What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The best double strollers are designed to adapt to the needs of your family. They include thoughtful features that keep children at ease and happy. The best double strollers come with adjustable footrests and smooth riding on old sidewalks, gravel and trails.
Kerry was thrilled that the stroller was packaged in multiple boxes, but everything was clearly labeled and easy to open. She also appreciated 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 infant strollers strollers, the seating options are what makes or breaks the purchase of many families. You'll have to think about the age of your children, the relative sizes of them and the seating arrangements you like.
For instance, if have children of similar age and will be sitting side-by-side, consider a tandem model that has child seats linked to one another and does not require car seat adapters, says Alli Cavasino who is a senior editor at Consumer Reports. These double strollers are typically larger than other double strollers. They might not fit through the standard doors of your home.
If your children are a different age, you may be interested in a stroller with two seats that can be transformed into a stand-and ride model. This will allow children to observe or ride along with their siblings. These types of in-line strollers can also be adapted to fit infant car seats, in the event that they are needed, and are a good choice for children who'll be 3-5 years apart, says Billingsley.
You'll also need to take a look at the seat material, says Billingsley. Some are more breathable than others and are more easy to clean. You should also think about how easy it is to fold your stroller to store it or for transporting it to and from your car. "Nothing is more frustrating than purchasing your dream stroller, but finding it's too heavy to lift or too large for your trunk," she says.
If you are seeking a low-cost alternative that can be configured in a variety of ways, then check out this award-winning stroller from Summer Infant. It features two toddler seats and the bassinet. It can be converted into a triple stroller adding a third seat or a riding board. The seats recline and have the calf bar controls that can be adjusted independently, which is ideal for when one child is looking to rest while the other wants to take in the surroundings. It's also compact when folded and easily fits into most trunks.
Age ranges
For families with kids who are close in age, a sit and stand stroller is the perfect combination of comfort for both children and user-friendliness. They typically come with a seat for an infant or toddler in front and a platform or bench that lets an older child stand or take a ride in the back. These strollers are great for older children and toddlers, but not for babies or children who do have the balance and coordination to stand on their own.
A narrow tandem stroller can help you keep an eye on both kids at the same time and get through tight spots like busy aisles in the grocery store or family photos in the park. These models are smaller and more maneuverable than side-byside double strollers however they don't offer as much storage space under the carriage, and they're not able to fit an the infant car seat.
If you are planning to use a double stroller for many years, or even for a decade, you should consider buying one that will grow along with your children. Double strollers are more expensive than single strollers however, if you choose them correctly, you can save money in the long run.
Our test participants put each of these strollers through a series of maneuverability tests and off-road excursions, and they found them to be easy to maneuver over various terrains. But if you're planning to be using it in urban zones where sidewalks and traffic can be bumpy, you might want something stronger and more durable that can handle the rough treatment.
stokke double stroller strollers are made to last, however the seats may get worn out faster than you think or your kids may outgrow them before they're ready to retire. If you're on a budget, consider getting a model that has been tested for at least 4 years and is designed to last for as long as possible.
Ease of Use
It's crucial to ensure that the double stroller is simple to use by both children. This means comfortable harnesses for kids who are seated and handles that are easy to grasp for toddlers who stand. The stroller can also be easily rolled 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--are among the most easy to push.
It's also important that a double stroller is easy to fold and put away. The most efficient models fold in two or three steps and are small enough to fit in the majority of trunks. It's also beneficial if the stroller is versatile and has the option of adding another seat or a ride-along board. Some strollers can also hold infant car seats, meaning you don't have to wake your baby up to move them into the stroller when it's time to go home.
Furthermore, a quality double stroller should be sturdy to be able to be used on different types of terrain. Some are able to be converted into a jogging stoller with a specific front wheel and some can also be used as umbrella strollers. Some strollers have a cargo bag that can be tacked 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 strollers tend to be wider than tandems, and can be difficult to navigate through tight spaces such as the aisles of doors or grocery stores. They do offer the convenience of allowing every child to enjoy the same view. They can also be more easy to navigate in a storm as they provide greater coverage from the elements for both kids.
Many parents decide to purchase an adaptable single-to-double stroller, so that they can use it with a baby and later change to a regular
stokke double stroller when their kids are older. After speaking with parents, it became clear that it is better to buy the items you require now rather instead of trying to anticipate what you will require in the near future.
Storage
When looking for a double-stroller, you need to take into consideration the amount of storage and the dimensions. Many models come with spacious, easy-to-access baskets that can store a large amount of items. They often also have numerous cup holders for parents and convertible seating arrangements that provide the best legroom available for children. However, some of these features can increase in cost therefore it is important to read descriptions and reviews carefully.
The majority of double strollers can be classified as tandem or side by side designs. Tandem strollers are two seats in one frame and are for older children who are able to
sit and stand double stroller without assistance. They tend to have larger storage baskets than side-byside models. However, some models can be difficult to push with the front seat fully reclined.
Side-by-side strollers come with two separate seats that are positioned side-by-side and are generally for babies and toddlers who haven't mastered independent sitting. They also have the added 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 made specifically for jogging or biking. They are more expensive than standard all-terrain strollers and often come with fixed front wheels that restrict their mobility. It is worth looking into them only if you intend to use them for such 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. Our top picks are simple to maneuver, adaptable and stable, with seating that can grow with your child. So whether you're looking for a tandem stroller or one that can accommodate your infant car seat, take a look at our top picks to choose the ideal double stroller for your family.