"The Ultimate Cheat Sheet For Double Stroller
What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The best double strollers develop with families and provide innovative features that keep kids comfortable and happy. The best double strollers offer adjustable footrests, as well as smooth rides on old sidewalks, gravel, and trails.
Kerry was pleased that the stroller was packaged in multiple boxes, but everything was clearly labeled and simple to open. She also appreciated that the stroller can accommodate two infant car seats and can be paired with a ride-board for older children.
Seating Options
When it comes to double strollers, the seating options are what makes or breaks the purchase of many families. You'll need to consider the age of your children, the relative sizes of them, and the seating configurations you prefer.
Alli Cavasino is a senior editor of Consumer Reports. She says that if you're planning to buy a tandem stroller, you should consider one with child seats attached together. This model is not required to have car seat adapters. They're typically larger than other types of lightweight double buggy strollers, however they won't pass through door frames that are standard in your home.
If your children are different age, you may be interested in a stroller with 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 types of in-line strollers can also be adapted to fit infant car seats should they be required, and are a good choice for children who'll be three to five years apart, according to Billingsley.
You'll also want to consider the type of seat material, says Billingsley. Certain fabrics are more breathable than others and are more easy to keep clean. You should also think about how easy it will be to fold the stroller for storage purposes or transporting it between your vehicle and home. "There's nothing more frustrating than purchasing your dream stroller only find out that it is too heavy or large for your trunk," says the expert.
If you're looking for a budget-friendly option that can accommodate various seating options, check out this award winner from Summer Infant It comes with two toddler seats, a bassinet attachment and can be made into triple stroller by adding an additional seat or riding board. The seats recline and have control mechanisms for the calf bar that allow them to adjust independently, which is ideal for when one child wants to sleep while the other wants observe their surroundings. When folded, it is small and easily fits into most trunks.
Age Ranges
For families with kids who are similar in age, a sit and stand stroller is the perfect combination of comfort for children and adults and convenience. These strollers have a seat in the front for an infant or toddler and a platform, bench or other surface at the rear which allows older children to stand up or hop on/off. These strollers are great for older toddlers and children, but not for babies or children who do not have the balance and coordination to stand up on their own.
A narrow tandem stroller can help keep an eye on both kids at once and fit through difficult areas like aisles of the grocery store that are crowded or family photos at the park. These models are usually narrower than side-by-side double strollers and are generally easier to maneuver, but they won't accommodate infant car seats and generally don't offer as much undercarriage storage.
If you plan to use a double stroller over several years--or even over a decade, it's worthwhile purchasing a model that will continue to grow with your kids. Double strollers are generally more expensive than single and double stroller strollers, but when you pick the right one the first time around it can help you save money over time.
Our testers tested each stroller in a series maneuverability tests and off road adventures. They discovered that they were simple to maneuver over various terrains. If you intend to use it in urban areas or cities where sidewalks and traffic can be bumpy, then you may need something that is more durable and robust that can withstand rough treatment.
Many double strollers are designed to last for a long period of time, but you might discover that the seats become used up faster than you anticipated or your kids outgrow it before it's ready to retire. If you're on a tight budget, choose a model with a rating of at minimum four years. It is best to use it for as long as is possible.
Easy of Use
It's important to make sure that the double infant stroller stroller is easy to use by both children. This means comfortable harnesses for children who sit and handles that are easy to grasp for toddlers who stand. This also means that the stroller can be moved easily, and can be maneuvered through tight spaces and around obstacles. In fact the top strollers in our Lab tests, such as the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie and Thule Urban Glide 2 Double--are among the easiest to push.
It's also essential that a cheap double stroller stroller be easy to fold and store. The best models fold in one or two steps and are compact twin stroller enough to fit into most trunks. It's also a plus that the stroller can be used in a variety of ways with the option of adding another seat or a ride-along board. Some even have the capacity to hold infant car seats, meaning you don't need to wake up your baby to get them into the stroller when they're ready to head home.
A quality double stroller is also durable, so it can be used in different terrains. Some of them can be transformed into a jogging stoller with a special front wheel and others can be used as umbrella strollers. Some even have a cargo basket which can be attached to the rear of the stroller to carry groceries or shopping bags.
Another consideration is whether you'd like either a side-byside stroller or a tandem. Side-by-side strollers are typically wider than tandem models, and aren't easy to maneuver in tight spaces such as doorways and crowded grocery store aisles. They are convenient since they permit each child to view the same scene. They are also much easier to navigate in bad weather as they offer more protection from the elements.
Many parents decide to purchase a stroller that is convertible from single to double so that they can use it with a baby and later change to a regular double once their kiddos are older. After talking to parents we've learned it's best to buy what you need at the time, rather than trying to predict what your family may need in the future.
Stores
When looking for a double-stroller, you need to consider the amount of storage space available and the dimensions. A lot of models have large accessible baskets that can accommodate a lot of cargo. They also typically have several cup holders for parents as well as reversible seating configurations that offer the best legroom available for children. However, some of these features can be costly in cost therefore it is important to read reviews and descriptions carefully.
Most double strollers are classified as either tandem or side-by-side designs. Tandem strollers have two seats assembled on the same frame, and are generally better suited for older children who are already comfortable with sitting on their own. They also have a much larger storage basket than side-by-side models, though they can be a bit awkward or difficult to push when the front seat is fully reclined.
The side-byside stroller features two seats that are set side-by-side. They're usually best suited to infants or toddlers who aren't yet ready for sitting independently. They are also easier to push and maneuver than tandem strollers. They are more expensive, and they have smaller baskets.
There are also double strollers made specifically for biking or jogging. They're generally more expensive than all-terrain strollers and have fixed front wheels, which limit their mobility. These strollers are only worth considering if you intend to use them for these activities.
There's a double stroller for every scenario, whether you're buying one for twins or a child that's not quite ready to ride alone, or a child who's not quite old enough. Our top choices are easy to maneuver, versatile, stable and have seating that grows with your child's. So whether you're in search of a tandem stroller or one that can accommodate your infant car seat, check out our top picks to choose the perfect double stroller for your family.