How to Choose the Best Double Strollers
A double stroller makes life easier for parents with twins or children of different ages whether you're on an easy stroll or going for a morning jog. What are the best options to choose from the various choices available?
Our newest team member, Kerry, got her stroller's feet wet when she tried it out with this expandable model that allows you to change the seating configuration to suit different requirements.
Safety
Your stroller should be safe regardless of whether you're running errands with your children, going to the zoo or trick-or treating. That means an sturdy frame and comfortable harnesses that are suitable for children who sit down, and easy-to-grab handles for toddlers who stand. It should also be able to pass through doors, be simple to fold and move and be simple to move. It should also be reasonably priced.
Every double stroller we tested was put through rigorous testing in our laboratory at the zoo, and on city streets. We also took them out for family outings to suburban neighborhoods. Our lab tests evaluate the stroller's maneuverability, stability and ease of steering. We also test the comfort of the suspension for both the driver as well as the rider as well as the weight capacity, seat canopy heights, as well as the storage space.
In addition to the regular safety checks conducted by our stroller experts, we request parents to give feedback on their experiences with each model. We then consider all of that information when forming our recommendations.
Begin with our top choices if you're looking for a stroller that is safe and durable. These strollers are flexible and can be used with infant car seats. They are available in tandem or single stroller configurations, and they're suitable for children aged from birth to elementary school.
The best double strollers are designed to evolve with your family. They are sleek and stylish with a variety of designs and options, and can accommodate infants and toddlers by providing side-by-side or tandem (single file) seating. Many also have a large storage basket as well as a telescoping handlebar and one-handed folding mechanisms.
If you have twins or a child who is a similar age to their sibling, you should consider choosing a tandem stroller with an extra bench seat in the back that could be occupied by a third child. They're a great option for siblings who wish to get involved but aren't in a position to sit next to each other in a stroller with a side-byside feature which could result in them ending up arguing or fighting. There are also convertible models, which allow you to remove the bench seat of your child once they are ready to ride without a car seat.
Comfort
The best double strollers have comfortable child seats with plenty of padding and support. They also have plenty of storage, roomy footwells for children's feet and legroom, and UPF 50+ canopies that provide great sun protection. The seats should recline at a slight angle to keep children comfortable. They should also have calf bars that allow parents to adjust the position of each seat independently. Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician. She says that the handlebars must be ergonomic and easy to maneuver. The handlebars must be close enough to your child's seat that you can grab them and hold them. If the handlebars are far apart you'll have a difficult to maintain your balance and maintaining good form when pushing them.
The ride should be smooth even on rough or hard surfaces. Some of the models we tested have shock absorbers to keep the ride steady. Certain models come with front and back suspensions which increases control and reduces amount of force needed to push them. The wheels should have a long-lasting tread and made of high-quality rubber.
We searched for the most flexible double strollers that could be used from birth to toddlerhood and beyond. A few of the ones we came across can be set up as side-by-side or tandem strollers, and one of them, the Uppababy Vista v2, can even be converted into a single-file stroller suitable for infants. The model is three times as expensive as our main tandem choice however, its materials are more durable, and it will last longer.
The best double strollers will be lightweight and able to be maneuvered for long walks, trips to the zoo or the park as well as for running other errands. The double strollers are typically bigger than single strollers, and can be difficult to fit into narrow doorways or store aisles. Some of them are more expensive than single-seaters, but it's understandable because you get more for your budget. The models we recommend are suitable for adults and children alike and will develop with your family.
Convenience
If you're planning to invest in a double-stroller, it should be easy to carry and to store. Ideally, the stroller will be light and compact enough to fit into the trunk of your car, or the space at home. It should also be able navigate tough terrain and handle tight turns. The best double-strollers feature adjustable calf support, and seats that recline. They also offer UPF sun protection. The canopy should be wide enough to protect both kids and, if you're concerned about getting the sun into their eyes, opt for one with a peek-a-boo window.
The age and stage of your child can influence the type of stroller that's most suitable for your needs. Parents of twins could opt for a convertible stroller which can accommodate two infant car seats simultaneously, while families with a child who is older and a toddlers may prefer side-byside doubles. You'll have to decide if you'd like strollers that can go through narrow doorways and aisles of grocery stores or on airplanes.
In our Lab tests, we found that most double strollers are easy to fold and move. The majority of double strollers fold in one or two steps, and are compact enough to fit into the majority of compact cars. They're also designed to be sturdy when folded, which makes them easier to put back together.
Some of the top double strollers come with convenient parent features that include a single parent cup holder and a large storage basket. You'll want to consider if the stroller is locked on the front seat to prevent your kids from getting out in case they get bored. Some of the better strollers come with an adapter for carseats that is universal and can be transformed into an individual-seater model as your children grow.
The price of some of the most expensive double strollers is steep, but they typically have a higher build quality and resale value as compared to lower-end models. They are also easier to maneuver, and can withstand rough terrain like park trails or city walkways.
Style
If parents are in the market for a double stroller they're looking for more than just a way to transport their two kids. They want a light, maneuverable stroller with enough onboard storage and thoughtful features that allow it to grow with the kids--and be easy to push and navigate. Because they will be carrying more children, the stroller must be easy on their backs and shoulders.
This is why the top double strollers are sleek and allow for a variety of options for customization, and accommodate infant car seats for an effortless transition from toddler to baby. They are available in side-by-side or tandem (single-file seating) formats and can even be light enough to jog or travel.
In addition to the size parents should also think about whether the double stroller can be able to pass through doorways or other narrow spaces. Most of the models we tested for our most recent update can fit through doors that measure 36 inches wide.
Other aspects we take into consideration when evaluating the top double strollers are the speed and ease with which they fold and unfold, the size the cargo basket is, how padded the seats are, and how adjustable the canopy are. In double stroller with infant car seat , we examine how comfortable the seat straps and buckles are for seated children and how easy it is to reach and adjust the height of the handlebar.
Our top pick, Uppababy Vista V2, for instance, is light and offers plenty of storage space for both children. It has a cup for parents holder and recliners that can be adjusted individually. It also has an ample UPF 50+ canopy, with a windows that peek out. The seat's buckles and straps are cushioned and among the most comfortable we've test. We also found it to be the most simple seat for children to attach.
If you're not ready to buy a double stroller, Facebook Marketplace and other second-hand-goods websites can provide excellent used models in good condition for affordable prices. Make sure to do your research before committing to buying, examining for evidence of damage and looking for recalls that could be possible.