How to Choose the Best Double Strollers
When you're going for a stroll in the sun or going for your morning jog with the kids, a double stroller can make life with twins or two kids of varying ages a lot easier. What are the best options to choose from the many choices available?
This expandable model allows you to modify the seating to meet different requirements. Our latest member, Kerry, tested it out.
Safety
Your stroller must be secure, whether you're out on shopping trips with your children, going to the zoo, or going trick-or-treating. This means an sturdy frame and comfortable harnesses that are suitable for children who sit down, as well as easy-to-grab handles for toddlers who stand. It should also to fit through doors, simple to fold and move, and be easy to move. It should be worth the money.
We put each double stroller we tested through vigorous testing in our lab, at the zoo, on city streets, and on family outings in suburban areas. Our lab tests evaluate a stroller's maneuverability and stability, ease of steering and handling as well as the comfort of suspension for the driver and the rider, capacity for weight and seat canopy heights and storage space.
We solicit feedback from parents on each model in addition to the standard safety check performed by our team. Then, Push Chairs And Prams take this information into consideration when forming our recommendations.
If you're looking for a safe quality, high-quality stroller, begin with our top recommendations. These strollers are flexible and can be used for infant car seats. They come in tandem or single stroller designs, and are suitable for children from birth to elementary school.
The best double strollers can expand with your family. They are sleek and stylish, offer a range of customizations and can accommodate infants as well as toddlers with side-byside seating or tandem (single file) seating. A lot of them also have large storage baskets and a handlebar that can be adjusted telescopically, and one-handed folding mechanisms.
Consider a tandem stroller that comes with benches in the back to accommodate a third child if you have twins or a child of the same age. They're a great choice for siblings who want to interact with each other but aren't able to sit close to one another in a stroller with a side-byside feature, where they could end with fighting or arguing. You can also find convertible models, which permit you to remove the bench seat for your child when they're at the point of riding without the car seat.
Comfort
The top double strollers have comfortable child seats that are well-padded and bolstered. They also have ample storage, roomy footwells for children's feet and legroom and UPF 50+ sun-protection canopies that offer excellent sun protection. Seats should be able to recline at an angle to keep kids comfortable. They should also come with adjustable calf bars that let parents adjust the seat. The handlebars should be comfortable and easy to move according to Alli Cavasino who is a certified child passenger safety technician. The handlebars must be close enough to the seat of your child that you can grasp them and hold them. If the handlebars on the stroller are not close enough, it will be difficult to maintain your balance and good posture when pushing them.
The ride should be smooth even on rough or rocky surfaces. Some of the models we test had shock absorbers to keep the ride steady. Certain models come with front and back suspensions which enhances control and reduces the amount of force needed to push them. The wheels must have a durable tread and made of high-quality rubber.
We searched for the most versatile double strollers that can be used from birth until toddlerhood and beyond. A couple of the ones we found can be configured as tandem strollers or side-byside and one, the Uppababy Vista v2, can even be converted into a single-file stroller suitable for infants. The model is three times more than our main tandem model however, it's also of higher quality and should last longer due to its sturdy materials.
The best double strollers are light and easy to maneuver for long walks, errands and trips to the zoo or park. They're generally larger than single strollers, so they might not be able to be able to fit through narrow entrances or crowded store aisles. Some of them are more expensive than single-seaters. This is reasonable since you get a lot for your price. These models are suitable for adults and children and will grow with your family.
Convenience
If you're planning to invest the money on a double stroller, you'll want one that is easy to push and to store. Ideally, the stroller will be light and compact enough to fit into the trunk of your car or the space at home. It should be able navigate rough terrain and make tight turns. Some of the top double-strollers have adjustable calf support, and seats that recline. They also offer UPF sun protection. The canopy should be big enough to accommodate two children. If you are worried about the sun glaring into their eyes, choose a stroller with a peek-a-boo window.
The age and stage of your children will determine the kind of stroller you'll need. For instance, parents with twins may choose an convertible stroller that accommodates two infant car seats at the same time and parents with an older child and a toddler might prefer a side-by-side double. You'll also need to decide whether you'd like an infant stroller that can be pushed through narrow doors or in crowded grocery store aisles and can be used on planes.
In our Lab tests, we discovered that most double strollers were easy to fold and transport. Most double strollers fold in one or two steps and are small enough to fit in the majority of compact cars. They're designed to be stable which makes them easier to reassemble.
Some of the top double-strollers come with convenient parent features like cups holder for one parent and a big storage basket. Check if the stroller comes with locks on the front seat, to prevent your child from climbing out. Some strollers have a universal adapter that fits car seats and can be converted into a single seat as your child develops.
The cost of some of the best double strollers is a bit steep, but they typically have a higher build quality and resale value compared to lower-end models. They're also more maneuverable and can withstand the toughest terrains, such as urban sidewalks or parks.
Style
When parents are shopping for a double stroller, they're looking for more than just a way to carry their two children. They want a light, maneuverable stroller with ample storage on the board and thoughtful features to expand with their children. It should also be easy to push and maneuver. And since they're likely to be carrying more weight than their peers so the stroller must be easy on shoulders and back.
The top double strollers are sleek and come with a variety of customizations. They can also allow for infant car seats, ensuring the smooth transition from baby to toddler. They're available in side-by-side or tandem (single-file seating) formats and can even be light enough to jog or travel.
In addition to size, one of the most important considerations for parents shopping for a double stroller is whether it'll fit through doorways and other narrow spaces. Fortunately, the majority of models we tested in our most recent update can pass through the standard doors for exterior use that are 36 inches wide, and they can be used for interior doors that measure 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 take a look at how well-padded the seats and canopy are. We also take into consideration how comfortable the buckles and seat straps are for children who sit in the stroller, and how easy it is to adjust the height of the handlebars.
For instance our top option, the Uppababy Vista V2, is lightweight and offers plenty of storage for both children. It has a cup for parents holders, reclined seats that can be reclined independently, and large UPF 50+ canopies with peekaboo windows. The seat's buckles and straps are cushioned and among the most comfortable that we have test. We also found it to be the most simple seat for children to secure.
If you're not quite ready to buy a double stroller, Facebook Marketplace and second-hand-goods websites offer used products in good condition at reasonable costs. Make sure you do your homework and look for signs of damage prior to purchasing.