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 will make life with twins or two kids of different ages much easier. What are the best options to choose from the numerous options available?
Our latest team member, Kerry, got her stroller's feet wet when she tried it out with this expandable model that lets you to change the seating configuration for different requirements.
Safety
Whether you're running around town, going to the zoo, or heading out trick-or-treating with your kids stroller must be safe. This means an sturdy frame and comfortable harnesses for kids who sit down, and easy-to-grab handles for toddlers who stand. It must also be able to fit through doorways and be easy to move and fold. And of course, it must be of good value.
Every double stroller we tested was put through rigorous testing in our lab at the zoo, in our lab and on city streets. We also took them on family outings to suburban areas. Our lab tests evaluate the stroller's maneuverability and stability, ease of steering and handling as well as the comfort of suspension for the driver and the rider, capacity to carry weight 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 safety checks that are routinely performed by our team. We then take into account all of that information when forming our recommendations.
If you're looking for a secure, high-quality stroller, start with our top picks. These strollers are flexible and can be used as infant car seats. They are available in tandem or single stroller configurations, and they're suitable for children aged from birth to elementary school.
The best double strollers will expand with your family. They're stylish and sleek with a variety of designs and options, and can be used by infants and toddlers with side-byside seating or tandem (single file) seating. A lot of them also have an enormous storage basket and a handlebar that can be telescopically adjusted, and one-handed folding mechanisms.
Consider a tandem stroller that comes with benches at the back for a third child if you have twins or a child of similar age. They're a great option for siblings who wish to be social with one another however they may not be in a position to sit next to each other in a stroller with a side-byside feature and end in fighting or arguing. There are also convertible models, which permit you to remove a bench seat for your child when they're ready to go without the car seat.
Comfort
The best double strollers feature comfortable child seats that have plenty of padding and support. The best double strollers come with ample storage space, spacious legroom and footwells for children, and UPF 50+ canopy that provides great sun protection. Seats should be able to recline at an angle to ensure that children are comfortable. They should also include calf bar adjusters that let parents independently adjust each seat. Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician. She says that the handlebars need to be comfortable and ergonomic to maneuver. The handlebars must be close enough to the seat of your child that you can grab them and hold them. If the handlebars on the stroller are not close enough it will be difficult to keep your balance and maintain good form while pushing them.
double travel buggy should be smooth, even on rocky or uneven surfaces. Some of the models we tested had shock absorbers installed to keep the ride steady. Some models have front and back suspension which increases control and reduces force needed to push them. The wheels should be constructed of high-quality rubber and have a robust tread that can withstand many years of wear and tear.
We searched for the most flexible double strollers that could be used from birth until toddlerhood and beyond. Some of the double strollers we found are convertible to tandem strollers or side-byside strollers. One of them, the Uppababy Vista V2, can even be converted into a single-file infant stroller. The model is three times more than our standard tandem pick however it's of better quality and should last longer because of its durable materials.
The best double strollers are lightweight and movable enough for long walks, errands, and trips to the park or zoo. They're generally larger than single strollers, and as such they might not be able to be able to pass through narrow doors or in crowded aisles of stores. Some models cost more than single-seat models however, it's logical given that you're getting a greater value for your budget. These models are suitable for both adults and children and will continue to grow with your family.
Convenience
If you're planning to invest the money on a double stroller, you'll need one that is easy to move and to store. Ideally, the stroller will be light and easy to store in the trunk of your car or in the space at home. It should be able to maneuver rough terrain and take precise turns. Some of the best double-strollers come with adjustable calf support and seats that recline. They also provide UPF sun protection. The canopy should be wide enough to accommodate both children and, if you're concerned about getting sun in their eyes, look for one with a window that can be opened for peek-aboo.
The age and stage of your children will determine the type stroller you need. Parents with twins can opt for a convertible stroller that is able to hold two infant car seats at once and families with a child who is older and a toddler might prefer side-by-side doubles. You'll have to decide if you'd like a stroller which can fit through narrow doors, grocery store aisles or on airplanes.
In our Lab tests we found that most double strollers are easy to fold and move. They usually have a singleor two-step process and they're compact enough to fit in the majority of cars that are compact. They're also designed to be sturdy when folded, making them easier to put back together.
Some of the best double strollers feature convenient parent features, such as a one-parent cup holder and a large storage basket. It is important to know if the stroller comes with a lock on the front of the seat, so that you can keep the kids from climbing out when they start getting antsy. Some strollers come with an universal adapter for car seats and can be converted into one seat as your child develops.
Some of the top double strollers can be pricey, but they have superior build quality and higher resale values than cheaper models. They are also more maneuverable and can withstand the toughest terrains, such as park trails or city sidewalks.
Style
When parents are shopping for a double stroller they're looking for much more than just a way to transport their two children. They're looking for a lightweight stroller that is easy to maneuver and has enough space to expand with their children. Since they'll be carrying more than children, the stroller must be easy on their back and shoulders.
This is why the best double strollers are sleek, offer a variety of customizations, and can accommodate infant car seats for an easy transition from baby to toddler. They're available in side-by-side or tandem (single-file seating) designs and can be light enough to jog or for travel.
In addition to the size, parents should also consider whether the double stroller can be able to pass through doorways or other narrow spaces. Fortunately, the majority of models we tested in our most recent update can pass through standard exterior doors that measure 36 inches wide. The the majority of them can fit inside doors that measure 28 to 35 inches wide.
Other aspects we take into consideration when evaluating the top double strollers include the speed and ease with which they fold and unfold, how big the cargo basket is, how cushioned the seats are, and how adjustable the canopies are. Additionally, we look at how comfortable the straps and buckles are for seated kids and how easy it is to access and adjust the height of the handlebar.
For example, our top pick one, the Uppababy Vista V2, is lightweight and offers plenty of storage for both children. It has a cup for parents seat that reclines independently, and a large UPF 50+ canopy with windows that peek out. The straps and buckles are padded 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 ready to purchase a double stroller, Facebook Marketplace and other secondhand-goods sites can often offer good-condition used options for affordable prices. Make sure you do your homework and look for signs of damage before purchasing.