What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The best double strollers are built to grow with families and have innovative features that keep kids comfortable and happy. The best double strollers come with adjustable footrests as well as a smooth ride over old sidewalks, gravel and trails.
Kerry was pleased that the stroller arrived in multiple boxes but everything was labeled well and was easy to open. She also appreciated the fact that the stroller can accept two infant car seats, and can be paired up with a riding-board for older children.
Seating Options
Seating options are a major factor in determining whether or not a family will purchase a double stroller. You'll want to consider the age of your children, their respective sizes and the seating configurations that are most suitable for your needs.
For instance, if you have children close in age that will be seated side-by-side, you should consider a tandem model that has child seats attached to each other and does not require car seat adapters, according to Alli Cavasino who is a senior editor at Consumer Reports. Double strollers are generally larger than other double strollers. They may not fit through standard doors in your home.
If your children are of a different age, you may be interested in a stroller that has two seats that can be transformed into a stand-and ride model. This allows children to observe or ride along with their siblings. These strollers are able to accommodate infant car seats if needed, and are good for children who will be 3-5 years apart.
You'll also want to look at the type of seat material, says Billingsley. Some fabrics are more comfortable than others, and are easier to clean. It's also important to take into consideration how easy it is to fold your new stroller down for stowing or transporting to and from your car. "Nothing is more frustrating than purchasing the perfect stroller, only you realize it's too heavy for you to lift or too big for your trunk," she says.
If you're looking for an affordable option that has different seating options look no further than this award winner from Summer Infant It comes with two toddler seats as well as a bassinet attachment. The stroller can be expanded to become triple stroller by adding an additional seat or riding board. The seats recline and have the calf bar controls that can be adjusted independently, which is ideal for those times when one child needs to nap while the other wants to take in the surroundings. It's also compact when folded down and fits easily in most trunks.
Age ranges
Sit-and stand strollers are the ideal option for families with children who are similar in age. They provide comfort and ease of use. They typically come with seats for infants or toddler in front and a bench or platform that allows an older child to stand or jump on and off in the back. These strollers are great for older toddlers and children, but not for babies or children who do have the balance and coordination to stand on their own.
A narrow tandem stroller lets you to keep both children in view all at once, and it can be squeezed into tight spaces such as aisles at the supermarket or for family photos at the parks. These models are smaller and more maneuverable than double strollers with side-by-side seating, but they don't have as much storage space under the carriage, and they're not able to fit an the infant car seat.
If you plan on using a double stroller for the course of a few years or even over a decade, it's worth buying a model that can grow along with your children. Double strollers are more expensive than single ones however, if you select them properly, you'll save money over the long haul.
Our testers ran each of these strollers through a series maneuverability tests and off-road excursions, and they found them to be simple to navigate through a variety of terrain. However, if you're going to be using it in cities or other urban zones where sidewalks and traffic are prone to bumps, you might want something more robust and robust that can withstand the rough treatment.
Double strollers are made to last, however the seats could wear out sooner than you anticipate or your children might outgrow them before they're ready to retire. If you're looking for a bargain you should consider buying one that has been tested for at least 4 years and is designed to last for as long as you can.
Simple to Use
If you're going to invest in a double stroller, you need to ensure that it is simple to use for both children. This means a comfortable harness for children who sit, and easy-to-grasp handles for toddlers who stand. It also means that the stroller is able to roll easily, and can be maneuvered around tight spaces and around obstacles. The top-rated strollers from our Lab tests, including the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie or Thule Urban Glide 2 Double are among the most easy to move around.
It's also essential that a double stroller be easy to fold and put away. The best models have an easy one- or two-step procedure, and are small enough to fit into most trunks. It's an advantage when you can include a second chair or a ride-along to the stroller. Some even have the capacity to hold infant car seats, meaning you don't have to wake up your baby to transfer them into their stroller once they're ready to go home.
A good double stroller is also durable, so it can be used on a variety of terrains. For instance, some models 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 cargo bag that can be tacked to the back of the stroller to carry groceries and shopping bags.
Another thing to consider is whether you want an oversized stroller that can be used side-by-side or as a tandem. Side-by-side strollers are generally wider than tandem models, and they can be difficult to maneuver through tight spaces like doorways and aisles of the grocery store. They are practical because they allow each child to view the same scene. They are also easier to navigate through in stormy weather because they offer more protection from the elements for both children.
Many parents decide to purchase an adaptable single-to-double stroller, to use it with a baby and later change to a regular double when their children are older. However, after speaking with parents we've learned it's best to buy what you need now instead of trying to predict what your family may need in the near future.
Storage
If you're considering a double stroller, then you might want to consider the size and amount of storage space. Many models have spacious easy-to-access baskets that are able to accommodate a lot of cargo. Many models also feature several cup holders for parents, as well as seats that can be reversible to give the most legroom for children. However, certain features can increase in price and it's crucial to read descriptions and reviews carefully.
The majority of double strollers are classified as either tandem or side-by-side designs. Tandem strollers feature two seats that are positioned on the same frame, and are typically more suitable for older children who have already mastered sitting on their own. They also tend to have a larger storage basket than side-by-side strollers, but some can be awkward or difficult to push when the front seat is reclined fully.
The side-by-side stroller comes with two separate seats that are set side-by-side. They're typically best suited to infants or toddlers, who aren't yet ready for independent sitting. They also have the added benefit of being generally easier to maneuver and push than tandem strollers. However, they tend to have smaller storage baskets than tandem models and can be more expensive.
There are cheap double buggy that are designed specifically for jogging or biking. These are usually more expensive than all-terrain strollers and have fixed front wheels which limit their flexibility. It is worth looking into them only if you plan to use them for those activities.
Whether you're shopping for twins, an infant and a toddler, or a child who isn't quite ready to walk on their own, there's an ideal double stroller for you. The top choices that we tested are flexible and stable. They're also easy to use and have seating that grows as your children get older. So whether you're in search of a tandem stroller or one that can accommodate your infant car seat, check out our top choices to find the ideal double stroller for your family.