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 your way to a relaxing walk or for a morning jog. With numerous options available to choose from, how do you pick the best one for your family?
This expandable model allows you to adjust the seating to meet different requirements. Our newest member, Kerry, tested it out.
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 a sturdy frame as well as comfortable harnesses that are easy to grab handle for toddlers. It must also be able to pass through doorways and be easy to move and fold. It must also be affordable.
Each double stroller we tested went through rigorous testing in our lab, at the zoo and on city streets. We also took them for family outings in suburban neighborhoods. Our lab tests assess the stroller's stability and maneuverability, ease of steering and handling as well as the comfort of suspension for the rider and the driver capacity to carry weight, seat canopy heights, and storage space.
We ask parents for feedback on each model in addition to the safety checks that are routinely performed by our team. We then take into account all of the information provided when making recommendations.
If you're looking for a safe quality, high-quality stroller, begin with our top picks. These strollers are versatile and offer a variety of seating options for infant car seats, 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 adapt to the needs of your family. They're sleek and stylish they can be fitted with various customization options and can accommodate toddlers and infants in a tandem or side-byside (single-file) seating styles. Most also feature a spacious storage basket and a telescoping handlebar and one-handed folding mechanisms.
If you have twins or a child who is a similar age to their sibling, think about choosing a tandem stroller with a bench seat in the back that could be used by a 3rd child. They're a great choice for siblings who want to be social with one another however they may not be capable of sitting next to each other in a stroller with a side-byside feature and end in fighting or arguing. You can also find convertible models, which permit you to remove the bench seat for your child when they're ready to go without the car seat.
Comfort
The top double strollers have comfortable child seats that are well-padded and supported. The best double strollers come with ample storage space, spacious legroom and footwells for children, and UPF 50+ canopy which provides excellent sun protection. tandem double stroller should recline at an angle to keep children at ease, and they should have calf bars that allow parents to adjust the position of each seat independently. Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician. She suggests that the handlebars must be ergonomic and easy to maneuver. The handlebars must be close enough to the kids' seats that you can reach them and hold on to them. If the handlebars are too separated you'll have a difficult time keeping your balance and maintaining good posture when pushing them.
The ride should be smooth on rough or rough surfaces. Some of the models we tested had shock absorbers installed to keep the ride steady. Some models have front and back suspension which improves control and reduces the force needed to push them. The wheels should be made of high-quality rubber and have a robust tread that can withstand lots of wear and tear.
We searched for the most versatile double strollers that can be used from to toddlerhood. Some of the double strollers we came across are convertible to tandem strollers or side-byside strollers. One of them is the Uppababy Vista V2, can even be converted to a single-file infant stroller. This model is priced three times more than our primary tandem choice, but it's of higher quality and will last longer due to its sturdy materials.
The most comfortable double strollers are light and easy to maneuver for long walks, errands and trips to the zoo or park. They're generally larger than single strollers, which means they won't be able to fit through narrow entrances or in crowded aisles of stores. Some of them also cost more than single-seat models however it's reasonable considering that you're getting a lot more value for your budget. These models are suitable for children and adults, and will continue to grow with your family.
Convenience
If you're planning to spend the money on a double stroller, you'll need one that's convenient to push and store. It should be light and easy to store in the trunk of your car, or the space at home. It should be able to maneuver rough terrain and make precise turns. Some of the top double-strollers feature adjustable calf supports, as well as seats that recline. They also offer UPF sun protection. The canopy should be big enough to protect both kids and, if you're concerned about getting the sun into their eyes, choose one with a peek-aboo window.
The ages and stages of your children can influence the kind of stroller you choose to be best for you. Parents of twins may choose a convertible stroller that is able to accommodate two infant car seats at once, while families with an older child and toddler might prefer side-by-side doubles. You'll have to decide if you'd like strollers that can go through narrow doors and aisles in grocery stores, or on airplanes.
In our Lab tests, we discovered that the top double strollers are relatively easy to fold and carry. The majority of double strollers fold in one or two steps, and are small enough to fit in the majority of cars that are compact. They're also designed to be sturdy and easy to assemble.
Some of the top double strollers feature convenient parent features that include a single parent cup holder and a large storage basket. It is important to know if the stroller comes with a lock on the front of the seat, so that you can keep your children from escaping if they get antsy. Some strollers come with an universal adapter for car seats and can be converted into a single seat when your child grows.
The cost of some of the top double strollers is steep, but they typically have better build quality and resale value than less expensive models. They're also more maneuverable and can handle tough terrain, such as city sidewalks or park trails.
Style
When parents are shopping for a double stroller they're looking for more than just a way to carry their two children. They want a lightweight stroller that is easy to move and has enough storage to expand with their children. Also, since they'll be carrying more weight than the kids and their strollers, they should be comfortable on the back and shoulders.
That's why the best double strollers are sleek, support a wide range 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 for travel.
Aside from size one of the most important aspects to consider when parents are shopping for a double stroller is whether or not it can be used in doorways and other small spaces. Luckily, the majority of models we tested in our most recent update are able to pass through doors that are standard for exteriors, which are 36 inches wide. The they can be used for interior doors that measure 28 to 35 inches wide.
Other aspects we take into consideration when evaluating the top double strollers include the speed and ease with which they fold and unfold, the size the cargo basket is, how padded the seats are and how adjustable the canopy are. Additionally, we take a look at how comfortable the 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 holder, seats that recline independently, and a large UPF 50+ canopy that has peekaboo windows. The seat's buckles and straps are padded and are among the most comfortable we've test. We also found it to be the easiest seat for children to attach.
If you're not quite ready to purchase a double stroller, Facebook Marketplace and other second-hand-goods websites can provide quality used items in good condition at affordable costs. Make sure you do your homework and check for any indications of damage before you buy.