What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The best double strollers are built to grow with families and provide innovative features that keep kids at ease and content. The best double strollers offer adjustable footrests as well as smooth rides on old sidewalks, gravel and trails.
double buggy was pleased the fact that the stroller was delivered in multiple boxes, but everything was labeled properly and easy to open. She also appreciated that the stroller can be used with two infant car seats and can be combined with a riding board for older children.
Seating Options
Seating arrangements are a key aspect in determining whether or an entire family will invest in a double stroller. You'll want to consider the ages of your children, their relative sizes and the seating configurations that are most suitable for your needs.
For example, if you have children close in age and will be sitting side-by-side, consider a tandem stroller that has child seats attached to each other and doesn't require you to use car seat adapters, explains Alli Cavasino, a senior editor at Consumer Reports. Double strollers are generally wider than other double strollers. They may not be able to fit through standard doors in your home.
If your children are different age, you might think about a stroller with two seats that can be converted into a stand-and ride model. This allows a child to watch or ride with their siblings. These types of in-line strollers can also be adapted to fit infant car seats, in the event that they are needed and are a great choice for children who'll be 3 to 5 years apart, according Billingsley.
Billingsley advises that you must take into consideration the material used for the seat. Some offer more breathable fabrics than others and are more easy to clean. It's also important to think about how easy it is to fold your new stroller down for transporting it to and from your car. "Nothing is more frustrating than acquiring your dream stroller but finding it's too heavy to lift or too big for your trunk," she says.
If you're looking for a budget-friendly option that has multiple seating configurations look no further than this award winner from Summer Infant that comes with two toddler seats with a bassinet attachment. It could be expanded to make a triple stroller with an additional seat or riding board. The seats recline and come with control mechanisms for the calf bar that allow them to adjust independently, which is perfect for when one child is looking to sleep while the other one wants to take in the surroundings. When folded, it is compact and can fit easily into most trunks.
Age Variations
For families with kids who are similar to their ages, a sit-and-stand stroller is the perfect combination of comfort for both children and convenience. These strollers typically have a seat for an infant or toddler in the front, and a platform or bench that allows an older child to stand or hop on and off in the back. These strollers are great for older toddlers and children, but not for babies or children who do not yet have the coordination and balance to stand on their own.
A narrow tandem stroller lets you to keep both children within sight all at once, and it can be squeezed into tight spaces such as grocery store aisles or for family photos in parks. double buggy are usually narrower than side-by-side double strollers and are generally easier to maneuver, but they won't accommodate infant car seats and generally do not offer the same amount of undercarry storage.
If you're planning to use a double stroller for the course of a few years, or even a decade, it's worth buying a model that can grow with your kids. Double strollers are more expensive than single strollers however, if you choose them correctly, you can save money in the long run.
Our testers took each stroller through several maneuverability tests, as well as off-road adventures. They found that they were easy to maneuver on a variety terrain. If you plan to use it in cities or areas where sidewalks and traffic are prone to bumps, you may want something more durable and sturdy that can withstand rough treatment.
Double strollers are made to last, however the seats could be worn out earlier than you think or your kids may outgrow them before they're ready to retire. If you're on the tightest budget, go for one with a rating of at least four years. It is best to use it for as long as possible.
Easy of Use
It's crucial to ensure that the double stroller is simple to use by both children. This means that the harnesses need to be comfortable for children sitting, and the handles should be simple to grasp for toddlers. It also means that the stroller is able to roll effortlessly, and is able to be maneuvered through tight spaces and around obstacles. The top-rated strollers from our Lab tests, such as the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie or Thule Urban Glide 2 Double, are among the easiest to move around.
It's also important that a double stroller is easy to fold and to store. The best models fold down in two or three steps and are small enough to fit in the majority of trunks. It's a plus when you can include a second chair or a ride-along stroller. Some strollers can accommodate infant car seats so you don't need to wake your baby to transfer them to the stroller when it's time to go home.
A quality double stroller is also strong, so it is able to be used in a variety of terrains. Some of them can be converted into a jogging scooter with a special front wheel and some can also be used as umbrella strollers. Some even have a cargo basket that can be attached to the back of the stroller to carry shopping bags or groceries.
Another thing to consider is whether you'd prefer a side-by-side stroller or a tandem. Side-by-side strollers are generally larger than tandems, and may be difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces like entrances or aisles that are crowded in grocery stores. They are convenient because they allow both children to view the same scene. They can also be more easy to navigate in a storm as they provide greater protection from the elements for both children.
Many parents opt to buy an adaptable single-to-double stroller, to use it with a baby and later change to a regular double once their children are older. After speaking with parents, it became clear that it is better to buy what you need now than to try to predict what you'll require in the near future.
Stores
If you're considering a double stroller, you might be interested in the size and quantity of storage space. Many models have large, easy-to-access baskets that can hold plenty of stuff. They often also have several cup holders for parents as well as reversible seating configurations that offer best-in-class legroom for children. Some of these features can add to the price so make sure you read reviews and descriptions carefully.
Most double strollers are categorized as tandem or side-by-side designs. Tandem strollers have two seats in one frame and are best for older children who can stand unaided. They typically have more storage space than side-byside models. However, double buggy sale can be difficult to push with the front seat fully reclined.
Side-by-side strollers come with two separate seats that are positioned side-by-side and are typically for infants or toddlers who haven't yet learned independence sitting yet. They also have the advantage of usually being easier to push and maneuver than tandem strollers. They may be more expensive and come with smaller baskets.
There are also special double strollers that are designed specifically for biking and jogging. They are more expensive than the standard strollers that are all-terrain, and they typically come with fixed front wheels that restrict their mobility. It is worth looking into them only if you plan to use them for such activities.
There's a double stroller for every situation, whether you're buying one for twins, a child who's not yet ready to take a ride by themselves or not quite old enough to be a proper rider. Our top choices are easy to maneuver, flexible and stable, as well as seating that expands with your child. So whether you're in search of a tandem stroller or one that can accommodate your infant car seat, take a look at our top picks to choose the ideal double stroller for your family.