How to Choose the Best Double Strollers
A double stroller makes life easier for parents with twins or children of different ages whether you're enjoying a leisurely walk or going for a morning run. But with the many options available, how do you choose the most appropriate one for your family?
This expandable model allows you to adjust the seating for different needs. Our latest member, Kerry, tested it out.
Safety
Your stroller must be secure regardless of whether you're running the town with your children, going to the zoo, or going trick-or-treating. It's crucial to have sturdy frames, comfortable harnesses and easy-to-grab handles for toddlers. It should also be able to pass through doorways and be easy to move and fold. It should also be reasonably priced.
Every double stroller we tested was put through rigorous testing in our laboratory, at the zoo and on streets in the city. We also took them on family outings in suburban neighborhoods. Our lab tests test the stroller's maneuverability, stability and ease of steering. We also test the comfort of the suspension for both the driver and the rider and the weight capacity, height of the canopy for the seat, and the storage space.
We solicit feedback from parents on each model as well as the standard safety check performed by our team. We then take all this information into consideration when making our recommendations.
Begin with our top choices if you're looking for an excellent stroller that is sturdy and safe. These strollers can be used in multiple seating options to accommodate infant car seats. They can be used as an individual stroller or in tandem, and are 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 various customization options and can accommodate infants and toddlers in tandem or side-byside (single-file) seating styles. Most also feature a spacious storage basket, a telescoping handlebar, and one-handed folding mechanisms.
Consider a tandem stroller that comes with benches in the back to accommodate a third child if you have twins, or a child of similar age. They're a great choice for siblings who want to interact with each other, but may not be in a position to sit with each other in a side-by-side stroller and end with fighting or arguing. There are also convertible models, which permit you to remove the bench seat for your child when they're at the point of riding without a car seat.
Comfort
The best double strollers feature comfortable child seats that have plenty of padding and support. The top double strollers have plenty of storage space, large footwells and legroom for children, as well as a UPF 50+ canopy that offers fantastic sun protection. The seats should recline at a slight angle to keep children at ease, and they should have calf bars that permit parents to adjust the height of each seat individually. Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician. She suggests that the handlebars need to be ergonomic and easy-to-maneuver. The handlebars must be close enough to the kiddos' seats that you can reach them and hold onto them. If the handlebars are too separated and you'll have a tough to maintain your balance and maintaining good posture when pushing them.
The ride should be smooth even on rough or rough surfaces. Some of the models we tested have shock absorbers to keep the ride steady. Some have rear and front suspensions, which decrease the amount of force required to push them, and increase the control you have over them. The wheels should be constructed of high-quality rubber with durable tread that can handle plenty of wear and tear.
We searched for the most versatile double-strollers which can be used from to toddlerhood. Some of the double strollers we came across can be converted to tandem strollers or side-byside strollers. One of them, the Uppababy Vista V2, can even be converted into one-file infant strollers. double pushchairs is three times more expensive as our primary tandem choice however its materials are more durable and it should last longer.
The best double strollers will be light and maneuverable for long walks, trips to the zoo, park and for shopping trips. They're generally larger than single strollers, which means they won't be able to fit through narrow entrances or in crowded aisles of stores. Some of them are more expensive than single-seaters, but it's normal since you get more for your money. The models we recommend are comfortable for kids and adults alike and will develop with your family.
Convenience
If you're planning to spend the money on a double stroller, you'll want one that is easy to push and store. The stroller should be light and easily fit into the trunk of your car or at home. It should be able navigate rough terrain and take precise turns. Some of the top double-strollers come with adjustable calf supports, as well as seats that recline. They also provide UPF sun protection. The canopy should be large enough to accommodate both children, and if you're worried about getting sun in their eyes, opt for one with a peek-a-boo window.
The age and stage of your children will determine the type stroller you need. For instance, parents with twins might opt for an convertible stroller that accommodates two infant car seats at once or families with an older child and a toddler might prefer a side-byside double. You'll have to decide if you'd like an infant stroller that fits through narrow doors and aisles of grocery stores or on airplanes.
In our Lab tests, we discovered that most double strollers were easy to fold and transport. The majority of double strollers fold in one or two steps and are small enough to fit into the majority of compact cars. They're also designed to be stable when folded, making them easier to put back together.
Some of the best double-strollers have convenient parent features such as cups holder for one parent and a big storage basket. Be sure to check if the stroller is equipped with a lock for the front seat, to prevent your child from escaping. Some of the top strollers include an adapter for carseats that is universal and can be transformed into one-seaters when your children grow.
Some of the top double strollers can be pricey, but they have higher quality construction and have higher resales values than lower-end models. They are also more maneuverable, and are able to handle rough terrain such as urban walkways or parks.
Style
When parents are looking for a double stroller they're looking for much more than just a means to transport their two kids. They want a light, maneuverable stroller with sufficient storage space on the inside and thoughtful features to grow with the kids--and be easy for them to push and navigate. Also, since they'll be carrying more weight than their peers and their strollers, they should be easy on the back and shoulders.
The best double strollers are sleek and offer various customization options. They can also accommodate infant car seats to ensure a smooth transition from baby-to-toddler. They're available in side by side or tandem (single-file seating) designs and can be light enough to jog or travel.
In addition to size parents should also think about whether the double stroller will fit through doorways and other tight spaces. Luckily, the majority of strollers we tested in our latest update can pass through doors that are standard for exteriors that measure 36 inches wide. The they can be used for interior doors that range from 28 to 35 inches wide.
Other factors we look at when evaluating the top double strollers are the speed and ease with which they fold and unfold, how large 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 seated kids and how easy it is to access and adjust the height of the handlebar.
For example our top pick one, the Uppababy Vista V2, is lightweight and has ample onboard storage for both children. It has a cup for parents holder and seats that recline independently. It also comes with an ample UPF 50+ canopy with the peek-a-boo window. Its padded seat straps and buckles are among the most comfortable we have found in our tests, and we found the seat to be among the most simple to secure for children of all age groups.
If you're still not sure if you're ready to buy a double stroller, Facebook Marketplace and other second-hand sites often have excellent used models in good condition for reasonable costs. Make sure to do your research prior to making a purchase to a purchase, looking for indications of damage and checking for recalls.