How to Choose the Best Double Strollers
When you're going for an easy stroll or taking on your morning jog with your kids, a double stroller can make life with twins or two kids of varying ages a lot easier. With so many options out there, how do you choose the right one for your family?
Our newest team member, Kerry, got her stroller's feet wet when she tried it out with this expandable model that lets you to alter the seating configuration for different requirements.
Safety
Your stroller must be secure no matter if you're out running shopping trips with your kids, taking them to the zoo, or going trick-or-treating. It's crucial to have sturdy frames as well as comfortable harnesses that are easy to grab handles for toddlers. It should also to fit through doors, simple to fold and move and be simple to move. And of course, it should be a good value.
Each double stroller that we tested was put through rigorous testing in our lab at the zoo, and on streets in the city. We also took them for family outings to suburban neighborhoods. Our lab tests evaluate a stroller's maneuverability and stability, ease of steering and handling as well as the comfort of suspension for the rider and the driver, weight capacity as well as the height of the canopy on the seat and storage space.
We ask parents for feedback on each model as well as the routine safety check carried out by our team. Then, we take all this information into consideration when forming our recommendations.
Take a look at our top picks to help you find an excellent stroller that's safe and durable. These strollers are incredibly versatile and can be used for infant car seats. They are available in single or tandem stroller designs, and are suitable for children ranging from birth to elementary school.
The top double strollers are designed to adapt to your growing family. They're sleek and stylish, support many different customization options and can accommodate toddlers and infants in side-by-side or tandem (single-file) seating designs. Some also have an enormous storage basket as well as a handlebar that could be adjusted telescopically, and one-handed folding mechanisms.
Consider a tandem stroller with a bench seat at the back to accommodate a third child if you have twins, or a child of the same age. They're a great option for siblings who want to be social with one another, but may not be capable of sitting next to each other in a side-by-side stroller, where they could end up arguing or fighting. There are also convertible models, which permit you to remove the bench seat of your child once they are at the point of riding without the car seat.
Comfort
The most comfortable double strollers come with comfortable child seats that have plenty of padding and support. The best double strollers have plenty of storage, spacious footwells and legroom for children, as well as a UPF 50+ canopy that provides great sun protection. Seats should recline at an angle to ensure that children are comfortable. They should also have adjustable calf bar that let parents independently adjust the seat. The handlebars should be ergonomic and easy to move, says Alli Cavasino, a certified child-passenger safety technician. The handlebars must be close enough to the kiddos seats that you are able to reach them and grasp them. If the handlebars on the stroller are too far apart, it will be difficult to keep your balance and good posture when pushing them.
The ride should be smooth, even on rocky or uneven surfaces. Some of the models we test had shock absorbers to keep the ride stable. Some models have front and back suspension that increases control and reduces amount of force needed to push them. The wheels must be made of high-quality rubber with a durable tread that can handle plenty of wear and tear.
We looked for the most versatile double strollers that could be used from birth until toddlerhood and beyond. Some of the models we came across can be set up as side-by-side or tandem strollers and one is the Uppababy Vista v2, can even be transformed into a single-file stroller suitable for infants. This model is priced three times more than our main tandem pick however it's of better quality and should last for longer due to its sturdy materials.
The best double strollers are light and easy to maneuver for long walks, errands and trips to the park or zoo. Double strollers are generally bigger than single strollers, and may not fit into narrow doorways or store aisles. Some are more expensive than single-seaters. This is understandable because you get a lot more for your budget. The models we recommend are safe for adults and children alike, and they'll expand with your family.
Convenience
If you're planning to invest the money on a double stroller, you'll need one that's convenient to move and to store. The stroller should be light and easily fit in your car's trunk or at home. It must also be able to traverse rough terrain and make tight turns. Some of the top double strollers have adjustable calf supports and seats that recline and provide UPF sun protection. The canopy should be wide enough to fit two children. If you're worried about the sun's rays getting into their eyes, go for a stroller with a peek-a-boo window.
The stage and age of your children will determine the type stroller you require. Parents with twins can opt for a convertible stroller that is able to accommodate two infant car seats simultaneously, while families with an older child and toddlers might prefer doubles that are side-by-side. You'll need to decide if you want a stroller which can fit through narrow doorways and aisles in grocery stores, or even on planes.
In our Lab tests, we found that the best double strollers are fairly easy to fold and carry. They usually have a one- or two-step process, and are compact enough to fit in most compact cars. They're also designed to be stable when folded, which makes them much easier to put back together.
Some of the best double strollers feature convenient parent features like a one-parent cup holder as well as a large storage basket. Be sure to check if the stroller is equipped with locks for the front seat, to prevent your child from escaping. Some strollers come with an universal adapter for car seats and can be converted to a single seat as your child develops.
The cost of some of the most expensive double strollers can be a bit expensive, but they usually have a higher build quality and resale value as compared to cheaper models. They are also easier to maneuver, and can withstand rough terrain, such as city walkways or park trails.
Style
Parents looking for a double stroller want more than just a way to carry two children. They're looking for a light stroller that can be maneuvered with enough onboard storage and thoughtful features that allow it to expand with their children. It should also be simple to push and maneuver. Since they will be carrying more than children, the stroller needs to be easy on their back and shoulders.
The most effective double strollers are sleek and support a variety of customizations. double buggy sale can also allow for infant car seats to provide an easy transition from baby to toddler. They come in tandem (single-file seating) as well as side-by-side. They are even light enough for jogging.
Apart from size one of the primary aspects to consider when parents are shopping for a double stroller is whether it will fit through doorways or other small spaces. Fortunately, the majority of models we tested in our latest update can pass through doors that are standard for exteriors that are 36 inches wide. The the majority of them can fit inside doors that are 28 to 35 inches wide.
Other factors we look at when reviewing the best double strollers include the speed and ease with which they fold and unfold, how big the cargo basket is, how comfortable the seats are and how adjustable the canopies are. We also think about how comfortable the seat straps and buckles are for children seated in the stroller, as well as how easy it would be to adjust the height of the handlebars.
For example, our top option is the Uppababy Vista V2, is light and has plenty of onboard storage for both children. It has a cup for parents seat that reclines independently, and generous UPF 50+ canopy with windows that can be peekaboo. The padded straps for the seat and buckles are among the most comfortable in our tests and we found the seat to be one of the easiest to secure for children of all age groups.
If you're still not sure if you're ready to buy a double stroller, Facebook Marketplace and other secondhand-goods sites can often offer quality used items in good condition at reasonable prices. Make sure to do your research before committing, scanning for indications of damage and checking for recalls that could be possible.