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 enjoying an easy stroll or going for a morning jog. How do you choose from the numerous options available?
This expandable model allows you to customize the seating to meet your needs. Our new member, Kerry, tested it out.
Safety
Your stroller must be secure regardless of whether you're running the town with your children, going to the zoo or trick-or-treating. This means an sturdy frame and comfortable harnesses for children who sit down, as well as easy-to-grab handles for toddlers who stand. It should also be able to fit through doorways and be easy to move and fold. And of course, it must be of good value.
Every double stroller we tested went through rigorous testing in our laboratory at the zoo, in our lab and on streets in the city. We also took them for family outings in suburban neighborhoods. Our lab tests test the stroller's stability and maneuverability in steering, ease of handling, suspension comfort for the rider and the driver the capacity to carry weight and seat canopy heights and storage space.
In addition to the regular safety checks conducted by our stroller experts, we request parents to give feedback on their experiences with each model. Then, we take all this information into consideration when forming our recommendations.
Start with our top picks to help you find an excellent stroller that's secure and durable. These strollers can be used in multiple seating configurations to accommodate infant car seats, can be used as an individual stroller or in tandem and are suitable for children from birth to elementary school.
The best double strollers are designed to grow with your family. They're sleek and stylish and can accommodate a variety of customizations and can be used by toddlers and infants in tandem or side-byside (single-file) seating styles. A lot of them also have large storage baskets as well as a handlebar that could be adjusted telescopically, and one-handed folding mechanisms.
If you have twins or children who are similar age to their sibling, you should consider using a tandem stroller with benches in the back that can be used by a third child. They're an excellent option for siblings who want to interact with each other but aren't able to sit next to each other in a stroller that is side-by-side which could result in them ending up arguing or fighting. You'll also find convertible models that permit you to take off the bench seat when your children are ready for the ride without a car seat.
Comfort
The best double strollers come with comfortable child seats that are well-padded and supported. The top double strollers have plenty of storage, spacious legroom and footwells for children, and UPF 50+ canopy that offers fantastic sun protection. Seats should recline at an angle so that kids are comfortable. They should also come with adjustable calf bar that let parents adjust each seat. Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician. She says that the handlebars must be ergonomic and easy to maneuver. double pram and pushchair need to be close enough to the seat of your child that you can grasp them and hold them. If the handlebars on the stroller are too far apart it will be a challenge to keep your balance and good form when pushing them.
The ride should be smooth, even on rough or uneven surfaces. Some of the models that we tested had shock absorbers installed to keep the ride steady. Others have both rear and front suspension, which reduce the amount of force required to push them, and increase your control over them. The wheels must have a long-lasting tread and made of high-quality rubber.
double pram and pushchair looked for the most versatile double strollers that could be used from birth through toddlerhood and beyond. Some of the models we found can be configured as side-by-side or tandem strollers, and one of them is the Uppababy Vista v2, can even be transformed into a single-file stroller for infants. The model is three times more than our main tandem model, but it's of higher quality and will last longer due to its robust materials.
The best double strollers are light and maneuverable enough to use for long walks, errands and trips to the zoo or park. The double strollers are usually larger than single strollers and can be difficult to fit into narrow doorways or store aisles. Some of them cost more than single-seaters. This is reasonable since you get a lot for your price. The models we recommend are suitable for adults and children alike and will grow with your family.
Convenience
If you're planning to spend money on double-strollers, they should be easy to move and put away. Ideally, the stroller will be light and compact enough to fit into the trunk of your car, or the space at home. It should also be able navigate tough terrain and handle tight turns. Some of the most reliable double strollers come with adjustable calf supports, and seats that recline and offer UPF sun protection. The canopy should be wide enough to fit two children. If you are worried about the sun getting in their eyes, choose a stroller with a peek-a-boo window.
Your children's ages and stages will play a role in the kind of stroller that's most suitable for your needs. For instance, parents with twins might choose a convertible stroller that holds two infant car seats at the same time and a family with an older child and a toddler may prefer a side-byside double. You'll have to decide if you'd like a stroller which can fit through narrow doorways and aisles of grocery stores or on airplanes.
In our Lab tests, we found that the best double strollers are reasonably easy to fold and carry. They typically have a oneor two-step procedure, and they're small enough to fit in the majority of cars that are compact. They're also designed to be sturdy and easy to put back together.
The best double strollers have convenient parent features such as a cup holder for one parent and a big storage basket. Be sure to check if the stroller is equipped with locks for the front seat to prevent your child from climbing out. Some strollers come with an adapter for car seats and can be converted into a single seat as your child develops.
The price of some of the top double strollers can be a bit steep, but they typically are of higher quality and resale value than cheaper models. They are also more maneuverable and can withstand the toughest terrain, such as park trails or city sidewalks.
Style
When parents are shopping for a double-stroller they're looking for more than just a means to transport their two kids. They're looking for a lightweight stroller that is easy to maneuver and has enough space to grow with their children. Because they will be carrying more than children, the stroller must be easy on their backs and shoulders.
That's why the best double strollers are sleek and support a wide range of options for customization, and accommodate infant car seats for an effortless transition from baby to toddler. They're available in side-by-side or tandem (single-file seating) formats and can even be light enough for jogging or travel.
In addition to size, one of the primary considerations for parents shopping for a double stroller is whether or not it'll fit through doorways and other small spaces. Most of the models that we evaluated for our latest update can fit through standard exterior doors which are 36 inches wide.
When we review the top double strollers, we also take into consideration how easy they fold and unfold. We also take a look at how comfortable the seats and canopy are. We also take a look at how comfortable the seat straps and buckles are for seated children and how easy it is to access and adjust the height of the handlebar.
Our top pick, Uppababy Vista V2, for instance, is light and has plenty of storage space for both children. It comes with a parent cup seat that reclines independently, and generous UPF 50+ canopy that has windows that peek out. The padded straps for the seat and buckles are among the most comfortable we have found in our tests, and we found the seat to be among the easiest to fasten for children of all age groups.
If you aren't quite ready to buy a double stroller yet, Facebook Marketplace and second-hand-goods websites can offer used options in good condition for reasonable cost. Make sure to do your research before you buy to a purchase, looking for signs of damage and looking up possible recalls.