How to Choose the Best Double Strollers
When you're going for an easy stroll or taking on your morning jog with your children, a double stroller could make life with twins or two children with different ages a lot simpler. How do you choose from the numerous options available?
This model expands to allow you to customize the seating for different needs. Our newest member, Kerry, tested it out.
Safety
Your stroller should be safe, whether you're out on errands with your kids, taking them to the zoo or trick-or-treating. It should have a sturdy frame, as well as comfortable harnesses for kids who sit down, and easy-to-grab handles for toddlers who stand. It should also be able to pass through doors and be easy to maneuver and fold. And of course, it should be worth the money.
We put each double stroller we tested through vigorous testing in our lab, at the Zoo, on city streets, and on family outings in suburban neighborhoods. Our lab tests test a stroller's maneuverability and stability as well as ease of steering and handling, suspension comfort for the driver and the rider capacity for weight, seat canopy heights, and storage space.
In addition to the routine security checks carried out by our experts in strollers, we request parents to give feedback on their experiences with each model. We then take into account all of that information when making our recommendations.
Begin with our top choices if you're looking for a stroller that is sturdy and safe. These strollers are 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 best double strollers are made to grow with your family. They're sleek and stylish and can accommodate many different customization options, and can accommodate both infants and toddlers in tandem or side-by-side (single-file) seating styles. Most also feature a spacious storage basket as well as a telescoping handlebar and one-handed folding mechanisms.
If you have twins or children who are similar age to their sibling, think about using a tandem stroller with a bench seat in the back that could be used by a 3rd child. They're a great option for siblings who wish to get involved but aren't in a position to sit with each other in a stroller that is side-by-side and end with fighting or arguing. You can also find convertible models that allow you to remove the bench seat of your child when they're ready to go without a car seat.
Comfort
The best double strollers feature comfortable child seats that are well-padded and bolstered. They also have ample storage space, spacious footwells for children's feet and legs and UPF 50+ canopies which offer great sun protection. Seats should recline at an angle to ensure that children are comfortable. They should also come with adjustable calf bars that let parents adjust the seat. The handlebars should be comfortable and easy to move, says Alli Cavasino, a certified child-passenger safety technician. The handlebars must be close enough to your child's seat that you can grasp them and hold them. If the handlebars are separated and you'll have a tough time keeping your balance and retaining good posture when pushing them.
The ride should be smooth on rough or hard surfaces. Some of the models that we test had shock absorbers to keep the ride stable. Certain models come with front and back suspension which enhances control and reduces the force needed to push them. The wheels should be constructed of high-quality rubber with durable tread that can handle plenty of wear and tear.
We scoured the internet for the most versatile double-strollers which can be used from the age of infancy to toddlerhood. Some of the double strollers we came across can be converted to tandem or side-by-side strollers. One of them, the Uppababy Vista V2, can even be converted to a single-file infant stroller. This model is priced three times more than our main tandem choice however, it's also of higher quality and should last for longer due to its sturdy materials.
The best double strollers will be lightweight and able to be maneuvered for long walks, trips to the zoo or the park and for shopping trips. The double strollers are usually bigger than single strollers, and might not fit in narrow aisles in stores or doors. Some models cost more than their single-seat counterparts however, it's logical since you're getting greater value for your dollars. The models we recommend are safe for adults and children alike and will expand with your family.
Convenience
If you're planning to invest the money for a double stroller, you'll need one that's convenient to move and put away. The ideal stroller will be lightweight and fit in the trunk of your car or in the space at home. It should also be able navigate tough terrain and handle tight turns. Some of the top double-strollers feature adjustable calf support and seats that recline. They also offer UPF sun protection. The canopy should be large enough to cover both kids and, if you're concerned about getting sun in their eyes, opt for one with a peek-a-boo window.
The age and stage of your child can influence the kind of stroller that's most suitable for your needs. Parents of twins may choose a convertible stroller which can hold two infant car seats at once and families with an older child and toddlers may prefer side-byside doubles. It is also important to determine whether you want a stroller that fits through narrow doors or in crowded aisles of the grocery store and is able to be used on airplanes.
In our Lab tests, we discovered that most double strollers were easy to fold and move. The majority of double strollers fold in one or two steps and are small enough to fit into most compact cars. They're also designed to be stable when folded, which makes them easier to put back together.
Some of the top double-strollers come with convenient parent features like the cup holder that can be used by one parent and a large storage basket. Check if the stroller comes with locks on the front seat, to prevent your child from escaping. Some of the better strollers come with an adapter for carseats that is universal and can be transformed into a single-seater when your children grow.
The price of some of the most expensive double strollers can be a bit steep, but they typically have better build quality and resale value as compared to cheaper models. They are also more maneuverable and can withstand the toughest terrains, such as park trails or city sidewalks.
Style
When parents are looking for a double stroller they're looking for more than a way to carry their two children. They want a lightweight stroller that is able to move with ease, has enough onboard storage and thoughtful features to expand with their children. It should also be simple to push and maneuver. Also, since they'll be carrying more weight than their peers so the stroller must be easy on shoulders and back.
The best double strollers are sleek and come with a variety of customizations. They can also allow for infant car seats, ensuring an easy transition from baby to toddler. They are available in side-by-side or tandem (single-file seating) models and can be light enough to jog or travel.
In addition to the size parents should also think about whether the double stroller will fit through doorways or other tight spaces. Luckily, the majority of strollers we tested in our latest 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 are 28 to 35 inches wide.
When reviewing the best double strollers, we also look at how easily they fold and unfold. We also take a look at how comfortable the seats and canopy are. We also think about how comfortable the buckles and seat straps are for children who sit in the stroller, as well as how easy it is to adjust the height of the handlebars.
Our top pick, Uppababy Vista V2, for instance, is light and has plenty of storage space for both children. It has a cup for parents holders, reclined seats that can be reclined independently, and generous UPF 50+ canopy that has windows that can be peekaboo. 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 one of the most simple to secure for children of all age groups.
If you're not ready to buy a double stroller, Facebook Marketplace and other second-hand-goods websites can provide excellent used models in good condition for reasonable costs. Make sure you do your homework and look for any signs of damage prior to purchasing.