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. How do you choose from the many options available?
This expandable model allows you to modify the seating for different needs. Our newest member, Kerry, tested it out.
Safety
Your stroller should be safe, whether you're out on the town with your children, going to the zoo or trick-or treating. It's important to have a sturdy frame as well as comfortable harnesses that are easy to grab handle for toddlers. It should also to pass through doors, be easy to fold and move and be simple to move. It should also be reasonably priced.
Each double stroller 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 on family outings in suburban neighborhoods. Our lab tests assess the stroller's maneuverability and stability, and ease of steering. We also test the suspension comfort for both the driver and rider, the weight capacity, height of the canopy for the seat, and the storage space.
We solicit feedback from parents on each model in addition to the safety checks that are routinely performed by our team. We then consider all of that information when making recommendations.
Start with our top picks If you're in search of an excellent stroller that is sturdy and safe. These strollers are incredibly versatile and can be used with infant car seats. They come in tandem or single stroller configurations, and they're suitable for children aged from birth to elementary school.
The best double strollers will evolve with your family. They're stylish and sleek, support a variety of customizations and can accommodate toddlers and infants in a side-by-side or tandem (single-file) seating styles. Most also feature a spacious storage basket as well as a telescoping handlebar and one-handed folding mechanisms.
If you have twins or children who are similar age to their sibling, you should consider selecting a tandem stroller that has benches in the back that could be used by a third child. They're a great option for siblings who want to get involved however they may not be capable of sitting close to one another in a side-by-side stroller, where they could end with fighting or arguing. You can also find convertible models, which allow you to remove the bench seat for your child when they are at the point of riding without a car seat.
Comfort
The best double strollers come with comfortable child seats that are well-padded and supported. The top double strollers have ample storage space, spacious legroom and footwells for children, and UPF 50+ canopy which provides great sun protection. Seats should recline at an angle to ensure that children are comfortable. They should also include adjustable calf bar that let parents adjust the seat. Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician. She says that the handlebars need to be ergonomic and easy to maneuver. The handlebars should be close enough to your child's seat that you can grab them and hold them. If the handlebars are too separated, you'll have a hard time keeping your balance and retaining good posture when pushing them.
The ride should be smooth, even on rough or rocky surfaces. Some of the models we tested include shock absorbers to keep the ride stable. Others have both rear and front suspensions, which decrease the amount of force you need to push them and improve the control you have over them. The wheels should have a long-lasting tread and be made of premium rubber.
We scoured the internet for the most versatile double-strollers that could be used from the age of infancy to toddlerhood. Some of the double strollers we came across can be converted into tandem strollers or side-byside strollers. One of them, the Uppababy Vista V2, can even be converted into a single-file infant stroller. The model is three times more costly as our top tandem model however, its materials are more durable and it will last longer.
The best double strollers are lightweight and movable enough for long walks, errands, and trips to the park or zoo. Double strollers are generally larger than single strollers and may not fit into narrow aisles in stores or doors. Some models cost more than single-seat models, but that's understandable given that you're getting a much better value for your money. The models we recommend are comfortable for adults and children alike and will continue to expand with your family.
Convenience
If you're planning to invest the money for a double stroller, you'll want one that's easy to move and store. Ideally, the stroller will be light and compact enough to fit into the trunk of your car or in the space at home. It should also be able navigate through rough terrain and take tight turns. The best double-strollers feature adjustable calf supports, as well as seats that recline. They also offer UPF sun protection. The canopy should be big enough to cover two children. If you're concerned about the sun's rays getting into their eyes, choose the stroller with a peek-aboo window.
The age and stage of your child can influence the type of stroller that's most suitable for your needs. Parents with twins can opt for a convertible stroller that can hold two infant car seats simultaneously, while families with an older child and toddlers may prefer side-byside doubles. You'll also have to decide whether you want an infant stroller that can be pushed through narrow doorways or crowded aisles in grocery stores and is able to be used on planes.
In our Lab tests we found that most double strollers are easy to fold and transport. Most double strollers fold in one or two steps and are compact enough to fit into the majority of compact cars. They are also designed to be stable, making them easier to put back together.
Some of the best double strollers come with useful features for parents like a one-parent cup holder and a large storage basket. Consider whether the stroller comes with a lock for the front seat to prevent your child from escaping. double pram and pushchair come with an universal adapter for car seats that can be converted into a single seat when your child develops.
Some of the best double strollers are expensive, but they come with higher quality construction and better resale value than lower-end models. They're also easier to maneuver and can withstand rough terrains, such as urban sidewalks or parks.
Style
Parents shopping for a double stroller are looking for more than just a way to transport two children. They're looking for a stroller that's light that is easy to move and has enough storage to grow with their children. Also, since they'll carry more weight than the kids so the stroller must be easy on the back and shoulders.
The best double strollers are sleek and come with a variety of customizations. They can also accommodate infant car seats to ensure the smooth transition from baby to toddler. They can be used in tandem (single-file seating) as well as side-by-side. They are even lightweight enough to use for running.
In addition to size, one of the primary aspects to consider when parents are shopping for a double stroller is whether or not it will fit through doorways or other tight spaces. Most of the models that we evaluated for our latest version can be pushed through standard exterior doors which are 36 inches wide.
Other features we consider when reviewing the best double strollers are the speed and ease with which they fold and unfold, how big the cargo basket is, how cushioned the seats are and how adjustable the canopies are. We also consider how comfortable the buckles and seat straps are for children seated in the stroller, and how easy it would be to adjust the height of the handlebars.
Our top pick, Uppababy Vista V2, for instance, is a light-weight model and offers ample storage space for both children. It comes with a parent cup holders, reclined seats that can be reclined independently, and a large UPF 50+ canopies with windows that can be peekaboo. 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 aren't quite ready to buy a double stroller, Facebook Marketplace and second-hand-goods websites offer used products in good condition at reasonable cost. Make sure you do your homework and look for any signs of damage before purchasing.