What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The best double strollers are built to grow with families and provide innovative features that keep kids happy and comfortable. The best double strollers come with adjustable footrests and smooth rides over old sidewalks, gravel and trails.
Kerry was pleased that the stroller arrived in multiple boxes but everything was labeled properly and easy to open. She also appreciated that the stroller accepts two infant car seats and can be paired with a riding board for older children.
Seating Options
When it comes to double strollers, seating options are what makes or breaks the purchase for many families. You'll need to consider the age of your children, the relative sizes and seating configurations you prefer.
Alli Cavasino is a senior editor for Consumer Reports. single to double buggy says that if you're planning to buy a tandem stroller, you should consider one with children's seats that are connected. This model does not require car seat adapters. They are generally larger than other types of double strollers, they might not fit through standard door frames in your home.
If you have an age gap between your kids you should consider a stroller with two seats with the option to change to a stand-and ride model with an elevated or small bench seat in the back for children who would like to ride along with their sibling. These kinds of in-line strollers can also fit infant car seats, should they be required, and are a good option for children who are 3 to 5 years apart, according Billingsley.
Billingsley explains that you should also consider the type of material you choose for your seat. Certain fabrics are more air-conditioned than others, and are easier to clean. It is also important to consider how easy it is to fold the stroller for storage purposes or transporting it to and from your car. "Nothing is more frustrating than acquiring 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 a low-cost option that can accommodate different seating options, check out this award-winning model from Summer Infant, which has two toddler seats with a bassinet attachment. It can be made into a triple stroller with an additional seat or riding board. The seats recline, and have the calf bar controls that can be adjusted independently, which is great for when one child is looking to rest while the other wants look around. When folded, it is compact and can fit easily into most trunks.
Age Variations
For families with children who are close in age, a sit and stand stroller is the ideal combination of comfort for both children and convenience. These strollers have an area in front that seats an infant or toddler and a bench, platform or another surface at the rear that lets older children stand up and walk on/off. These strollers are ideal for older children and toddlers however, they are not suitable for babies or children who do not have the coordination or balance to stand up on their own.
A narrow tandem stroller can help you keep your eyes on both children at the same time and get through tight spots like aisles of the grocery store that are crowded or family photos at the park. These models are often narrower than double strollers that are side-by-side and are able to move more easily, but they won't accommodate infant car seats and typically do not offer as much undercarriage storage.
If you plan on using a double stroller over the course of a few years, or even over a decade, it's worth buying one that will grow with your children. Double strollers tend to be more expensive than single strollers. However, if you choose the right one first time around, it can help you save money over time.
Our testers ran each of these strollers through a series of maneuverability tests as well as off-road adventures and found them to be easy to navigate through various terrains. If you intend to use it in cities or areas where the traffic and sidewalks can be bumpy, you may want something more robust and durable capable of handling rough treatment.
Double strollers are made to last, however the seats may be worn out earlier than you expect or your kids may outgrow them before they're ready for retirement. If you're on an extremely tight budget, you should choose an option with a warranty of at least four years. It should last as long as is possible.
Easy of Use
If you're planning to invest in a double stroller, it's essential that it be simple to use for both children. This means that the harnesses should be comfortable for children sitting, and the handles should be a breeze to hold for toddlers. The stroller can also be easily rolled and maneuvered over obstacles and tight spaces. In fact, the top-rated 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 is easy to fold and store. The best models use an easy one- or two-step process, and they're small enough to fit into most trunks. It's also a plus that the stroller can be used in a variety of ways with the option of adding an additional seat or ride-along board. Some even have the capacity to hold infant car seats, meaning you don't need to wake your baby to get them into the stroller when they're ready to head home.
In addition, a good double stroller must be durable to be able to be used on a variety of terrain. For instance, some models can be converted into a jogging stroller with a specialized front wheel, and some can also be used as an umbrella stroller. Some even have cargo baskets which can be attached to the rear of the stroller to carry shopping bags or groceries.
A tandem or side-by-side stroller is another option to consider. Side-by-side strollers are generally larger than tandem models, and can be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces such as doorways and aisles of grocery stores that are crowded. However, they provide the convenience of allowing every child to view the same scenery. They are also much easier to navigate in bad weather since they provide more protection from the elements.
Many parents choose to purchase an adaptable single-to-double stroller, so that they can use it with a baby and then later switch to a regular double once their kiddos are older. After talking with parents, it became apparent that it is better to buy what you need today rather than to try to predict what you'll need in the near future.
Stores
When you're looking for a double-stroller, it's important to take into consideration the amount of storage available and the dimensions. A lot of models have large, easy-to access baskets that can store a lot of cargo. They also often feature multiple parent cup holders and convertible seating arrangements that provide the most comfortable legroom for children. Some of these features can add to the price therefore, make sure to go through the reviews and descriptions carefully.
Most double strollers are categorized as either tandem or side-by-side designs. Tandem strollers feature two seats that are positioned on the same frame and are generally better suited for older children who are already comfortable with sitting on their own. They also tend to have a bigger storage basket than side-byside models, however they can be a bit awkward or difficult to push when the front seat is reclined fully.
Side-by-side strollers come with two separate seats that are positioned side-by-side and are typically for infants or toddlers who aren't yet able to master independent sitting yet. They are also more maneuverable and easy to push than tandem strollers. However, they tend to have smaller storage baskets than tandem strollers, and can be more expensive.
There are double strollers made specifically for jogging or biking. They are generally more expensive than all-terrain strollers and have fixed front wheels which restrict their mobility. It is worth looking into them only if you intend to use them for such activities.
If you're looking for twins, an infant and a toddler, or a child who's not quite ready to ride on their own, there's a perfect double stroller for you. The top choices that we tested are flexible and stable. They are also easy to navigate and have seating that grows as your children grow. So whether you're in search of a tandem stroller or one that will accommodate your infant car seat, look through our top picks to choose the perfect double stroller for your family.