How to Choose the Best Double Strollers
Whether you're out for a leisurely stroll or tackling your morning jog with your children, a double stroller will make life with twins or two kids of different ages much easier. But with the many options available which one to pick? the most appropriate one for your family?
This model expands to allow you to modify the seating to meet different requirements. Our latest member, Kerry, tested it out.
Safety
Your stroller should be safe no matter if you're out running the town with your kids, going to the zoo or trick-or-treating. It's crucial to have a sturdy frame as well as comfortable harnesses that are easy to grab handle for toddlers. It also needs to be able to fit through doors and be easy to maneuver and fold. It must also be affordable.
We put each double stroller we reviewed through vigorous testing in our lab, at the zoo, on city streets, and during family outings in suburban areas. Our lab tests test the stroller's maneuverability, stability, and ease of steering. We also test the comfort of the suspension for both the driver and the rider and the capacity for weight, height of the canopy for the seat, and the storage space.
In addition to the standard security checks carried out by our stroller experts, we ask parents to provide feedback on their experiences with each model. Then, we take the information into consideration when making our recommendations.
Begin with our top choices to help you find an excellent stroller that is safe and durable. These strollers are versatile and offer a variety of seating options for infant car seats. They can be used as an individual stroller or in tandem and are suitable for children from birth through elementary school.
The best double strollers are designed to expand with your family. They are stylish and sleek and offer a variety of designs and options, and can be used by infants and toddlers with side-by-side seating or tandem (single file) seating. Many also come with large storage baskets and a handlebar that can be adjusted telescopically, and one-handed folding mechanisms.
Consider a tandem stroller that has a bench seat at the back for a third child if you have twins or a child who is similar in age. These tandem strollers are great for siblings who wish to be together, but may not be able sit side-by-side in a standard stroller. They could be fighting or arguing. You can also find convertible models, which allow you to remove a bench seat for your child when they are at the point of riding without a car seat.
Comfort
The best double strollers feature comfortable child seats that are well-padded and well-supported. The best double strollers come with plenty of storage, spacious legs and footwells for children, and UPF 50+ canopy which provides fantastic sun protection. The seats should recline at a slight angle to ensure children are at ease, and they should include calf bars that allow parents to adjust the height of each seat individually. Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician. She suggests that the handlebars must be ergonomic and easy-to-maneuver. The handlebars must be close enough to the kiddos' seats that you can reach them and hold on to them. If the handlebars on the stroller are not close enough it will be a challenge to keep your balance and maintain good posture when pushing them.
The ride should be smooth, even on rough or rough surfaces. Some of the models that we test had shock absorbers to keep the ride stable. Certain models come with front and back suspension which increases control and reduces force required to push them. The wheels should be made of high-quality rubber with robust tread that can withstand many years of wear and tear.
double buggy with car seat searched for the most flexible double strollers that could be used from birth through toddlerhood and beyond. Some of the models we came across can be set up as side-by-side or tandem strollers, and one of them that we found, the Uppababy Vista v2, can even be converted into a single-file stroller designed for infants. This model is three times more costly as our top tandem choice however, its materials are more durable and it will last longer.
The best double strollers are lightweight and easy to maneuver for long walks, errands, and trips to the zoo or park. They're generally larger than single strollers, so they may not be able to pass through narrow doors or store aisles that are crowded. Some of them cost more than single-seaters, but it's understandable because you get a lot more for your budget. These models are appropriate for adults and children and will grow with your family.
Convenience
If you're going to invest money in a double-stroller, it should be easy to push and put away. The ideal stroller will be light and compact enough to fit into the trunk of your car or in the space at home. It should be able to maneuver rough terrain and take precise turns. Some of the most reliable double strollers come with adjustable calf supports and seats that recline, and offer UPF sun protection. The canopy should be big enough to protect both kids and, if you're concerned about getting the sun in their eyes, opt for one with a peek-a-boo window.
The stage and age of your children will determine what kind of stroller you'll require. For example, parents of twins may choose a convertible stroller that can hold two infant car seats at the same time or families with an older child and a toddler might prefer a side-by-side double. It is also important to determine whether you want a stroller that can fit through narrow doors or in crowded aisles of the grocery store and can be used on airplanes.
In our Lab tests, we found that the best double strollers are fairly easy to fold and carry. Most double strollers fold in one or two steps and are small enough to fit in the majority of cars that are compact. They're also designed to be sturdy when folded, which makes them much easier to put back together.
The best double strollers come with convenient parent features like cups holder for one parent and a big storage basket. Be sure to check if the stroller is equipped with locks on the front seat to stop your child from escaping. Some of the better strollers include an adapter for car seats that is universal and can be converted to one-seaters as your children get older.
The cost of some of the best double strollers can be a bit high, but they generally have a higher build quality and resale value than lower-end models. They are also easier to maneuver, and can withstand rough terrain, such as city walkways or park trails.
Style
When parents are looking for a double stroller, they're looking for more than just a way to transport their two kids. They want a lightweight stroller that can be maneuvered with ample storage on the board and thoughtful features that allow it to grow with the kids--and be easy to push and maneuver. Also, since they'll carry more weight than their peers and their strollers, they should be comfortable for the back and shoulders.
This is why the top double strollers are sleek, support a wide range of options for customization, and be adapted to infant car seats for an easy transition from baby to toddler. They can be used in tandem (single-file seating), side-by-side, and even light enough for jogging.
In addition to size, one of the most important factors to consider for parents looking for a double stroller is whether or not it will fit through doorways or other small spaces. Fortunately, most of the models we tested in our latest update can clear the standard doors for exterior use that are 36 inches wide. Moreover, most can accommodate interior doors that range from 28 to 35 inches wide.
When evaluating the top double strollers, we also consider how easily they fold and unfold. We also take a look at how comfortable the seats and canopy are. We also think about how comfortable the buckles and seat straps are for children who sit in the stroller, and how easy it is to adjust the handlebar height.
For instance, our top choice is the Uppababy Vista V2, is light and has plenty of onboard storage for both children. It comes with a cup for parents holder and recliners that can be adjusted independently. It also has an ample UPF 50+ canopy with windows that peek out. Its cushioned seat straps and buckles are among the most comfortable we have found in our tests, and we found the seat to be one of the most simple to secure for children of all ages.
If you're not ready to purchase a double stroller, Facebook Marketplace and other secondhand-goods sites can often offer good-condition used options for reasonable prices. Do your research and look for signs of damage before purchasing.