How to Choose the Best Double Strollers
When you're going for an easy stroll or taking on your morning jog with the children, a double stroller can make life with twins or two children with different ages a lot simpler. What are the best options to choose from the many options available?
This expandable model lets you to adjust the seating to meet different requirements. Our new member, Kerry, tested it out.
Safety
Your stroller should be safe no matter if you're out running shopping trips with your kids, taking them to the zoo or trick-or-treating. It's important to have sturdy frames, comfortable harnesses and easy-to-grab handle for toddlers. It should also to pass through doors, be easy to fold and move, and be easy to maneuver. It must also be affordable.
We put every double stroller we tested through rigorous testing in our lab, at the Zoo, on the city streets, and during family outings in suburban neighborhoods. Our lab tests assess the stroller's stability and maneuverability as well as ease of steering and handling, suspension comfort for the driver and the rider capacity for weight, seat canopy heights, and storage space.
In addition to the routine security checks carried out by our stroller experts, we ask parents to provide feedback on their experiences with each model. We then take all this information into consideration when making our recommendations.
Begin with our top choices to help you find a stroller that is secure and durable. These strollers are 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 are made to adapt to your growing family. They are sleek and stylish with a variety of designs and options, and can be used by infants and toddlers by providing side-by-side or tandem (single file) seating. Most also feature a spacious storage basket and a telescoping handlebar and one-handed folding mechanisms.
If you have twins or a child who is a similar age to their sibling, think about using a tandem stroller with benches in the back that can be occupied by a third child. These strollers are great for siblings who wish to interact, but might not be able to do so in a standard stroller. They could be fighting or arguing. You'll also find convertible models that permit you to take off the bench seat once your children are ready for the ride without a car seat.
Comfort
The best double strollers feature comfortable child seats that have plenty of padding and support. They also have plenty of storage space, large footwells that can accommodate children's feet and legs, and UPF 50+ canopy which offer great sun protection. The seats should recline at a slight angle to ensure children are comfortable. They should also have calf bars that allow parents to alter the position of each seat independently. The handlebars should be comfortable and easy to move, says Alli Cavasino who is a certified child passenger safety technician. The handlebars should be close enough to the children's seats that you can reach them and grasp them. If the handlebars on the stroller are too far apart, it will be difficult to maintain your balance and good form while pushing them.
The ride should be smooth, even on rough or rocky surfaces. Some of the models that we tested had shock absorbers to keep the ride steady. Certain models come with front and back suspension that increases control and reduces amount of force needed to push them. The wheels must 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 models we came across can be set up as tandem strollers or side-byside and one is the Uppababy Vista v2, can even transform into a single-file stroller for infants. The model is three times more than our standard tandem choice however it's of better quality and should last longer due to its robust materials.
The most effective double strollers are lightweight and easy to maneuver for long walks or trips to the zoo or park as well as for running other errands. Double strollers are generally larger than single strollers and can be difficult to fit into narrow aisles or doorways. Some of them cost more than single-seaters, but that's understandable because you get more for your money. These models are suitable for both adults and children, and will continue to grow with your family.
Convenience
If you're going to spend money on double-strollers, they should be easy to carry and put away. The stroller should be lightweight and easily fits in your car's trunk or at home. It should be able to navigate rough terrain and take precise turns. Some of the top double strollers have adjustable calf support, as well as seats that recline, and offer UPF sun protection. The canopy should be big enough to protect both kids and, if you're concerned about getting sun in their eyes, choose one with a window that can be opened for peek-aboo.
The age and stage of your child can influence the kind of stroller that's the best for you. Parents of twins could opt for a convertible stroller which can accommodate two infant car seats at once parents with an older child and toddlers might prefer doubles that are side-by-side. You'll also have to decide whether you'd like a stroller that can fit through narrow doors or in crowded aisles of the grocery store and can be used on planes.
In our Lab tests, we found that most double strollers are easy to fold and carry. The majority of double strollers fold in a matter of one or two steps and are small enough to fit in the majority of compact cars. They're also designed to be sturdy when folded, making them easier to put back together.
Some of the top double-strollers come with convenient parent features such as a cup holder for one parent and a big storage basket. Check if the stroller comes with locks for the front seat, to prevent your child from escaping. Some strollers come with an universal adapter for car seats that can be converted into a single seat when your child develops.
Some of the top double strollers are expensive, but they offer a better build quality and better resale value than less expensive models. They're also more maneuverable and can handle tough terrain, like city sidewalks or park trails.
Style
Parents shopping for a double stroller want more than just a way to transport two kids. They want a light, maneuverable stroller with sufficient storage space on the inside and thoughtful features to adapt to the changing needs of children. It should also be easy for them to push and navigate. Since they'll likely to carry more weight than their peers, the stroller should also be comfortable on the back and shoulders.
The most effective double strollers are sleek and support many different customization options. They can also accommodate infant car seats, ensuring an easy transition from baby to toddler. They are available in side-by-side or tandem (single-file seating) designs and can be light enough to jog or for travel.
In addition to the size parents should also think about whether the double stroller can be able to pass through doorways or other tight spaces. The majority of the strollers that we tested for our latest update are able to fit through standard exterior doors which are 36 inches wide.
Other features we consider when evaluating the top double strollers is the speed and ease with which they fold and unfold, how large the cargo basket is, how comfortable the seats are, and how adjustable the canopies are. We also examine how comfortable the straps and buckles are for sitting children, and how easy to access and adjust the height of the handlebar.
Our top pick, Uppababy Vista V2, for instance, is light and offers ample storage space for both children. It comes with a cup for parents holder and recliners that can be adjusted individually. Pushchairs And Prams comes with a generous UPF 50+ canopy with the peek-a-boo window. The seat's buckles and straps are cushioned and among the most comfortable we've tested. We also found it to be the easiest seat for children to fasten.
If you're not ready to buy a double stroller, Facebook Marketplace and second-hand-goods websites offer used products in good condition at affordable cost. Do your research and check for any indications of damage prior to purchasing.