How to Choose the Best Double Strollers
If you're taking a leisurely stroll or tackling your morning jog with the kids, a double stroller could make life with twins or two kids of varying ages a lot easier. But with so many options out there which one to pick? the best one for your family?
Our new team member, Kerry, got her stroller feet wet by using this expandable model that allows you to alter the seating configuration to suit different requirements.
Safety
If you're running around town, going to the zoo or going out for trick-or-treating with your kiddos your stroller should be secure. That means an sturdy frame and comfortable harnesses for kids who sit down, and easy-to-grab handles for toddlers who stand. It should also be able to pass through doors and be easy to maneuver and fold. And of double seat stroller , it should be worth the money.
We put every double stroller through rigorous tests in our lab, at the zoo, on city streets, and on family outings in suburban neighborhoods. Our lab tests assess a stroller's maneuverability and stability, ease of steering and handling as well as the comfort of suspension for the driver and the rider, capacity for weight, seat canopy heights, and storage space.
We ask parents for feedback on each model as well as the safety checks that are routinely performed by our team. We then consider all of that information when making recommendations.
Start with our top picks If you're in search of a stroller that is secure and durable. These strollers are versatile and can be used as infant car seats. They are available in single or tandem stroller configurations, and they're suitable for children from birth to elementary school.
The best double strollers will expand with your family. They're stylish and sleek and can accommodate many different customization options and can accommodate infants and toddlers in side-by-side or tandem (single-file) seating designs. Most also feature a spacious storage basket as well as a telescoping handlebar and one-handed folding mechanisms.
If you have twins or an infant who is similar age to their sibling, you should consider selecting a tandem stroller that has benches in the back that could be used by a 3rd child. They're a great option for siblings who want to be social with one another, but may not be capable of sitting close to one another in a stroller that is side-by-side and end in fighting or arguing. There are convertible models that permit you to remove the bench seat when your children are ready to go for a ride without using a car seat.
Comfort
The best double strollers come with comfortable child seats that are well-padded and well-supported. They also have plenty of storage space, large footwells that can accommodate children's feet and legroom, and UPF 50+ canopy that offer excellent sun protection. The seats should recline at an angle to ensure that children are at ease, and they should include calf bars that allow parents to alter the position of each seat independently. Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician. She suggests that the handlebars should be comfortable and ergonomic to maneuver. The handlebars need to be close enough to your child's seat that you can grasp them and hold them. If the handlebars are far apart you'll have a difficult to maintain your balance and maintaining good posture when pushing them.
The ride should be smooth, even on rough or uneven surfaces. Some of the models we tested had shock absorbers to keep the ride steady. Others have front and rear suspension, which reduce the amount of force you need to push them and improve your control over them. The wheels must be made of high-quality rubber and have a robust tread that can withstand lots of wear and tear.
We looked for the most versatile double-strollers that can be used from the age of infancy to toddlerhood. A few of the ones we found can be configured as side-by-side or tandem strollers and one is the Uppababy Vista v2, can even be converted into a single-file stroller designed for infants. The model is three times as expensive as our main tandem choice however, its materials are more durable, and it should last longer.
The best double strollers are light and maneuverable enough to use for long walks, errands, and trips to the park or zoo. The double strollers are usually wider than single strollers and might not fit in narrow aisles in stores or doors. Some are more expensive than single-seaters. This is understandable because you get more for your money. These models are appropriate for adults and children, and will continue to grow with your family.
Convenience
If you're planning to invest in a double stroller, it must be easy to push and put away. The stroller should be light and easily fit in the trunk of your car or at home. It should be able to navigate rough terrain and make tight turns. Some of the best double-strollers have adjustable calf supports, as well as seats that recline. They also offer UPF sun protection. The canopy should be big enough to cover two children. If you're concerned about the sun glaring into their eyes, choose a stroller with a peek-a-boo window.
The age and stage of your child will play a role in the type of stroller that's best for you. Parents of twins may choose a convertible stroller which can accommodate two infant car seats simultaneously and families with a child who is older and a toddlers might prefer doubles that are side-by-side. You'll need to decide if you'd like an infant stroller that fits through narrow doorways and aisles of grocery stores or on planes.
In our Lab tests, we found that most double strollers were easy to fold and move. They usually have a singleor two-step process and are compact enough to fit in most compact cars. They're also designed to be stable when folded, making them easier to put back together.
The best double strollers include convenient features for parents, like cups holder for one parent as well as a huge storage basket. Consider whether the stroller comes with locks on the front seat to stop your child from climbing out. Some of the better strollers include a universal car seat adapter and can be converted to one-seaters as your children get older.
Some of the best double strollers can be expensive, but they offer 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 looking for a double-stroller, they're looking for more than just a way to transport their two children. They want a lightweight stroller that is easy to move and has enough space to grow with their children. Since they'll be carrying more children, the stroller must be easy on their backs and shoulders.
This is why the top double strollers are sleek, allow for a variety of designs, and accommodate infant car seats for an easy transition from baby to toddler. They can be used in tandem (single-file seating) or side-by-side, and are even lightweight enough to use for running.
In addition to the size parents should also think about whether the double stroller can be able to pass through doorways or other narrow spaces. Most of the models that we tested for our latest update can fit through standard exterior doors which are 36 inches in width.
When reviewing the best double strollers, we also consider how easily they fold and unfold. We also consider how comfortable the seats and canopies are. We also examine how comfortable the straps and buckles are for sitting children and how easy it is to access and adjust the height of the handlebar.
Our top choice, Uppababy Vista V2, for example, is lightweight and offers ample storage space for both children. It comes with a parent cup holder, seats that recline independently, and large UPF 50+ canopy that has peekaboo windows. The seat's buckles and straps are padded and among the most comfortable we have tested. We also found it to be the easiest seat for children to attach.
If you're not quite ready to purchase a double stroller, Facebook Marketplace and other second-hand sites often have good-condition used options for reasonable prices. Just make sure to do your research before committing to a purchase, looking for signs of damage and looking up possible recalls.