How to Choose the Best Double Strollers
When you're going for a leisurely stroll or tackling your morning jog with your children, a double stroller will make life with twins or two children of varying ages a lot easier. How do you choose from the numerous options available?
Our latest team member, Kerry, got her stroller feet wet by using this expandable model that lets you to alter the seating arrangement to meet your different requirements.
Safety
Your stroller must be secure no matter if you're out running errands with your kids, going to the zoo or trick-or treating. That means an sturdy frame and comfortable harnesses that are suitable for children who sit down, as well as easy-to-grab handles for toddlers who stand. It also needs to be able to fit through doorways and be easy to move and fold. And of course, it should be worth the money.
Each double stroller we tested was put through rigorous testing in our laboratory, at the zoo and on streets in cities. We also took them for family outings in suburban neighborhoods. Our lab tests evaluate a stroller's maneuverability and stability, ease of steering and handling, suspension comfort for the driver and the rider capacity for weight as well as the height of the canopy on the seat and storage space.
We solicit feedback from parents on each model as well as the standard safety check performed by our team. double pushchair with car seat take into account all of that information when forming our recommendations.
Begin with our top choices if you're looking for an excellent stroller that is secure and durable. These strollers are flexible and can be used as infant car seats. They are available in tandem or single stroller models, and are suitable for children ranging from birth to elementary school.
The best double strollers are designed to grow with your family. They're sleek and stylish, support various customization options and can accommodate infants and toddlers in tandem or side-by-side (single-file) seating designs. They also come with a large storage basket, a telescoping handlebar, and one-handed folding mechanisms.
Consider a tandem stroller that comes with benches at the back for a third child, if you have twins, or a child of similar age. They're an excellent option for siblings who want to be social with one another however they may not be able to sit with each other in a stroller with a side-byside feature and end up arguing or fighting. You'll also find convertible models that permit you to take off the bench seat when your children are ready for an excursion without a car seat.
Comfort
The best double strollers have comfortable child seats that have plenty of padding and support. They also have ample storage space, large footwells that can accommodate kids' feet and legroom and UPF 50+ sun-protection canopies that provide great sun protection. The seats should recline at a slight angle to ensure that children are comfortable, and they should have calf bars that permit parents to alter the position of each seat independently. The handlebars should be ergonomic and easy to move according to Alli Cavasino, a certified child-passenger safety technician. The handlebars should be close enough to the children's seats that you can reach them and hold onto them. If the handlebars are spread out you'll have a difficult in keeping your balance and retaining good posture when pushing them.
The ride should be smooth, even on rocky or uneven surfaces. Some of the models that we tested had shock absorbers to keep the ride steady. Others have front and rear suspension, which reduce the amount of force needed to push them and improve the control you have over them. The wheels should be made of high-quality rubber and have a sturdy tread that is able to withstand lots of wear and tear.
We searched for the most versatile double strollers that could be used from birth through toddlerhood and beyond. Some of the models we found could be used as tandem strollers or side-by-side and one is the Uppababy Vista v2, can even be transformed into a single-file stroller suitable for infants. This model is three times more costly as our top tandem model, but its materials are more durable, and it will last longer.
The most effective double strollers are lightweight and easy to maneuver for long walks or trips to the zoo or the park and for other errands. They're typically wider than single strollers, so they may not be able to pass through narrow doors or store aisles that are crowded. Some models cost more than single seat models however, it's logical given that you're getting a lot more value for your dollars. These models are appropriate for adults and children, and will continue to grow with your family.
Convenience
If you're planning to spend the money to buy a double stroller, you'll need one that's easy to move and store. It should be lightweight and fit in the trunk of your car, or the space at home. It should be able to navigate rough terrain and make tight turns. Some of the most reliable double strollers come with adjustable calf support, and seats that recline, and offer UPF sun protection. The canopy should be wide enough to accommodate two children. If you're concerned about the sun's rays getting into their eyes, go for one with a peek-a-boo window.
Your children's ages and stages can influence the kind of stroller that's the best for you. Parents with twins can opt for a convertible stroller which can accommodate two infant car seats at once, while families with a child who is older and a toddler might prefer side-by-side doubles. You'll also have to decide whether you'd like an infant stroller that can be pushed through narrow doorways or crowded aisles of the grocery store and is able to be used on planes.
In our Lab tests we found that most double strollers were easy to fold and transport. They usually have a one- or two-step process, and they're compact enough to fit in most compact cars. They are also designed to be stable, making them easier to reassemble.
Some of the best double strollers come with convenient parent features like a one-parent cup holder as well as a large storage basket. Consider whether the stroller comes with locks for the front seat to stop your child from escaping. Some strollers have a universal adapter that fits car seats and can be converted to a single seat as your child grows.
Some of the best double strollers are pricey, but they have higher quality construction and higher resale values than less expensive models. They are also easier to maneuver and can withstand rough terrain like urban walkways or parks.
Style
Parents shopping for a double stroller are looking for more than just a way to carry two kids. They're looking for a light stroller that is able to move with ease, has sufficient storage space on the inside and thoughtful features to grow with the kids--and be easy to push and navigate. Since they will be carrying more than the children, the stroller needs to be easy on their back and shoulders.
The best double strollers are sleek and support many different customization options. They can also allow for infant car seats, ensuring the smooth transition from baby to toddler. They come in tandem (single-file seating) or side-by-side, and are even lightweight enough to use for jogging.
In addition to size one of the most important aspects to consider when parents are shopping for a double stroller is whether it will fit through doorways or other tight spaces. Fortunately, most of the models we tested in our latest update can pass through standard exterior doors, which are 36 inches wide. The they can be used for interior doors that are 28 to 35 inches wide.
When evaluating the top double strollers, we also consider how easily they fold and unfold. We also look at how well-padded the seats and canopies are. We also look at how comfortable the straps and buckles are for sitting children and how easy it is to reach and adjust the height of the handlebar.
For example our top option one, the Uppababy Vista V2, is lightweight and offers plenty of storage for both children. It has one parent cup holders, reclined seats that can be reclined independently, and large UPF 50+ canopies with windows that can be peekaboo. The seat's buckles and straps are cushioned and among the most comfortable we've tested. We also found it to be the easiest seat for children to secure.
If you aren't quite ready to buy a double stroller yet, Facebook Marketplace and second-hand-goods websites can offer used options in good condition for reasonable prices. Just make sure to do your research before you buy to buying, examining for indications of damage and checking up possible recalls.