What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The best double strollers develop with families and provide thoughtful features to keep kids at ease and content. The best double strollers offer adjustable footrests, as well as a smooth ride on old sidewalks, gravel, and trails.
Kerry was delighted that the stroller arrived in multiple boxes, but everything was clearly labeled and simple for her to open. She also appreciated that the stroller is able to accommodate two infant car seats and can be paired with a ride-board for older children.
Seating Options
Seating arrangements are a key factor in determining whether or the family will buy a double stroller. You'll need to consider the age of your children, the relative sizes and seating arrangements you like.
For instance, if you 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 does not require car seat adapters, explains Alli Cavasino, a senior editor at Consumer Reports. These double strollers are usually wider than other double strollers. They may not be able to fit through doors that are standard in your home.
If your children are a different age, you may be interested in a stroller with two seats that can be transformed into a stand-and-ride model. This will allow children to observe or ride with their siblings. These strollers are able to accommodate infant car seats if necessary and are ideal for children who are 3 to 5 years apart.
You should also look at the type of seat material, says Billingsley. Some fabrics are more air-conditioned than others, and easier to clean. You should also consider how easy it will be to fold your stroller to store it or for transportation to and from your vehicle. "Nothing is more frustrating than acquiring your dream stroller but you realize it's too heavy to carry or too big for your trunk," she says.
If you're seeking a low-cost alternative that can be configured in a variety of ways, then check out this award-winning stroller from Summer Infant. It has two toddler seats and the bassinet. It could be made to a triple stroller by adding a seat or a riding board. The seats recline and the calf bar controls can be adjusted separately. This is ideal the time when one child is in need of to take a nap while the other wants to explore their surroundings. When folded, the seat is small and easily fits into the majority of trunks.
Age Variations
For families with kids who are close in age, a sit-and-stand stroller is the perfect combination of comfort for children and adults and convenience. These strollers have a seat in front for toddlers or infants, and a bench, platform or another type of surface at the rear that lets older children stand up and walk on/off. They are great for big toddlers and preschoolers, but won't work well for younger babies or children who don't have the balance or coordination to stand on their own.
A narrow tandem stroller can help keep your eyes on both children simultaneously and can fit into tight spots like busy aisles in the grocery store or family photos at the park. These strollers are typically smaller than double strollers with side-by-side designs and are generally easier to maneuver however they aren't able to accommodate infant car seats and typically don't have as much undercarriage storage.
If you plan to use a double stroller for several years--or even a decade or more--it's worth buying a stroller that will continue to expand with your children. Double strollers tend to be more expensive than single strollers, but If you choose the right one the first time, it can save you money over time.
Our test subjects put these strollers through a series maneuverability tests and off-road excursions, and they found them to be easy to navigate over a variety of terrain. However, if you're planning to be using it in urban areas where traffic and sidewalks are prone to bumps You might need something stronger and more robust that can withstand the rough treatment.
A lot of double strollers are made to last a long time, but you may find that the seats get more worn than you expected or your kids outgrow it before it's time to retire. If you're on a tight budget, choose an option with a warranty of at minimum four years. It should last as long as is possible.
Simple to use
It is essential to ensure that the double stroller is easy to use by both children. This means comfortable harnesses for children who sit, and easy-to-grasp handles for toddlers who stand. This also means that the stroller is able to roll easily, and can be maneuvered in tight spaces and around obstacles. In fact, the top-rated strollers in our Lab tests, such as the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie and Thule Urban Glide 2 Double--are among the most comfortable to push.
It's also important that a double stroller be easy to fold and put away. The best models use a one- or two-step procedure, and are small enough to fit in the majority of trunks. It's also a benefit if you can add a second chair or a ride-along to the stroller. Some strollers can hold infant car seats, meaning you don't need to wake your baby up to transfer them to the stroller when it's time to go home.
Additionally, a great double stroller must be durable to be able to be used on different types of terrain. For instance, some strollers can be converted into a jogging stroller with an adapted front wheel and some can be used as an umbrella stroller. Some strollers come with a bag that can be tacked to the back of the vehicle to carry shopping bags and groceries.
Another thing to consider is whether you'd prefer a side-by-side stroller or a tandem. Side-by-side strollers are typically larger than tandem models, and aren't easy to maneuver through tight spaces such as doorways and crowded grocery store aisles. They do offer the convenience of allowing both children to see the same scene. They are also much easier to navigate in bad weather since they provide more protection from the elements.
Many parents choose to buy an adaptable stroller that can be used by a baby and then converted to a double stroller when their children reach an older age. After speaking with lightweight double buggy , it became apparent that it is better to buy what you need now instead of trying to anticipate what you will need in the near future.
Stores
If you're shopping for a double stroller, then you might need to think about the size and quantity of storage space. Many models come with spacious accessible baskets that can accommodate a lot of cargo. They often also have numerous cup holders for parents and reversible seating configurations that offer the most comfortable legroom for children. However, some of these features can be costly in cost, so it's important to read reviews and descriptions carefully.
The majority of double strollers are classified as either tandem or side-by-side designs. Tandem strollers have two seats assembled on the same frame and they're typically better suited for older babies who have already learned unassisted sitting. They usually have more storage space than side-by-side models. However, some may be 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 better suited for younger babies or toddlers who aren't yet ready for sitting independently. They also have the added advantage of usually being easier to push and maneuver than tandem strollers. However, they usually have smaller storage baskets than tandem strollers and may be more expensive.
There are double strollers designed specifically for biking or jogging. These are more expensive than the standard all-terrain strollers, and they often come with fixed front wheels that limit their flexibility. They are worth considering only if you plan to use them for such activities.
There's a double stroller that's suitable for every scenario, 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. The best options in our tests are versatile, stable, and easy to use with seating that expands as your children get older. So whether you're in search of a tandem stroller or one that can accommodate your infant car seat, take a look at our top picks to find the ideal double stroller for your family.