How to Choose the Best Double Strollers
When you're going for a leisurely stroll or tackling your morning jog with the children, a double stroller will make life with twins or two kids of different ages much easier. But with numerous options available which one to pick? the most appropriate one for your family?
This model expands to allow you to adjust the seating for different needs. Our new member, Kerry, tested it out.
Safety
Your stroller must be secure, whether you're out on errands with your children, going to the zoo or trick-or-treating. It should have an sturdy frame and comfortable harnesses for kids who sit down, and easy-to-grab handles for toddlers who stand. It should also to pass through doors, be simple to fold and move and be simple to maneuver. It must also be affordable.
Each double stroller we tested was put through rigorous testing in our lab at the zoo, in our lab and on city streets. We also took them on family outings in suburban neighborhoods. Our lab tests evaluate the stroller's maneuverability and stability, and ease of steering. We also test the comfort of the suspension for both the driver and rider as well as the weight capacity, the seat canopy heights and storage space.
We solicit feedback from parents on each model, in addition to the standard safety check performed by our team. We then take into account all of that information when making recommendations.
Start with our top picks If you're in search of an excellent stroller that is safe and durable. These versatile strollers offer multiple seating options to accommodate infant car seats. They 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 made to adapt to the needs of your family. They are stylish and sleek with a variety of designs and options, and can be used by infants and toddlers with side-byside seating or tandem (single file) seating. Many also come with an enormous storage basket and a handlebar that can be telescopically adjusted, and one-handed fold mechanisms.
If you have twins or a child who is a similar age to their sibling, think about using a tandem stroller with an extra bench seat in the back that could be used by a third child. These tandem strollers are ideal for siblings who wish to get together, but not be able to do so in a standard stroller. They may get into a fight or argue. There are also convertible models that permit you to take off the bench seat once your children are ready for an excursion without a car seat.
Comfort
The best double strollers have comfortable child seats with plenty of padding and support. The top double strollers have ample storage space, spacious legs and footwells for children, and UPF 50+ canopy that provides fantastic sun protection. Seats should recline at an angle so that kids are comfortable. They should also have adjustable calf bars that allow parents to independently adjust the seat. The handlebars should be comfortable and easy to maneuver, says Alli Cavasino, a certified child passenger safety technician. The handlebars must be close enough to the kiddos seats that you can reach them and hold onto them. If the handlebars on the stroller are too far apart, it will be difficult to keep your balance and maintain good form while pushing them.
The ride should be smooth on rough or rocky surfaces. Some of the models we tested have shock absorbers to keep the ride stable. Some models have front and back suspension which increases control and reduces amount of force needed to push them. The wheels must have a long-lasting tread and be made from premium rubber.
We looked for the most flexible double strollers that could be used from birth to toddlerhood and beyond. Some of the double strollers we came across can be converted into tandem or side-by-side strollers. One of them, the Uppababy Vista V2, can even be converted into one-file infant strollers. This model is three times more expensive as our main tandem model however, its materials are more durable, and it will last longer.
The best double strollers will be lightweight and easy to maneuver for long walks and trips to the zoo, park as well as for running other errands. They're generally larger than single strollers, and as such they won't fit through narrow doorways or crowded store aisles. Some of them also cost more than single seat models however, it's logical since you're getting greater value for your budget. The models we recommend are suitable for kids and adults alike and will expand with your family.
Convenience
If you're going to invest in a double stroller, it must be easy to move and put away. The stroller should be lightweight and easily fits in the trunk of your car or at home. It should also be able to traverse rough terrain and make tight turns. Some of the best double strollers come with adjustable calf support, and seats that recline, and offer UPF sun protection. The canopy should be big enough to cover two children. If you are worried about the sun getting in their eyes, go for one with a peek-a-boo window.
The ages and stages of your children will influence the type of stroller that's most suitable for your needs. For instance, parents of twins might choose a convertible stroller that holds two infant car seats at once and families with an older child and a toddler might prefer a side-byside double. compact double buggy 'll have to decide if you want a stroller which can fit through narrow doors and aisles in grocery stores, or even on planes.
In our Lab tests, we found that the majority of double strollers were easy to fold and carry. They usually have a single- or two-step process, and they're small enough to fit into most compact cars. They are also designed to be sturdy, making them easier to reassemble.
Some of the top double strollers feature practical features for parents that include a single parent cup holder and a large storage basket. Check if the stroller comes with locks for the front seat to prevent your child from climbing out. Some of the better strollers come with an adapter for carseats that is universal and can be converted into one-seaters when your children grow.
The price of some of the best double strollers is a bit steep, but they typically are of higher quality and resale value compared to less expensive models. They're also more maneuverable and can withstand the toughest terrain, such as park trails or city sidewalks.
Style
Parents who are looking for a double stroller want more than just a means to transport two children. They're looking for a stroller that's light that is easy to maneuver and has enough storage space to grow with their children. Since they will be carrying more than the children, the stroller needs to be comfortable on their backs and shoulders.
The most effective double strollers are sleek and come with many different customization options. They can also be able to accommodate infant car seats, ensuring a smooth transition from baby-to-toddler. They come in tandem (single-file seating), side-by-side, and even lightweight enough to use for running.
Aside from size, one of the primary aspects to consider when parents are shopping for a double stroller is whether it can be used in doorways and other tight spaces. Fortunately, the majority of strollers we tested in our most recent update can pass through doors that are standard for exteriors, which are 36 inches wide. Moreover, the majority of them can fit inside doors that range from 28 to 35 inches wide.
When we review the top double strollers, we also consider how easily they fold and unfold. We also look at how comfortable the seats and canopy are. In addition, we take a look at how comfortable the seat straps and buckles are for seated children, and how easy to access and adjust the height of the handlebar.
Our top pick, Uppababy Vista V2, for instance, is light and offers ample storage space for both children. It comes with a parent cup seat that reclines independently, and a large UPF 50+ canopy with windows that peek out. Its cushioned seat straps and buckles are among the most comfortable in our tests, and we found the seat to be one of the easiest to fasten for children of all different ages.
If you're not ready to buy a double stroller, Facebook Marketplace and other second-hand sites often have quality used items in good condition at reasonable costs. Just make sure to do your research prior to making a purchase to buying, examining for evidence of damage and looking for recalls that could be possible.