Double Stroller: The Good The Bad And The Ugly

What to Look For in a Double Stroller

The best double strollers are made to grow with your family. They include thoughtful features that keep your children content and comfortable. This includes adjustable foot rests as well as a smooth ride on gravel, trails and old sidewalks.

Kerry was pleased that the stroller arrived in multiple boxes but everything was labeled properly and easy to open. She also loved the fact that it can accommodate two infant car seats and can be paired with a riding board for older kids.

Seating Options

Seating options are a major element in determining whether not a family will purchase a double stroller. You'll want to consider the age of your children, their respective sizes and the seating configurations that work best for you.

Alli Cavasino is a senior editor at Consumer Reports. She says that if you are looking to buy a tandem stroller, it is best to think about one with children's seats that are connected. This model does not require car seat adapters. Double strollers are generally larger than other Double buggy that converts to single strollers. They may not fit through standard doors in your home.

If your children are a different age, you might think about a stroller that has two seats that can be turned into a stand-and ride model. This will allow a child to watch or ride along with their siblings. These in-line strollers are also equipped to accommodate infant car seats if needed and are suitable for children who will be 3 to 5 years apart.

You'll also need to consider the type of seat material, according to Billingsley. Some are more breathable than others and are easier to keep clean. It's also important to think about how easy it is to fold your new stroller down for transporting it to and from your car. "There's nothing more frustrating than purchasing the perfect stroller only to discover that it's too heavy or large for your trunk," says the expert.

If you are looking for an affordable option that has multiple configurations take a look at this award-winning stroller from Summer Infant. It features two toddler seats and the bassinet. It could be made to a triple stroller by adding a seat or a riding board. The seats recline, and the control of the calf bar can be adjusted separately. This is ideal the time when one child is in need of to take a nap while the other is looking to explore the surroundings. It's also compact when folded down and fits easily in the majority of trunks.

Age ranges

For families with children who are near to their ages, a sit-and-stand stroller is the ideal combination of comfort for children and adults and convenience. These strollers typically have seats for infants or toddler in the front, and a platform or bench that lets an older child stand or take a ride in the back. These strollers are great for toddlers and older children, but not for babies or children who do not yet have the coordination and balance to stand up on their own.

A narrow tandem stroller can help keep your eyes on both children at once and fit through tight spots like crowded grocery store aisles or family photos at the park. These models are often narrower than double strollers that are side-by-side and tend to maneuver easier but they don't have the capacity to fit carseats for infants and generally don't offer as much undercarriage storage.

If you plan to use a double stroller over many years, or even over a decade, it's worthwhile buying a stroller that will expand with your children. Double strollers are typically more expensive than single strollers, but if you choose the right one first time it could help you save money over time.

Our testers took each stroller through an assortment of maneuverability tests as well as off-road excursions. They found that they were simple to maneuver over a variety terrain. If you plan to use it in urban areas or in cities where the sidewalks and traffic can be bumpy, then you might want something that is more durable and robust that can handle rough treatment.

A lot of double strollers are made to last for a long period of time, but you could discover that the seats become more worn than you expected or your children grow out of it before it's ready to retire. If you are on the tightest budget, go for one with a rating of at least four years. It should last as long as it can.

User-Friendliness

If you're planning to invest in a double stroller, it's important that it is easy to use for both children. This means that the harnesses should be comfortable for children who are seated and the handles should be simple to grasp for toddlers. The stroller can also be easily rolled around and maneuvered through tight spaces. In fact the top strollers in our Lab tests -- such as the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie and Thule Urban Glide 2 Double among the easiest to push.

A double stroller must be easy to fold and put away. The best models fold in just a couple of steps and are small enough to fit in most trunks. It's also an advantage if the stroller double is versatile and has the option of adding a second seat or a ride-along board. Some even have the capacity to hold infant car seats, meaning 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 cheap double stroller stroller must be durable to be able to be used on different types of terrain. For instance, some models can be converted into a jogging stroller with a front wheel that is specially designed, and some can be used as an umbrella stroller. Some strollers come with a cargo bag that can be put at the back to carry groceries and shopping bags.

A tandem stroller or side-byside is another option worth considering. Side-by-side models are usually wider than tandems and can be difficult to navigate narrow spaces like entrances or aisles that are crowded in grocery stores. However, they offer the convenience of allowing both children to see the same scene. They are also easier to navigate through in stormy weather, as they provide more coverage from the elements for both kids.

Many parents opt to purchase an adaptable stroller that can be used by a baby and then transformed into double strollers when their children reach an older age. However, after talking to parents we've learned it's best to purchase what you require at the moment, rather than trying to predict what your family may need in the near future.

Stores

When looking for a double-stroller, you need to consider the amount of storage and the dimensions. Many models come with large, easy-to access baskets that hold plenty of stuff. Many models also feature numerous cup holders for parents as well as reversible seat configurations to provide the most legroom for children. Certain of these features could increase the cost, so be sure to read 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 for older children who can sit unassisted. They usually have bigger storage baskets than side-byside models. However, some models can be difficult to push when the front seat is fully reclined.

The side-byside stroller features two separate seats that are set side-by-side. They're typically better suited for younger babies or toddlers, who aren't yet ready for independent sitting. They also have the added advantage of usually being easier to push and maneuver than tandem strollers. However, they usually have smaller storage baskets than tandem models and can be more expensive.

There are also specially designed double strollers designed for biking and jogging. They're generally more expensive than all-terrain strollers. They also come with fixed front wheels, which limit their flexibility. These strollers are only worth considering if you intend to use them for these kinds of activities.

There's a double stroller to suit every scenario whether you're looking to purchase one for twins or a child that's not quite ready to take a ride by themselves, or a child who's not quite old enough. Our top choices are easy to maneuver, versatile and stable, as well as seating that can grow with your child. Take a look at our top picks for the top double stroller that will meet your family's needs regardless of whether you are looking for a tandem or one that can accommodate your infant car seat.