How to Choose the Best Double Strollers
A double stroller can make the life of parents with twins or children of different ages whether you're enjoying an easy stroll or going for a morning jog. But with numerous options available to choose from, how do you pick the right one for your family?
Our newest team member, Kerry, got her stroller feet wet by using this expandable model that lets you to alter the seating configuration for different needs.
Safety
Your stroller must be secure, whether you're out on the town with your children, going to the zoo, or going trick-or-treating. It's essential to have sturdy frames as well as comfortable harnesses that are easy to grab handle for toddlers. It also needs to be able to pass through doors and be easy to maneuver and fold. It must also be affordable.
We put each double stroller we reviewed through vigorous testing in our lab, at the Zoo, on city streets, and on family outings in suburban areas. Our lab tests evaluate the stroller's maneuverability and stability, ease of steering and handling as well as the comfort of suspension for the driver and the rider capacity to carry weight as well as the height of the canopy on the seat and storage space.
We solicit feedback from parents on each model, in addition to the standard safety check performed by our team. Then, we take all that information into account when forming our recommendations.
Begin with our top choices to help you find a stroller that is secure and durable. These strollers can be used in multiple seating options for infant car seats. They can be used as an individual stroller or in tandem and are suitable for children ranging from birth to elementary school.
The best double strollers will expand with your family. They're stylish and sleek they can be fitted with many different customization options, and can accommodate both toddlers and infants in a side-by-side or tandem (single-file) seating designs. Many also come with large storage baskets as well as a handlebar that could be adjusted telescopically, and one-handed fold mechanisms.
Consider a tandem stroller that has a bench seat at the back for a third child, if you have twins or a child of similar age. They're a great option for siblings who wish to interact with each other however they may not be able to sit with each other in a stroller that is side-by-side, where they could end with fighting or arguing. There are also convertible models that permit you to take off the bench seat once your children are ready to go for an excursion without a car seat.
Comfort
The best double strollers feature 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 legroom and UPF 50+ sun-protection canopies which offer great sun protection. Push Chairs And Prams should recline at an angle to ensure children are at ease, and they should have calf bars that permit parents to adjust the height of each seat individually. The handlebars should be ergonomic and easy to maneuver, says Alli Cavasino, a certified child passenger safety technician. The handlebars need to be close enough to your child's seat that you can grab them and hold them. If the handlebars are too spread out, you'll have a hard in keeping your balance and maintaining good form when pushing them.
The ride should be smooth, even on rough or rough surfaces. Some of the models we tested come with shock absorbers to keep the ride steady. Certain models come with front and back suspension that increases control and reduces force needed to push them. The wheels should be made of high-quality rubber with durable tread that can handle plenty of wear and tear.
We searched for the most versatile double-strollers that can be used from to toddlerhood. Some of the double strollers that we found can be converted into tandem strollers or side-byside strollers. One of them, the Uppababy Vista V2, can even be converted into one-file infant strollers. This model is three times more costly as our top tandem choice however, its materials are more durable and it will last longer.
The best double strollers are lightweight and maneuverable enough to use for long walks, errands, and trips to the park or zoo. Double strollers are generally bigger than single strollers, and can be difficult to fit into narrow aisles or doorways. Some models cost more than single-seat models however, it's logical since you're getting much better value for your dollars. The models we recommend are comfortable for adults and children alike and will continue to expand with your family.
Convenience
If you're going to spend the money for a double stroller, you'll want one that's easy to push and store. The stroller should be light and easily fit into your car's trunk or at home. It should be able to navigate rough terrain and make tight turns. Some of the top double strollers have adjustable calf supports, and seats that recline, and offer UPF sun protection. The canopy should be large enough to accommodate both children If you're worried about getting the sun into their eyes, choose one with a peek-a-boo window.
The stage and age of your children will determine the kind of stroller you'll need. Parents of twins could opt for a convertible stroller which can accommodate two infant car seats at once, while families with an older child and toddlers might prefer doubles that are side-by-side. You'll also need to decide whether you'd like a stroller that fits through narrow entrances or aisles in grocery stores and can be used on airplanes.
In our Lab tests we found that most double strollers are easy to fold and move. Most double strollers fold in a matter of one or two steps, and are small enough to fit in the majority of cars that are compact. They're also designed to be stable when folded, which makes them easier to put back together.
Some of the best double strollers have convenient parent features like a one-parent cup holder as well as a large storage basket. It is important to know if the stroller is locked on the front of the seat, so that you can keep the kids from climbing out if they get antsy. Some strollers come with an universal adapter for car seats that can be converted to a single seat when your child grows.
Some of the best double strollers are a bit expensive, but they come with a better build quality and better resale value than lower-end models. They're also easier to maneuver and can handle tough terrain, like urban sidewalks or parks.
Style
Parents looking for a double stroller are looking for more than just a means to transport two children. They're looking for a lightweight stroller that is easy to move and has enough space to expand with their children. Since they'll likely to carry more weight than their peers so the stroller must be comfortable for shoulders and back.
The top double strollers are sleek and offer a variety of customizations. They can also allow for infant car seats to ensure the smooth 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 size one of the most important factors to consider for parents looking for a double stroller is whether or not it can be used in doorways and other narrow spaces. Luckily, the majority of strollers we tested in our latest update can pass through standard exterior doors that measure 36 inches wide. The they can be used for interior doors that are 28 to 35 inches wide.
When we review the top double strollers, we also look at how easily they fold and unfold. We also take a look at how comfortable the seats and canopies are. We also examine how comfortable the straps and buckles are for seated kids and how easy to access and adjust the height of the handlebar.
For instance, our top pick, the Uppababy Vista V2, is lightweight and has ample onboard storage for both children. It comes with a parent cup holder, seats that recline independently, and large UPF 50+ canopies with peekaboo windows. The seat's buckles and straps are padded and are among the most comfortable we have tested. We also found it to be the easiest seat for children to attach.
If you aren't quite ready to buy a double stroller, Facebook Marketplace and second-hand-goods websites can offer used options in good condition at affordable cost. Make sure you do your homework and look for signs of damage before you buy.