How to Choose the Best Double Strollers
A double stroller can make life easier for parents with twins or children of different ages whether you're on your way to a relaxing walk or for a morning jog. What should you consider when choosing between the numerous choices available?
Our latest team member, Kerry, got her stroller's feet wet when she tried it out with this expandable model that lets you to change the seating configuration to suit different requirements.
Safety
Your stroller must be secure, whether you're out on errands with your kids, going to the zoo, or going trick-or-treating. That means a sturdy frame and 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 doorways and be easy to move and fold. It should also be affordable.
Each double stroller we tested was put through rigorous testing in our laboratory at the zoo, in our lab and on city streets. We also took them for family outings to suburban areas. Our lab tests test the stroller's maneuverability and stability, and ease of steering. We also test the suspension comfort for both the driver and rider as well as the capacity for weight, height of the canopy for the seat, and the storage space.
We ask parents to provide feedback on each model, in addition to the standard safety check performed by our team. Then, we take that information into account when making our recommendations.
If you're in search of a secure stroller that is high-quality, then start with our top choices. These strollers are versatile and can be used for infant car seats. They're available in tandem or single stroller configurations, and they're suitable for children aged from birth to elementary school.
The best double strollers are made to grow with your family. They're stylish and sleek they can be fitted with many different customization options and can accommodate infants and toddlers in tandem or side-by-side (single-file) seating styles. Most also feature a spacious storage basket and a telescoping handlebar and one-handed folding mechanisms.
If you have twins or children who are similar age to their sibling, you should consider selecting a tandem stroller that has benches in the back that could be used by a 3rd child. These strollers are ideal for siblings who want to interact, but might not be able to sit side-by-side in a standard stroller. They may get into a fight or argue. You'll also find convertible models that allow you to remove the bench seat once your children are ready for an excursion without a car seat.
Comfort
The best double strollers feature comfortable child seats that are well-padded and well-supported. The top double strollers have ample storage space, spacious footwells and legroom for children, and UPF 50+ canopy which provides excellent sun protection. The seats should recline at a slight angle to keep children comfortable, and they should have calf bars that permit parents to adjust the height of each seat independently. Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician. She suggests that the handlebars need to be comfortable and ergonomic to maneuver. The handlebars should be close enough to the kiddos seats that you are able to reach them and hold on to them. If the handlebars on the stroller are too far apart, it will be difficult to keep your balance and good posture when pushing them.
The ride should be smooth, even on rough or uneven surfaces. Some of the models we tested come with shock absorbers to ensure that the ride remains steady. Certain models come with front and back suspension which improves control and reduces the force needed to push them. The wheels must be made of high-quality rubber with a robust tread that can withstand plenty of wear and tear.
We searched for the most versatile double strollers that could be used from birth through toddlerhood and beyond. A couple of the ones we found could be used as tandem strollers or side-by-side, and one of them that we found, the Uppababy Vista v2, can even be converted into a single-file stroller for infants. That model costs three times more than our main tandem choice however it's of better quality and should last longer because of its durable materials.
The best double strollers are lightweight and easy to maneuver for long walks, errands, and trips to the zoo or park. They're generally wider than single strollers, and as such they might not be able to be able to fit through narrow entrances or in crowded aisles of stores. Some of them cost more than single-seaters, but it's normal since you get more for your price. These models are appropriate for children and adults, and will expand with your family.
Convenience
If you're planning to spend money on a double stroller, it must be easy to push and to store. The stroller should be lightweight and easily fits in your car's trunk or at home. It should be able to maneuver rough terrain and make tight turns. The best double-strollers feature 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 worried about getting sun in their eyes, opt for one with a peek-a-boo window.
The age and stage of your child will influence the kind of stroller that's best for you. Parents of twins could opt for a convertible stroller that is able to accommodate two infant car seats simultaneously and families with a child who is older and a toddler might prefer side-by-side doubles. It is also important to determine whether you want a stroller that can fit through narrow entrances or aisles in grocery stores and is able to be used on planes.
In our Lab tests, we found that the best double strollers are fairly easy to fold and carry. Most double strollers fold in one or two steps, and are compact enough to fit into the majority of compact cars. They're also designed to be stable when folded, making them much easier to put back together.
Some of the top double strollers come with useful features for parents that include a single parent cup holder and a large storage basket. You should consider whether the stroller comes with a lock on the front of the seat, so that you can keep the kids from climbing out if they get antsy. Some of the top strollers include an adapter for carseats that is universal and can be converted into one-seaters as your children get older.
Some of the best double strollers are a bit expensive, but they offer a better build quality and have higher resales values than less expensive models. They are also easier to maneuver, and can withstand rough terrain like city walkways or park trails.
Style
If parents are in the market for a double-stroller, they're looking for more than just a way to transport their two children. They want a lightweight stroller that can be maneuvered with ample storage on the board and thoughtful features to grow with the kids--and be simple to push and maneuver. And since they're likely to carry more weight than their peers, the stroller should also be easy on shoulders and back.
This is why the top double strollers are sleek and support a wide range of customizations, and can accommodate infant car seats for a seamless transition from toddler to baby. They're available in side by side or tandem (single-file seating) models and can be light enough to jog or travel.
In addition to the size parents should also think about whether the double stroller will be able to pass through doorways or other narrow spaces. Most of the models that we evaluated for our latest update are able to fit through doors that are 36 inches in width.
When reviewing the best double strollers, we also look at how easily they fold and unfold. We also look at how well-padded the seats and canopy are. Additionally, we examine how comfortable the straps and buckles are for sitting children and how easy it is to reach and adjust the height of the handlebar.
Our top choice, Uppababy Vista V2, for example, is lightweight and offers plenty of storage space for both children. It comes with a parent cup seat that reclines independently, and generous UPF 50+ canopy that has peekaboo windows. The padded straps for the seat and buckles are among the most comfortable in our tests, and we found the seat to be one of the easiest to secure for children of all age groups.
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 costs. Be sure to do your research and look for signs of damage before purchasing.