What to Look For in a Double Stroller

The best double strollers grow with families and have thoughtful features to keep kids happy and comfortable. This includes adjustable foot rests as well as a smooth ride on trails, gravel and old sidewalks.

Kerry was delighted that the stroller arrived in multiple boxes, however everything was clearly labeled and simple to open. She also liked that the stroller can accept two infant car seats, and it can be paired with a riding board for older children.

Seating Options

Seating options are an important element in determining whether not a family will purchase a double stroller. You'll need to consider the age of your children, the relative sizes and seating arrangements you prefer.


Alli Cavasino is a senior editor for Consumer Reports. She says that if you're planning to buy a tandem stroller, it is best to think about one with child seats that are attached. This model doesn't require car seat adapters. These are typically wider than other types of double strollers, they won't fit into standard door frames in your home.

If your children are different age, you might be interested in a stroller that has two seats that can be transformed into a stand-and ride model. This will allow children to watch or ride with their siblings. These strollers are equipped to accommodate infant car seats when needed and are ideal for children aged three years apart.

You should also look at the type of seat material, explains Billingsley. Certain fabrics are more air-conditioned than others, and are easier to clean. It's also important to think about how easy it is to fold your stroller for stowing or transporting to and from your car. "Nothing is more frustrating than purchasing the perfect stroller, only finding it's too heavy to carry or too large for your trunk," she says.

If you're looking for a budget-friendly option that has multiple configurations take a look at this award-winning stroller from Summer Infant. It comes with two toddler seats as well as the bassinet. It can be expanded to a triple stroller by adding an additional seat or riding board. The seats recline, and have control mechanisms for the calf bar that allow them to adjust independently, which is perfect for when one child is looking to sleep while the other wants to observe their surroundings. When folded, it is compact and can fit easily into the majority of trunks.

Age Variations

Sit-and-stand strollers are the best option for families with children who are close in age. They offer comfort and ease of use. They have a seat in the front for toddlers or infants, and a bench, platform or another type of surface at the rear that lets older children stand up or get off and on. These strollers are great for older toddlers and children, but not for babies or children who do not yet have the coordination and balance to stand up on their own.

A narrow tandem stroller can help you keep your eyes on both children at the same time and get through narrow spaces like the aisles of the grocery store that are crowded or family photos in the park. These models are often narrower than double strollers with side-by-side designs and are generally easier to maneuver but they don't have the capacity to fit infant car seats and generally do not offer the same amount of storage under the carriage.

If you're planning to use a double stroller for the course of a few years, or even over a decade, it's worth buying one that will grow along with your children. twin stroller are generally more expensive than single strollers, but when you pick the right one first time around, it can save you money over the course of time.

Our testers tested each stroller in an assortment of maneuverability tests as well as off-road excursions. They found them easy to navigate on various terrains. If you intend to use it in cities or areas where sidewalks and traffic are prone to bumps, you might want something that is more durable and robust capable of handling rough treatment.

Double strollers are designed to last, but the seats can be worn out earlier than you think or your children might outgrow them before they're ready for retirement. If you're looking for a bargain, consider getting a model that has been evaluated for at least four years and is designed to last as long as possible.

Ease of Use

It is essential to ensure that the double stroller is easy to use by both children. This means comfortable harnesses for seated kids and handles that are easy to grasp for toddlers who stand. The stroller can also be easily rolled around and maneuvered through tight spaces. In fact the top-rated strollers from our Lab tests -- such as the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie and Thule Urban Glide 2 Double--are among the easiest to push.

It's also crucial that a double stroller is easy to fold and put away. The best models fold in two or three steps and are compact enough to fit in most trunks. It's also a benefit to add a second seat or a ride-along stroller. Some can even hold infant car seats, meaning you don't need to wake your baby to get them into their stroller when they're ready to go home.

A good double stroller is also durable, so it can be used in different kinds of terrains. For example, some can be converted to an jogging stroller that has an adapted front wheel and some can also be used as an umbrella stroller. Some strollers have a cargo bag that can be attached at the back to carry shopping bags and groceries.

Another consideration is whether you'd prefer a side-by-side stroller or a tandem. Side-by-side strollers tend to be wider than tandems, and can be difficult to navigate narrow spaces like entrances or aisles that are crowded in grocery stores. They are convenient since they permit each child to enjoy the same view. They are also easier to navigate in rough weather because they offer more protection from the elements for both kids.

Many parents decide to purchase a stroller that can be converted from single to double, to use it with a baby and then switch to a regular double when their kiddos are older. However, after talking to parents we've learned that it's best to purchase what you need now, rather than trying to anticipate what your family may need in the near future.

Storage

When you're looking for a double-stroller, you need to take into consideration the amount of storage available and the dimensions. Many models come with large, easy-to-access baskets that hold a lot of cargo. They also typically have numerous cup holders for parents and convertible seating arrangements that provide best-in-class legroom for children. However, certain features can be costly in price, so it's important to read descriptions and reviews carefully.

The majority of double strollers can be classified as tandem or side by side designs. Tandem strollers have two seats on one frame and are for older children who can stand unaided. They also typically have a larger storage basket than side-byside models, however some are difficult or awkward to push when the front seat is fully reclined.

Side-byside strollers have two distinct seats positioned side by side and are typically for infants or toddlers who aren't yet able to master independent sitting yet. They are also more maneuverable and easy to push than tandem strollers. They may be more expensive, and they have smaller baskets.

There are also double strollers that are designed specifically for biking or jogging. They are more expensive than the standard all-terrain strollers, and they usually have fixed front wheels that restrict their mobility. These strollers are worth considering if you plan to use them for these kinds of activities.

There's a double stroller to suit every situation regardless of whether you're purchasing one for twins, a child who's not quite ready to take a ride by themselves or not quite old enough. Our top choices are easy to maneuver, versatile, stable and have seating that grows with your child. Take a look at our top choices for the top double stroller that will meet your family's needs regardless of whether you are seeking a tandem stroller or one that accommodates your infant car seat.