What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The best double strollers grow with families and offer innovative features that keep kids happy and comfortable. This includes adjustable foot rests and an easy ride on gravel, trails and old sidewalks.
Kerry was pleased that the stroller came in multiple boxes, however everything was clearly labeled and simple to open. She also loved that the stroller accepts two infant car seats and can be used with a riding board for older kids.
Seating Options
When it is double strollers, seating options are what determines the success or failure of the purchase of many families. You'll need to consider the age of your children, the relative sizes and seating arrangements you prefer.
Alli Cavasino is a senior editor of Consumer Reports. She says that if you're planning to purchase a tandem stroller, it is best to think about one with child seats that are attached. This model does not require car seat adapters. These double strollers are typically larger than other double strollers. They might not fit through standard doors in your home.
If your children are different age, you may think about a stroller that has two seats that can be converted into a stand-and ride model. This allows children to observe or ride with their sibling. These in-line strollers are also capable of accommodating infant car seats when needed and are suitable for children who are three years apart.
Billingsley advises that you must also consider the type of material used for the seat. Certain fabrics are more breathable than others and are easier to clean. It's also important to consider how easy it is to fold your stroller for transporting it to and from your car. "There's nothing more frustrating than buying the perfect stroller only to discover that it's too heavy or bulky for your trunk," says the expert.
If you are seeking a low-cost alternative that can be configured in a variety of ways look no further than this award-winning stroller from Summer Infant. It comes with two toddler seats as well as a bassinet, and could be made into a triple stroller by adding a seat or a riding board. The seats recline, and the control of the calf bar can be adjusted separately. This is perfect for when one child wants a nap while another is looking to explore the surroundings. When folded, it's compact and fits into most trunks.
Age ranges
For families with children who are similar to their ages, a sit-and-stand stroller is the perfect combination of comfort for children and adults and convenience. These strollers usually have 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. They're ideal for big toddlers and preschoolers, but they won't be suitable for infants or kids who don't yet have the balance and coordination to stand on their own.
A narrow tandem stroller allows you to keep both children within sight all at once, and it can be pushed through tight spaces, such as aisles at the supermarket or for family photos in parks. These strollers are typically smaller than double strollers with side-by-side designs and tend to maneuver easier but they don't have the capacity to fit infant car seats and typically don't offer the same amount of undercarry storage.
If you plan to utilize a double stroller for many years, or even over a decade, it's worthwhile investing in an option that will grow with your kids. Double strollers are generally more expensive than single strollers, but if you choose the right one the first time around it could save you money over time.
Our test participants put each stroller through an assortment of maneuverability tests as well as off-road adventures. They found them easy to maneuver on different terrains. If you intend to use it in cities or areas where sidewalks and traffic are prone to bumps, you may want something more durable and sturdy capable of handling rough treatment.
Double strollers are designed to last, however the seats could be worn out earlier than you think or your children may outgrow them before they're ready to retire. If you're on a tight budget, choose one with a rating of at least four years. It should last as long as possible.
Ease of Use
If you're planning to invest in a double stroller, it's important that it's easy to use for both children. This means a comfortable harness for seated kids and handles that are easy to grab for toddlers who stand. It also means that the stroller is able to roll easily and is able to be maneuvered in tight spaces and around obstacles. In fact the top strollers in our Lab tests -- such as the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie and Thule Urban Glide 2 Double among the most easy to push.
It's also essential that a double stroller be easy to fold and to store. The best models fold in just a couple of steps and are compact enough to fit into the majority of trunks. It's also an advantage when the stroller is a versatile with the option of adding another seat or a ride-along board. Some strollers can even accommodate infant car seats, so you don't have to wake your baby to transfer them into their stroller once they're ready for a trip home.
A good double stroller is also durable and is able to be used in a variety of terrains. Some can be converted into a jogging stoller with a front wheel that is specially designed and some can also be used as umbrella strollers. Some even come with an accessory basket that can be affixed to the rear of the stroller to carry shopping bags or groceries.
Another thing to consider is whether you'd prefer either a side-byside stroller or a tandem. Pushchairs And Prams -by-side strollers tend to be wider than tandems, and may be difficult to navigate through narrow spaces like doorways or crowded aisles in grocery stores. However, they provide the convenience of allowing both children to enjoy the same view. They are also easier to navigate in rough weather, as they provide more protection from the elements for both children.
Many parents opt to buy an adaptable single-to-double stroller, to use it as a baby, and later change to a regular double when their kiddos are older. After talking to parents, we've learned that it's best to get what you require at the moment instead of trying to anticipate what your family might need in the future.
Storage
If you're considering a double stroller, then you might be interested in the size and the amount of storage space. Many models come with spacious, easy-to-access baskets that can accommodate a lot of cargo. Many models also come with multiple cup holders for parents as well as seats that can be reversible to give the most legroom for children. However, a few of these features can add up in cost, so it's important to read the descriptions and reviews carefully.
The majority of double strollers can be classified into tandem or side by side models. Tandem strollers include two seats in one frame and are best for older children who can sit unassisted. They also have a larger storage basket than side-by-side models, though some can be difficult or awkward to push when the front seat is reclined fully.
The side-by-side stroller comes with two seats that are positioned side-by-side. They're typically more suitable for infants or toddlers, who aren't yet comfortable with sitting on their own. They also have the benefit of being more easy to maneuver and pushing than tandem strollers. However, they tend to have smaller storage baskets than tandem strollers and may be more expensive.
There are also specially designed double strollers designed for biking and jogging. They're generally more expensive than all-terrain strollers and come with fixed front wheels, which limit their mobility. They're worth considering only if you intend to use them for these activities.
Whether you're shopping for twins or an infant and a toddler, or another child who's not yet ready to ride on their own, there's an ideal double stroller out there. Our top picks are easy to maneuver, flexible and stable, with seating that expands with your child's. Take a look at our top choices for the best double stroller to accommodate your family, whether you are searching for a tandem or one that accommodates your infant car seat.