How to Choose the Best Double Strollers
A double stroller makes things easier for parents of twins or children of different ages whether you're taking an easy stroll or going for a run in the morning. How do you choose from the various options available?
Our new team member, Kerry, got her stroller feet wet by using this expandable model that lets you to change the seating arrangement to meet your different needs.
Safety
Your stroller must be secure, whether you're out on the town with your kids, taking them to the zoo or trick-or treating. That means a sturdy frame, as well as comfortable harnesses that are suitable for children who sit down, and easy-to-grab handles for toddlers who stand. It should also to fit through doors, easy to fold and move, and be easy to move. It should also be reasonably priced.
Each double stroller that we tested went through rigorous testing in our lab, at the zoo and on city streets. We also took them out for family outings to suburban neighborhoods. Our lab tests test a stroller's maneuverability and stability in steering, ease of handling and suspension comfort for both the driver and the rider, weight capacity as well as the height of the canopy on the seat and storage space.
We ask parents to provide feedback on each model as well as the standard safety check performed by our team. We then take into consideration all of this information when making our recommendations.
Take a look at our top picks to help you find an excellent stroller that's secure and durable. These strollers are versatile and offer a variety of seating options for infant car seats, can be used as a single stroller or tandem, and are suitable for children ranging from birth to elementary school.
The best double strollers will grow with your family. They're sleek and stylish, support many different customization options and can be used by toddlers and infants in a tandem or side-byside (single-file) seating styles. Some also have large storage baskets as well as a handlebar that could be telescopically adjusted, and one-handed fold mechanisms.
Consider a tandem stroller with a bench seat at the back for a third child, if you have twins or a child who is similar in age. These tandem 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 may end up fighting or arguing. There are also convertible models, which permit you to remove the bench seat of your child when they're ready to ride without a car seat.
Comfort
The best double strollers have comfortable child seats with plenty of padding and support. The best double strollers come with plenty of storage space, large legs and footwells for children, and UPF 50+ canopy that offers fantastic sun protection. Seats should recline at an angle to ensure that children are comfortable. They should also have adjustable calf bars that allow parents to independently adjust each seat. Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician. She suggests that the handlebars should be ergonomic and easy-to-maneuver. The handlebars need to be close enough to the seat of your child that you can grab them and hold them. If the handlebars are separated you'll have a difficult in keeping your balance and retaining good posture when pushing them.
The ride should be smooth even on rough or rough surfaces. Some of the models we tested include shock absorbers to keep the ride stable. Some models have front and back suspensions which increases control and reduces force needed to push them. The wheels must be made of high-quality rubber with a sturdy tread that is able to withstand plenty of wear and tear.
We searched for the most versatile double strollers that could be used from birth until toddlerhood and beyond. Some of the models we came across can be set up as side-by-side or tandem strollers and one, the Uppababy Vista v2, can even be transformed into a single-file stroller for infants. The model is three times more expensive as our primary tandem choice however, its materials are more durable, and it should last longer.
The best double strollers are light and easy to maneuver for long walks, errands and trips to the zoo or park. Double strollers are generally wider than single strollers and may not fit into narrow aisles in stores or doors. Some are also priced more than single-seat models, but that's understandable since you're getting lot more value for your budget. These models are suitable for both children and adults, and will expand with your family.
Convenience
If you are going to spend money on double-strollers, they should be easy to carry and store. Ideally, the stroller will be lightweight and fit in the trunk of your car, or the space at home. It must also be able to navigate through rough terrain and take tight turns. The best double-strollers feature 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's rays getting into their eyes, opt for a stroller with a peek-a-boo window.
The age and stage of your children will determine what type stroller you require. Parents of twins could opt for a convertible stroller that can hold two infant car seats at once and families with an older child and toddler might prefer side-by-side doubles. You'll need to decide if you want strollers that can go through narrow doorways, grocery store aisles or on airplanes.
In our Lab tests we found that most double strollers were easy to fold and transport. The majority of double strollers fold in a matter of one or two steps and are small enough to fit in the majority of cars that are compact. They're also designed to be stable when folded, which makes them much easier to put back together.
The best double strollers include convenient features for parents, such as cups holder for one parent as well as a huge storage basket. Check if the stroller comes with locks for the front seat to stop your child from climbing out. Some strollers have a universal adapter for car seats and can be converted into a single seat when your child develops.
The cost of some of the most expensive double strollers can be a bit high, but they generally have a higher build quality and resale value as compared to lower-end models. They are also more maneuverable, and are able to handle rough terrain such as city walkways or park trails.
Style
Parents looking for a double stroller want more than just a means to transport two kids. They want a light stroller that is able to move with ease, has ample storage on the board and thoughtful features to expand with their children. It should also be easy for them to push and maneuver. Since they will be carrying more than the children, the stroller needs to be comfortable on their backs and shoulders.
This is why the best double strollers are sleek and support a wide range of customizations, and can accommodate infant car seats to ensure an easy transition from toddler to baby. They can be used in tandem (single-file seating) or side-by-side, and are even light enough for running.
In addition to size parents should also think about whether the double stroller will be able to pass through doorways or other tight spaces. Fortunately, most of the models we tested in our most recent update can clear standard exterior doors that measure 36 inches wide, and they can be used for interior doors that are 28 to 35 inches wide.
When reviewing the best double stroller s, it is important to consider how easily they fold and unfold. We also look at how comfortable the seats and canopy are. In addition, we examine how comfortable the straps and buckles are for seated children, and how easy it is to access and adjust the height of the handlebar.
Our top choice, Uppababy Vista V2, for instance, is light and offers plenty of storage space for both children. It has one parent cup holders, reclined seats that can be reclined independently, and generous UPF 50+ canopies with peekaboo windows. Its cushioned seat straps and buckles are among the most comfortable we have found in our tests, and we found the seat to be among the most simple to secure for children of all age groups.
If you're still not sure if you're ready to purchase a double stroller, Facebook Marketplace and other second-hand sites often have good-condition used options for affordable prices. Just make sure to do your research before you buy to buying, examining for evidence of damage and looking for recalls.