A Intermediate Guide On Double Strollers
How to Choose the Best Double Strollers
A double stroller can make the life of parents with twins or children of different ages whether you're on a leisurely walk or going for a run in the morning. But with the many options available, how do you choose the most appropriate one for your family?
This expandable model allows you to modify the seating for different needs. Our newest member, Kerry, tested it out.
Safety
Your stroller should be safe no matter if you're out running the town with your children, going to the zoo or trick-or-treating. That means a sturdy frame, as well as comfortable harnesses for kids who sit down, as well as easy-to-grab handles for toddlers who stand. It should also be able to fit through doors, simple to fold and move and easy to move. It must also be affordable.
Each double stroller we tested was put through rigorous testing in our lab at the zoo, in our lab and on streets in the city. We also took them out for family outings in suburban neighborhoods. Our lab tests assess the stroller's maneuverability and stability, and ease of steering. We also test the comfort of the suspension for both the driver and rider as well as the weight capacity, the seat canopy heights, as well as the storage space.
We ask parents for feedback on each model, in addition to the standard safety check performed by our team. We then consider all of that information when forming our recommendations.
If you're in search of a secure, high-quality stroller, start with our top recommendations. These versatile strollers offer multiple seating options for 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 grow with your family. They're stylish and sleek they can be fitted with a variety of customizations and can be used by infants and toddlers in tandem or side-by-side (single-file) seating designs. Most also feature a spacious storage basket and a telescoping handlebar and one-handed folding mechanisms.
If you have twins or an infant who is similar age to their sibling, think about choosing a tandem stroller with an extra bench seat in the back that can be used by a 3rd child. They're a great option for siblings who want to get involved, but may not be in a position to sit with each other in a stroller that is side-by-side and end with fighting or arguing. There are also convertible models, which allow you to remove a bench seat for your child once they are ready to grow double stroller to ride without the car seat.
Comfort
The best double strollers come with comfortable child seats that are well-padded and bolstered. The top double strollers have plenty of storage space, large footwells and legroom for children, and UPF 50+ canopy that offers fantastic sun protection. Seats should be able to recline at an angle to keep kids comfortable. They should also have calf bar adjusters that let parents independently adjust each seat. The handlebars should be ergonomic and easy to maneuver according to Alli Cavasino, 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 too far apart it will be a challenge to maintain your balance and good form when pushing them.
The ride should be smooth even on rough or rough surfaces. Some of the models that we tested had shock absorbers installed to keep the ride steady. Certain models come with front and back suspension which increases control and reduces force needed to push them. The wheels should be constructed of high-quality rubber and have a durable tread that can handle plenty of wear and tear.
We searched for the most flexible double strollers that could be used from birth to toddlerhood and beyond. A couple of the ones we came across can be set up as tandem strollers or side-by-side, and one of them, the Uppababy Vista v2, can even be transformed into a single-file stroller suitable for infants. That model costs three times more than our main tandem choice, but it's of higher quality and should last longer due to its robust materials.
The most comfortable double strollers are light and easy to maneuver for long walks, errands, and trips to the zoo or park. They're typically wider than single strollers, so they won't be able to fit through narrow entrances or store aisles that are crowded. Some of them cost more than single-seaters, but it's understandable because you get a lot more for your budget. The models we recommend are comfortable for kids and adults alike and will expand with your family.
Convenience
If you're going to invest in a double-stroller, it should be easy to push and store. It should be light and Compact twin Stroller enough to fit into the trunk of your car or the space at home. It should also be able navigate tough terrain and handle tight turns. Some of the best double-strollers have adjustable calf support and seats that recline. They also offer UPF sun protection. The canopy should be large enough to accommodate both children and, if you're concerned about getting sun in their eyes, opt for one with a window that can be opened for peek-aboo.
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 which can accommodate two infant car seats at once parents with a child who is older and a toddler might prefer side-by-side doubles. You'll need to decide if you want strollers that can go through narrow doorways and aisles in grocery stores, or on planes.
In our Lab tests, we found that the majority of double strollers were easy to fold and carry. The majority of double strollers fold down in just one or two steps, and are small enough to fit into most compact cars. They're also designed to be sturdy and easy to assemble.
The best double stroller double strollers come with convenient parent features like a cup holder for one parent as well as a huge storage basket. Consider whether the stroller comes with locks for the front seat, to prevent your child from escaping. Some strollers come with an adapter for car seats that can be converted into one seat as your child grows.
The top double strollers are a bit expensive, but they offer higher quality construction and higher resale values than less expensive models. They're also more maneuverable and can withstand the toughest terrains, such as park trails or city sidewalks.
Style
Parents looking for a double stroller are looking for more than just a means to transport two kids. They want a lightweight stroller that is easy to move and has enough storage space to grow with their children. Since they'll be carrying more than the children, the stroller should be easy on their backs and shoulders.
The best double stroller double strollers are sleek and offer various customization options. They can also allow for infant car seats to provide the smooth 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.
In addition to size, one of the most important considerations for parents shopping for a double stroller is whether it can be used in doorways and other small spaces. Most of the models that we tested for our latest update can fit through standard exterior doors which measure 36 inches wide.
When we review the top double strollers, we consider how easily they fold and unfold. We also consider how comfortable the seats and canopies are. We also take a look at how comfortable the straps and buckles are for seated children, and how easy it is to reach and adjust the height of the handlebar.
Our top pick, Uppababy Vista V2, for example, is lightweight and offers ample storage space for both children. It comes with a parent cup seat that reclines independently, and large UPF 50+ canopies with peekaboo windows. Its padded 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 ages.
If you aren't quite ready to purchase a double stroller, Facebook Marketplace and second-hand-goods websites offer used products in good condition for reasonable prices. Make sure to do your research before committing to a purchase, looking for indications of damage and checking for recalls that could be possible.
