Double Stroller: What No One Is Talking About
How Easy Is It to Push and Fold a Double Stroller?
The right double stroller will allow you to move around regardless of whether you're walking your toddler or running with your twins. Finding a double stroller that can be folded and easy to push is crucial.
Our Lab experts recommend side-by-side models that have equal recline, ample storage space and car seat adapters that can fit infants.
Seating
The seating options you choose are important when you are shopping for a double stroller. You may want to think about a tandem stroller that allows one child to stand while the other one sits or a side-by- tandem option that allows your children to sit together.
The seating arrangement can affect your comfort when you're navigating the busy streets and sidewalks. Find strollers that have reclined seats with reclined footrests, large canopy covers to provide shade for two passengers. Also, avoid hanging bags on the handlebars since they can alter the stroller's weight and encourage tipping.
Double strollers of high-quality will also come with convenient storage compartments to store your essentials. Make sure you have compartments in the back of the seats or underneath the seats to keep toys, snacks and other necessities handy. Parents consoles and bags attached to the handles are also helpful for keeping essentials within reach during walks or outings.
For parents with children who are getting older, a stroller that is side-by-side could be the best choice. They're generally more stable than the stacking type and offer better views for both passengers. Some models can also accommodate two infant car seats which allows you to move your sleeping kids from the car to the stroller and not wake them up.
Parents with older kids who don't mind sitting separately or prefer a some independence may like a sit-and-stand model that allows an older child to get on the front of the stroller and ride along. This kind of double stroller generally isn't compatible with newborns and may require more maintenance as years pass by, but it's a great alternative for families who want the versatility of a single stroller that converts into a two-kid model.
The best double strollers are durable and easy to maneuver, even on rough terrain or in tight spaces. They're also lightweight and fold down for compact storage in your garage or trunk making them easy to transport and manage while traveling. Additionally, they have a sturdy construction to ensure the longevity and safety of your children, and they are compliant with the American Academy of Pediatricians' (AAP) guidelines for safety.
Canopy
A canopy protects both the passengers from the sunlight, and some models offer the option of a visor to protect children's faces. Our top-scoring canopy options were the BOB Revolution Flex v3.0 Duallie, and the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Dual. Both have giant shades. They both offer plenty of coverage and cover children from head to knee while inline models tend to cut corners on shade or provide a single canopy that only covers one seat, which is difficult for siblings who need different levels of protection.
Most of our top-rated canopys can be fitted onto strollers with ease. Check the dimensions of the canopy prior to purchasing, as some might require extra space to expand fully and avoid hitting the handles.
Some parents prefer double strollers with a bassinet or car seat adapters to allow them to have more options in the future. The UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double, for instance, has a toddler seat as well as an add-on RumbleSeat. This makes it a perfect option for families with twins or small children and require transport at the same time. This versatile stroller offers an unique sit-and-stand arrangement for older children who prefer to travel alone.
Other accessories that can help make your stroller more useful include parent consoles or organizer bags, which help keep things in reach. They're especially useful for strollers that aren't frequently used or when you want to store snacks and toys away from prying eyes. Some of these accessories can be secured with either a strap or snap making it easy to remove them once you're ready to put them on the stroller once more.
If you're looking to make an investment that will last for a long time, look for a double stroller that's compatible with infant car seats. It can also transform into a toddler stroller complete with the option of a bench seat or a glider board. The Graco RoomFor2 Travel System and the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Duallie both have an auto seat-compatible bassinet, toddler seat and RumbleSeat. Both can be converted into a triple stroller with the addition of a running board which is perfect for families that have an active child who is in motion.
Wheels
The type of wheels that a stroller comes with makes a difference in how easy it is to push. In general, larger wheels are easier for you to maneuver and are able to handle more terrain. The material used to make the wheels can also impact how easy or difficult they are to push. Rubber wheels, for instance are generally more durable and are able to withstand rougher surfaces than plastic wheels.
Stroller wheels come in various styles, sizes, and materials to suit a variety of needs and environments. Swivel wheels, for example can help to navigate tight corners and spaces. Fixed-wheels offer more stability and are ideal for smooth surfaces. If you are planning to use your stroller on rough terrain or off-road, air-filled tires are a better option over standard rubber tires. These tires are similar to bicycle tires, and absorb shocks for an easier ride.
Double strollers that are side by side are larger than tandem strollers and can be more difficult to maneuver through narrow doors or in crowded aisles. They offer your children the same amount of space to sit and let them stretch their legs. They're generally also easier to steer and maneuver than tandem strollers.
If you want to use your stroller for running or biking, look for a double jogger with special all-terrain or jogging tires. These tires are bigger and thicker, and Folding Stroller come with sealed ball bearings for an easier ride on rough surfaces. Certain models, such as the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double Stroller are compatible with car seats, which allow you to jog with your kids safely in their car seats.
Other all-terrain/jogging doubles, like the Valco Baby Tri Mode Duo X, accept an additional seat in front but are generally too heavy to be considered umbrella doubles. Also, in our testing the restraint buckles on this model were among the toughest to fasten, which can be a challenge when trying to get two children into the stroller at once. This stroller is expensive and costs a lot more than our main top-rated single-to-tandem model, but it comes with top-quality materials and a good selling value.
Stores
A well-designed double foldable stroller should have enough storage space to accommodate both parents and children. A lack of storage can make it difficult for parents to run errands and bring all the gear they need on a family day out. In our Lab tests the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double did excellently in this metric it has a large and easily accessible basket that can accommodate up to 30 pounds.
Strollers that have pockets or baby Strollers compartments can help families keep track of small items, like phones, keys and wallets. A parent console or organizer bag that is attached to the handlebars of the stroller can be a convenient option for parents to store their personal belongings when out with their children.
The UPPAbaby Vista has a large basket and can carry two infant car seats. (Not both bassinets, however.) It also features an adjustable telescoping bar as well as brakes that are easy to use. It also has the largest maximum weight rating in our line-up and a fold that fits the majority of door frames.
On the flip side, our testers found that the wagon-style Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite has an adjustable handlebar that is ideal for parents of various heights. The wagon has two UV screens that fold up to provide complete sun protection and its cup holders and snack tray can hold various bottles for kids and snacks.
A major challenge for anyone using a stroller is how to fold it up and return it to shape after usage, especially when you're carrying an infant and a toddler in tow. It's crucial to select a stroller that folds easily and quickly. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 and Evenflo Pivot Xpand both come with a simple, single-handed mechanism that allows parents to quickly and efficiently fold their strollers regardless of the configuration they're in.
Double strollers might seem like an expensive investment, but parents who plan to use it for a number of years will pay more than single strollers. It's also worth checking whether the stroller is able to be divided into pieces to make it easier to transport and store this is a vital factor if you're in a tight space for your vehicle or living space.