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 run in the morning. But with the many options available, how do you choose the right one for your family?
This expandable model lets you to adjust the seating to meet different requirements. Our newest member, Kerry, tested it out.
Safety
Your stroller should be safe, whether you're out on the town with your kids, going to the zoo or trick-or treating. It's crucial to have sturdy frames, comfortable harnesses and easy-to-grab handles for toddlers. It should also be able to fit through doors, simple to fold and move and easy to move. It must also be affordable.
Each double stroller that we tested went through rigorous testing in our lab at the zoo, in our lab and on streets in cities. We also took them for family outings to suburban areas. Our lab tests evaluate the stroller's maneuverability and stability, ease of steering and handling, suspension comfort for the rider and the driver, capacity for weight as well as the height of the canopy on the seat and storage space.
most compact double stroller pushchairsandprams ask parents to provide feedback on each model in addition to the standard safety check performed by our team. We then take into account all of that information when forming our recommendations.
Start with our top picks to help you find an excellent stroller that's safe and durable. These versatile strollers offer multiple seating configurations to accommodate infant car seats, can be used as a single stroller or tandem and are suitable for children ranging from birth to elementary school.
The best double strollers are designed to expand with your family. They are sleek and stylish, offer a range of options for customization and can accommodate infants as well as toddlers with side-byside seating or tandem (single file) seating. Most also feature a spacious storage basket as well as a telescoping handlebar and one-handed folding mechanisms.
If you have twins or an infant who is similar age to their sibling, you should consider selecting a tandem stroller that has a bench seat in the back that can be used by a 3rd child. These strollers are ideal for siblings who would like to get together, but not be able to sit side-by-side in a standard stroller. They could be fighting or arguing. There are also convertible models that permit you to take off the bench seat once your children are ready for the ride without a car seat.
Comfort
The best double strollers feature comfortable child seats that are well-padded and bolstered. They also have plenty of storage space, spacious footwells for children's feet and legs, and UPF 50+ canopies which offer great sun protection. Seats should recline at an angle to ensure that children are comfortable. They should also come with adjustable calf bar that let parents adjust each seat. The handlebars should be comfortable and easy to move, says Alli Cavasino, a certified child passenger safety technician. The handlebars should be close enough to the children's seats that you can reach them and grasp them. If the handlebars on the stroller are not close enough it will be difficult to maintain your balance and good form when pushing them.
The ride should be smooth even on rough or hard surfaces. Some of the models we test had shock absorbers to ensure that the ride is stable. Certain models come with front and back suspension which enhances control and reduces the force required to push them. The wheels must have a long-lasting tread and made of premium rubber.
We searched for the most flexible double strollers that can be used from birth through toddlerhood and beyond. Some of the double strollers we found are convertible to tandem or side-by-side strollers. One of them is the Uppababy Vista V2, can even be converted into one-file infant strollers. This model is priced three times more than our standard tandem choice however it's of better quality and will last longer due to its sturdy materials.
The best double strollers will be lightweight and able to be maneuvered for long walks or trips to the zoo or park and for shopping trips. They're generally larger than single strollers, which means they won't fit through narrow doorways or crowded store aisles. Some are also priced more than their single-seat counterparts however it's reasonable since you're getting lot more value for your budget. These models are suitable for children and adults, and will grow with your family.
Convenience
If you're going to spend money on double-strollers, they should be easy to move and to store. The stroller should be light and easily fit in the trunk of your car or at home. It should be able to maneuver rough terrain and make precise turns. Some of the best double strollers come with adjustable calf support, as well as seats that recline, and offer UPF sun protection. The canopy should be large enough to accommodate both children, and if you're worried about getting the sun into their eyes, opt for one with a peek-aboo window.
The age and stage of your children will determine the type stroller you need. For example, parents of twins might opt for an convertible stroller that accommodates two infant car seats at once, while families with an older child and a toddler may prefer a double that is side-by-side. You'll have to decide if you'd like a stroller which can fit through narrow doors and aisles of grocery stores or even on planes.
In our Lab tests, we found that the best double strollers are fairly easy to fold and carry. They usually have a singleor two-step procedure, and they're small enough to fit into the majority of cars that are compact. They are also designed to be sturdy, making them easier to assemble.
Some of the top double-strollers include convenient features for parents, such as cups holder for one parent as well as a huge storage basket. Be sure to check if the stroller is equipped with a lock on the front seat to stop your child from climbing out. Some strollers come with an universal adapter that fits car seats and can be converted into a single seat as your child develops.
The price tag on some of the best double strollers is steep, but they typically have a higher build quality and resale value as compared to less expensive models. They're also more maneuverable and can handle tough terrain, such as park trails or city sidewalks.
Style
Parents who are looking for a double stroller are looking for more than just a way to carry two children. They're looking for a light stroller that is able to move with ease, has ample storage on the board and thoughtful features to grow with the kids--and be simple to push and navigate. Because they will be carrying more than the children, the stroller must be comfortable on their backs and shoulders.
That's why the best double strollers are sleek, allow for a variety of designs, and accommodate infant car seats to ensure an easy transition from toddler to baby. They're available in side by side or tandem (single-file seating) designs and can be light enough to jog or for travel.
In addition to size parents must also consider whether the double stroller will be able to pass through doorways or other tight spaces. Most of the models that we evaluated for our latest update are able to fit through doors for exterior use that measure 36 inches wide.
Other features we consider when reviewing the best double strollers are the speed and ease with which they fold and unfold, the size the cargo basket is, how cushioned the seats are and how adjustable the canopy are. We also examine how comfortable the seat straps and buckles are for seated children, and how easy it is to access and adjust the height of the handlebar.
For instance, our top choice, the Uppababy Vista V2, is lightweight and has ample onboard storage for both children. It comes with a parent cup holder, seats that recline independently, and a large UPF 50+ canopies with peekaboo windows. 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 most simple to secure for children of all age groups.
If you're not ready to purchase a double stroller yet, Facebook Marketplace and second-hand-goods websites can offer used options in good condition for reasonable prices. Just make sure to do your research before committing to buying, examining for indications of damage and checking for recalls that could be possible.