How to Choose the Best Double Strollers
When you're going for a stroll in the sun or going for your morning jog with your kids, a double stroller can make life with twins or two kids of different ages much easier. With so many options out there, how do you choose the most appropriate one for your family?
Our new team member, Kerry, got her stroller testing feet wet with this expandable model that allows you to change the seating configuration for different requirements.
Safety
When you're doing through the zoo, running errands or going out for trick-or-treating with your kids stroller must be secure. That means a sturdy frame and comfortable harnesses that are suitable for children who sit down, as well as easy-to-grab handles for toddlers who stand. It must also be able to pass through doors and be easy to move and fold. And of course, it should be worth the money.
Every double stroller we tested was put through rigorous testing in our laboratory at the zoo, in our lab and on streets in the city. We also took them out for family outings to suburban areas. Our lab tests test a stroller's maneuverability and stability in steering, ease of handling as well as the comfort of suspension for the driver and the rider, weight capacity as well as the height of the canopy on the seat and storage space.
In addition to the standard safety checks performed by our stroller experts, we request parents to give feedback on their experiences with each model. Then, we take all this information into consideration when making recommendations.
If you're looking for a safe, high-quality stroller, start with our top choices. small double buggy offer multiple seating options to accommodate infant car seats, can be used as an individual stroller or in tandem, and are suitable for children from birth to elementary school.
The top double strollers are made to adapt to your growing family. They are sleek and stylish, offer a range of designs and options, and can accommodate infants as well as toddlers by providing side-by-side or tandem (single file) seating. Some also have large storage baskets as well as a handlebar that could be telescopically adjusted, as well as one-handed fold mechanisms.
If you have twins or children who are similar age to their sibling, consider using a tandem stroller with benches in the back that can be occupied by a third child. They're a great option for siblings who wish to interact with each other however they may not be in a position to sit close to one another in a side-by-side stroller which could result in them ending in fighting or arguing. There are also convertible models that allow you to remove a bench seat for your child when they are at the point of riding without a 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 space, spacious footwells for kids' feet and legroom, and UPF 50+ canopies that provide great sun protection. Seats should be able to recline at an angle so that kids are comfortable. They should also include adjustable calf bars that allow parents to independently adjust the seat. The handlebars should be ergonomic and easy to maneuver, says Alli Cavasino, a certified child-passenger safety technician. The handlebars must be close enough to the seat of your child that you can grasp them and hold them. If the handlebars on the stroller are too far apart, it will be difficult to keep your balance and good form while pushing them.
The ride should be smooth, even on rocky or uneven surfaces. Some of the models we tested have shock absorbers to ensure that the ride remains steady. Others have front and rear suspension, which can reduce the amount of force needed to push them, and increase the control you have over them. The wheels should be constructed of high-quality rubber and have a robust tread that can withstand lots of wear and tear.
We looked for the most versatile double strollers that could be used from the age of infancy to toddlerhood. Some of the double strollers that we found can be converted into tandem strollers or side-byside strollers. One of them is the Uppababy Vista V2, can even be converted to an infant stroller with a single file. The model is three times more expensive as our main tandem option, but its materials are more durable, and it should last longer.
The most effective double strollers are lightweight and able to be maneuvered for long walks, trips to the zoo or the park, and errands. Double strollers are generally bigger than single strollers, and may not fit into narrow aisles or doorways. Some models cost more than their single-seat counterparts however, it's logical given that you're getting a much better value for your budget. These models are suitable for both children and adults, and will grow with your family.
Convenience
If you are going to invest money in a double-stroller, it should be easy to push and put away. The stroller should be light and easily fits in your car's trunk or at home. It should be able to navigate rough terrain and make precise turns. Some of the best double-strollers feature adjustable calf support and seats that recline. They also provide UPF sun protection. The canopy should be big enough to fit two children. If you're concerned about the sun getting in their eyes, choose a stroller with a peek-a-boo window.
The age and stage of your children will determine what kind of stroller you'll require. Parents with twins can opt for a convertible stroller that is able to hold two infant car seats simultaneously, while families with a child who is older and a toddlers may prefer side-byside doubles. You'll need to decide if you want an infant stroller that fits through narrow doors and aisles in grocery stores, or even on planes.
In our Lab tests, we discovered that the best double strollers are fairly easy to fold and carry. The majority of double strollers fold down in just one or two steps, and are small enough to fit in the majority of cars that are compact. They are also designed to be sturdy and easy to assemble.
Some of the top double strollers have practical features for parents like a one-parent cup holder as well as a large storage basket. Be sure to check if the stroller is equipped with locks on the front seat to stop your child from climbing out. double pram buggy have a universal adapter that fits car seats and can be converted to a single seat when your child grows.
The top double strollers are pricey, but they have superior build quality and higher resale values than less expensive models. They are also easier to maneuver, and can withstand rough terrain like park trails or city walkways.
Style
When parents are looking for a double stroller, they're looking for more than just a means to transport their two kids. They want a lightweight stroller that is easy to maneuver and has enough storage space to grow with their children. Since they'll be carrying more than children, the stroller needs to be easy on their backs and shoulders.
This is why the best double strollers are sleek, offer a variety of options for customization, and be adapted to infant car seats for a seamless transition from baby to toddler. They're available in side-by-side or tandem (single-file seating) models and can be light enough for jogging or travel.
Apart from 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 tight spaces. Fortunately, the majority of strollers we tested in our most recent update can clear standard exterior doors that measure 36 inches wide. The most can accommodate interior doors that measure 28 to 35 inches wide.
Other aspects we take into consideration when reviewing the best double strollers are how quickly and easily they fold and unfold, the size the cargo basket is, how cushioned the seats are and how adjustable the canopy are. We also take a look at how comfortable the straps and buckles are for seated kids and how easy it is to reach and adjust the height of the handlebar.
Our top selection, Uppababy Vista V2, for instance, is a light-weight model and offers plenty of storage space for both children. It has a cup for parents holder, seats that recline independently, and large UPF 50+ canopy with windows that can be peekaboo. Its cushioned seat straps and buckles are among the most comfortable we have found in our tests, and we found the seat to be among the most simple to secure for children of all different ages.
If you're not ready to purchase a double stroller yet, Facebook Marketplace and second-hand-goods websites offer used products in good condition at affordable prices. Be sure to do your research and check for any indications of damage before purchasing.