How to Choose the Best Double Strollers
If you're taking a leisurely stroll or tackling your morning jog with your children, a double stroller could make life with twins or two kids of varying ages a lot easier. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the right one for your family?
This expandable model allows you to customize the seating to meet your needs. Our new member, Kerry, tested it out.
Safety
Whether you're running around town, going to the zoo or going out for trick-or-treating with your kids your stroller should be secure. That means 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, be easy to fold and move and be simple to move. Of course, it should be worth the money.
Every double stroller we tested was put through rigorous testing in our lab at the zoo, and on streets in the city. We also took them 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 weight capacity, seat canopy heights, as well as the storage space.
In addition to the regular security checks carried out by our experts in strollers, we request parents to provide feedback on their experiences with each model. We then take all this information into consideration when making recommendations.
Start with our top picks If you're in search of a stroller that is safe and durable. These strollers can be used in multiple seating options for infant car seats, can be used as a single stroller or tandem and are suitable for children ranging from birth to elementary school.
The best double strollers can evolve with your family. double pram pushchair and sleek they can be fitted with various customization options and can accommodate toddlers and infants in a tandem or side-byside (single-file) seating designs. Most also feature a spacious storage basket and a telescoping handlebar and one-handed folding mechanisms.
Consider a tandem stroller that has benches in the back to accommodate a third child if you have twins or a child of the same age. double pushchair are great for siblings who would like to interact, but might not be able to do so in a standard stroller. They may be fighting or arguing. There are also convertible models, which permit you to remove the bench seat for your child when they're ready to ride without the car seat.
Comfort
The most comfortable double strollers come with comfortable child seats with plenty of padding and support. They also come with plenty of storage space, spacious footwells for children's feet and legs and UPF 50+ canopy that offer excellent sun protection. The seats should recline at an angle to ensure that children are comfortable, and they should have calf bars that allow parents to adjust the height of each seat independently. The handlebars must be comfortable and easy to maneuver, says Alli Cavasino, a certified child-passenger safety technician. The handlebars need to be close enough to your child's seat that you can grab them and hold 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, even on rocky or uneven surfaces. Some of the models we tested had shock absorbers to keep the ride stable. Some have rear and front suspensions, which decrease the amount of force needed to push them and increase your control over them. The wheels should be constructed of high-quality rubber with a robust tread that can withstand many years of wear and tear.
We searched for the most versatile double strollers that could be used from birth through toddlerhood and beyond. Some of the double strollers that we found can be converted into tandem strollers or side-by-side ones. One of them is the Uppababy Vista V2, can even be converted to an infant stroller with a single file. The model is three times as expensive as our main tandem choice however, its materials are more durable and it will last longer.
The best double strollers are lightweight and maneuverable enough to use for long walks, errands and trips to the zoo or park. They're generally larger than single strollers, and as such they might not be able to be able to fit through narrow entrances or crowded store aisles. Some are also priced more than their single-seat counterparts however it's reasonable considering that you're getting a lot more value for your money. These models are appropriate for adults and children, and will grow with your family.
Convenience
If you're going to spend money on a double stroller, it must be easy to carry and put away. The ideal stroller will be light and compact enough to fit into the trunk of your car, or the space at home. It should be able navigate rough terrain and take precise turns. Some of the top double strollers come with adjustable calf supports, as well as seats that recline and provide UPF sun protection. The canopy should be wide enough to accommodate two children. If you're worried about the sun's rays getting into their eyes, opt for the stroller with a peek-aboo window.
The ages and stages of your children will influence the kind of stroller you choose to be most suitable for your needs. Parents of twins may choose a convertible stroller that can hold two infant car seats at once parents with a child who is older and a toddler might prefer side-by-side doubles. You'll need to decide if you want a stroller which can fit through narrow doorways, grocery store aisles or on planes.
In our Lab tests, we found that the best double strollers are relatively easy to fold and carry. The majority of double strollers fold in just one or two steps and are small enough to fit in the majority of cars that are compact. They're also designed to be sturdy when folded, making them easier to put back together.
Some of the best double-strollers include convenient features for parents, such as cups holder for one parent as well as a huge storage basket. It is important to know if the stroller is locked on the front of the seat, to stop the kids from climbing out in case they get bored. Some of the top strollers come with an adapter for car seats that is universal and can be transformed into an individual-seater model as your children grow.
The price of some of the most expensive double strollers is a bit expensive, but they usually have a higher build quality and resale value as compared to cheaper models. They are also more maneuverable, and are able to handle rough terrain such as park trails or city walkways.
Style
Parents looking for a double stroller are looking for more than just a way to carry two children. 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 children, the stroller should be comfortable on their backs and shoulders.
This is why the best double strollers are sleek, allow for a variety of designs, and accommodate infant car seats to ensure an effortless transition from baby to toddler. They are available in side-by-side or tandem (single-file seating) designs and can be light enough for jogging or travel.
Aside from size, one of the primary aspects to consider when parents are shopping for a double stroller is whether it will fit through doorways or other small spaces. Fortunately, the majority of models we tested in our latest update can pass through standard exterior doors that are 36 inches wide, and they can be used for interior doors that measure 28 to 35 inches wide.
Other features we consider when reviewing the best double strollers include the speed and ease with which they fold and unfold, how large the cargo basket is, how cushioned the seats are and how flexible the canopy are. Additionally, we take a look at how comfortable the seat straps and buckles are for seated kids and how easy it is to reach and adjust the height of the handlebar.
For instance our top choice is the Uppababy Vista V2, is lightweight and offers plenty of storage for both children. It comes with a cup for parents holder and seats that recline independently. It also comes with an ample UPF 50+ canopy that has a windows that peek out. The seat's buckles and straps are cushioned and are among the most comfortable we've tested. We also found it to be the most simple seat for children to secure.
If you aren't quite ready to purchase a double stroller, Facebook Marketplace and second-hand-goods websites are able to offer used items in good condition at affordable costs. Make sure to do your research prior to making a purchase to a purchase, looking for evidence of damage and looking for recalls that could be possible.