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 taking your way to a relaxing walk or for a morning jog. What are the best options to choose from the many options available?
This model expands to allow you to customize the seating to meet your needs. Our newest member, Kerry, tested it out.
Safety
Your stroller must be secure, whether you're out on errands with your children, going to the zoo or trick-or-treating. This means a sturdy frame, as well as comfortable harnesses for kids who sit down, and easy-to-grab handles for toddlers who stand. It also needs to be able to pass through doors and be easy to move and fold. It must be of good value.
We put each 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 test the stroller's maneuverability and stability in steering, ease of handling as well as the comfort of suspension for the rider and the driver, capacity for weight and seat canopy heights and storage space.
We ask parents for feedback on each model in addition to the safety checks that are routinely performed by our team. We then take into account all of that information when forming our recommendations.
If you're looking for a secure stroller that is high-quality, then start with our top picks. These versatile strollers offer multiple seating options to accommodate infant car seats, 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 are designed to expand with your family. They're stylish and sleek they can be fitted with a variety of customizations and can accommodate toddlers and infants in side-by-side or tandem (single-file) seating designs. A lot of them also have a large storage basket as well as a handlebar that could be adjusted telescopically, 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 a bench seat in the back that can be occupied by a third child. These strollers are a great choice for siblings who would like 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 allow you to remove the bench seat once your children are ready to go for an excursion without a car seat.
Comfort
The best double strollers have comfortable child seats with plenty of padding and support. The best double strollers come with plenty of storage space, large footwells and legroom for children, and UPF 50+ canopy that offers excellent sun protection. Seats should recline at an angle so that kids are comfortable. They should also include adjustable calf bar that allow parents to independently adjust each seat. The handlebars should be ergonomic and easy to move according to Alli Cavasino who is a certified child passenger safety technician. The handlebars should be close enough to the seat of your child that you can grab them and hold them. If the handlebars are far apart and you'll have a tough time keeping your balance and maintaining good posture when pushing them.
The ride should be smooth on rough or hard surfaces. Some of the models we tested had shock absorbers installed to keep the ride steady. Others have both rear and front suspensions, which decrease the amount of force you need to push them and improve the control you have over them. The wheels must have a sturdy tread and be made from high-quality rubber.
We searched for the most flexible double strollers that could be used from birth through toddlerhood and beyond. Some of the models we found can be configured as tandem strollers or side-by-side, and one of them is the Uppababy Vista v2, can even be transformed into a single-file stroller suitable for infants. The model is three times more than our standard tandem model, but it's of higher quality and will last longer due to its sturdy materials.
The best double strollers will be lightweight and easy to maneuver for long walks and trips to the zoo or the park and for shopping trips. They're generally wider than single strollers, which means they won't be able to pass through narrow doors or crowded store aisles. Some are more expensive than single-seaters, but it's reasonable since you get more for your money. These models are suitable for children and adults, and will expand with your family.
Convenience
If you're planning to invest the money to buy a double stroller, you'll need one that's easy to move and 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 navigate rough terrain and take precise turns. Some of the top double strollers have adjustable calf support, as well as seats that recline and provide UPF sun protection. double pram and pushchair should be big enough to cover both kids If you're worried about getting the sun in their eyes, look for one with a peek-a-boo window.
The ages and stages of your children will play a role in the type of stroller that's most suitable for your needs. Parents of twins may choose a convertible stroller that can hold two infant car seats simultaneously parents with a child who is older and a toddlers may prefer side-byside doubles. You'll need to decide if you want an infant stroller that fits through narrow doorways and aisles in grocery stores, or even on planes.
In our Lab tests, we discovered that most double strollers were easy to fold and carry. They usually have a singleor two-step process and are small enough to fit into most compact cars. They're designed to be stable, making them easier to assemble.
Some of the best double-strollers come with convenient parent features such as cups holder for one parent and a big storage basket. You'll want to consider if the stroller comes with a lock on the front seat, so that you can keep your children from escaping when they start getting antsy. Some strollers come with an universal adapter for car seats and can be converted into one seat as your child grows.
Some of the best double strollers are a bit expensive, but they come with superior build quality and better resale value than less expensive models. They're also more maneuverable and can withstand the toughest terrain, like city sidewalks or park trails.
Style
Parents shopping for a double stroller are looking for more than just a way to carry two children. They want a lightweight stroller that is easy to move and has enough space to grow with their children. Since they will be carrying more than the children, the stroller needs to be easy on their back and shoulders.
This is why the top double strollers are sleek, allow for a variety of designs, and be adapted to infant car seats for an effortless transition from baby to toddler. They're available in side by side or tandem (single-file seating) designs and can be light enough for jogging or for travel.
Aside from size, one of the most important considerations for parents shopping for a double stroller is whether it'll fit through doorways and other small spaces. Most of the models we evaluated for our latest version can be pushed through doors for exterior use that are 36 inches in width.
When we review the top double strollers, we also take into consideration how easy they fold and unfold. We also consider how comfortable the seats and canopies are. In addition, we look at how comfortable the seat straps and buckles are for seated children and how easy to access and adjust the height of the handlebar.
For instance, our top pick is the Uppababy Vista V2, is lightweight and has ample onboard storage for both children. It has one parent cup seat that reclines independently, and generous UPF 50+ canopy that has windows that can be peekaboo. Its cushioned seat straps 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 ages.
If you aren't quite ready to purchase a double stroller yet, Facebook Marketplace and second-hand-goods websites offer used products in good condition for reasonable prices. Make sure to do your research prior to making a purchase to buying, examining for indications of damage and checking for recalls that could be possible.