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 at ease and content. This includes adjustable foot rests as well as an easy ride on gravel, trails and old sidewalks.
Kerry was pleased that the stroller was packaged in multiple boxes, however everything was clearly labeled and simple to open. She also liked that the stroller can be used with two infant car seats and can be paired with a riding board for older kids.
Seating Options
Seating options are a major element in determining whether the family will buy a double stroller. You'll need to consider the age of your children, their relative sizes of them, and the seating arrangements you like.
Alli Cavasino is a senior editor at Consumer Reports. She says that if you're planning to purchase a tandem stroller, it is best to consider one with child seats attached together. This model is not required to have car seat adapters. These are typically wider than other types of double strollers, however, so they may not fit into standard door frames in your home.
If your children are of a older age, you might be interested in a stroller with two seats that can be transformed into a stand-and-ride model. This allows children to watch or ride along with their sibling. These kinds of in-line strollers can also be adapted to fit infant car seats if needed and are a great option for children who are three to five years apart, according to Billingsley.
You'll also need to look at the type of seat material, according to Billingsley. Some fabrics are more breathable than others, and are easier to clean. It's also important to consider how easy it is to fold your new stroller down for transporting it to and from your car. "There's twin pushchair than buying your dream stroller only to discover that it's too heavy or large for your trunk," says the expert.
If you're looking for an affordable option that has different seating options take a look at this award winner from Summer Infant It comes with two toddler seats as well as a bassinet attachment. The stroller can be made into triple stroller by adding an additional seat or riding board. The seats recline and the controls for the calf bar can be adjusted independently. This is great the time when one child is in need of a nap while another wants to explore their surroundings. When folded, the seat is compact and can fit easily into most trunks.
Age Variations
Sit-and-stand strollers are the best option for families with children who are close in age. They provide the comfort and convenience. They have a seat in front for toddlers or infants, and a bench, platform or other surface in the rear that allows older children to stand up or get off and on. These strollers are ideal for older children and toddlers, but not for babies or children who do not have the coordination and balance to stand on their own.
A narrow tandem stroller allows you to keep both children in sight at the same time, and also fit through tight spaces like aisles in the grocery store or for family photos in the parks. These strollers are typically smaller 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 don't offer as much undercarriage storage.
If you plan to use a double stroller over several years--or even a decade or more--it's worth purchasing a model that will continue to adapt to your children's needs. Double strollers are typically more expensive than single strollers. However, If you choose the right one the first time around it can save you money over time.
Our test participants tested each stroller in a series maneuverability tests and off-road adventures. They discovered that they were easy to maneuver on various terrains. If you intend to use it in urban areas or in cities where the traffic and sidewalks can be bumpy, then you may need something more robust and durable that can handle rough treatment.
Double strollers are made to last, but the seats can get worn out faster than you think or your children might outgrow them before they're ready for retirement. If you're on an extremely tight budget, you should choose one with a rating of at minimum four years. It should last as long as possible.
User-Friendliness
If you're planning to invest in a double stroller, it's essential that it's user-friendly for both children. It means that the harnesses need to be comfortable for children sitting, and the handles should be easy to grasp for toddlers. The stroller can also be easily rolled and maneuvered through tight spaces. 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 comfortable to push.
A double stroller must be easy to fold up and put away. The best models have a one- or two-step procedure, and are small enough to fit into the majority of trunks. It's also a benefit when you can add a second seat or a ride-along to the stroller. Some strollers can hold infant car seats, meaning you don't have to wake your baby to move them into the stroller when it's time to leave for home.
Furthermore, a quality double stroller should be sturdy so that it can be used on various types of terrain. For instance, some models can be converted into an jogging stroller that has a specialized front wheel, and some are able to be used as an umbrella stroller. Some strollers have a cargo bag that can be tacked to the back of the vehicle to carry shopping bags and other items.
A tandem stroller or side-byside is another option worth considering. Side-by-side models are usually wider than tandems, and can be difficult to maneuver through tight spaces such as doorways or crowded aisles in grocery stores. However, they offer the convenience of allowing each child to see the same scene. They are also easier to navigate in rough weather because they offer more protection from the elements for both kids.
Many parents decide to purchase a stroller that can be converted from single to double, so they can use it with a baby and then change to a regular double when their kiddos are older. After speaking with parents, we've learned that it's best to purchase what you need at the time instead of trying to anticipate what your family will require in the near future.
Stores
If you're looking for a double stroller, you might need to think about the size and the amount of storage space. A lot of models have large accessible baskets that can store a large amount of items. They also typically have several cup holders for parents as well as reversible seating configurations that offer the most comfortable legroom for children. However, a few of these features can be costly in cost and it's crucial to read descriptions and reviews carefully.
The majority of double strollers are classified as tandem or side by side models. Tandem strollers feature two seats that are positioned on the same frame, and are generally better suited for older babies who have already mastered sitting without assistance. They usually have larger storage baskets than side-by-side models. However, some can be difficult to push with the front seat fully reclined.
Side-byside strollers have two distinct seats that are positioned side-by-side, and they're typically better for infants or toddlers who aren't yet able to master independent sitting. twin pushchair are also easier to push and maneuver than tandem strollers. They are more expensive and have smaller baskets.
There are also double strollers designed specifically for biking or jogging. These are usually 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.
There's a double stroller to suit any situation, whether you're buying one for twins, a child who's not quite ready to ride on their own or not yet old enough to be a proper rider. The top choices in our tests are versatile and stable. They're also easy to maneuver and have seating that grows as your children grow. Check out our top picks for the best double stroller to meet your family's needs, whether you are searching for a tandem or one that can accommodate your infant car seat.