How to Choose the Best Double Strollers
Whether you're out for an easy stroll or taking on your morning jog with your children, a double stroller could make life with twins or two kids of varying ages a lot easier. There are the many options available to choose from, how do you pick the right one for your family?
This expandable model lets you to customize the seating to meet your needs. Our latest member, Kerry, tested it out.
Safety
If you're running errands, visiting the zoo or going out for trick-or-treating with your kiddos stroller must be safe. It's crucial to have a sturdy frame as well as comfortable harnesses that are easy to grab handle for toddlers. It should also to fit through doors, simple to fold and move, and be easy to maneuver. It should also be reasonably priced.
Each double stroller that we tested was put through rigorous testing in our lab, at the zoo and on city streets. We also took them on family outings to suburban areas. Our lab tests assess the stroller's maneuverability and stability, and ease of steering. We also test the suspension comfort for both the driver as well as the rider, the weight capacity, the height of the canopy for the seat, and the storage space.
In addition to the regular security checks carried out by our stroller experts, we request parents to provide feedback on their experiences with each model. We then take all this information into consideration when making our recommendations.
If you're looking for a secure stroller that is high-quality, then start with our top choices. These strollers can be used in multiple seating configurations to accommodate infant car seats, can be used as an individual stroller or in tandem and are suitable for children from birth through elementary school.
The best double strollers will expand with your family. They're stylish and sleek with a variety of options for customization and can be used by infants and toddlers with side-byside seating or tandem (single file) seating. Some also have an enormous storage basket as well as a handlebar that could be telescopically adjusted, as well as one-handed folding 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 could be occupied by a third child. They're an excellent option for siblings who want to get involved, but may not be able to sit with each other in a stroller that is side-by-side which could result in them ending with fighting or arguing. You can also find convertible models, which allow you to remove the bench seat for your child when they are ready to ride without a car seat.
Comfort
The best double strollers feature comfortable child seats with plenty of padding and support. They also have ample storage, roomy footwells for children's feet and legroom, and UPF 50+ canopies which offer great sun protection. The seats should recline at a slight angle to ensure that children are comfortable, and they should include calf bars that allow parents to adjust the position of each seat individually. The handlebars must be comfortable and easy to move, says Alli Cavasino who is a certified child passenger safety technician. The handlebars should be close enough to the seat of your child that you can grab them and hold them. If the handlebars on the stroller are not close enough it will be a challenge to keep your balance and good posture when pushing them.
The ride should be smooth on rough or rough surfaces. Some of the models that we tested had shock absorbers to keep the ride 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 must have a durable tread and made of high-quality rubber.
We searched for the most flexible double strollers that could be used from birth to toddlerhood and beyond. Some of the double strollers we came across can be converted to tandem strollers or side-by-side ones. One of them, the Uppababy Vista V2, can even be converted to one-file infant strollers. The model is three times as expensive as our primary tandem option however its materials are more durable, and it should last longer.
The best double strollers will be lightweight and able to be maneuvered for long walks, trips to the zoo, park, and other errands. They're generally wider than single strollers, which means they might not be able to fit through narrow doorways or store aisles that are crowded. Some are more expensive than single-seaters, but that's understandable because you get a lot for your price. These models are suitable for adults and children and will continue to grow with your family.
Convenience
If you're going to spend money on a double stroller, it must be easy to push and store. Ideally, the stroller will be light and compact enough to fit into the trunk of your car or in the space at home. It must also be able to navigate tough terrain and handle tight turns. Some of the top double-strollers feature adjustable calf support and seats that recline. They also offer UPF sun protection. The canopy should be big enough to accommodate both children, and if you're worried about getting the sun into their eyes, look for one with a peek-a-boo window.
The ages and stages of your children will influence the kind of stroller you choose to be the best for you. For instance, parents with twins might choose an convertible stroller that accommodates two infant car seats simultaneously or parents with an older child and a toddler may prefer a side-byside double. You'll need to decide if you want a stroller which can fit through narrow entrances, grocery store aisles or on planes.
In our Lab tests, we discovered that most double strollers were easy to fold and move. They usually have a oneor two-step procedure, and are compact enough to fit in the majority of compact cars. They're designed to be stable, making them easier to put back together.
Some of the top double strollers feature useful features for parents like a one-parent cup holder as well as a large storage basket. You should consider whether the stroller comes with a lock on the front seat, to prevent your children from escaping if they get antsy. Some strollers have a universal adapter that fits car seats and can be converted to a single seat when your child grows.
Some of the top double strollers are a bit expensive, but they offer a better build quality and have higher resales values than lower-end models. They are also easier to maneuver and can handle rough terrain, such as urban walkways or parks.
Style
Parents shopping for a double stroller are looking for more than just a means to transport two children. They want a light, maneuverable stroller with sufficient storage space on the inside and thoughtful features to adapt to the changing needs of children. It should also be easy to push and navigate. Since they will be carrying more than the children, the stroller needs to be comfortable on their backs and shoulders.
double stroller for twins is why the best double strollers are sleek and support a wide range of designs, and accommodate infant car seats to ensure 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 for travel.
Aside from size one of the most important aspects to consider when parents are shopping for a double stroller is whether it can be used in doorways and other tight spaces. Most of the models we evaluated for our latest update are able to fit through doors that are 36 inches in width.
When we review the top double strollers, we also take into consideration how easy they fold and unfold. We also look at how well-padded the seats and canopy are. Additionally, we look at how comfortable the seat straps and buckles are for sitting children, and how easy it is to reach and adjust the height of the handlebar.
For example our top pick, the Uppababy Vista V2, is lightweight and offers plenty of storage for both children. It has a cup for parents holder and seats that recline independently. It also has an ample UPF 50+ canopy, with a the peek-a-boo window. The padded straps for the seat and buckles are among the most comfortable 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 quite ready to buy a double stroller, Facebook Marketplace and other secondhand-goods sites can often offer quality used items in good condition at reasonable prices. Just make sure to do your research prior to making a purchase, scanning for evidence of damage and looking for recalls.