How to Choose the Best Double Strollers
Whether you're out for an easy stroll or taking on your morning jog with your kids, a double stroller could make life with twins or two children of varying ages a lot easier. What are the best options to choose from the various choices available?
Our latest team member, Kerry, got her stroller testing feet wet with this expandable model that allows you to alter the seating configuration for different needs.
Safety
When you're doing through the zoo, running errands, or heading out trick-or-treating with your kids your stroller should be safe. It should have a sturdy frame and comfortable harnesses for kids who sit down, and easy-to-grab handles for toddlers who stand. It should also be able to pass through doors, be easy to fold and move and be simple to move. It should also be reasonably priced.
Each double stroller we tested was put through rigorous testing in our laboratory at the zoo, and on streets in cities. We also took them on family outings to suburban areas. Our lab tests assess a stroller's maneuverability and stability in steering, ease of handling, suspension comfort for the driver and the rider, capacity to carry weight and seat canopy heights and storage space.
In addition to the standard safety checks performed by our stroller experts, we ask parents to provide feedback on their experiences with each model. Then, we take all that information into account when making recommendations.
If you're looking for a safe quality, high-quality stroller, begin with our top choices. These strollers are incredibly versatile and can be used as infant car seats. They come in tandem or single stroller configurations, and they're suitable for children aged from birth to elementary school.
The top double strollers are made to grow with your family. They are stylish and sleek, offer a range of options for customization and can accommodate infants as well as toddlers by providing side-by-side or tandem (single file) seating. double travel buggy feature a spacious storage basket as well as 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 benches in the back that can be used by a third child. They're an excellent option for siblings who wish to be social with one another but aren't able to sit close to one another in a side-by-side stroller, where they could end up arguing or fighting. There are convertible models that permit you to remove the bench seat once your children are ready for a ride without using a car seat.
Comfort
The best double strollers have comfortable child seats with plenty of padding and support. The best double strollers come with plenty of storage, spacious legroom and footwells for children, as well as a UPF 50+ canopy that provides great sun protection. The seats should recline at a slight angle to ensure children are comfortable. They should also include calf bars that allow parents to adjust the position of each seat independently. The handlebars should be comfortable and easy to move, says Alli Cavasino, a certified child-passenger safety technician. The handlebars must be close enough to your child's seat that you can grasp them and hold them. If the handlebars on the stroller are not close enough it will be a challenge to keep your balance and maintain good posture when pushing them.
The ride should be smooth, even on rocky or uneven surfaces. Some of the models that we tested had shock absorbers to keep the ride stable. Others have both rear and front suspensions, which decrease the amount of force needed to push them and improve the control you have over them. The wheels should have a sturdy tread and be made of premium rubber.
We scoured the internet for the most versatile double strollers that can be used from infancy through toddlerhood. A few of the ones we found could be used as side-by-side or tandem strollers, and one of them is the Uppababy Vista v2, can even be transformed into a single-file stroller suitable for infants. The model is three times more than our standard tandem model however, it's also of higher quality and will last longer due to its robust materials.
The best double strollers will be lightweight and able to be maneuvered for long walks or trips to the zoo or the park, and shopping trips. They're typically wider than single strollers, which means they might not be able to fit through narrow doorways or in crowded aisles of stores. Some models cost more than their single-seat counterparts however, it's logical since you're getting greater value for your budget. The models we recommend are safe for adults and children alike and will continue to grow with your family.
Convenience
If you are going to invest in a double-stroller, it should be easy to move and put away. It should be light and compact enough to fit into the trunk of your car, or the space at home. It should be able to maneuver rough terrain and make tight turns. Some of the top double strollers have adjustable calf supports, as well as seats that recline and provide UPF sun protection. The canopy should be large enough to fit two children. If you are worried about the sun's rays getting into their eyes, go for the stroller with a peek-aboo window.
The age and stage of your child can influence the type of stroller that's best for you. For example, parents of twins may choose a convertible stroller that holds two infant car seats at the same time and a family with an older child and a toddler might prefer a double that is side-by-side. You'll have to decide if you'd like strollers that can go through narrow entrances, grocery store aisles or on planes.
In our Lab tests, we found that the top double strollers are reasonably easy to fold and carry. Most double strollers fold in one or two steps, and are small enough to fit in most compact cars. They're also designed to be stable when folded, which makes them easier to put back together.
Some of the best double strollers feature practical features for parents that include a single parent cup holder and a large storage basket. Be sure to check if the stroller is equipped with a lock on the front seat, to prevent your child from climbing out. Some strollers have a universal adapter for car seats and can be converted to a single seat when your child grows.
The price of some of the top double strollers can be a bit steep, but they typically are of higher quality and resale value than cheaper models. They are also easier to maneuver and can withstand rough terrain like park trails or city walkways.
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're looking for a lightweight stroller that is easy to move and has enough storage space to grow with their children. And since they're likely to be carrying more weight than their peers so the stroller must be comfortable on the back and shoulders.
The top double strollers are sleek and come with many different customization options. They can also be able to accommodate infant car seats, ensuring an easy transition from baby to toddler. They're available in side by side or tandem (single-file seating) formats and can even be light enough to jog or travel.
In addition to the size parents must also consider whether the double stroller will be able to pass through doorways or other tight spaces. Luckily, the majority of strollers we tested in our latest update are able to pass through the standard doors for exterior use that measure 36 inches wide. Moreover, they can be used for interior doors that are 28 to 35 inches wide.
When reviewing the best double strollers, it is important to look at how easily they fold and unfold. We also consider how well-padded the seats and canopies are. We also think about how comfortable the seat straps and buckles are for children who sit in the stroller, and how easy it is to adjust the height of the handlebars.
For instance, our top pick, the Uppababy Vista V2, is light and has plenty of onboard storage for both children. It has one parent cup holder, seats that recline independently, and a large UPF 50+ canopies with peekaboo windows. The seat's buckles and straps are padded and among the most comfortable we have tested. We also found it to be the easiest seat for children to fasten.
If you're not quite ready to purchase a double stroller, Facebook Marketplace and other secondhand-goods sites can often offer quality used items in good condition at reasonable costs. Be sure to conduct your research before committing, scanning for indications of damage and checking up possible recalls.