How to Choose the Best Double Strollers
Whether you're out for a leisurely stroll or tackling your morning jog with the children, a double stroller will make life with twins or two children of varying ages a lot easier. What should you consider when choosing between the many choices available?
Our new team member, Kerry, got her stroller's feet wet when she tried it out with this expandable model that allows you to alter the seating configuration to suit different requirements.
Safety
Your stroller must be secure no matter if you're out running errands with your kids, going to the zoo or trick-or-treating. It's important to have a sturdy frame, comfortable harnesses and easy-to-grab handles for toddlers. It also needs to be able to fit through doors and be easy to maneuver and fold. It should also be reasonably priced.
Every double stroller we tested was put through rigorous testing in our lab at the zoo, and on streets in cities. We also took them out for family outings in suburban neighborhoods. Our lab tests assess the stroller's stability and maneuverability in steering, ease of handling, suspension comfort for the rider and the driver the weight capacity, seat canopy heights, and storage space.
We ask parents for feedback on each model as well as the safety checks that are routinely performed by our team. Then, we take all the information into consideration when making our recommendations.
If you're looking for a secure quality, high-quality stroller, begin with our top recommendations. These strollers can be used in multiple seating options for infant car seats. They can be used as an individual stroller or in tandem, and are suitable for children from birth through elementary school.
The top double strollers are designed to grow with your family. They're stylish and sleek they can be fitted with many different customization options and can be used by toddlers and infants in side-by-side or tandem (single-file) seating designs. A lot of them also have an enormous storage basket as well as a handlebar that could be telescopically adjusted, as well as one-handed fold mechanisms.
If you have twins or an infant who is similar age to their sibling, think about selecting a tandem stroller that has an extra bench seat in the back that could be used by a 3rd child. These strollers are great for siblings who wish to be together, but may not be able to do so in a standard stroller. They may be fighting or arguing. There are also convertible models that permit you to take off the bench seat when your children are ready to go for the ride without a car seat.
Comfort
The best double strollers have comfortable child seats with plenty of padding and support. They also come with plenty of storage, roomy footwells for children's feet and legs, and UPF 50+ canopy that offer excellent sun protection. Seats should recline at an angle to ensure that children are comfortable. They should also come with calf bar adjusters that allow parents to independently adjust the seat. Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician. She suggests that the handlebars need to be ergonomic and easy to maneuver. The handlebars must be close enough to the children's seats that you can reach them and hold on to them. If the handlebars are far apart you'll have a difficult to maintain your balance and maintaining good posture when pushing them.
The ride should be smooth, even on rough or hard surfaces. Some of the models we tested have shock absorbers to keep the ride steady. Others have both rear and front suspensions, which decrease the amount of force you need to push them, and increase your control over them. The wheels should have a sturdy tread and be made from high-quality rubber.
We looked for the most versatile double-strollers which can be used from to toddlerhood. Some of the models we found could be used as tandem strollers or side-by-side, and one of them that we found, the Uppababy Vista v2, can even be converted into a single-file stroller suitable for infants. That model costs three times more than our main tandem model, but it's of higher quality and will last longer due to its sturdy materials.
The best double strollers are light and movable enough for long walks, errands and trips to the park or zoo. Double strollers are generally wider than single strollers and can be difficult to fit into narrow aisles in stores or doors. stokke double stroller cost more than single-seat models however it's reasonable given that you're getting a greater value for your money. These models are suitable for adults and children and will continue to grow with your family.
Convenience
If you're planning to spend the money to buy a double stroller, you'll need one that's convenient to push and to store. The ideal stroller will be lightweight and fit in the trunk of your car or the space at home. It must also be able to navigate through rough terrain and take tight turns. Some of the best double strollers have 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 into their eyes, opt for one with a peek-a-boo window.
Your children's ages and stages can influence the kind of stroller that's best for you. For example, parents of twins might choose a convertible stroller that holds two infant car seats at the same time and families with an older child and a toddler might prefer a side-byside double. You'll have to decide if you'd like strollers that can go through narrow doors and aisles of grocery stores or on planes.
In our Lab tests, we discovered that the best double strollers are fairly easy to fold and carry. They usually have a singleor two-step process and are compact enough to fit in most compact cars. They're also designed to be stable when folded, which makes them easier to put back together.
Some of the best double-strollers include convenient features for parents, like cups holder for one parent as well as a huge storage basket. Check if the stroller comes with a lock on the front seat, to prevent your child from escaping. Some strollers come with an universal adapter for car seats and can be converted to a single seat when your child develops.
The cost of some of the most expensive double strollers is high, but they generally have a higher build quality and resale value than lower-end models. They're also more maneuverable and can handle tough terrain, like urban sidewalks or parks.
Style
Parents shopping for a double stroller want more than just a way to transport two kids. They're looking for a stroller that's light that is easy to move and has enough storage space to expand with their children. Because they will be carrying more than the children, the stroller should be easy on their backs and shoulders.
The most effective double strollers are sleek and come with a variety of customizations. They can also allow for infant car seats to provide the smooth transition from baby to toddler. They are available in side-by-side or tandem (single-file seating) designs and can be light enough to jog or travel.
In addition to size, one of the most important considerations for parents shopping for a double stroller is whether or not it can be used in doorways and other tight spaces. Fortunately, the majority of models we tested in our most recent update are able to pass through the standard doors for exterior use, which are 36 inches wide. The most can accommodate interior doors that are 28 to 35 inches wide.
When we review the top double strollers, it is important to consider how easily they fold and unfold. We also consider how comfortable the seats and canopy are. Additionally, we 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 choice, Uppababy Vista V2, for instance, is light and has plenty of storage space for both children. It comes with a cup for parents holder and recliners that can be adjusted independently. It also has an ample UPF 50+ canopy, with a peekaboo window. Its padded seat straps and buckles are among the most comfortable we have found in our tests and we found the seat to be among the easiest to fasten for children of all age groups.
If you're not ready to buy a double stroller, Facebook Marketplace and second-hand-goods websites can offer used options in good condition for reasonable costs. Be sure to do your research and look for any signs of damage before purchasing.