Double Stroller: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly
What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The best double strollers grow with families and provide thoughtful features to keep kids at ease and content. The best double strollers come with adjustable footrests, as well as smooth riding over old sidewalks, gravel and trails.
Kerry was pleased that the stroller arrived in multiple boxes, but everything was well-labeled and easy to open. She also appreciated that the stroller can accept two infant car seats and it is able to be set up with a riding-board for older children.
Seating Options
When it is double strollers, seating options are the main factor that determines the purchase of many families. You'll have to think about the age of your children, the relative sizes and seating arrangements you like.
For example, if you have children of similar age who will sit side-by-side, consider a tandem stroller that has child seats that are attached to one another and doesn't require you to use car seat adapters, according to Alli Cavasino an editor in the senior position at Consumer Reports. They're typically larger than other double strollers, they won't fit through standard door frames in your home.
If your children are older age, you might want to consider a stroller with two seats that can be turned into a stand-and ride model. This will allow a child to watch or ride along with their sibling. These in-line strollers are also able to accommodate infant car seats if needed, and are good for children aged three years apart.
You should also consider the type of seat material, according to Billingsley. Some offer more breathable fabrics than others and are easier to clean. You should also think about how easy it will be to fold your stroller for storage or transportation to and from your car. "There's nothing more frustrating than purchasing your dream stroller only find out that it is too heavy or bulky for your trunk," says the expert.
If you are seeking a low-cost option that offers multiple configurations, then check out this award-winning stroller from Summer Infant. It has two toddler seats as well as an infant bassinet. It can be expanded into a triple stroller by adding a seat or a riding board. The seats recline, and the calf bar controls can be adjusted in a separate manner. This is great the time when one child is in need of a nap while another is looking to explore the surroundings. When folded, the seat is compact and fits into most trunks.
Age Variations
Sit-and stand strollers are the ideal option for families with children who are close in terms of age. They provide the comfort and convenience. These strollers typically have seats for infants or toddler in the front, and a platform or bench that allows an older child to stand or take a ride in the back. They're ideal for big toddlers and preschoolers, but don't be suitable for infants or kids who don't yet have the balance and coordination to stand on their own.
A narrow tandem stroller can help you keep your eyes on both children simultaneously and can fit into tight spots like busy aisles in the grocery store or family photos at the park. These strollers are typically smaller than double strollers with side-by-side designs and are able to move more easily but they don't have the capacity to fit infant car seats and generally don't offer as much undercarriage storage.
If you're planning to use a double stroller over some time--or even for a decade or more--it's worth buying a stroller that will continue to expand with your children. Double strollers are more expensive than single strollers however, if you select them wisely, you'll save money in the end.
Our test subjects put these strollers through a series of maneuverability tests and off-road adventures, and they found them to be simple to navigate through various terrains. If you intend to use it in urban areas or cities where sidewalks and traffic can be bumpy, you might want something that is more durable and robust that can handle rough treatment.
Double strollers are designed to last, but the seats can be worn out earlier than you think or your children might outgrow them before they're ready for retirement. If you're on a tight budget look into a model that has been evaluated for at least four years and is designed to last as long as is possible.
Easy of Use
It is essential to ensure that the double stroller is comfortable to use by both children. It means that the harnesses should be comfortable for children who are seated and the handles should be simple to grasp for toddlers. The stroller can also be easily rolled and moved around obstacles and in tight spaces. The top-rated strollers from our Lab tests, such as the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie or Thule Urban Glide 2 Double are among the easiest to move around.
A double stroller should be easy to fold up and take down and store. The most efficient models fold in two or three steps and are compact enough to fit in the majority of trunks. It's also a benefit when you can add a second seat or a ride-along stroller. Some can even hold infant car seats, meaning you don't have to wake your baby to transfer them into the stroller when they're ready to head home.
A good double stroller is also strong and can be used in different types of terrain. For instance, some models can be converted into an jogging stroller by using a front wheel that is specially designed, and some can be used as an umbrella stroller. Some come with cargo baskets that can be attached to the rear of the stroller to carry shopping bags or groceries.
Another consideration is whether you'd like an oversized stroller that can be used side-by-side or as a tandem. Side-by-side strollers are typically bigger than tandem models and can be difficult to maneuver through tight spaces like doorways and aisles of the grocery store. However, they provide the convenience of allowing every child to see the same scene. They are also more convenient to navigate in bad weather because they offer more protection from the elements.
Many parents decide to purchase an adaptable stroller that can be used by a newborn, and then transformed into a double stroller once their children are older. After speaking with parents we've learned it's best to purchase what you need now, rather than trying to anticipate what your family will require in the future.
Stores
If you're looking for a double stroller, you might need to think about the size and amount of storage space. Many models have large, easy-to access baskets that can store plenty of stuff. They often also have multiple parent cup holders and seats that can be reversible to provide the best legroom available for children. Some of these features may add to the price, so be sure to read reviews and descriptions carefully.
The majority of double strollers are classified as either tandem or side-by-side designs. Tandem strollers have two seats in one frame and are best suited to older babies who can stand unaided. They tend to have more storage space than side-byside models. However, some models can be difficult to push when the front seat is fully reclined.
The side-by-side stroller has two seats that are positioned side-by-side. They're generally more suitable for infants or toddlers who haven't yet mastered independent sitting. They are also more maneuverable and easy to push than tandem strollers. However, double buggy that converts to single have smaller storage baskets than tandem strollers, and can be more expensive.
There are also special double strollers that are designed specifically for biking and jogging. They're generally more expensive than all-terrain strollers and have fixed front wheels, which limit their mobility. These strollers are only worth considering if you plan to use them in these kinds of activities.
Whether you're shopping for twins or an infant and a toddler, or another child who's not quite ready to ride on their own, there's an ideal double stroller out there. Our top picks are easy to maneuver, versatile, stable and have seating that grows with your child's. So whether you're looking for a tandem stroller or one that will accommodate your infant car seat, check out our top choices to find the ideal double stroller for your family.