How to Choose the Best Double Strollers
Whether you're out for a stroll in the sun or going for your morning jog with the kids, a double stroller could make life with twins or two children with different ages a lot simpler. How do you choose from the many options available?
Our latest team member, Kerry, got her stroller's feet wet when she tried it out with this expandable model that lets you to alter the seating configuration to suit different requirements.
Safety
Your stroller must be secure regardless of whether you're running the town with your kids, going to the zoo or trick-or treating. It's important to have a sturdy frame with comfortable harnesses, a comfortable and comfortable handle for toddlers. It should also be able fit through doors, be easy to fold and move, and be easy to move. It should be a good value.
We put every double stroller through rigorous testing in our lab, at the zoo, on streets in the city, and during family outings in suburban neighborhoods. Our lab tests assess the stroller's maneuverability, stability, and ease of steering. We also test the suspension comfort for both the driver as well as the rider and the weight capacity, the height of the canopy for the seat, and the storage space.
We solicit feedback from parents on each model as well as the routine safety check carried out by our team. We then consider all of that information when making recommendations.
If you're looking for a safe, high-quality stroller, start with our top recommendations. These strollers are incredibly versatile and can be used with infant car seats. They're available in single or tandem stroller models, and are suitable for children aged from birth to elementary school.
The best double strollers will expand with your family. They are sleek and stylish with a variety of options for customization and can accommodate infants as well as toddlers by providing side-by-side or tandem (single file) seating. They also come with a large storage basket as well as a telescoping handlebar and one-handed folding mechanisms.
Consider a tandem stroller that comes with benches at the back for a third child if you have twins, or a child of similar age. They're an excellent option for siblings who wish to interact with each other, but may not be able to sit with each other in a stroller that is side-by-side which could result in them ending with fighting or arguing. There are also convertible models, which allow you to remove the bench seat of your child when they're at the point of riding without a car seat.
Comfort
The best double strollers have comfortable child seats that have plenty of padding and support. The best double strollers have plenty of storage, spacious footwells and legroom for children, as well as a UPF 50+ canopy that offers great sun protection. The seats should recline at an angle to keep children comfortable. They should also include calf bars that allow parents to alter the position of each seat independently. The handlebars must be comfortable and easy to maneuver according to Alli Cavasino who is a certified child passenger safety technician. The handlebars must be close enough to the kiddos' seats that you can reach them and grasp them. If the handlebars on the stroller are too far apart it will be a challenge to keep your balance and maintain good posture when pushing them.
The ride should be smooth, even on rocky or uneven surfaces. Some of the models we tested had shock absorbers installed to keep the ride stable. Some have rear and front suspension, which reduce the amount of force you need to push them and improve your control over them. The wheels should have a durable tread and made of high-quality rubber.
We searched for the most flexible double strollers that can be used from birth until toddlerhood and beyond. A couple of the ones we came across can be set up as tandem strollers or side-byside and one that we found, the Uppababy Vista v2, can even be converted into a single-file stroller for infants. This model is priced three times more than our primary tandem choice however it's of better quality and should last for longer due to its robust materials.
The most effective double strollers are lightweight and able to be maneuvered for long walks and trips to the zoo or the park, and errands. Double strollers are generally larger than single strollers and may not fit into narrow aisles in stores or doors. Some of them cost more than single-seaters, but that's understandable because you get more for your budget. These models are appropriate for children and adults, and will expand with your family.
Convenience
If you're planning to invest the money on a double stroller, you'll want one that's easy to move and to store. Ideally, the stroller will be light and easy to store in the trunk of your car or in the space at home. It should be able to maneuver rough terrain and make precise turns. Some of the most reliable double strollers come with adjustable calf supports and seats that recline and offer UPF sun protection. The canopy should be large enough to cover both kids If you're worried about getting the sun into their eyes, look for one with a peek-a-boo window.
Your children's ages and stages can influence the kind of stroller you choose to be the best for you. For example, parents of twins might opt for a convertible stroller that can hold two infant car seats at the same time and families with an older child and a toddler might prefer a double that is side-by-side. You'll need to decide if you want an infant stroller that fits through narrow entrances, grocery store aisles or even on planes.
In our Lab tests, we discovered that the best double strollers are fairly easy to fold and carry. They typically have a oneor two-step process and are small enough to fit in most compact cars. They're also designed to be stable and easy to reassemble.
Some of the top double strollers come with convenient parent features, such as a one-parent cup holder as well as a large storage basket. You should consider whether the stroller has a lock on the front seat, to stop the kids from climbing out in case they get bored. Some strollers come with an adapter that fits car seats and can be converted to a single seat when your child develops.
Some of the top double strollers can be pricey, but they have superior build quality and have higher resales values than lower-end models. They're also more maneuverable and can withstand the toughest terrain, like park trails or city sidewalks.
Style
If parents are in the market for a double stroller, they're looking for more than just a way to carry their two children. They're looking for a lightweight stroller that is easy to maneuver and has enough storage to expand with their children. Also, since they'll be carrying more weight than their peers, the stroller should also be comfortable for shoulders and back.
The most effective double strollers are sleek and come with a variety of customizations. They can also be able to accommodate infant car seats to ensure a smooth transition from baby-to-toddler. They are available in side-by-side or tandem (single-file seating) formats and can even be light enough to jog or for travel.
Aside from size one of the most important 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 tested for our latest update can fit through standard exterior doors which are 36 inches wide.
Other aspects we take into consideration when reviewing the best double strollers are the speed and ease with which they fold and unfold, how big the cargo basket is, how comfortable the seats are and how flexible the canopy are. We also look at how comfortable the seat straps and buckles are for sitting kids and how easy it is to reach and adjust the height of the handlebar.
Our top selection, Uppababy Vista V2, for instance, is a light-weight model and has plenty of storage space for both children. It has a cup for parents holder and seats that recline individually. It also has a large UPF 50+ canopy that has a windows that peek out. The seat's buckles and straps are cushioned and are among the most comfortable that we have tested. We also found it to be the most simple seat for children to secure.
If you're not ready to buy a double stroller, Facebook Marketplace and second-hand-goods websites can offer used options in good condition for reasonable cost. Make sure you do your homework and look for signs of damage before you buy.