How to Choose the Best Double Strollers
A double stroller makes things easier for parents of twins or children of different ages whether you're taking an easy stroll or going for a morning jog. What should you consider when choosing between the various options available?
This model expands to allow you to customize the seating for different needs. Our latest member, Kerry, tested it out.
Safety
Whether you're running errands, visiting the zoo, or heading out trick-or-treating with your kids, your stroller needs to be safe. It's essential to have sturdy frames 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. And of course, it should be a good value.
We put every double stroller through rigorous tests in our lab, at the Zoo, on the streets in the city, and during 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 as well as the rider as well as the weight capacity, the seat canopy heights, as well as the storage space.
In addition to the regular security checks carried out by our stroller experts We also request parents to give feedback on their experiences with each model. Then, we take that information into account when making our recommendations.
If you're looking for a safe stroller that is high-quality, then start with our top choices. These strollers can be used in multiple seating options for infant car seats, can be used as a single stroller or tandem and are suitable for children ranging from birth to elementary school.
The best double strollers are made to adapt to your growing family. They're sleek and stylish and can accommodate many different customization options and can be used by infants and toddlers in side-by-side or tandem (single-file) seating styles. Many also have a large storage basket and 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 a bench seat in the back that could be used by a third child. They're an excellent option for siblings who want to interact with each other but aren't in a position to sit with each other in a side-by-side stroller and end up arguing or fighting. You'll also find convertible models that allow you to take off the bench seat once your children are ready to go for the ride without a car seat.
Comfort
The best double strollers come with comfortable child seats that are well-padded and well-supported. The best double strollers come with plenty of storage, spacious footwells and legroom for kids, and a UPF 50+ canopy which provides excellent sun protection. Seats should recline at an angle to ensure that children are comfortable. They should also include adjustable calf bars that let parents adjust each seat. The handlebars must be comfortable and easy to maneuver according to Alli Cavasino who is a certified child passenger safety technician. The handlebars need to be close enough to your child's seat that you can grab them and hold them. If the handlebars on the stroller are too far apart it will be difficult to keep your balance and good form when pushing them.
The ride should be smooth, even on rough or uneven surfaces. Some of the models we tested had shock absorbers installed to keep the ride steady. Some models have front and back suspensions which enhances control and reduces the force required to push them. The wheels should be constructed of high-quality rubber with sturdy tread that is able to withstand many years of wear and tear.
We searched for the most versatile double strollers that could be used from birth through toddlerhood and beyond. A couple of the ones we came across can be set up as tandem strollers or side-by-side, and one of them that we found, the Uppababy Vista v2, can even transform into a single-file stroller designed for infants. This model is three times more expensive as our main tandem choice however its materials are more durable, and it should last longer.
The most effective double strollers are lightweight and able to be maneuvered for long walks, trips to the zoo or park, and shopping trips. They're generally wider than single strollers, and as such they might not be able to fit through narrow doorways or store aisles that are crowded. Some of them also cost more than single-seat models however, it's logical given that you're getting a lot more value for your dollars. The models we recommend are suitable for adults and children alike and will expand with your family.
Convenience
If you're planning to spend the money on a double stroller, you'll want one that is easy to move and put away. The stroller should be lightweight and easily fits in the trunk of your car or at home. It should also be able traverse rough terrain and make tight turns. Some of the top double-strollers come with adjustable calf support and seats that recline. They also provide UPF sun protection. The canopy should be big enough to accommodate both children and, if you're concerned about getting the sun in their eyes, opt for one with a window that can be opened for peek-aboo.
The age and stage of your children will determine the type stroller you require. Parents of twins may choose a convertible stroller that can hold two infant car seats simultaneously and families with an older child and toddler might prefer side-by-side doubles. You'll also have to decide whether you want a stroller that can fit through narrow doors or in crowded aisles of the grocery store and is able to be used on airplanes.
In our Lab tests, we found that most double strollers were easy to fold and move. They usually have a single- or two-step process, and are small enough to fit into the majority of compact cars. They're also designed to be sturdy when folded, which makes them much easier to put back together.
Some of the best double strollers come with useful features for parents like a one-parent cup holder as well as a large storage basket. Check if the stroller comes with locks for the front seat, to prevent your child from escaping. Some of the better strollers come with an adapter for carseats that is universal and can be converted to an individual-seater model when your children grow.
Some of the top double strollers are a bit pricey, but they have superior build quality and higher resale values than cheaper models. They are also more maneuverable and can withstand the toughest terrains, such as park trails or city sidewalks.
Style
When parents are shopping for a double-stroller they're looking for more than just a way to carry their two children. They're looking for a stroller that's light that is easy to maneuver and has enough storage to grow with their children. Since they'll likely to carry more weight than the kids so the stroller must be comfortable for shoulders and back.
That's why the best double strollers are sleek and allow for a variety of designs, and accommodate infant car seats for a seamless transition from toddler to baby. They're available in side by side or tandem (single-file seating) formats and can even be light enough to jog or travel.
Aside from size one of the primary aspects to consider when parents are shopping for a double stroller is whether it'll fit through doorways and other tight spaces. Luckily, the majority of strollers we tested in our most recent update can clear doors that are standard for exteriors that are 36 inches wide, and most can accommodate interior doors that range from 28 to 35 inches wide.
When reviewing the best double strollers, we also take into consideration how easy they fold and unfold. We also consider how well-padded the seats and canopy are. We also consider how comfortable the buckles and seat straps are for children sitting in the stroller, and how easy it is to adjust the handlebar height.
Our top selection, Uppababy Vista V2, for example, is lightweight and has plenty of storage space for both children. It comes with a parent cup seat that reclines independently, and large UPF 50+ canopy that has windows that can be peekaboo. The straps and buckles are padded and are among the most comfortable we've test. We also found it to be the easiest seat for children to attach.
If you're not ready to buy a double stroller, Facebook Marketplace and other second-hand sites often have excellent used models in good condition for affordable prices. Be double pram and pushchair to do your research and look for signs of damage prior to purchasing.