How to Choose the Best Double Strollers
If you're taking an easy stroll or taking on your morning jog with your children, a double stroller will make life with twins or two children of different ages much easier. With the many options available, how do you choose the best one for your family?
This model expands to allow you to modify the seating to meet your needs. Our latest member, Kerry, tested it out.
Safety
Your stroller must be secure, whether you're out on shopping trips with your kids, taking them to the zoo, or going trick-or-treating. That means an sturdy frame and comfortable harnesses for kids who sit down, as well as easy-to-grab handles for toddlers who stand. It must also be able to pass through doorways and be easy to maneuver and fold. It should also be reasonably priced.
Each double stroller we tested was put through rigorous testing in our laboratory at the zoo, and on streets in cities. We also took them out for family outings to suburban neighborhoods. Our lab tests evaluate the stroller's maneuverability and stability as well as ease of steering and handling and suspension comfort for both the driver and the rider the weight capacity as well as the height of the canopy on the seat and storage space.
We solicit feedback from parents on each model, in addition to the standard safety check performed by our team. We then take into account all of this information when making our recommendations.
If you're looking for a safe stroller that is high-quality, then start with our top recommendations. These strollers are versatile and offer a variety of seating options to accommodate infant car seats, can be used as a single stroller or tandem, and are suitable for children from birth to elementary school.
The top double strollers are made to adapt to your growing family. They're sleek and stylish they can be fitted with a variety of customizations and can be used by toddlers and infants in side-by-side or tandem (single-file) seating styles. A lot of them also have a large storage basket and a handlebar that can be telescopically adjusted, as well as one-handed fold mechanisms.
If you have twins or a child who is a similar age to their sibling, consider using a tandem stroller with a bench seat in the back that could be occupied by a third child. These tandem strollers are a great choice for siblings who want to interact, but might not be able sit side-by-side in a standard stroller. They may be fighting or arguing. You can also find convertible models, which permit you to remove a bench seat for your child once they are at the point of riding without the car seat.
Comfort
The top double strollers have comfortable child seats that are well-padded and well-supported. The top double strollers have plenty of storage, spacious legs and footwells for kids, and a UPF 50+ canopy that offers excellent sun protection. Seats should be able to recline at an angle so that kids are comfortable. They should also include adjustable calf bars that allow parents to independently adjust the seat. Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician. She says that the handlebars need to be comfortable and ergonomic to maneuver. The handlebars should be close enough to the seat of your child that you can grasp them and hold them. If the handlebars are too spread out and you'll have a tough to maintain your balance and maintaining good form when pushing them.
The ride should be smooth, even on rough or rocky surfaces. Some of the models we tested had shock absorbers installed to ensure that the ride is stable. Certain models come with front and back suspension that improves control and reduces the force needed to push them. The wheels must be made of high-quality rubber with a robust tread that can withstand lots of wear and tear.
We looked for the most flexible double strollers that can be used from birth through toddlerhood and beyond. Some of the double strollers we came across can be converted to tandem or side-by-side strollers. One of them, the Uppababy Vista V2, can even be converted to one-file infant strollers. This model is priced three times more than our primary tandem choice however it's of better quality and will last longer due to its robust materials.
The best double strollers will be lightweight and easy to maneuver for long walks, trips to the zoo, park, and other errands. They're generally larger than single strollers, so they won't be able to pass through narrow doors or crowded store aisles. single to double buggy of them also cost more than their single-seat counterparts however, it's logical given that you're getting a lot more value for your budget. These models are suitable for both children and adults, and will continue to grow with your family.
Convenience
If you're going to spend money on a double-stroller, it should be easy to move and to store. The stroller should be light and easily fit in your car's trunk or at home. It should also be able to navigate tough terrain and handle tight turns. The best double-strollers have adjustable calf support, and seats that recline. They also offer UPF sun protection. The canopy should be large enough to cover two children. If you're worried about the sun glaring into their eyes, choose the stroller with a peek-aboo window.
The age and stage of your children will determine the type stroller you need. Parents of twins could opt for a convertible stroller that can accommodate two infant car seats simultaneously and families with a child who is older and a toddler might prefer side-by-side doubles. You'll have to decide if you'd like a stroller which can fit through narrow doors and aisles in grocery stores, or even on planes.
In our Lab tests, we found that the top double strollers are reasonably easy to fold and carry. The majority of double strollers fold in one or two steps and are small enough to fit in most compact cars. They are also designed to be stable which makes them easier to reassemble.
Some of the best double strollers come with useful features for parents like a one-parent cup holder and a spacious storage basket. Be sure to check if the stroller is equipped with locks for the front seat to prevent your child from escaping. Some strollers have a universal adapter for car seats that can be converted into one seat as your child develops.
Some of the top double strollers are a bit expensive, but they offer a better build quality and better resale value than cheaper models. They are also easier to maneuver, and can handle rough terrain, such as park trails or city walkways.
Style
Parents who are looking for a double stroller want more than just a means to transport two children. They're looking for a light stroller that can be maneuvered with ample storage on the board and thoughtful features that allow it to grow with the kids--and be simple to push and navigate. Since they'll likely to be carrying more weight than their peers, the stroller should also be comfortable for the back and shoulders.
This is why the best double strollers are sleek and support a wide range of designs, and accommodate infant car seats to ensure a seamless transition from toddler to baby. They can be used in tandem (single-file seating), side-by-side, and even light enough for jogging.
Aside from size, one of the primary considerations for parents shopping for a double stroller is whether or not it will fit through doorways or other small spaces. Most of the models we evaluated for our latest update are able to fit through doors for exterior use that measure 36 inches wide.
Other aspects we take into consideration when reviewing the best double strollers are how quickly and easily they fold and unfold, the size the cargo basket is, how cushioned the seats are and how adjustable the canopy are. In addition, we examine how comfortable the straps and buckles are for seated kids and how easy to access and adjust the height of the handlebar.
For instance our top choice is the Uppababy Vista V2, is lightweight and has ample onboard storage for both children. It comes with a parent cup holders, reclined seats that can be reclined independently, and generous UPF 50+ canopies with windows that can be peekaboo. 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 easiest to fasten for children of all age groups.
If you're still not sure if you're ready to buy a double stroller, Facebook Marketplace and other second-hand-goods websites can provide quality used items in good condition at reasonable prices. Be sure to conduct your research prior to making a purchase, scanning for indications of damage and checking for recalls that could be possible.