than you expect or your kids may outgrow them before they're ready for retirement. If you're on a tight budget look into a model that has been tested for at least 4 years and aims to last as long as possible.
Easy of Use
It is essential to ensure that the double stroller is simple to use by both children. It means that the harnesses must be comfortable for children who are seated, and the handles should be a breeze to hold for toddlers. It also means that the stroller is able to roll easily, and can be maneuvered around tight spaces and around obstacles. In fact the top strollers in our Lab tests--such as the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie and Thule Urban Glide 2 Double--are among the most easy to push.
A double stroller must be easy to fold up and store. The best models have the option of a two-step or one-step procedure, and are small enough to fit into most trunks. It's also a plus that the stroller can be used in a variety of ways, with options to add another seat or a ride-along board. Some strollers can accommodate infant car seats, so you don't have to wake your baby to transfer them to the stroller when it's time to go home.
Additionally, double pram pushchair must be durable to be able to be used on a variety of terrain. Some are able to be converted into a jogging stoller with a specific front wheel and others can be used as umbrella strollers. Some come with a cargo basket which can be attached to the rear of the stroller to carry shopping bags or groceries.
A tandem or side-by-side is an alternative to think about. Side-by-side strollers are typically wider than tandem models, and can be difficult to maneuver through tight spaces like doorways and crowded grocery store aisles. They are convenient because they allow both children to see the same scenery. They are also easier to navigate through in stormy weather as they provide greater coverage from the elements for both kids.
Many parents choose to buy an adaptable stroller that can be used by a newborn, and then converted to a double stroller when their children reach an older age. After speaking with parents, it became clear that it is better to buy the items you require now rather instead of trying to anticipate what you will require in the near future.
Stores
When looking for a double-stroller, it's important to think about the amount of storage available and the size. A lot of models have large, easy-to-access baskets that can hold plenty of stuff. They also often feature multiple parent cup holders and seats that can be reversible to provide best-in-class legroom for children. However, a few of these features can increase in price, so it's important to read descriptions and reviews carefully.
Most double strollers are classified as tandem or side by side models. Tandem strollers have two seats assembled on the same frame and are typically more suitable for older babies who have already mastered sitting without assistance. They also tend to have a bigger storage basket than side-byside models, however some can be awkward or difficult to push when the front seat is fully reclined.
The side-by-side stroller comes with two separate seats that are set side-by-side. They're typically more suitable for infants or toddlers, who haven't yet mastered sitting independently. They are also easier to push and maneuver than tandem strollers. They may be more expensive and come with smaller baskets.
There are double strollers designed specifically for biking or jogging. These are usually more expensive than all-terrain strollers, and have fixed front wheels which restrict their mobility. These strollers are worth considering if you intend to use them for these types of activities.
If you're looking for twins or an infant and a toddler, or a child who's not yet ready to go out on their own, there's a great double stroller out there. Our top picks are easy to maneuver, versatile and stable, as well as seating that can grow with your child. Take a look at our top choices for the best double stroller to meet your family's needs, whether you are seeking a tandem stroller or one that will fit your infant car seat.