How to Choose the Best Double Strollers
A double stroller makes life easier for parents with twins or children of different ages whether you're taking an easy stroll or going for a run in the morning. What should you consider when choosing between the many choices available?
Our new team member, Kerry, got her stroller testing feet wet with this expandable model that lets you to change the seating arrangement to meet your different needs.
Safety
If you're running through the zoo, running errands or going out for trick-or-treating with your kiddos stroller must be safe. It's important to have a sturdy frame with comfortable harnesses, a comfortable and comfortable handle for toddlers. It should also be able to fit through doorways and be easy to maneuver and fold. And of course, it should be worth the money.
We put every double stroller through rigorous testing in our lab at the zoo, on city streets, and on family outings in suburban areas. Our lab tests assess the stroller's maneuverability, stability and ease of steering. We also test the suspension comfort for both the driver as well as the rider, the weight capacity, the seat canopy heights and storage space.
We ask parents to provide feedback on each model, in addition to the routine safety check carried out by our team. We then consider all of that information when forming our recommendations.
If you're looking for a secure quality, high-quality stroller, begin with our top recommendations. These strollers can be used in multiple seating options to accommodate infant car seats. They can be used as a single stroller or tandem and are suitable for children ranging from birth to elementary school.
The best double strollers are designed to expand with your family. They're sleek and stylish they can be fitted with various customization options and can be used by toddlers and infants in side-by-side or tandem (single-file) seating designs. A lot of them also have a large storage basket as well as a handlebar that could be telescopically adjusted, as well as one-handed folding mechanisms.
If you have twins or a child who is a similar age to their sibling, you should consider selecting a tandem stroller that has an extra bench seat in the back that can be occupied by a third child. They're a great choice for siblings who want to interact with each other however they may not be in a position to sit with each other in a stroller with a side-byside feature and end with fighting or arguing. There are also convertible models, which allow you to remove the bench seat for your child when they are ready to ride without a car seat.
Comfort
The top double strollers have comfortable child seats that are well-padded and bolstered. They also come with plenty of storage space, large footwells that can accommodate children's feet and legroom, and UPF 50+ sun-protection canopies which offer great sun protection. Seats should be able to recline at an angle to ensure that children are comfortable. They should also have adjustable calf bar that let parents adjust each seat. The handlebars must be comfortable and easy to maneuver, says Alli Cavasino who is a certified child passenger safety technician. The handlebars must be close enough to the seat of your child that you can grab them and hold them. If the handlebars are too separated you'll have a difficult in keeping your balance and retaining good form when pushing them.
The ride should be smooth even on rough or rough surfaces. Some of the models that we test had shock absorbers to keep the ride steady. Others have both rear and front suspension, which reduce the amount of force you need to push them, and increase your control over them. The wheels must be made of high-quality rubber and have a sturdy tread that is able to withstand lots of wear and tear.
We searched for the most versatile double strollers that could be used from birth through toddlerhood and beyond. Some of the models we came across can be set up as tandem strollers or side-by-side and one that we found, the Uppababy Vista v2, can even be transformed into a single-file stroller for infants. The model is three times more costly as our top tandem option, but its materials are more durable and it will last longer.
The most effective double strollers are light and maneuverable for long walks or trips to the zoo or the park as well as for running errands. They're generally wider than single strollers, which means they may not be able to pass through narrow doors or in crowded aisles of stores. Some models cost more than single-seat models however it's reasonable since you're getting greater value for your dollars. The models we recommend are safe for both adults and kids and will grow with your family.
Convenience
If you're going to spend the money on a double stroller, you'll want one that is easy to move and store. The stroller should be lightweight and easily fits in the trunk of your car or at home. It should be able to navigate rough terrain and make tight turns. Some of the best double-strollers come with adjustable calf supports, as well as seats that recline. They also come with UPF sun protection. The canopy should be big enough to accommodate two children. If you're concerned about the sun getting in their eyes, go for one with a peek-a-boo window.
Your children's ages and stages will play a role in the kind of stroller that's best for you. Parents of twins may choose a convertible stroller which can hold two infant car seats at once parents with an older child and toddler might prefer side-by-side doubles. You'll need to decide if you want an infant stroller that fits through narrow doorways, grocery store aisles or even on planes.
In our Lab tests, we discovered that the top double strollers are relatively easy to fold and carry. The majority of double strollers fold down in one or two steps, and are small enough to fit in most compact cars. They're also designed to be sturdy when folded, making them easier to put back together.
Some of the best double strollers feature practical features for parents like a one-parent cup holder and a spacious storage basket. Be sure to check if the stroller is equipped with a lock for the front seat to prevent your child from escaping. Some strollers come with an universal adapter for car seats that can be converted into a single seat when your child grows.
Some of the best double strollers can be expensive, but they offer higher quality construction and better resale value than lower-end models. They are also more maneuverable, and are able to handle rough terrain like urban walkways or parks.
Style
Parents looking for a double stroller want more than just a means to transport two children. They're looking for a light, maneuverable stroller with enough onboard storage and thoughtful features to adapt to the changing needs of children. It should also be simple to push and navigate. Because they will be carrying more children, the stroller must be easy on their back and shoulders.
That's why the best double strollers are sleek and offer a variety of customizations, and can be adapted to infant car seats for an effortless transition from toddler to baby. They're available in side-by-side or tandem (single-file seating) formats and can even be light enough to jog or travel.
In addition to size parents should also think about whether the double stroller will be able to pass through doorways or other narrow spaces. The majority of the strollers that we tested for our latest version can be pushed through standard exterior doors which are 36 inches in width.
When we review the top double strollers, it is important to consider how easily they fold and unfold. We also take a look at how comfortable the seats and canopies are. We also consider how comfortable the seat straps and buckles are for children who sit in the stroller, as well as how easy it is to adjust the handlebar height.
For example our top option is the Uppababy Vista V2, is lightweight and offers plenty of storage for both children. It comes with a cup for parents holder and seats that recline independently. single to double pushchair has a large UPF 50+ canopy, with a windows that peek out. The straps and buckles are padded and among the most comfortable that we have tested. We also found it to be the easiest 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 costs. Do your research and look for signs of damage prior to purchasing.