How to Choose the Best Double Strollers
When you're going for an easy stroll or taking on your morning jog with your children, a double stroller will make life with twins or two kids of varying ages a lot easier. What should you consider when choosing between the various options available?
This model expands to allow you to adjust the seating to meet your needs. Our newest member, Kerry, tested it out.
double stroller with infant car seat must be secure regardless of whether you're running the town with your kids, taking them to the zoo, or going trick-or-treating. That means an sturdy frame and comfortable harnesses for children who sit down, and easy-to-grab handles for toddlers who stand. It also needs to be able to fit through doors and be easy to move and fold. It must be of good value.
We put each double stroller through rigorous testing in our lab, at the Zoo, on the city streets, and during family outings in suburban areas. Our lab tests evaluate the stroller's stability and maneuverability, ease of steering and handling, suspension comfort for the driver and the rider, weight capacity, seat canopy heights, and storage space.
In addition to the routine safety checks conducted by our experts in strollers, we ask parents to provide feedback on their experiences with each model. Then, we take all the information into consideration when making recommendations.
If you're looking for a safe, high-quality stroller, start with our top choices. These strollers are flexible and can be used for infant car seats. They come in tandem or single stroller models, and are suitable for children ranging from birth to elementary school.
The best double strollers can evolve with your family. They're sleek and stylish they can be fitted with various customization options and can accommodate infants and toddlers in tandem or side-byside (single-file) seating designs. A lot of them also have large storage baskets as well as a handlebar that could be adjusted telescopically, and one-handed folding mechanisms.
If you have twins or children who are similar age to their sibling, consider using a tandem stroller with a bench seat in the back that can be used by a 3rd child. These tandem strollers are great for siblings who want to interact, but might not be able sit side-by-side in a standard stroller. They could get into a fight or argue. You can also find convertible models, which permit you to remove a bench seat for your child once they are ready to go without the car seat.
Comfort
The top double strollers have comfortable child seats that are well-padded and supported. They also have plenty of storage space, large footwells that can accommodate children's feet and legs, and UPF 50+ canopies that provide great sun protection. Seats should recline at an angle to keep kids comfortable. They should also have adjustable calf bar that let parents independently adjust each seat. The handlebars should be comfortable and easy to maneuver 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 far apart you'll have a difficult time keeping your balance and maintaining good form when pushing them.
The ride should be smooth even on rough or hard surfaces. Some of the models we test had shock absorbers to ensure that the ride is stable. Certain models come with front and back suspension that increases control and reduces force required to push them. The wheels should have a sturdy tread and be made from premium rubber.
We searched for the most versatile double strollers that can be used from birth until toddlerhood and beyond. Some of the models we came across can be set up as tandem strollers or side-by-side and one that we found, the Uppababy Vista v2, can even be converted into a single-file stroller designed for infants. That model costs three times more than our main tandem model, but it's of higher quality and should last for longer due to its sturdy materials.
The most effective double strollers are light and maneuverable for long walks and trips to the zoo or park as well as for running other errands. They're generally larger than single strollers, so they may not fit through narrow doorways or in crowded aisles of stores. Some of them cost more than single-seaters, but it's normal since you get a lot more for your price. The models we recommend are comfortable for kids and adults alike, and they'll grow with your family.
Convenience
If you're going to spend money on a double stroller, it must be easy to move and put away. The stroller should be lightweight and easily fits in your car's trunk or at home. It should be able to maneuver rough terrain and make precise turns. The best double-strollers have adjustable calf support and seats that recline. They also offer UPF sun protection. The canopy should be big enough to cover both kids and, if you're concerned about getting the sun into their eyes, opt for one with a peek-aboo window.
The stage and age of your children will determine the type stroller you need. For instance, parents of twins might choose a convertible stroller that can hold two infant car seats simultaneously and families with an older child and a toddler might prefer a side-byside double. You'll also need to decide whether you'd like a stroller that can fit through narrow doorways or crowded aisles in grocery stores and is able to be used on airplanes.
In our Lab tests we found that the majority of double strollers were easy to fold and carry. Most double strollers fold in just one or two steps, and are compact enough to fit into the majority of compact cars. They're also designed to be sturdy when folded, which makes them much easier to put back together.
Some of the top double-strollers come with convenient parent features such as a cup holder for one parent and a big storage basket. It is important to know if the stroller has a lock on the front seat to prevent your children from escaping in case they get bored. Some strollers come with an universal adapter for car seats and can be converted into a single seat when your child grows.
The top double strollers are a bit expensive, but they come with higher quality construction and better resale value than cheaper models. They are also more maneuverable and can withstand the toughest terrains, such as city sidewalks or park trails.
Style
Parents who are looking for a double stroller are looking for more than just a means to transport two children. They're looking for a light stroller that is able to move with ease, has ample storage on the board and thoughtful features to adapt to the changing needs of children. It should also be easy for them to push and maneuver. Because they will be carrying more children, the stroller must be easy on their backs and shoulders.
This is why the best double strollers are sleek, offer a variety of designs, and accommodate infant car seats for an effortless transition from baby to toddler. They are available in tandem (single-file seating) or side-by-side, and are even lightweight enough to use for jogging.
In addition to size parents should also think about whether the double stroller can fit through doorways or other tight spaces. Fortunately, most of the models we tested in our latest update are able to pass through doors that are standard for exteriors that measure 36 inches wide. Moreover, they can be used for interior doors that measure 28 to 35 inches wide.
Other aspects we take into consideration when evaluating the top double strollers are the speed and ease with which they fold and unfold, the size the cargo basket is, how comfortable the seats are and how adjustable the canopy are. In addition, we examine how comfortable the straps and buckles are for sitting kids and how easy it is to reach and adjust the height of the handlebar.
Our top selection, Uppababy Vista V2, for example, is lightweight and has plenty of storage space for both children. It comes with a cup for parents holder and recliners that can be adjusted independently. It also has a generous UPF 50+ canopy, with a the peek-a-boo window. The straps and buckles are padded and among the most comfortable we've tested. We also found it to be the easiest seat for children to attach.
If you're not quite ready to buy a double stroller, Facebook Marketplace and other second-hand sites often have quality used items in good condition at reasonable prices. Make sure you do your homework and look for signs of damage before you buy.