How to Choose the Best Double Strollers
If you're taking an easy stroll or taking on your morning jog with the kids, a double stroller could make life with twins or two children of varying ages a lot easier. What are the best options to choose from the numerous choices available?
This model expands to allow you to modify the seating for different needs. Our new member, Kerry, tested it out.
Safety
Your stroller should be safe no matter if you're out running the town with your children, going to the zoo, or going trick-or-treating. This means a sturdy frame, as well as comfortable harnesses that are suitable for children who sit down, as well as easy-to-grab handles for toddlers who stand. It also needs to be able to fit through doorways and be easy to move and fold. And of course, it should be worth the money.
Every double stroller we tested went through rigorous testing in our lab at the zoo, in our lab and on streets in cities. We also took them out for family outings in suburban neighborhoods. Our lab tests assess 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 capacity for weight, height of the canopy for the seat, and the storage space.
In addition to the standard safety checks performed by our team of stroller experts, we ask parents to provide feedback on their experiences with each model. We then take into consideration all of the information provided when making our recommendations.
Begin with our top choices if you're looking for an excellent stroller that is sturdy and safe. These strollers are flexible and can be used for infant car seats. They are available in single or tandem stroller designs, and are suitable for children 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 toddlers and infants in a tandem or side-by-side (single-file) seating styles. Most also feature a spacious storage basket, a telescoping handlebar, and one-handed folding mechanisms.
If you have twins or children who are similar age to their sibling, consider selecting a tandem stroller that has benches in the back that could be used by a 3rd child. These tandem strollers are a great choice for siblings who want to get together, but not be able to sit side-by-side in a standard stroller. They may be fighting or arguing. There are also convertible models, which allow you to remove a bench seat for your child when they're ready to ride without the car seat.
Comfort
The top double strollers have comfortable child seats that are well-padded and bolstered. They also come with plenty of storage space, large footwells that can accommodate children's feet and legs, and UPF 50+ canopies which offer great sun protection. The seats should recline at a slight angle to ensure that children are comfortable, and they should have calf bars that permit parents to adjust the position of each seat independently. Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician. She suggests that the handlebars must be comfortable and ergonomic to maneuver. The handlebars should be close enough to the seat of your child that you can grab them and hold them. If the handlebars on the stroller are not close enough it will be difficult to maintain your balance and good form while pushing them.
The ride should be smooth, even on rocky or uneven surfaces. Some of the models we tested come with shock absorbers to keep the ride stable. Some have rear and front suspension, which reduce the amount of force you need to push them and improve the control you have over them. The wheels should be made of high-quality rubber with a sturdy tread that is able to withstand plenty of wear and tear.
We looked for the most versatile double-strollers which could be used from infancy through toddlerhood. Some of the double strollers that we found can be converted into tandem strollers or side-byside strollers. One of them is the Uppababy Vista V2, can even be converted to an infant stroller with a single file. This model is priced three times more than our primary tandem model however, it's also of higher quality and should last longer due to its sturdy materials.
The best double strollers will be light and maneuverable for long walks and trips to the zoo, park, and shopping trips. Double strollers are generally wider than single strollers and may not fit into narrow aisles in stores or doors. Some models cost more than single seat models, but that's understandable given that you're getting a lot more value for your dollars. The models we recommend are suitable for both adults and kids and will develop with your family.
Convenience
If you are going to invest money in a double stroller, it must be easy to move and to store. The stroller should be lightweight and easily fits in your car's trunk or at home. It should be able to navigate rough terrain and make precise turns. Some of the top double strollers have adjustable calf supports, and seats that recline, and offer UPF sun protection. The canopy should be wide enough to cover both kids If you're worried about getting sun in their eyes, choose one with a window that can be opened for peek-aboo.
Your children's ages and stages will influence the kind of stroller that's the best for you. Parents of twins may choose a convertible stroller that can hold two infant car seats simultaneously, while families with an older child and toddler might prefer side-by-side doubles. You'll also have to decide whether you'd like a stroller that fits through narrow entrances or aisles of the grocery store and can be used on planes.
In our Lab tests, we found that the top double strollers are fairly easy to fold and carry. The majority of double strollers fold down in one or two steps, and are small enough to fit in the majority of cars that are compact. They're designed to be stable and easy to put back together.
Some of the best double-strollers come with convenient parent features such as the cup holder that can be used by 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 have a universal adapter that fits car seats and can be converted into a single seat when your child grows.
The price of some of the best double strollers can be a bit steep, but they typically are of higher quality and resale value than lower-end models. They are also more maneuverable and can handle tough terrain, such as urban sidewalks or parks.
Style
Parents who are looking for a double stroller want more than just a way to transport two kids. They're looking for a light, maneuverable stroller with sufficient storage space on the inside and thoughtful features that allow it to grow with the kids--and be easy for them to push and maneuver. Because they will be carrying more than the children, the stroller must be easy on their backs and shoulders.
The best double strollers are sleek and come with various customization options. They can also accommodate infant car seats to provide an easy transition from baby to toddler. double pushchair are available in tandem (single-file seating), side-by-side, and even lightweight enough to use for running.
In addition to size, one of the primary factors to consider for parents looking for a double stroller is whether it can be used in doorways and other narrow spaces. Fortunately, the majority of strollers we tested in our most recent update can pass through the standard doors for exterior use that are 36 inches wide, and most can accommodate interior doors that range from 28 to 35 inches wide.
When evaluating the top double strollers, we also consider how easily they fold and unfold. We also look at how well-padded the seats and canopies are. In addition, we examine how comfortable the straps and buckles are for sitting children and how easy it is to access and adjust the height of the handlebar.
Our top choice, Uppababy Vista V2, for instance, is light and offers ample storage space for both children. It comes with a cup for parents holder, as well as seats that recline independently. It also comes with a generous UPF 50+ canopy with peekaboo window. Its cushioned seat straps and buckles are among the most comfortable 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 aren't quite ready to buy a double stroller yet, Facebook Marketplace and second-hand-goods websites can offer used options in good condition at affordable costs. Be sure to do your research and look for any signs of damage prior to purchasing.