How to Choose the Best Double Strollers
A double stroller makes life easier for parents with twins or children of different ages whether you're taking your way to a relaxing walk or for a run in the morning. What should you consider when choosing between the various options available?
This expandable model allows you to customize the seating for different needs. Our new member, Kerry, tested it out.
Safety
Your stroller should be safe regardless of whether you're running errands with your kids, going to the zoo or trick-or treating. It's important to have sturdy frames, comfortable harnesses and easy-to-grab handle for toddlers. It should also to pass through doors, be easy to fold and move and be simple to maneuver. It should also be affordable.
Each double stroller we tested was put through rigorous testing in our lab, at the zoo and on streets in the city. We also took them for family outings to suburban neighborhoods. Our lab tests assess the stroller's maneuverability, stability, and ease of steering. We also test the suspension comfort for both the driver and rider, the weight capacity, the seat canopy heights and storage space.
In addition to the standard security checks carried out by our stroller experts, we request parents to give feedback on their experiences with each model. Then, we take this information into consideration when making recommendations.
If you're looking for a secure quality, high-quality stroller, begin with our top recommendations. These strollers can be used in multiple seating options for infant car seats. They can be used as an individual stroller or in tandem and are suitable for children from birth through elementary school.
The best double strollers are designed to adapt to the needs of your family. They're stylish and sleek and can accommodate many different customization options and can accommodate infants and toddlers in tandem or side-by-side (single-file) seating styles. Many also have a large 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, consider using a tandem stroller with a bench seat in the back that could be used by a third child. They're an excellent option for siblings who wish to interact with each other but aren't able to sit next to each other in a side-by-side stroller, where they could end with fighting or arguing. You can also find convertible models, which permit you to remove a bench seat for your child once they are ready to ride without a car seat.
Comfort
The best double strollers come with comfortable child seats that are well-padded and supported. They also have ample storage space, large footwells that can accommodate children's feet and legroom, and UPF 50+ canopy that offer excellent sun protection. Seats should recline at an angle so that kids are comfortable. They should also include adjustable calf bar that let parents adjust each seat. Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician. She says that the handlebars should be ergonomic and easy-to-maneuver. The handlebars should be close enough to your child's seat that you can grab them and hold them. If the handlebars are far apart you'll have a difficult to maintain your balance and maintaining good posture when pushing them.
The ride should be smooth, even on rough or uneven surfaces. Some of the models we test had shock absorbers to keep the ride steady. Certain models come with front and back suspension which improves control and reduces the force required to push them. The wheels must be made of high-quality rubber with durable tread that can handle plenty of wear and tear.
We searched for the most versatile double-strollers that can be used from the age of infancy to toddlerhood. A few of the ones we found can be configured as tandem strollers or side-byside and one is the Uppababy Vista v2, can even be transformed into a single-file stroller suitable for infants. The model is three times as expensive as our primary tandem model however its materials are more durable and it should last longer.
The best double strollers are lightweight and maneuverable enough to use for long walks, errands and trips to the park or zoo. The double strollers are usually larger than single strollers and can be difficult to fit into narrow aisles in stores or doors. Some of them also cost more than single seat models, but that's understandable given that you're getting a greater value for your budget. These models are appropriate for adults and children, and will grow with your family.
Convenience
If you're planning to invest money in double-strollers, they should be easy to push and put away. The stroller should be light and easily fits in your car's trunk or at home. It should be able to navigate rough terrain and make tight turns. Some of the top double strollers have adjustable calf support, as well as seats that recline, and offer UPF sun protection. The canopy should be wide enough to accommodate two children. If you are worried about the sun getting in their eyes, go for the stroller with a peek-aboo window.
The age and stage of your child will influence the kind of stroller you choose to be most suitable for your needs. Parents of twins may choose a convertible stroller that is able to 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 have to decide if you'd like an infant stroller that fits through narrow doors and aisles of grocery stores or on airplanes.
In lightweight double stroller , we found that most double strollers are easy to fold and transport. They usually have a oneor two-step procedure, and they're compact enough to fit in most compact cars. They're designed to be stable which makes them easier to assemble.
Some of the best double strollers come with practical features for parents like a one-parent cup holder and a spacious storage basket. Be sure to check if the stroller is equipped with a lock for the front seat to prevent your child from climbing out. Going Listed here of the top strollers come with an adapter for carseats that is universal and can be converted to one-seaters as your children grow.
The cost of some of the best double strollers is a bit steep, but they typically are of higher quality and resale value compared to lower-end models. They are also more maneuverable and can withstand the toughest terrain, like park trails or city sidewalks.
Style
Parents shopping for a double stroller are looking for more than just a way to carry two kids. They're looking for a lightweight stroller that is easy to maneuver and has enough storage space to expand with their children. Since they'll likely to carry more weight than the kids and their strollers, they should be comfortable for the back and shoulders.
This is why the top double strollers are sleek and support a wide range of options for customization, and accommodate infant car seats to ensure an easy transition from toddler to baby. They are available in side-by-side or tandem (single-file seating) models and can be light enough to jog or for travel.
Apart from size, one of the most important aspects to consider when parents are shopping for a double stroller is whether or not it'll fit through doorways and other tight spaces. Fortunately, most of the strollers we tested in our most recent update can pass through standard exterior doors, which are 36 inches wide. Moreover, most can accommodate interior doors that are 28 to 35 inches wide.
Other factors we look at when reviewing the best double strollers are the speed and ease with which they fold and unfold, how big the cargo basket is, how padded the seats are and how flexible the canopy are. In addition, we look at how comfortable the seat straps and buckles are for sitting children, and how easy it is to access and adjust the height of the handlebar.
Our top pick, Uppababy Vista V2, for instance, is light and has plenty of storage space for both children. It has one parent cup holder, seats that recline independently, and generous UPF 50+ canopy that has peekaboo windows. Its cushioned seat straps and buckles are among the most comfortable we have found in our tests and we found the seat to be one of the easiest to fasten for children of all age groups.
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 affordable costs. Just make sure to do your research prior to making a purchase, scanning for signs of damage and looking for recalls.