How to Choose the Best Double Strollers
A double stroller makes things easier for parents of twins or children of different ages, whether you're taking your way to a relaxing walk or for a morning run. How do you choose from the many options available?
This model expands to allow you to modify the seating for different needs. Our newest member, Kerry, tested it out.
Safety
If you're running errands, visiting the zoo or going out for trick-or-treating with your kiddos, your stroller needs to be secure. It should have a sturdy frame and comfortable harnesses for kids who sit down, as well as easy-to-grab handles for toddlers who stand. It should also be able to pass through doors and be easy to move and fold. It should be worth the money.
We put each double stroller we tested through rigorous testing in our lab at the zoo, on city streets, and during family outings in suburban areas. Our lab tests evaluate the stroller's stability and maneuverability as well as ease of steering and handling as well as the comfort of suspension for the rider and the driver, capacity for weight as well as the height of the canopy on the seat and 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 the information provided when making recommendations.
Take a look at our top picks If you're in search of an excellent stroller that's safe and durable. These strollers are incredibly versatile and can be used with infant car seats. They are available in tandem or single stroller designs, and are suitable for children aged from birth to elementary school.
The best double strollers are designed to expand with your family. They're stylish and sleek, support a variety of customizations and can be used by toddlers and infants in tandem or side-byside (single-file) seating designs. Some also have an enormous storage basket, a handlebar that can be telescopically adjusted, and one-handed folding mechanisms.
If you have twins or a child who is a similar age to their sibling, you should consider choosing a tandem stroller with benches in the back that could be occupied by a third child. These tandem strollers are ideal for siblings who wish to be together, but may not be able sit side-by-side in a standard stroller. They could end up fighting or arguing. You'll also find convertible models that allow you to take off the bench seat once your children are ready to go for the ride without a car seat.
Comfort
The top double strollers have comfortable child seats that are well-padded and well-supported. They also come with plenty of storage space, large footwells that can accommodate children's feet and legroom, and UPF 50+ canopy that offer excellent sun protection. The seats should recline at an angle to ensure that children are comfortable, and they should have calf bars that permit parents to alter the position of each seat individually. Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician. She says that the handlebars must be ergonomic and easy to maneuver. The handlebars must be close enough to the seat of your child that you can grasp them and hold them. If the handlebars are too spread out and you'll have a tough in keeping your balance and retaining good posture when pushing them.
The ride should be smooth, even on rough or hard surfaces. Some of the models that we tested had shock absorbers to ensure that the ride is stable. Others have both rear and front suspensions, which decrease the amount of force needed to push them and improve your control over them. The wheels must have a durable tread and be made of premium rubber.
We searched for the most flexible double strollers that can be used from birth to toddlerhood and beyond. Some of the double strollers we found can be converted to tandem strollers or side-by-side ones. One of them is the Uppababy Vista V2, can even be converted into a single-file infant stroller. The model is three times more than our primary tandem pick however it's of better quality and should last for longer because of its durable materials.
The best double strollers will be lightweight and able to be maneuvered for long walks or trips to the zoo, park and for errands. They're generally wider than single strollers, which means they won't be able to fit through narrow entrances or in crowded aisles of stores. Some models cost more than their single-seat counterparts however it's reasonable given that you're getting a greater value for your money. The models we recommend are safe for kids and adults alike, and they'll expand with your family.
Convenience
If you're planning to invest the money to buy a double stroller, you'll need one that is easy to push and put away. The stroller should be light and easily fit into the trunk of your car or at home. It should also be able navigate tough terrain and handle tight turns. Some of 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 If you're worried about getting the sun in their eyes, choose one with a peek-aboo window.
The stage and age of your children will determine the kind of stroller you'll require. For instance, parents with twins might opt for an convertible stroller that accommodates two infant car seats at the same time and a family with an older child and a toddler might prefer a side-by-side double. You'll need to decide if you'd like a stroller which can fit through narrow doorways and aisles in grocery stores, or on airplanes.
In our Lab tests, we found that the best double strollers are relatively easy to fold and carry. Most double strollers fold in one or two steps and are small enough to fit into most 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 include convenient features for parents, like the cup holder that can be used by one parent and a large storage basket. Check if the stroller comes with locks for the front seat to prevent your child from climbing out. Some of the top strollers come with a universal car seat adapter and can be transformed into one-seaters as your children get older.
The top double strollers are pricey, but they have superior build quality and have higher resales values than cheaper models. extra resources and can withstand rough terrains, such as urban sidewalks or parks.
Style
Parents who are looking for a double stroller want more than just a way to transport two kids. They're looking for a lightweight stroller that is easy to move and has enough storage to expand with their children. Since they'll likely to be carrying more weight than their peers, the stroller should also be easy on the back and shoulders.
That's why the best double strollers are sleek and offer a variety of designs, and accommodate infant car seats to ensure an effortless transition from toddler to baby. They are available in side-by-side or tandem (single-file seating) designs and can be light enough to jog or travel.
In addition to the size parents should also think about whether the double stroller can be able to pass through doorways or other narrow spaces. Luckily, the majority of models we tested in our most recent update can pass through doors that are standard for exteriors that are 36 inches wide. Moreover, the majority of them can fit inside doors that measure 28 to 35 inches wide.
Other factors we look at when reviewing the best double strollers is the speed and ease with which they fold and unfold, how large the cargo basket is, how cushioned the seats are, and how adjustable the canopies are. We also look at how comfortable the seat straps and buckles are for sitting children, and how easy to access and adjust the height of the handlebar.
For example, our top pick one, the Uppababy Vista V2, is light and has plenty of onboard storage for both children. It comes with a parent cup seat that reclines independently, and large UPF 50+ canopies with windows that peek out. Its cushioned seat straps and buckles are among the most comfortable in our tests, and we found the seat to be one of the most simple to secure for children of all age groups.
If you're not ready to purchase a double stroller yet, Facebook Marketplace and second-hand-goods websites can offer used options in good condition at affordable cost. Make sure to do your research prior to making a purchase, scanning for signs of damage and looking for recalls.
