What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The best double strollers are built to grow with families and offer innovative features that keep kids at ease and content. The top double strollers have adjustable footrests, as well as smooth rides on old sidewalks, gravel and trails.
Kerry was delighted that the stroller came in multiple boxes, however everything was clearly labeled and easy to open. She also appreciated that the stroller is able to accommodate two infant car seats, and it can be paired up with a riding-board for older children.
Seating Options
Seating options are an important factor in determining whether or not a family will purchase a double stroller. You'll want to think about the age of your children, their respective sizes and the seating configurations that work best for you.
For instance, if have children close in age that will be seated together, consider a tandem model that comes with child seats linked to one another and doesn't require you to use car seat adapters, says Alli Cavasino who is a senior editor at Consumer Reports. These double strollers are usually wider than other double strollers. They may not fit through doors that are standard in your home.
If you're experiencing an age gap between your kids you should consider a stroller with two seats that can change to a stand-and ride model that has the option of a bench or a platform seat in the back for children who wants to casually ride with or observe their younger sibling. These types of strollers can also accommodate infant car seats, should they be required, and are a good option for children who will be 3 to 5 years apart, according Billingsley.
You should also look at the type of seat material, says Billingsley. Certain fabrics are more air-conditioned than others, and they are also easier to clean. It is also important to consider how easy it is to fold your stroller for storage or transporting it to and from your car. "There's nothing more frustrating than buying the perfect stroller only to discover that it's too heavy or large for your trunk," says the expert.
If you're looking for a low-cost option that can accommodate various seating options take a look at this award winner from Summer Infant that comes with two toddler seats with a bassinet attachment. It can be expanded to become triple stroller by adding an additional seat or riding board. The seats recline and come with calf bar controls to adjust independently, which is ideal for when one child wants to rest while the other wants to look around. When folded, the seat is compact and fits into most trunks.
Age ranges
For families with children who are similar to their ages, a sit-and-stand stroller is the ideal combination of comfort for both children and convenience. These strollers have an area in front that seats an infant or toddler and a bench, platform or another type of surface at the rear that allows older children to stand up or hop on/off. These strollers are great for toddlers and older children however, they are not suitable for babies or children who do have the coordination or balance to stand up on their own.
A narrow tandem stroller lets you to keep both children in sight at the same time, and also be squeezed into tight spaces such as aisles at the supermarket or for family photos in parks. These strollers are a bit narrower and more maneuverable than double strollers with side-by-side seating, but they don't have as much storage space under the carriage and aren't able to accommodate an the infant car seat.
If you plan on using a double stroller for a period of several years or even a decade, it's worth purchasing a model that can grow along with your children. Double strollers are typically more expensive than single strollers, but If you choose the right one first time, it can save you money over the course of time.
Our test participants put each of these strollers through a series of maneuverability tests as well as off-road adventures, and they found them to be simple to navigate over various terrains. If you plan to use it in urban areas or in cities where the sidewalks and traffic can be bumpy, you might want something more robust and durable capable of handling rough treatment.
Many double strollers are designed to last a long time, but you could find that the seats get more worn than you expected or your children grow out of it before it's ready to retire. If you're on a budget, consider getting one that's been tested for at least 4 years and is designed to last as long as is possible.
Easy of Use
If you're going to invest in a double stroller, you need to ensure that it is user-friendly for both children. This means that the harnesses must be comfortable for children who are seated, and the handles should be simple to grasp for toddlers. http://nutris.net/members/dashsnake09/activity/1963780/ means that the stroller rolls effortlessly, and is able to be maneuvered in 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.
A double stroller must be easy to fold up and put away. The best models use an easy one- or two-step process, and they're small enough to fit into the majority of trunks. It's also beneficial that the stroller can be used in a variety of ways with the option of adding a second seat or a ride-along board. Some strollers can hold infant car seats, meaning you don't have to wake your baby up to transfer them to the stroller when it's time to leave for home.
Additionally, a great double stroller needs to be sturdy so that it can be used on various types of terrain. Some of them can be converted into a jogging scooter with a front wheel that is specially designed and others can be used as umbrella strollers. Some even have cargo baskets that can be affixed to the back of the stroller to carry shopping bags or groceries.
A tandem stroller or side-byside is another option worth considering. Side-by-side strollers are typically bigger than tandem models and they aren't easy to maneuver through tight spaces like doorways and aisles of grocery stores that are crowded. However, they offer the convenience of allowing every child to see the same scene. They are also easier to navigate during bad weather as they offer more protection from the elements.
Many parents decide to purchase an adaptable stroller that can be used with a baby, and later converted into double strollers when their children reach an older age. After talking to parents, it became apparent that it is better to buy what you need now instead of trying to predict what you might require in the near future.
Storage
When shopping for a double-stroller, it's important to think about the amount of storage space available and the size. Many models come with spacious easy-to-access baskets that are able to accommodate a lot of cargo. Many models also come with numerous cup holders for parents, as well as reversible seat configurations to provide the most legroom for children. However, certain features can add up in cost, so it's important to read the descriptions and reviews carefully.
Most double strollers are categorized as tandem or side-byside designs. Tandem strollers are two seats in one frame and are best suited to older babies who can stand unaided. They also tend to have a bigger storage basket than side-by-side strollers, but some can be difficult or awkward to push when the front seat is reclined fully.
The side-by-side stroller has two seats that are positioned side-by-side. They're typically best suited to infants or toddlers who aren't yet ready for sitting on their own. They also have the added benefit of being more easy to maneuver and push than tandem strollers. They are more expensive and come with smaller baskets.
There are also specially designed double strollers specifically designed for jogging and biking. They're generally more expensive than all-terrain strollers and have fixed front wheels which limit their flexibility. These strollers are worth considering if you plan to use them for these kinds of activities.
If you're looking for twins, an infant and an older toddler, or a child who isn't quite ready to walk on their own, there's a great double stroller available. The top choices in our tests are versatile, stable, and easy to use with seating that expands as your children grow. Take a look at our top choices for the best double stroller to meet your family's needs whether you're seeking a tandem stroller or one that can accommodate your infant car seat.