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 a leisurely walk or going for a run in the morning. How do you choose from the numerous options available?
Our new team member, Kerry, got her stroller's feet wet when she tried it out with this expandable model that allows you to alter the seating configuration to suit different requirements.
Safety
Your stroller should be safe, whether you're out on the town with your kids, going to the zoo, or going trick-or-treating. It should have a sturdy frame and comfortable harnesses for kids who sit down, and easy-to-grab handles for toddlers who stand. It also needs to be able to pass through doors and be easy to maneuver and fold. It must also be affordable.
We put each
double push chair stroller we reviewed through rigorous testing in our lab at the Zoo, on city streets, and during family outings in suburban neighborhoods. Our lab tests test the stroller's maneuverability and stability, and ease of steering. We also test the comfort of the suspension for both the driver and the rider, the weight capacity, seat canopy heights, as well as the storage space.
In addition to the regular safety checks conducted by our team of stroller experts, we ask parents to provide feedback on their experiences with each model. We then take into account all of this information when forming our recommendations.
Begin with our top choices If you're in search of an excellent stroller that's safe and durable. These strollers are versatile and can be used with infant car seats. They are available in single or tandem stroller models, and are suitable for children aged from birth to elementary school.
The top double strollers are made to adapt to your growing family. They are stylish and sleek, offer a range of customizations and can be used by infants and toddlers by providing side-by-side or tandem (single file) seating. Some also have large storage baskets, a handlebar that can be telescopically adjusted, as well as 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 of similar age. They're a great option for siblings who wish to interact with each other however they may not be able to sit close to one another in a stroller that is side-by-side, where they could end in fighting or arguing. You can also find convertible models that allow you to remove the bench seat for your child once they are ready to ride without a car seat.
Comfort
The most comfortable double strollers come with comfortable child seats with plenty of padding and support. The best double strollers have plenty of storage space, large legs and footwells for children, as well as a UPF 50+ canopy that provides excellent sun protection. The seats should recline at an angle to keep children at ease, and they should have calf bars that allow parents to alter the position of each seat independently. Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician. She suggests that the handlebars need to be comfortable and ergonomic to maneuver. The handlebars should be close enough to the kids seats that you can reach them and hold on to them. If the handlebars are too separated, you'll have a hard time keeping your balance and retaining good form when pushing them.
The ride should be smooth, even on rough or uneven surfaces. Some of the models we tested have shock absorbers to keep the ride steady. Some models have front and back suspensions which improves control and reduces the force needed to push them. The wheels must be made of high-quality rubber with durable tread that can handle many years of wear and tear.
We searched for the most versatile double strollers that can be used from the age of infancy to toddlerhood. Some of the double strollers we came across can be converted to tandem or side-by-side strollers. One of them is the Uppababy Vista V2, can even be converted into a single-file infant stroller. The model is three times more than our main tandem choice, but it's of higher quality and should last for longer because of its durable materials.
The most effective double strollers are lightweight and easy to maneuver for long walks and trips to the zoo or the park, and other errands. The double strollers are usually bigger than single strollers, and may not fit into narrow doorways or store aisles. Some of them are more expensive than single-seaters, but that's normal since you get more for your budget. The models we recommend are comfortable for kids and adults alike, and they'll develop with your family.
Convenience
If you're planning to invest the money for a
Double Single Pushchair stroller, you'll want one that is easy to move and put away. The stroller should be lightweight and easily fits in your car's trunk or at home. It should also be able to traverse rough terrain and make tight turns. Some of the best double-strollers have adjustable calf support and seats that recline. They also come with UPF sun protection. The canopy should be large enough to accommodate two children. If you're worried about the sun's rays getting into their eyes, choose one with a peek-a-boo window.
The age and stage of your children will determine what kind of stroller you'll require. Parents of twins could opt for a convertible stroller that is able to accommodate two infant car seats simultaneously parents with a child who is older and a toddlers might prefer doubles that are side-by-side. You'll need to decide if you'd like strollers that can go through narrow doorways and aisles in grocery stores, or even on planes.
In our Lab tests, we found that most double strollers are easy to fold and carry. The majority of
double running buggy strollers fold down in a matter of 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, making them easier to put back together.
The best double strollers come with convenient parent features such as cups holder for one parent and a large storage basket. Be sure to check if the stroller is equipped with locks for the front seat to prevent your child from climbing out. Some strollers come with an adapter for car seats that can be converted into a single seat when your child develops.
The price of some of the most expensive double strollers is high, but they generally are of higher quality and resale value than lower-end models. They are also easier to maneuver, and can handle rough terrain like urban walkways or parks.
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 is able to move with ease, has enough onboard storage and thoughtful features to adapt to the changing needs of children. It should also be easy for them to push and navigate. And since they're likely to be carrying more weight than the kids and their strollers, they should be comfortable on shoulders and back.
The top double strollers are sleek and offer a variety of customizations. They can also accommodate infant car seats to provide the smooth transition from baby to toddler. They are available in tandem (single-file seating) or side-by-side, and are even light enough for running.
In addition to the size parents should also think about whether the double stroller can fit through doorways or other narrow spaces. Luckily, the majority of models we tested in our latest update are able to pass through doors that are standard for exteriors, which are 36 inches wide. The the majority of them can fit inside doors that measure 28 to 35 inches wide.
When reviewing the best double strollers, it is important to look at how easily they fold and unfold. We also take a look at how comfortable the seats and canopies are. We also take into consideration how comfortable the buckles and seat straps are for children seated in the stroller, and how easy it is to adjust the handlebar height.
For example our top choice, the Uppababy Vista V2, is light and has plenty of onboard storage for both children. It has a parent cup holder and seats that recline individually. It also comes with a large UPF 50+ canopy with peekaboo window. Its cushioned seat straps and buckles are among the most comfortable in our tests and we found the seat to be one of the easiest to secure for children of all ages.
If you're not ready to purchase a
lightest double stroller stroller, Facebook Marketplace and second-hand-goods websites offer used products in good condition at affordable prices. Do your research and look for signs of damage before you buy.