What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The most effective double strollers are designed to grow with your family. They include clever features that keep your kids at ease and happy. The best double strollers offer adjustable footrests as well as smooth rides over gravel, old sidewalks, and trails.
Kerry appreciated that the stroller arrived in multiple boxes but everything was labeled properly and easy to open. She also liked the fact that it can accommodate two infant car seats and can be paired with a riding board for older children.
Seating Options
Seating options are a major aspect in determining whether or not a family will purchase a double stroller. You'll have to think about the age of your children, their relative sizes of them, and the seating arrangements you prefer.
Alli Cavasino is a senior editor at Consumer Reports. She says that if you are looking to buy a tandem stroller, you should look at one that has children's seats that are connected. This model is not required to have car seat adapters. These are typically wider than other types of double strollers, they might not fit into standard door frames in your home.
If you're facing an age gap between your children you should consider a stroller with two seats with the option to convert to a stand-and-ride model that has a platform or small bench seat in the back for a child who wants to casually ride with or observe their younger sibling. These types of in-line strollers can also accommodate infant car seats, in the event that they are needed and are a great option for children who will be 3-5 years apart, says Billingsley.
You'll also need to look at the type of seat material, says Billingsley. Certain fabrics are more breathable than others, and are easier to clean. It's also important to think about how easy it is to fold your new stroller down for stowing or transporting to and from your car. "Nothing is more frustrating than purchasing the perfect stroller, only you realize it's too heavy to carry or too big for your trunk," she says.
If you're looking for an affordable option that has multiple seating configurations, check out this award-winning model from Summer Infant It comes with two toddler seats as well as a bassinet attachment. The stroller could be expanded to make triple stroller by adding an additional seat or riding board. The seats recline and have calf bar controls to adjust independently, which is great for those times when one child needs to rest while the other one wants to take in the surroundings. When folded, it is small and easily fits into the majority of trunks.
Age ranges
Sit-and-stand strollers are the best option for families with children who are close in age. They provide the comfort and convenience. These strollers usually have a seat for an infant or toddler in front and a bench or platform that lets an older child stand or hop on and off in the back. They're ideal for big toddlers and preschoolers, but don't be ideal for babies or kids who do not yet have the balance and coordination to stand on their own.
A narrow tandem stroller allows you to keep both children in sight all at once, and it can be squeezed into tight spaces such as grocery store aisles or for family photos in parks. These strollers are a bit narrower and more maneuverable than side-byside double stroller s, but they don't have as much storage under the carriage and aren't able to accommodate an infant car seats.
If you are planning to use a double stroller over many years, or even longer than a decade, it's worth buying a stroller that will continue to grow with your kids. Double strollers are typically more expensive than single strollers, however when you pick the right one first time it can help you save money over time.
Our test participants put each stroller through an assortment of maneuverability tests as well as off-road adventures. They found them easy to navigate on different terrains. However, if you're going to use it in cities or other urban areas where sidewalks and traffic are prone to bumps You might need something more robust and robust that can withstand the rough treatment.
Many double strollers are designed to last for a long period of time, but you may find that the seats get worn out faster than expected or your kids grow out of it before it's ready to retire. If you're on the tightest budget, go for a model with a rating of at minimum four years. It should last as long as possible.
Easy of Use
If you're planning to invest in a double stroller, it's important that it is simple to use for both children. It means that the harnesses must be comfortable for children who are seated and the handles must be simple to grasp for toddlers. The stroller can also be easily rolled around and maneuvered around obstacles and in 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 easiest to push.
A double stroller should also be easy to fold up and store. The best models have an easy one- or two-step process, and they're compact enough to fit into the majority of trunks. It's also beneficial that the stroller can be used in a variety of ways with the option of adding an additional seat or ride-along board. Some can even hold infant car seats, so you don't have to wake up your baby to put them into their stroller when they're ready to go home.
In addition, a good double stroller should be sturdy so that it can be used on different types of terrain. For example, some can be converted to an jogging stroller that has a front wheel that is specially designed, and some are able to be used as an umbrella stroller. Some strollers have a cargo bag that can be put to the back of the vehicle to carry shopping bags and other items.
Another thing to consider is whether you'd like either a side-byside stroller or a tandem. Side-by-side strollers tend to be wider than tandems, and can be difficult to navigate tight spaces such as the aisles of doors or grocery stores. They are convenient because they allow both children to enjoy the same view. They are also easier to navigate during bad weather since they provide more protection from the elements.
Many parents decide to purchase an adaptable stroller that can be used by a newborn, and then converted to double strollers when their children get older. After talking to parents we've learned that it's best to purchase what you need at the time instead of trying to anticipate what your family will require in the future.
Stores
When shopping for double-strollers, it's crucial to consider the amount of storage and the dimensions. A lot of models have large, easy-to access baskets that can store plenty of stuff. Many models also come with multiple cup holders for parents, as well as reversible seat configurations to provide the most legroom for children. However, some of these features can add up in cost and it's crucial to read descriptions and reviews carefully.
The majority of double strollers are classified as tandem or side-byside designs. Tandem strollers include two seats on one frame and are suited to older babies who are able to sit without assistance. They tend to have larger storage baskets than side-by-side models. However, some models can be difficult to push when the front seat is fully reclined.
Side-by-side strollers come with two separate seats that are placed side-by-side and are typically for babies and toddlers who aren't yet able to master independent sitting. They are also easier to push and maneuver than tandem strollers. They may be more expensive, and they have smaller baskets.
There are also special double strollers designed for jogging and biking. They are more expensive than standard strollers that are all-terrain, and they usually come with fixed front wheels that limit their flexibility. They are worth considering only if you intend to use them for those activities.
If you're looking for twins, an infant and a toddler, or another child who's not quite ready to walk on their own, there's a great double stroller out there. Our top choices are simple to maneuver, adaptable and stable, with seating that can grow with your child's. Take a look at our top picks for the best double stroller to accommodate your family, whether you are searching for a tandem or one that will fit your infant car seat.