How to Choose the Best Double Strollers
When you're going for a stroll in the sun or going for your morning jog with the kids, a double stroller could make life with twins or two children of varying ages a lot easier. There are the many options available which one to pick? the best one for your family?
Our newest team member, Kerry, got her stroller's feet wet when she tried it out 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 heading out trick-or-treating with your kiddos your stroller should be safe. This means a sturdy frame, as well as comfortable harnesses that are suitable for children who sit down, and easy-to-grab handles for toddlers who stand. It should also be able to fit through doors, simple to fold and move, and be easy to move. It should also be reasonably priced.
We put each double stroller we reviewed through rigorous testing in our lab, at the zoo, on streets in the city, and during family outings in suburban areas. Our lab tests test the stroller's maneuverability and stability, ease of steering and handling, suspension comfort for the driver and the rider capacity for weight and seat canopy heights and storage space.
In addition to the routine safety checks conducted by our stroller experts We also request parents to give feedback on their experiences with each model. We then consider all of this information when forming our recommendations.
Take a look at our top picks If you're in search of an excellent stroller that's sturdy and safe. These versatile strollers offer multiple seating options to accommodate infant car seats, can be used as an individual stroller or in tandem and are suitable for children ranging from birth to elementary school.
The best double strollers are designed to grow with your family. They are sleek and stylish, offer a range of designs and options, and can accommodate infants as well as toddlers with side-byside seating or tandem (single file) seating. Most also feature a spacious storage basket as well as a telescoping handlebar and one-handed folding mechanisms.
If you have twins or a child who is a similar age to their sibling, you should consider using a tandem stroller with a bench seat in the back that can be used by a 3rd child. They're an excellent option for siblings who wish to get involved, but may not be able to sit next to each other in a side-by-side stroller and end with fighting or arguing. There are lightweight double pushchair that allow you to take off the bench seat once your children are ready for a ride without using a car seat.
Comfort
The best double strollers feature comfortable child seats that are well-padded and bolstered. The best double strollers come with plenty of storage, spacious legs and footwells for children, as well as a UPF 50+ canopy that provides great sun protection. Seats should recline at an angle to keep kids comfortable. They should also include adjustable calf bars that let parents adjust each seat. Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician. She suggests that the handlebars should be ergonomic and easy to maneuver. The handlebars must be close enough to the kids' seats that you can reach them and hold onto them. If the handlebars are spread out, you'll have a hard in keeping your balance and maintaining good posture when pushing them.
The ride should be smooth, even on rocky or uneven surfaces. Some of the models we tested include shock absorbers to ensure that the ride remains steady. Others have front and rear suspension, which reduce the amount of force required to push them, and increase your control over them. The wheels should be constructed of high-quality rubber with robust tread that can withstand many years of wear and tear.
We looked for the most flexible double strollers that can be used from birth through toddlerhood and beyond. Some of the models we found can be configured as tandem strollers or side-byside, and one of them that we found, the Uppababy Vista v2, can even be transformed into a single-file stroller suitable for infants. The model is three times more than our primary tandem choice however, it's also of higher quality and should last longer because of its durable materials.
The best double strollers are lightweight and movable enough for long walks, errands and trips to the zoo or park. They're generally larger than single strollers, which means they might not be able to be able to fit through narrow entrances or crowded store aisles. Some are more expensive than single-seaters, but that's understandable because you get more for your money. These models are suitable for both children and adults, and will grow with your family.
Convenience
If you're planning to spend the money on a double stroller, you'll want one that is easy to push and put away. Ideally, the stroller will be light and easy to store in the trunk of your car or the space at home. It should be able to navigate rough terrain and make precise turns. Some of the top double-strollers have adjustable calf support and seats that recline. They also offer UPF sun protection. The canopy should be big enough to protect both kids, and if you're worried about getting the sun into their eyes, choose one with a peek-aboo window.
The age and stage of your children will determine what kind of stroller you'll need. For instance, parents of twins might choose an convertible stroller that accommodates two infant car seats at the same time, while a family with an older child and a toddler may prefer a side-byside double. You'll have to decide if you'd like strollers that can go through narrow entrances and aisles of grocery stores or even on planes.
In our Lab tests, we discovered that most double strollers were easy to fold and move. Most double strollers fold in a matter of one or two steps, and are small enough to fit in the majority of compact cars. They're also designed to be stable and easy to assemble.
Some of the top double-strollers include convenient features for parents, like cups holder for one parent and a big storage basket. You should consider whether the stroller comes with a lock on the front seat, to stop the kids from climbing out when they start getting antsy. Some strollers have a universal adapter for car seats and can be converted to one seat as your child develops.
Some of the best double strollers are a bit expensive, but they offer a better build quality and higher resale values than cheaper models. They are also easier to maneuver, and can withstand rough terrain such as park trails or city walkways.
Style
When parents are shopping for a double-stroller they're looking for much more than a way to carry their two children. They're looking for a lightweight stroller that is easy to move and has enough space to expand with their children. Also, since they'll be carrying more weight than their peers and their strollers, they should be comfortable on the back and shoulders.
This is why the top double strollers are sleek and offer a variety of designs, and accommodate infant car seats to ensure an easy transition from toddler to baby. They're available in side by side or tandem (single-file seating) designs and can be light enough for jogging or travel.
In addition to size, one of the primary aspects to consider when parents are shopping for a double stroller is whether it'll fit through doorways and other narrow spaces. Fortunately, the majority of models we tested in our most recent update can clear standard exterior doors, which are 36 inches wide. The most can accommodate interior doors that measure 28 to 35 inches wide.
Other factors we look at when evaluating the top double strollers is how quickly and easily they fold and unfold, how big the cargo basket is, how cushioned the seats are and how adjustable the canopy are. We also think about how comfortable the seat straps and buckles are for children who sit in the stroller, as well as how easy it is to adjust the handlebar height.
Our top pick, Uppababy Vista V2, for instance, is a light-weight model and offers ample storage space for both children. It comes with a cup for parents holder, as well as seats that recline independently. It also comes with an ample UPF 50+ canopy with the peek-a-boo window. The straps and buckles are cushioned and are among the most comfortable we have test. We also found it to be the most simple seat for children to attach.
If you're not ready to buy a double stroller yet, Facebook Marketplace and second-hand-goods websites are able to offer used items in good condition at reasonable cost. Make sure you do your homework and look for signs of damage prior to purchasing.