What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The best double strollers are built to grow with families and have clever features to keep children at ease and content. This includes adjustable foot rests as well as an easy ride on gravel, trails and old sidewalks.
Kerry was thrilled that the stroller was packaged in multiple boxes, but everything was clearly labeled and easy for her to open. She also liked the fact that it can accommodate two infant car seats and can be combined with a riding board for older kids.
Seating Options
When it is about double strollers, the seating options are the main factor that determines the purchase of many families. You'll want to think about the age of your children, their relative sizes and the seating configurations that will work best for you.
Alli Cavasino is a senior editor of Consumer Reports. She says that if you're planning to buy a tandem stroller, you should look at one that has child seats attached together. This model does not require car seat adapters. They are generally larger than other double strollers, however they might not pass through door frames that are standard within your home.
If your children are a different age, you may be interested in a stroller with two seats that can be transformed into a stand-and ride model. This allows children to observe or ride with their sibling. These strollers are able to accommodate infant car seats if necessary, and are good for children who are 3-5 years apart.
You'll also want to take a look at the seat material, explains Billingsley. Some offer more breathable fabrics than others and are more easy to clean. It is also important to consider how easy it will be to fold down your stroller to store it or for transporting it to and from your vehicle. "There's nothing more frustrating than buying the perfect stroller only to find out that it is too heavy or big for your trunk," says the expert.
If double buggy sale seeking a low-cost alternative that can be configured in a variety of ways take a look at this award-winning stroller from Summer Infant. It comes with two toddler seats and the bassinet. It can be expanded to a triple stroller by adding a seat or riding board. The seats recline, and the calf bar controls can be adjusted in a separate manner. This is great when one child needs to rest while another is looking to explore the surroundings. It's also compact when folded down and easily fits in most trunks.
Age Ranges
Sit-and-stand strollers are the best option for families with children who are close in age. They provide comfort and ease of use. These strollers usually have a seat for an infant or toddler in front and a bench or platform that allows an older child to stand or take a ride in the back. These strollers are ideal for older toddlers and children, but not for babies or children who do not yet have the balance and coordination to stand up on their own.
A narrow tandem stroller can help keep your eyes on both children at once and fit through difficult areas like busy aisles in the grocery store or family photos at the park. These models are usually narrower than side-by-side double strollers and are generally easier to maneuver but they don't have the capacity to fit carseats for infants and generally don't have as much undercarriage storage.
If you're planning to use a double stroller for many years or even over a decade, it's worth buying one that will grow with your children. Double strollers tend to be more expensive than single strollers, but when you pick the right one first time around it could help you save money over time.
Our testers tested each stroller in an assortment of maneuverability tests as well as off-road adventures. They found that they were easy to maneuver on a variety terrain. If you intend to use it in urban areas or in cities where sidewalks and traffic can be bumpy, then you may want something more durable and sturdy capable of handling rough treatment.
Many double strollers are built to last for a long time, but you could discover that the seats become worn out faster than expected or your children grow out of it before it's ready to retire. If you are on the tightest budget, go for one with a rating of at least four years. It is best to use it for as long as it can.
Easy of Use
If you're planning to purchase a double stroller, it's important that it be user-friendly for both children. double buggy converts to single means comfortable harnesses for kids who are seated and handles that are easy to grab for toddlers who stand. The stroller can also be easily rolled around and maneuvered around obstacles and in tight spaces. The top-rated strollers in our Lab tests, including the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie or Thule Urban Glide 2 Double, are among the easiest to maneuver.
A double stroller should also be easy to fold and store. The best models use an easy one- or two-step process, and they're small enough to fit into the majority of trunks. It's also beneficial if the stroller is versatile with the option of adding another seat or a ride-along board. Some strollers can also hold infant car seats so you don't need to wake your baby up to move them into the stroller when it's time to go home.
A good double stroller is also sturdy, so it can be used on a variety of kinds of terrains. Some can be converted into a jogging scooter with a specific front wheel and others can be used as umbrella strollers. Some strollers come with a cargo bag that can be tacked to the back of the stroller to carry groceries and shopping bags.
Another thing to consider is whether you want an oversized stroller that can be used side-by-side or as a tandem. Side-by-side strollers are generally bigger than tandem models and aren't easy to maneuver through narrow spaces like doorways or aisles of grocery stores that are crowded. They are useful because they allow each child to see the same scenery. They are also easier to navigate during bad weather because they offer more protection from the elements.
Many parents opt to buy an adaptable single-to-double stroller, to use it as a baby, and later switch to a regular double when their children are older. But after talking to parents, we've learned that it's best to buy what you need at the time instead of trying to anticipate what your family may need in the future.
Stores
If you're shopping for a double stroller, you might want to consider the size and the amount of storage space. A lot of models have large easy-to-access baskets that are able to accommodate a lot of cargo. Many models also feature several cup holders for parents, as well as seating configurations that can be reversed to provide the most legroom for children. Certain of these features could make the price more expensive so make sure you go through the reviews and descriptions carefully.
Most double strollers can be classified into tandem or side by side designs. Tandem strollers come with two seats on the same frame, and are typically more suitable for older children who have already learned sitting without assistance. They typically have larger storage baskets than side-by-side models. However, some can be difficult to push with the front seat fully reclined.
The side-by-side stroller has two separate seats that are positioned side-by-side. They're usually best suited to infants or toddlers who haven't yet mastered sitting on their own. They also have the benefit of being more easy to maneuver and pushing than tandem strollers. However, they usually have smaller storage baskets than tandem strollers, and can be more expensive.
There are also special double strollers designed for biking and jogging. They're generally more expensive than all-terrain strollers. They also have fixed front wheels, which limit their mobility. It is worth looking into them only if you intend to use them for such activities.
There's a double stroller that's suitable for every situation, whether you're buying one for twins or a child who's not yet ready to ride alone, or a child who's not quite old enough. Our top choices are easy to maneuver, versatile and stable, as well as seating that can grow with your child. Check out our top picks for the best double stroller to meet your family's needs, whether you are looking for a tandem or one that accommodates your infant car seat.