How to Choose the Best Double Strollers
A double stroller can make 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. But with numerous options available, how do you choose the best one for your family?
Our new 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 arrangement to meet your different requirements.
Safety
Your stroller should be safe regardless of whether you're running shopping trips with your kids, taking them to the zoo or trick-or-treating. That means an sturdy frame and comfortable harnesses for children who sit down, and easy-to-grab handles for toddlers who stand. It must also be able to pass through doorways and be easy to maneuver and fold. It should be a good value.
Every double stroller we tested was put through rigorous testing in our laboratory at the zoo, and on streets in cities. We also took them out for family outings to suburban neighborhoods. Our lab tests test a stroller's maneuverability and stability in steering, ease of handling and suspension comfort for both the rider and the driver weight capacity as well as the height of the canopy on the seat and storage space.
In addition to the standard safety checks conducted by our experts in strollers We also request parents to provide feedback on their experiences with each model. We then consider all of this information when forming our recommendations.
Take a look at our top picks if you're looking for a stroller that is sturdy and safe. These strollers are incredibly versatile and can be used for infant car seats. They are available in tandem or single stroller models, and are suitable for children from birth to elementary school.
The best double strollers are designed to grow with your family. They're stylish and sleek and offer a variety of designs and options, and can be used by infants and toddlers with side-by-side seating or tandem (single file) seating. A lot of them also have large storage baskets, a handlebar that can be adjusted telescopically, and one-handed folding 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. These strollers are a great choice for siblings who want to interact, but might not be able sit side-by-side in a standard stroller. They may end up fighting or arguing. There are also convertible models that allow you to remove a bench seat for your child when they are ready to go without the car seat.
Comfort
The most comfortable double strollers come with comfortable child seats that have plenty of padding and support. They also have plenty of storage, roomy footwells for kids' feet and legroom, and UPF 50+ canopies that offer excellent sun protection. The seats should recline at a slight angle to ensure that children are comfortable. They should also include calf bars that allow parents to adjust 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 should be close enough to the seat of your child that you can grasp 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 hard surfaces. Some of the models that we tested had shock absorbers to keep the ride stable. Some have rear and front suspension, which can reduce the amount of force needed to push them and improve your control over them. The wheels must have a durable tread and be made from premium rubber.
We looked for the most versatile double-strollers which can be used from the time of to toddlerhood. Some of the double strollers we came across can be converted into tandem strollers or side-byside strollers. One of them is the Uppababy Vista V2, can even be converted to a single-file infant stroller. That model costs three times more than our primary tandem model, but it's of higher quality and should last for longer because of its durable materials.
The best double strollers will be light and maneuverable for long walks and trips to the zoo, park as well as for running shopping trips. The double strollers are typically bigger than single strollers, and may not fit into narrow aisles or doorways. Some are also priced more than single seat models, but that's understandable since you're getting greater value for your money. These models are appropriate for adults and children and will grow with your family.
Convenience
If you're going to spend the money on a double stroller, you'll want one that's easy to move and store. The stroller should be lightweight and easily fit into your car's trunk or at home. It must also be able to traverse rough terrain and make tight turns. Some of the most reliable double strollers have adjustable calf supports as well as seats that recline and provide UPF sun protection. The canopy should be big enough to cover two children. If you're concerned about the sun's rays getting into their eyes, go for a stroller with a peek-a-boo window.
The stage and age of your children will determine the type stroller you require. Parents of twins may choose a convertible stroller that can accommodate two infant car seats simultaneously and families with a child who is older and a toddler might prefer side-by-side doubles. You'll need to decide if you want an infant stroller that fits through narrow entrances, grocery store aisles or on airplanes.
In our Lab tests, we found that the majority of double strollers were easy to fold and move. The majority of double strollers fold in one or two steps, and are small enough to fit into the majority of compact cars. They're also designed to be sturdy and easy to assemble.
Some of the best double-strollers include convenient features for parents, such as a cup holder for one parent and a large storage basket. Check if the stroller comes with a lock on the front seat, to prevent your child from escaping. Some strollers have a universal adapter that fits car seats and can be converted into a single seat when your child grows.
The price of some of the most expensive double strollers can be a bit steep, but they typically have better build quality and resale value than cheaper models. They are also easier to maneuver and are able to handle rough terrain like park trails or city walkways.
Style
Parents shopping for a double stroller want more than just a way to transport two kids. They're looking for a light stroller that is able to move with ease, has sufficient storage space on the inside and thoughtful features to expand with their children. It should also be easy for them to push and maneuver. Because they will be carrying more than children, the stroller should be comfortable on their backs and shoulders.
This is why the top double strollers are sleek, support a wide range of designs, and accommodate infant car seats to ensure a seamless transition from toddler to baby. They are available in tandem (single-file seating) or side-by-side, and are even light enough for running.
In addition to the size parents must also consider whether the double stroller will be able to pass through doorways or other narrow spaces. Luckily, the majority of models we tested in our latest update can pass through the standard doors for exterior use that measure 36 inches wide. The most can accommodate interior doors that measure 28 to 35 inches wide.
When evaluating the top double strollers, we look at how easily they fold and unfold. We also consider how comfortable the seats and canopies are. tandem double buggy take into consideration how comfortable the seat straps and buckles are for children sitting in the stroller, as well as how easy it would be to adjust the handlebar height.
Our top selection, Uppababy Vista V2, for instance, is a light-weight model and offers plenty of storage space for both children. It has one parent cup seat that reclines independently, and a large UPF 50+ canopies with peekaboo windows. The straps and buckles are cushioned and are among the most comfortable we've tested. We also found it to be the most simple seat for children to attach.
If you're not ready to buy a double stroller, Facebook Marketplace and other second-hand-goods websites can provide quality used items in good condition at reasonable prices. Just make sure to do your research before committing to a purchase, looking for indications of damage and checking for recalls that could be possible.