What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The best double strollers grow with families and have clever features to keep children comfortable and happy. This includes adjustable foot rests as well as an easy ride on gravel, trails and old sidewalks.
Kerry appreciated the fact that the stroller was delivered in multiple boxes but everything was labeled well and was easy to open. She also liked that the stroller is able to accommodate two infant car seats and can be paired with a riding board for older children.
Seating Options
Seating options are an important element in determining whether an entire family will invest in a double stroller. You'll have to think about the age of your children, the relative sizes and seating arrangements you prefer.
Alli Cavasino is a senior editor of Consumer Reports. She says that if you're planning to buy a tandem stroller, it is best to consider one with child seats that are attached. This model does not require car seat adapters. They're typically larger than other types of double strollers, they might not fit into standard door frames within your home.
If your children are different age, you might think about a stroller that has two seats that can be turned into a stand-and-ride model. This allows a child to watch or ride with their sibling. These kinds of in-line strollers can also be adapted to fit infant car seats, in the event that they are needed, and are a good choice for children who'll be three to five years apart, according to Billingsley.
Billingsley suggests that you also consider the type of material used for the seat. Some are more breathable than others and are more easy to keep clean. You should also think about how easy it will be to fold your stroller for storage or transport between your vehicle and home. "There's nothing more frustrating than purchasing the perfect stroller only to find out that it is too heavy or large for your trunk," says the expert.
If you are looking for a budget-friendly alternative that can be configured in a variety of ways look no further than this award-winning stroller from Summer Infant. It has two toddler seats as well as an infant bassinet. It can be expanded to a triple stroller by adding an additional seat or riding board. The seats recline and the calf bar controls can be adjusted separately. This is ideal the time when one child is in need of to rest while another is looking to explore the surroundings. When folded, it's compact and fits into most trunks.
Age Ranges
Sit-and-stand strollers are the best option for families with children who are close in terms of age. They offer convenience and comfort. They have an area in front that seats toddlers or infants, and a bench, platform or another surface in the rear that lets older children stand up or hop on/off. They're great for big toddlers and preschoolers, but won't work well for younger babies or children who don't have the balance and coordination to stand on their own.
A narrow tandem stroller can help you keep your eyes on both children at once and fit through narrow spaces like the aisles of the grocery store that are crowded or family photos in the park. These models are often narrower than side-by-side double strollers and are able to move more easily, but they won't accommodate infant car seats and generally do not offer the same amount of undercarry storage.
If you are planning to use a double stroller over a period of several years or even over a decade, it's worth buying an item that can expand with your kids. Double strollers are more expensive than single ones however, if you select them wisely, you'll save money in the long run.
Our testers put each stroller through several maneuverability tests, as well as off-road excursions. They discovered that they were simple to maneuver over various terrains. If you plan to use it in urban areas or cities where the sidewalks and traffic are prone to bumps, you might want something more robust and durable that can withstand rough treatment.
Double strollers are designed to last, however the seats may be worn out earlier than you expect or your children may outgrow them before they're ready for retirement. If you're looking for a bargain, consider getting a model that has been evaluated for at least four years and aims to last as long as possible.
Simple to use
It's important to make sure that the double stroller is easy to use by both children. It means that the harnesses must be comfortable for children who sit and the handles should be easy to grasp for toddlers. The stroller can also be easily rolled around and maneuvered over obstacles and tight spaces. In fact, the top-rated strollers in our Lab tests -- such as the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie and Thule Urban Glide 2 Double--are among the most easy to push.
A double stroller must be easy to fold up and store. The best models fold down in two or three steps and are small enough to fit in most trunks. It's also an advantage that the stroller can be used in a variety of ways with the option of adding an additional seat or ride-along board. Some strollers can even accommodate infant car seats, meaning you don't have to wake up your baby to transfer them into the stroller when they're ready to head home.
Additionally, a great double stroller should be sturdy to be able to be used on a variety of terrain. For instance, some models can be converted to an jogging stroller by using a specialized front wheel, and some can be used as an umbrella stroller. Some come with an accessory basket that can be affixed to the rear of the stroller to carry shopping bags or groceries.
Another consideration is whether you'd prefer either a side-byside stroller or a tandem. Side-by-side strollers are typically bigger than tandem models and aren't easy to maneuver through tight spaces such as doorways and crowded grocery store aisles. They do offer the convenience of allowing every child to enjoy the same view. They can also be more easy to navigate through in stormy weather because they offer more protection from the elements for both children.
Many parents choose to purchase a stroller that can be converted from single to double, so they can use it for a newborn and later switch to a regular double when their kiddos are older. However, after speaking with parents, we've learned that it's best to buy what you need at the time instead of trying to predict what your family might need in the future.
Storage
If you're looking for a double stroller, you may want to consider the size and the amount of storage space. Many models come with large, easy-to access baskets that hold plenty of stuff. They also typically have several cup holders for parents as well as reversible seating configurations that offer the best legroom available for children. Certain of these features could make the price more expensive, so be sure to go through the reviews and descriptions carefully.
The majority of double strollers can be classified as tandem or side by side designs. Tandem strollers have two seats on one frame, and are best suited to older babies who can sit unassisted. They typically have bigger storage baskets than side-by-side models. However, some models can be difficult to push when the front seat is fully reclined.
The side-byside stroller features two seats that are positioned side-by-side. They're generally more suitable for infants or toddlers, who haven't yet mastered sitting independently. They are also more maneuverable and easy to push than tandem strollers. twin pushchair may be more expensive and have smaller baskets.
There are also double strollers made specifically for biking or jogging. They are more expensive than basic strollers that are all-terrain, and they typically come with fixed front wheels that restrict their mobility. It is worth looking into them only if you plan to use them for such activities.
If you're looking for twins, an infant and an older toddler, or a child who's not yet ready to ride on their own, there's a perfect double stroller out there. The top choices in our tests are versatile, stable, and easy to maneuver and have seating that grows as your children get older. So whether you're in search of a tandem stroller or one that will accommodate your infant car seat, look through our top picks to choose the right double stroller for your family.