10 Things Competitors Teach You About Double Strollers
How to Choose the Best Double Strollers
If you're taking a stroll in the sun or going for your morning jog with your children, a double stroller can make life with twins or two children of different ages much easier. But with so many options out there to choose from, how do you pick the best one for your family?
Our latest team member, Kerry, got her stroller's feet wet when she tried it out with this expandable model that lets you to alter the seating configuration for different requirements.
Safety
Whether you're running errands, visiting the zoo or out for a trick-or-treat with your kiddos your stroller should be safe. It's crucial to have a sturdy frame, comfortable harnesses and easy-to-grab handle for toddlers. It should also fit through doors, be easy to fold and maneuver and easy to maneuver. And of course, it must be of good value.
We put every double stroller we reviewed through rigorous testing in our lab, at the Zoo, on city streets, and during family outings in suburban neighborhoods. Our lab tests test the stroller's maneuverability and stability, and ease of steering. We also test the suspension comfort for both the driver and rider, the capacity for weight, height of the canopy for the seat, and the storage space.
We ask parents to provide feedback on each model in addition to the routine safety check carried out by our team. We then take into account all of that information when forming our recommendations.
Start with our top picks If you're in search of a stroller that is safe and durable. These versatile strollers offer multiple seating options to accommodate infant car seats. They can be used as a single stroller or tandem, and are suitable for children from birth through elementary school.
The best double strollers can expand with your family. They are stylish and sleek with a variety of customizations and can be used by infants and toddlers with side-byside seating or tandem (single file) seating. Some also have large storage baskets as well as a handlebar that could be telescopically adjusted, and one-handed folding mechanisms.
If you have twins or an infant who is similar age to their sibling, think about selecting a tandem stroller that has benches in the back that could be used by a 3rd child. These tandem strollers are ideal for siblings who want to get together, but not be able to do so in a standard stroller. They may end up fighting or arguing. There are also convertible models that allow you to remove the bench seat of your child when they are ready to ride without a car seat.
Comfort
The best double strollers feature comfortable child seats that are well-padded and well-supported. They also have ample storage, roomy footwells for children's feet and legroom and UPF 50+ sun-protection canopies that provide great sun protection. Seats should recline at an angle so that kids are comfortable. They should also include calf bar adjusters that let parents adjust the seat. The handlebars must be comfortable and easy to move according to Alli Cavasino, a certified child passenger safety technician. The handlebars need to be close enough to the seat of your child that you can grab them and hold 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 rocky surfaces. Some of the models we tested have shock absorbers to keep the ride stable. Others have both rear and front suspension, which can reduce the amount of force you need to push them, and increase the control you have over them. The wheels should be made of high-quality rubber and have a durable tread that can handle plenty of wear and tear.
We searched for the most flexible double strollers that can be used from birth through toddlerhood and beyond. Some of the double strollers we found can be converted into tandem strollers or side-byside strollers. One of them is the Uppababy Vista V2, can even be converted into a single-file infant stroller. That model costs three times more than our primary tandem pick however it's of better quality and will last longer due to its robust materials.
The best double strollers are light and movable enough for long walks, errands and trips to the park or zoo. The double strollers are typically bigger than single strollers, and might not fit in narrow aisles or doorways. Some are also priced more than single-seat models, but that's understandable given that you're getting a much better value for your money. These models are suitable for both adults and children and will grow with your family.
Convenience
If you're going to spend the money for a double stroller, you'll need one that is easy to move and put away. The stroller should be light and easily fits in your car's trunk or at home. It should be able navigate rough terrain and make tight turns. Some of the best double strollers have adjustable calf supports as well as seats that recline, and offer UPF sun protection. The canopy should be big enough to accommodate two children. If you're concerned about the sun getting in their eyes, go for a stroller with a peek-a-boo window.
The stage and age of your children will determine what type stroller you need. For instance, parents with twins might opt for an convertible stroller that accommodates two infant car seats simultaneously, while families with an older child and a toddler may prefer a double that is side-by-side. You'll also have to decide whether you want a stroller that fits through narrow doors or in crowded aisles in grocery stores and is able to be used on airplanes.
In our Lab tests we found that most double strollers were easy to fold and move. The majority of double strollers fold in a matter of one or two steps, and are compact enough to fit into the majority of compact cars. They're also designed to be sturdy which makes them easier to put back together.
Some of the best double strollers feature useful features for parents, such as a one-parent cup holder and a large storage basket. Check if the stroller comes with a lock for the front seat, to prevent your child from climbing out. Some of the top strollers come with an adapter for carseats that is universal and can be converted into one-seaters as your children grow.
The cost of some of the best double strollers can be a bit expensive, but they usually are of higher quality and resale value than cheaper models. They're also easier to maneuver and can withstand the toughest terrains, such as city sidewalks or park trails.
Style
When parents are shopping for a double-stroller they're looking for more than a way to transport their two kids. They're looking for a stroller that's light that is easy to move and has enough storage space to expand with their children. Because they will be carrying more than the children, the stroller needs to be comfortable on their backs and shoulders.
This is why the best double strollers are sleek and allow for a variety of options for customization, and accommodate infant car seats for an easy transition from baby to toddler. They are available in tandem (single-file seating), side-by-side, and even lightweight enough to use for jogging.
In addition to the size parents must also consider whether the double stroller can fit through doorways and other narrow spaces. Fortunately, the majority of strollers we tested in our most recent update are able to pass through doors that are standard for exteriors, which are 36 inches wide. The most can accommodate interior doors that measure 28 to 35 inches wide.
Other aspects we take into consideration when reviewing the best double strollers are the speed and ease with which they fold and unfold, the size the cargo basket is, how padded the seats are and how flexible the canopy are. We also examine how comfortable the straps and buckles are for seated children, and how easy it is to access and adjust the height of the handlebar.
For instance, our top pick, the Uppababy Vista V2, is light and has plenty of onboard storage for both children. It has one parent cup holder, seats that recline independently, and large UPF 50+ canopies with peekaboo windows. The straps and buckles are cushioned and among the most comfortable that we have test. We also found it to be the most simple seat for children to attach.
If you're still not sure if you're ready to buy a double stroller, Facebook Marketplace and other secondhand-goods sites can often offer excellent used models in good condition for affordable prices. Be tandem double buggy pushchairsandprams to conduct your research prior to making a purchase to a purchase, looking for signs of damage and looking for recalls that could be possible.