What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The most effective double strollers are designed to adapt to the needs of your family and include thoughtful features that keep children content and comfortable. This includes adjustable foot rests and an easy ride on gravel, trails and old sidewalks.
Kerry was pleased that the stroller was packaged in multiple boxes, but everything was clearly labeled and simple to open. She also appreciated that the stroller can be used with two infant car seats and can be combined with a riding board for older children.
Seating Options
Seating options are an important aspect in determining whether or not a family will purchase a double stroller. You'll want to consider the age of your children, their relative sizes and the seating configurations that work best for you.
For instance, if you have children of similar age and will be sitting side-by-side, you should consider a tandem model that has child seats attached to each other and doesn't require you to use car seat adapters, according to Alli Cavasino, a senior editor at Consumer Reports. They are generally larger than other types of double strollers, however they won't pass through door frames that are standard in your home.
If your children are a older age, you might think about a stroller that has two seats that can be converted into a stand-and ride model. This allows children to watch or ride with their sibling. These in-line strollers are also able to accommodate infant car seats if needed and are ideal for children who are three years apart.
You should also take a look at the seat material, explains Billingsley. Some are more breathable than others, and are easier to keep clean. You should also think about how easy it will be to fold your stroller for storage or transporting it to and from your vehicle. "Nothing is more frustrating than acquiring your dream stroller, but finding it's too heavy for you to lift or too big for your trunk," she says.
If you're looking for an affordable option that offers multiple configurations look no further than this award-winning stroller from Summer Infant. It features two toddler seats and the bassinet. It can be expanded into a triple stroller by adding a seat or a riding board. The seats recline and come with control mechanisms for the calf bar that allow them to adjust independently, which is great for those times when one child needs to nap while the other wants to observe their surroundings. When folded, it is small and easily fits into the majority of trunks.
Age ranges
Sit-and stand strollers are the ideal option for families with children who are close in terms of age. They offer comfort and ease of use. These strollers usually have a seat for an infant or toddler in front and a platform or bench that allows an older child to stand or hop on and off in the back. These strollers are ideal for older toddlers and children but not suitable for infants or children who do not have the coordination or balance to stand up on their own.
A narrow tandem stroller allows you to keep both children in view at the same time, and also be pushed through tight spaces, such as grocery store aisles or for family photos at the parks. These models are narrower and easier to maneuver than double strollers with side-by-side seating, but they don't have enough storage space under the carriage and aren't able to accommodate an infant car seat.
If you are planning to use a double stroller over a period of several years, or even for a decade, you should consider investing in a model that can grow with your children. Double strollers are more expensive than single ones, but if they're chosen wisely, you'll save money over the long haul.
double buggy took each stroller through a series maneuverability tests and off road adventures. They found them easy to maneuver on a variety terrain. However, if you're planning to use it in cities or other urban areas where sidewalks and traffic can be bumpy, you might want something stronger and more robust that can withstand the rough treatment.
Many double strollers are designed to last for a long time, but you may find that the seats get worn out faster than expected or your kids grow out of it before it's ready to retire. If you're on a budget look into one that's been tested for at least 4 years and is designed to last as long as you can.
Ease of Use
It is essential to ensure that the double stroller is easy to use by both children. This means a comfortable harness for kids who are seated, and easy-to-grasp handles for toddlers who stand. The stroller can also be easily rolled and moved around obstacles and in tight spaces. In fact the top-rated strollers from our Lab tests--such as the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie and Thule Urban Glide 2 Double among the most comfortable to push.
It's also important that a double stroller be easy to fold and to store. The most efficient models fold in just a couple of steps and are compact enough to fit in most trunks. It's an advantage if you can add a second seat or a ride-along stroller. Some can even hold infant car seats, so you don't have to wake your baby to put them into the stroller when they're ready to head home.
Additionally, a great double stroller should be sturdy to be able to be used on a variety of terrain. For instance, some models can be converted into an jogging stroller that has an adapted front wheel and some can also be used as an umbrella stroller. Some even have a cargo basket that can be attached to the back of the stroller to carry shopping bags or groceries.
Another thing to consider is whether you'd like a side-by-side stroller or a tandem. Side-by-side strollers tend to be wider than tandems, and can be difficult to navigate through narrow spaces like entrances or aisles that are crowded in grocery stores. They are convenient because they allow each child to see the same scenery. They are also easier to navigate in rough weather as they provide greater coverage from the elements for both children.
Many parents decide to purchase an adaptable stroller that can be used with a baby, and then transformed into a double stroller when their children are older. After speaking with parents we've learned that it's best to buy what you need now instead of trying to predict what your family will require in the future.
Storage
If you're considering a double stroller, then you might be interested in the size and amount of storage space. A lot of models have large accessible baskets that can store a large amount of items. They also typically have several cup holders for parents as well as convertible seating arrangements that provide best-in-class legroom for children. Some of these features can increase the cost therefore, make sure to read reviews and descriptions carefully.
Most double strollers are categorized as either tandem or side-by-side designs. Tandem strollers have two seats assembled on the same frame and are generally better suited for older children who have already learned unassisted sitting. They also have a much larger storage basket than side-by-side models, though some can be difficult or awkward to push when the front seat is reclined fully.
The side-by-side stroller comes with two seats that are placed side-by-side. They're generally better suited for younger babies or toddlers, who haven't yet mastered independent sitting. They also have the added benefit of being generally easier to maneuver and pushing than tandem strollers. They are more expensive and come with smaller baskets.
There are also double strollers that are designed specifically for jogging or biking. They are generally more expensive than all-terrain strollers. They also have fixed front wheels, which restrict their mobility. They're worth considering only if you plan to use them for these activities.
Whether you're shopping for twins or a baby and a toddler, or a child who isn't quite ready to go out on their own, there's a great double stroller for you. The best options in our tests are affluent, stable, and easy to maneuver with seating that expands as your kids do. So whether you're in search of a tandem stroller or one that will accommodate your infant car seat, take a look at our top choices to find the ideal double stroller for your family.