How to Choose the Best Double Strollers
If you're taking a stroll in the sun or going for your morning jog with your children, a double stroller could make life with twins or two kids with different ages a lot simpler. There are the many options available which one to pick? the right one for your family?
This model expands to allow you to adjust the seating to meet your needs. Our new member, Kerry, tested it out.
Safety
If you're running around town, going to the zoo or going out for trick-or-treating with your kids your stroller should be safe. That means an sturdy frame and comfortable harnesses that are suitable for children who sit down, and easy-to-grab handles for toddlers who stand. It should also be able to fit through doors and be easy to move and fold. double pushchair should be worth the money.
Each double stroller we tested was put through rigorous testing in our laboratory, at the zoo and on streets in cities. We also took them on family outings to suburban neighborhoods. Our lab tests evaluate the stroller's maneuverability, stability and ease of steering. We also test the suspension comfort for both the driver as well as the rider and the weight capacity, the height of the canopy for the seat, and the storage space.
In addition to the regular safety checks performed by our team of stroller experts, we request parents to provide feedback on their experiences with each model. We then consider all of that information when making recommendations.
If you're looking for a secure quality, high-quality stroller, begin with our top choices. These strollers are flexible and can be used for infant car seats. They are available in tandem or single stroller models, and are suitable for children aged from birth to elementary school.
The best double strollers can expand with your family. They're stylish and sleek, offer a range of customizations and can accommodate infants and toddlers with side-byside seating or tandem (single file) seating. Many also have a large storage basket, a telescoping handlebar, and one-handed folding mechanisms.
Consider a tandem stroller that has a bench seat at the back for a third child if you have twins, or a child of similar age. These tandem strollers are ideal for siblings who want to interact, but might not be able to do so in a standard stroller. They could be fighting or arguing. You can also find convertible models, which allow you to remove the bench seat for your child once they are at the point of riding without the car seat.
Comfort
The best double strollers come with comfortable child seats that are well-padded and bolstered. They also have plenty of storage space, spacious footwells for kids' feet and legroom and UPF 50+ sun-protection canopies that provide great sun protection. The seats should recline at an angle to ensure children are comfortable. They should also have calf bars that permit parents to alter the position of each seat individually. Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician. She says that the handlebars must be ergonomic and easy-to-maneuver. The handlebars should be close enough to the kids seats that you can reach them and hold on to them. If the handlebars on the stroller are too far apart it will be difficult to maintain your balance and good posture while pushing them.
The ride should be smooth even on rough or hard surfaces. Some of the models we tested have shock absorbers to ensure that the ride remains steady. Some models have front and back suspensions which increases control and reduces amount of force needed to push them. The wheels should be constructed of high-quality rubber with a sturdy tread that is able to withstand lots of wear and tear.
We searched for the most versatile double strollers that could be used from birth until toddlerhood and beyond. A couple of the ones we found could be used as tandem strollers or side-byside and one, the Uppababy Vista v2, can even be converted 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 should last for longer because of its durable materials.
The most effective double strollers are light and maneuverable for long walks, trips to the zoo or the park as well as for running errands. The double strollers are typically larger than single strollers and may not fit into narrow doorways or store aisles. Some of them cost more than single-seaters, but that's reasonable since you get more for your money. These models are suitable for adults and children and will expand with your family.
Convenience
If you are going to invest money in double-strollers, they should be easy to carry and store. Ideally, the stroller will be light and compact enough to fit into the trunk of your car or in the space at home. It should be able to navigate rough terrain and make precise turns. Some of the most reliable double strollers come with adjustable calf support, as well as seats that recline, and offer UPF sun protection. The canopy should be wide enough to cover both kids If you're worried about getting the 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 you choose to be best for you. For example, parents of twins might opt for a convertible stroller that can hold two infant car seats at the same time or parents with an older child and a toddler may prefer a double that is side-by-side. You'll need to decide if you want a stroller which can fit through narrow doors and aisles of grocery stores or even on planes.
In our Lab tests, we found that the best double strollers are fairly 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 compact cars. They're also designed to be stable and easy to reassemble.
Some of the top double strollers have practical features for parents that include a single parent cup holder as well as a large storage basket. You'll want to consider if the stroller is locked on the front seat so that you can keep your children from escaping when they start getting antsy. Some strollers have a universal adapter for car seats that can be converted to a single seat as your child develops.
The top double strollers are a bit pricey, but they have higher quality construction and have higher resales values than less expensive models. They're also easier to maneuver and can withstand rough terrain, like park trails or city sidewalks.
Style
Parents shopping for a double stroller want more than just a means to transport two children. They're looking for a lightweight stroller that is easy to move and has enough storage space to grow with their children. Since they will be carrying more than the children, the stroller must be easy on their back and shoulders.
The most effective double strollers are sleek and come with a variety of customizations. They can also accommodate infant car seats to ensure the smooth transition from baby to toddler. They're available in side-by-side or tandem (single-file seating) designs and can be light enough to jog or for travel.
In addition to size parents should also think about whether the double stroller can be able to pass through doorways or other narrow spaces. Fortunately, the majority of models we tested in our most recent update are able to pass through the standard doors for exterior use that are 36 inches wide. The the majority of them can fit inside doors that measure 28 to 35 inches wide.
Other factors we look at when reviewing the best double strollers include how quickly and easily they fold and unfold, how large the cargo basket is, how comfortable the seats are, and how flexible the canopy are. We also look at how comfortable the straps and buckles are for seated kids 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 offers plenty of storage space for both children. It comes with a parent cup seat that reclines independently, and large 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 among 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. Just make sure to do your research before you buy, scanning for evidence of damage and looking for recalls.