Double Stroller: What's The Only Thing Nobody Has Discussed
How Easy Is It to Push and Fold a Double Stroller?
A good double stroller will make it easier to move around regardless of whether you're walking your toddler or jogging with your twins. Finding a double stroller that is easy to fold and push is crucial.
Our Lab experts recommend side by side models with equal recline, plenty of storage and car seat adapters that can fit infants.
Seating
When you are looking for a double stroller, the seating options are important. You may want to think about a tandem stroller that allows one child to stand while the other one sits or a side by side model that lets your children sit together.
Seating arrangements can also affect your comfort when you're navigating the busy streets and sidewalks. Find strollers that have reclining chairs with reclined footrests, large canopies to provide shade for two passengers. Also, don't hang bags on the handlebars since they could alter the stroller's centre of gravity and increase tipping.
A quality double stroller comes with convenient storage for your essentials, too. Look for storage compartments on the back of the seats or underneath the seats to keep toys, snacks and other items in a convenient place. Parents consoles and bags connected to the handles are also useful for keeping essentials within reach on walks or outings.
If you have children nearing their age, a side-by-side stroller might be the best choice. They're usually more stable than stacking models and provide better sightlines for both passengers. Some models can accommodate two infants in a car seats, allowing you to transfer your sleeping children from the car to the pram and not wake them.
Sit-and stand models are a great option for parents with older children who don't mind their kids sitting in separate places and want some freedom. They also allow a larger child to ride along on the front. This type of double stroller isn't compatible with newborns, and it may require more maintenance in the future. However, it could be a great choice for active families that want the versatility of one stroller that transforms into an adult-only model.
The top double strollers will be durable and easy-to-maneuver, even in rough terrain or tight spaces. They're also light and fold up for compact storage in your trunk or garage which makes them easy to transport and manage while traveling. They're made to last and comply with the safety standards of the American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP).
Canopy
A canopy protects both the passengers and the sun's rays. Some models come with a visor to further shield children's faces. Models with huge shades like the BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 Duallie and the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double have earned us top scores for their canopy options. Both models offer plenty of coverage and protect children from head to toe, while inline options often lack shade or have a single canopy that only covers one seat. This could be a problem for siblings who require different levels of protection.
The majority of our top-rated canopys fit on strollers easily. Be sure to verify the dimensions of the model before you purchase, as some canopy may require additional space in the basket for full extension and to avoid hitting the handles when they're folded.
Some parents like double strollers that come with the option of a bassinet or car seat adapters to allow them to have more options in the future. For instance, the UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double features a toddler seat and an added RumbleSeat making it a great option for families with twins or children who may need to transport more than two kids at a time. This versatile stroller also offers a unique sit-and-stand configuration for older kids who prefer to ride on their own.
The organizer bags and consoles for parents can make your stroller more useful. They keep your essentials in your reach. These bags are particularly useful when you want to store toys and snacks away from view. Some of these accessories are secured via a strap or snap that makes it simple to take them off when you're ready for the stroller to be used again.
If you're looking to make an investment that will last for a long time consider a double stroller that's compatible with infant car seats. It can also grow into a toddler stroller that has a bench seat or glider board. Both the Graco Travel System RoomFor2 and UPPAbaby's Vista Duallie include a bassinet which is compatible with car seats, a toddler's seat, and a RumbleSeat. Both can expand to a triple stroller by the addition of a running board, which is ideal for families with an active kid who prefers to stay on the move.
Wheels
The type of wheels used on the stroller makes a big difference in how easy or difficult it is to push. In general, larger wheels are easier to maneuver and will be able to tackle a wider range of terrain. The material the wheels are made of plays a role in how easy or hard they are to push. Rubber wheels are more durable than plastic ones and are able to withstand rougher surfaces.
Stroller wheels are available in a variety styles sizes, dimensions, and materials to meet a wide range of needs and environments. Swivel wheels, for example can make it easier to maneuver through tight spaces and tight corners. Fixed-wheels offer more stability and are more suitable for smooth surfaces. If you are planning to take your stroller off the road or on rough terrain, think about getting air-filled tires instead rubber tires. These tires are similar to bicycle tires and can absorb shocks, making for more comfortable riding.
Double strollers that are side-byside are larger than tandem models and may be more difficult to maneuver through narrow doors or congested aisles. They give your children the same amount of space and allow them to stretch their legs. They are also typically more maneuverable than tandem strollers.
If you are planning to use your stroller for a bike or run then you should choose a double jogger with all-terrain wheels or jogging tires. These tires are larger and thicker, and come with sealed ball bearings that provide a smoother ride on uneven surfaces. Some models, such as the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double Stroller are compatible with car seat, allowing you to jog while your children are safely secured in their car seats.
Other all-terrain/jogging doubles, like the Valco Baby Tri Mode Duo X allow an additional seat in front however they're usually too bulky to be considered umbrella doubles. And in our testing the restraint buckles of this model were among the toughest to secure, which could be a challenge when trying to fit two kids in the stroller at the same time. This stroller is expensive and costs a lot more than our top single-to-tandem model, but it comes with top-quality materials and an excellent resale value.
Storage
A well-designed double stroller should provide enough storage space for both parents and children. Lack of storage makes it difficult for parents to get around town or bring along all the gear needed to enjoy a day out with two kids. In our Lab tests, the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored very well in this measurement, with a large and easily accessible basket that can hold up to 30 lbs.
Strollers that have pockets and compartments that are multiple can assist families in organizing small items such as keys, wallets, and phones. Additionally, a parent console or organizer bag attached to the handlebars could provide a convenient space for dads and moms to store their personal belongings during outings with their kids.
The UPPAbaby vista comes with an enormous basket that can carry two car seats for infants. (Not both bassinets however.) It also has the ability to telescopically adjust its bar and has brakes that are simple to use. It also has the largest weight capacity in our line-up and it folds to fit most standard door frames.
Our test participants also discovered that the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite wagon comes with a fantastic adjustable bar, which is ideal for parents of different heights. strollers strollers that fold down to provide complete sun coverage and its cup and snack tray holders can hold a variety of bottles and snacks for children.
A big challenge for any stroller is how to fold it and return it to shape after use, especially when you have two children in tow. It's therefore important to choose a stroller that folds easily and quickly. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 and Evenflo Pivot Xpand both come with a simple, single-handed mechanism that lets parents quickly and efficiently fold their strollers regardless of the configuration they are in.
Double strollers might seem like an investment that's expensive however, parents who intend to use it for a number of years will be paying more than single strollers. It's also worth looking into whether the stroller can be broken down into parts for storage and transport, which is an important consideration if you have limited space in your home or vehicle.