Double Stroller: The Good The Bad And The Ugly

What to Look For in a Double Stroller

The best double strollers develop with families and offer thoughtful features to keep kids comfortable and happy. This includes adjustable foot rests as well as an easy stroll on trails, gravel and old sidewalks.

Kerry was delighted that the stroller arrived in multiple boxes, however everything was clearly labeled and simple to open. She also liked that the stroller can accommodate two infant car seats and it can be paired with a ride-board for older children.

Seating Options

When it comes to double strollers, seating options are what determines the success or failure of the purchase of many families. You'll need to consider the ages of your children, their respective sizes, and the seating arrangements that are most suitable for your needs.

Alli Cavasino is a senior editor for Consumer Reports. She says that if you're planning to buy a tandem stroller, you should consider one with children's seats that are connected. This model does not require car seat adapters. They are generally larger than other types of double strollers, they might not pass through door frames that are standard within your home.

If your children are different age, you might be interested in a stroller with two seats that can be turned into a stand-and-ride model. This will allow children to watch or ride along with their siblings. These types of strollers can also be adapted to fit infant car seats, in the event that they are needed and are a great option for children who will be three to five years apart, according to Billingsley.

You'll also want to look at the type of seat material, according to Billingsley. Certain fabrics are more air-conditioned than others, and are easier to clean. You should also consider how easy it will be to fold down your stroller for storage or transport to and from your vehicle. "There's nothing more frustrating than purchasing your dream stroller only to discover that it's too heavy or bulky for your trunk," says the expert.

If you're looking for a budget-friendly option that can accommodate various seating options take a look at this award-winning model from Summer Infant that comes with two toddler seats, a bassinet attachment and can be made into a triple stroller, with an additional seat or riding board. The seats recline and have calf bar controls to adjust independently, which is ideal for when one child is looking to sleep while the other one wants to observe their surroundings. It's also compact when folded and easily fits into the majority of trunks.

Age ranges

Sit-and-stand strollers are a great option for families with children who are close in terms of age. They provide the comfort and convenience. They typically come with a seat for an infant or toddler in the front, and a platform or bench that allows an older child to stand or hop on and off in the back. They are great for big toddlers and preschoolers, but don't be suitable for infants or children who don't have the balance and coordination to stand on their own.

A narrow tandem stroller allows you to keep both children in sight at the same time, and also fit through tight spaces like aisles at the supermarket or for family photos at the parks. These strollers are typically smaller than double strollers that are side-by-side and tend to maneuver easier however they aren't able to accommodate carseats for infants and generally do not offer as much undercarriage storage.

If you plan to use a double stroller for several years--or even longer than a decade, it's worth investing in an option that will adapt to your children's needs. Double strollers are typically more expensive than single strollers, however If you choose the right one the first time it could help you save money over time.

Our testers ran each of these strollers through a series of maneuverability tests and off-road adventures, and they found them to be simple to navigate over different terrains. However, if you're planning to use it in urban zones where sidewalks and traffic can be bumpy, you might want something stronger and more durable to withstand the rough treatment.

A lot of double strollers are made to last a long time, but you could find that the seats get more worn than you expected or your children outgrow it before it's time to retire. If you are on the tightest budget, go for an option with a warranty of at minimum four years. It should last as long as is possible.

User-Friendliness

It's crucial to ensure that the Double Stroller With Reversible Handle stroller is simple to use by both children. That means comfortable harnesses for children who sit and handles that are easy to grasp for toddlers who stand. This also means that the stroller rolls effortlessly, and is able to be maneuvered through tight spaces and around obstacles. The top-rated strollers from our Lab tests, like the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie or Thule Urban Glide 2 Double are among the easiest to move around.

A double stroller should be easy to fold and put away. The most compact double stroller efficient models fold in two or three steps and are compact enough to fit into most trunks. It's an advantage if you can include a second chair or a ride-along stroller. Some can even hold infant car seats, meaning you don't need to wake your baby to transfer 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 various types of terrain. For example, some can be converted into a jogging stroller with a front wheel that is specially designed, and some are able to be used as an umbrella stroller. Some strollers come with a cargo bag that can be attached to the back of the stroller to carry shopping bags and groceries.

A tandem or side-by-side is another option to consider. Side-by-side models are usually wider than tandems, and may be difficult to navigate through tight spaces such as entrances or aisles that are crowded in grocery stores. However, they provide the convenience of allowing both children to see the same scene. They can also be easier to navigate in a storm, as they provide more protection from the elements for both kids.

Many parents opt to buy a lightweight twin stroller that is convertible from single to double pushchair to double to use it for a newborn and then switch to a regular double when their children are older. However, after talking to parents we've learned that it's best to purchase what you need at the time instead of trying to predict what your family will require in the future.

Stores

If you're looking for a double stroller, you might need to think about the size and quantity of storage space. Many models have spacious accessible baskets that can hold lots of cargo. Many models also feature several cup holders for parents, as well as reversible seat configurations to provide the best legroom for children. However, some of these features can be costly in price and it's crucial to read the descriptions and reviews carefully.

The majority of double strollers can be classified into tandem or side by side designs. Tandem strollers come with two seats on the same frame and are generally better suited for older babies who are already comfortable with sitting without assistance. They tend to have larger storage baskets than side-by-side models. However, some can be difficult to push with the front seat fully reclined.

The side-by-side stroller has two separate seats that are placed side-by-side. They're typically better suited for younger babies or toddlers who aren't yet comfortable with independent sitting. They also have the benefit of being more easy to maneuver and pushing than tandem strollers. However, they tend to have smaller storage baskets than tandem strollers and may be more expensive.

There are also double strollers designed specifically for jogging or biking. They are generally more expensive than all-terrain strollers, and have fixed front wheels which restrict their mobility. It is worth looking into them only if you intend to use them for these activities.

Whether you're shopping for twins or a baby and an older toddler, or a child who's not yet ready to walk on their own, there's a perfect double stroller available. The top choices in our tests are versatile and stable. They're also easy to navigate with seating that expands as your kids do. Check out our top picks for the top double stroller that will accommodate your family regardless of whether you are searching for a tandem or one that can accommodate your infant car seat.