How to Choose the Best Double Strollers
A double stroller can make things easier for parents of twins or children of different ages, whether you're on an easy stroll or going for a run in the morning. There are numerous options available which one to pick? the best one for your family?
Our latest team member, Kerry, got her stroller testing feet wet with this expandable model that allows you to change the seating configuration for different requirements.
Safety
Your stroller should be safe, whether you're out on errands with your children, going to the zoo or trick-or treating. That means a sturdy frame and comfortable harnesses for children who sit down, and easy-to-grab handles for toddlers who stand. It must also be able to pass through doors and be easy to move and fold. It must also be affordable.
Each double stroller that we tested was put through rigorous testing in our laboratory at the zoo, in our lab and on streets in the city. We also took them for family outings to suburban neighborhoods. Our lab tests assess the stroller's maneuverability, stability and ease of steering. We also test the suspension comfort for both the driver and rider as well as the capacity for weight, height of the canopy for the seat, and the storage space.
We ask parents for feedback on each model, in addition to the standard safety check performed by our team. We then take into account all of the information provided when forming our recommendations.
Start with our top picks if you're looking for a stroller that is secure and durable. These strollers are incredibly versatile and can be used for infant car seats. They come in tandem or single stroller designs, and are suitable for children aged from birth to elementary school.
The top double strollers are made to grow with your family. They are stylish and sleek with a variety of options for customization and can accommodate infants and toddlers with side-by-side seating or tandem (single file) seating. Some also have large storage baskets and a handlebar that can be adjusted telescopically, and one-handed fold mechanisms.
Consider a tandem stroller that comes with benches at the back to accommodate a third child if you have twins, or a child of similar age. These strollers are a great choice for siblings who wish to get together, but not be able sit side-by-side in a standard stroller. They may end up fighting or arguing. There are convertible models that permit you to take off the bench seat when your children are ready to go for an excursion without a car seat.
Comfort
The best double strollers come with comfortable child seats that are well-padded and bolstered. They also come with plenty of storage space, large footwells that can accommodate children's feet and legroom, and UPF 50+ canopy which offer great sun protection. The seats should recline at a slight angle to ensure that children are at ease, and they should include calf bars that allow parents to alter the position of each seat individually. Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician. tandem double stroller suggests that the handlebars must be ergonomic and easy to maneuver. The handlebars should be close enough to your child's seat that you can grasp them and hold them. If the handlebars are too separated you'll have a difficult in keeping your balance and retaining good posture when pushing them.
The ride should be smooth, even on rocky or uneven surfaces. Some of the models that we tested had shock absorbers to keep the ride steady. Some models have front and back suspension which improves control and reduces the amount of force needed to push them. The wheels must be made of high-quality rubber with sturdy tread that is able to withstand plenty of wear and tear.
We looked for the most versatile double strollers that could be used from birth until toddlerhood and beyond. A couple of the ones we found can be configured as side-by-side or tandem strollers and one, the Uppababy Vista v2, can even be transformed into a single-file stroller suitable for infants. The model is three times more than our standard tandem choice however it's of better quality and will last longer because of its durable materials.
The best double strollers are lightweight and maneuverable enough to use for long walks, errands, and trips to the park or zoo. They're typically wider than single strollers, which means they may not be able to fit through narrow entrances or in crowded aisles of stores. Some are more expensive than single-seaters. This is reasonable since you get a lot more for your budget. The models we recommend are suitable for kids and adults alike and will continue to develop with your family.
Convenience
If you're going to spend the money to buy a double stroller, you'll want one that's convenient to push and store. The stroller should be lightweight and easily fit into the trunk of your car or at home. It must also be able to traverse rough terrain and make tight turns. Some of the best double strollers come with adjustable calf supports, and seats that recline, and offer UPF sun protection. The canopy should be big enough to accommodate both children, and if you're worried about getting the sun in their eyes, choose one with a peek-aboo window.
The stage and age of your children will determine the kind of stroller you'll require. For instance, parents of twins may choose an convertible stroller that accommodates two infant car seats at once, while parents with an older child and a toddler may prefer a side-byside double. You'll have to decide if you'd like an infant stroller that fits through narrow entrances, grocery store aisles or on planes.
In our Lab tests, we found that the top double strollers are fairly easy to fold and carry. The majority of double strollers fold in a matter of one or two steps and are compact enough to fit into the majority of compact cars. They're also designed to be stable when folded, making them easier to put back together.
Some of the top double-strollers include convenient features for parents, such as a cup holder for one parent and a big storage basket. Be sure to check if the stroller is equipped with a lock for the front seat to prevent your child from climbing out. Some strollers have a universal adapter for car seats and can be converted to a single seat when your child grows.
The cost of some of the top double strollers is a bit steep, but they typically have a higher build quality and resale value as compared to cheaper models. They are also easier to maneuver, and can handle rough terrain such as city walkways or park trails.
Style
Parents who are looking for a double stroller want more than just a means to transport two kids. They want a lightweight, maneuverable stroller with enough onboard storage and thoughtful features that allow it to grow with the kids--and be easy for them to push and maneuver. Since they'll likely to be carrying more weight than the kids and their strollers, they should be comfortable for the back and shoulders.
This is why the best double strollers are sleek, offer a variety of customizations, and can accommodate infant car seats for a seamless transition from baby to toddler. They are available in side-by-side or tandem (single-file seating) designs and can be light enough for jogging or for travel.
In addition to size parents must also consider whether the double stroller will fit through doorways or other tight spaces. Most of the models we tested for our latest update are able to fit through doors for exterior use that are 36 inches wide.
When evaluating the top double strollers, we also consider how easily they fold and unfold. We also consider how comfortable the seats and canopies are. In addition, we take a look at how comfortable the seat straps and buckles are for seated children and how easy to access and adjust the height of the handlebar.
For instance, our top choice is the Uppababy Vista V2, is light and has plenty of onboard storage for both children. It has a cup for parents holder, seats that recline independently, and a large UPF 50+ canopy that has windows that can be peekaboo. The padded straps for the seat and buckles are among the most comfortable in our tests, and we found the seat to be one of the easiest to secure for children of all different ages.
If you're not ready to purchase a double stroller, Facebook Marketplace and other secondhand-goods sites can often offer quality used items in good condition at affordable costs. Just make sure to do your research before you buy to a purchase, looking for indications of damage and checking up possible recalls.