How to Choose the Best Double Strollers
When you're going for a leisurely stroll or tackling your morning jog with your kids, a double stroller can make life with twins or two kids of varying ages a lot easier. But with numerous options available to choose from, how do you pick the most appropriate one for your family?
Our newest team member, Kerry, got her stroller's feet wet when she tried it out with this expandable model that lets you to change the seating configuration for different requirements.
Safety
When you're doing errands, visiting the zoo, or heading out trick-or-treating with your kids stroller must be secure. It's important to have sturdy frames as well as comfortable harnesses that are easy to grab handle for toddlers. It should also be able to fit through doorways and be easy to maneuver and fold. It should also be reasonably priced.
Every double stroller we tested went through rigorous testing in our lab at the zoo, in our lab and on streets in the city. We also took them for family outings to suburban neighborhoods. Our lab tests evaluate the stroller's maneuverability and stability in steering, ease of handling, suspension comfort for the driver and the rider, capacity to carry weight, seat canopy heights, and storage space.
In addition to the routine security checks carried out by our stroller experts, we request parents to give feedback on their experiences with each model. Then, we take all the information into consideration when making our recommendations.
Begin with our top choices if you're looking for an excellent stroller that is secure and durable. These strollers are versatile and offer a variety of seating options to accommodate infant car seats. They can be used as an individual stroller or in tandem and are suitable for children ranging from birth to elementary school.
The best double strollers will expand with your family. They're sleek and stylish, support a variety of customizations, and can accommodate both toddlers and infants in tandem or side-byside (single-file) seating designs. Many also have a large storage basket, a telescoping handlebar, and one-handed folding mechanisms.
If you have twins or an infant who is similar age to their sibling, think about selecting a tandem stroller that has an extra bench seat in the back that can be used by a 3rd child. These tandem strollers are ideal for siblings who wish to interact, but might not be able to sit side-by-side in a standard stroller. They could end up fighting or arguing. There are double pram pushchair that allow you to remove the bench seat once your children are ready to go for a ride without using a car seat.
Comfort
The best double strollers have comfortable child seats that have plenty of padding and support. They also have plenty of storage, roomy footwells for children's feet and legroom and UPF 50+ sun-protection canopies that provide great sun protection. The seats should recline at an angle to ensure children are comfortable, and they should have calf bars that allow parents to adjust the height of each seat independently. The handlebars must be ergonomic and easy to move, says Alli Cavasino, a certified child passenger safety technician. The handlebars must be close enough to the kids seats that you can reach them and grasp them. If the handlebars are spread out and you'll have a tough in 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 include shock absorbers to keep the ride stable. Some models have front and back suspensions which increases control and reduces force required to push them. The wheels must have a long-lasting tread and be made from premium rubber.
We searched for the most versatile double-strollers that can be used from the time of the age of infancy to toddlerhood. Some of the double strollers we found can be converted to tandem or side-by-side strollers. One of them, the Uppababy Vista V2, can even be converted into a single-file infant stroller. This model is priced three times more than our standard tandem pick however it's of better quality and will last longer due to its robust materials.
The most comfortable double strollers are light and maneuverable enough to use for long walks, errands, and trips to the zoo or park. They're generally larger than single strollers, which means they won't fit through narrow doorways or store aisles that are crowded. Some are also priced more than single-seat models, but that's understandable considering that you're getting a much better value for your money. The models we recommend are comfortable for both adults and kids and will continue to expand with your family.
Convenience
If you're planning to spend the money to buy a double stroller, you'll want one that is easy to move and put away. The stroller should be lightweight and easily fit 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 feature adjustable calf support and seats that recline. They also offer UPF sun protection. The canopy should be large enough to fit two children. If you're concerned about the sun getting in their eyes, choose one with a peek-a-boo window.
The ages and stages of your children will influence the kind of stroller you choose to be most suitable for your needs. For example, parents of twins may choose a convertible stroller that holds two infant car seats at once or a family with an older child and a toddler may prefer a double that is side-by-side. You'll need to decide if you'd like an infant stroller that fits through narrow entrances and aisles of grocery stores or on planes.
In our Lab tests, we discovered that the best double strollers are reasonably easy to fold and carry. The majority of double strollers fold down in just one or two steps, and are compact enough to fit into the majority of compact cars. They're also designed to be sturdy, making them easier to reassemble.
Some of the best double strollers have practical features for parents like a one-parent cup holder and a large storage basket. Consider whether the stroller comes with locks for the front seat to stop your child from escaping. Some of the best strollers come with an adapter for car seats that is universal and can be converted to a single-seater when your children grow.
Some of the top double strollers are a bit expensive, but they come with superior build quality and have higher resales values than cheaper models. They're also easier to maneuver and can withstand rough terrains, such as urban sidewalks or parks.
Style
Parents shopping for a double stroller want more than just a means to transport two children. They're looking for a lightweight stroller that is easy to maneuver and has enough storage to expand with their children. Because they will be carrying more children, the stroller needs to be comfortable on their backs and shoulders.
This is why the top double strollers are sleek, allow for a variety of options for customization, and be adapted to infant car seats for a seamless transition from baby to toddler. They're available in side by side or tandem (single-file seating) models and can be light enough for jogging or travel.
Aside from size one of the primary aspects to consider when parents are shopping for a double stroller is whether it will fit through doorways or other tight spaces. Most of the models that we evaluated for our latest update are able to fit through doors that are 36 inches in width.
Other features we consider when reviewing the best double strollers include how quickly and easily they fold and unfold, how large the cargo basket is, how cushioned the seats are and how adjustable the canopies are. We also think about how comfortable the buckles and seat straps are for children seated in the stroller, as well as how easy it is to adjust the height of the handlebars.
For example our top pick, the Uppababy Vista V2, is lightweight and offers plenty of storage for both children. It has a cup for parents holder and seats that recline independently. It also has a large UPF 50+ canopy, with a peekaboo window. The padded straps for the seat and buckles are among the most comfortable we have found in our tests and we found the seat to be among the easiest to secure for children of all age groups.
If you're not ready to purchase a double stroller, Facebook Marketplace and other second-hand-goods websites can provide good-condition used options for affordable costs. Make sure to do your research prior to making a purchase, scanning for indications of damage and checking for recalls that could be possible.