How to Choose the Best Double Strollers
If you're taking a leisurely stroll or tackling your morning jog with your children, a double stroller could make life with twins or two children of different ages much easier. But with the many options available, how do you choose the most appropriate one for your family?
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 needs.
Safety
Whether you're running errands, visiting the zoo or going out for trick-or-treating with your kids stroller must be safe. That means a sturdy frame and comfortable harnesses for children who sit down, as well as easy-to-grab handles for toddlers who stand. It should also be able to fit through doors, easy to fold and maneuver, and be easy to move. And of course, it must be of good value.
We put each double stroller through vigorous tests in our lab, at the Zoo, on the streets in the city, and during family outings in suburban neighborhoods. Our lab tests test the stroller's maneuverability, stability, and ease of steering. We also test the suspension comfort for both the driver and the rider and the capacity for weight, height of the canopy for the seat, and the storage space.
We ask parents to provide feedback on each model as well as the safety checks that are routinely performed by our team. Then, we take this information into consideration when forming our recommendations.
If you're looking for a secure, high-quality stroller, start with our top recommendations. These versatile strollers offer multiple seating options for infant car seats, can be used as a single stroller or tandem and are suitable for children from birth to elementary school.
The best double strollers will evolve with your family. They are stylish and sleek and offer a variety of options for customization and can be used by infants and toddlers by providing side-by-side or tandem (single file) seating. Some also have an enormous storage basket and a handlebar that can be adjusted telescopically, and one-handed folding mechanisms.
Consider a tandem stroller with benches in the back for a third child, if you have twins, or a child of the same age. They're a great option for siblings who wish to be social with one another however they may not be capable of sitting with each other in a side-by-side stroller which could result in them ending up arguing or fighting. You can also find convertible models, which permit you to remove the bench seat for your child once they are ready to go without a car seat.
Comfort
The most comfortable double strollers come with comfortable child seats that have plenty of padding and support. The best double strollers have ample storage space, spacious legroom and footwells for children, as well as a UPF 50+ canopy which provides fantastic sun protection. Seats should recline at an angle so that kids are comfortable. They should also have adjustable calf bar that let parents adjust the seat. Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician. She suggests that the handlebars must be comfortable and ergonomic to maneuver. The handlebars should be close enough to your child's seat that you can grasp them and hold them. If the handlebars are too separated you'll have a difficult in keeping your balance and retaining good posture when pushing them.
The ride should be smooth, even on rocky or uneven surfaces. Some of the models we tested had shock absorbers installed to keep the ride steady. Others have both rear and front suspension, which reduce the amount of force required to push them and improve the control you have over them. The wheels should be made of high-quality rubber and have a robust tread that can withstand lots of wear and tear.
We searched for the most versatile double strollers that could be used from birth to toddlerhood and beyond. Some of the double strollers we came across can be converted to tandem strollers or side-byside strollers. visit these guys of them, the Uppababy Vista V2, can even be converted into a single-file infant stroller. The model is three times more than our primary tandem model however it's of better quality and will last longer due to its sturdy materials.
The best double strollers will be lightweight and able to be maneuvered for long walks, trips to the zoo or the park as well as for running other errands. They're generally larger than single strollers, which means they won't be able to fit through narrow entrances or crowded store aisles. Some models cost more than single-seat models however, it's logical given that you're getting a greater value for your money. These models are appropriate for children and adults, and will continue to grow with your family.
Convenience
If you're going to spend the money for a double stroller, you'll need one that is easy to push and put away. The stroller should be light and easily fits in your car's trunk or at home. It should also be able to navigate tough terrain and handle tight turns. The best double-strollers have adjustable calf support and seats that recline. They also offer UPF sun protection. The canopy should be wide enough to fit two children. If you're worried about the sun getting in their eyes, choose a stroller with a peek-a-boo window.
The ages and stages of your children will play a role in the kind of stroller that's most suitable for your needs. Parents of twins could opt for a convertible stroller which can hold two infant car seats simultaneously and families with an older child and toddler might prefer side-by-side doubles. You'll need to decide if you'd like an infant stroller that fits through narrow entrances, grocery store aisles or on airplanes.
In our Lab tests we found that most double strollers are easy to fold and carry. They typically have a one- or two-step process, and they're small enough to fit in the majority of cars that are compact. They are also designed to be sturdy and easy to put back together.
Some of the best double strollers come with convenient parent features that include a single parent cup holder and a spacious storage basket. It is important to know if the stroller has a lock on the front seat to prevent the kids from climbing out if they get antsy. Some strollers come with an universal adapter for car seats that can be converted to a single seat as your child grows.
The cost of some of the most expensive double strollers is high, but they generally have better build quality and resale value as compared to lower-end models. They are also more maneuverable and can withstand the toughest terrain, such as city sidewalks or park trails.
Style
Parents looking for a double stroller are looking for more than just a way to transport two children. They want a lightweight stroller that is easy to maneuver and has enough space to expand with their children. Since they'll likely to be carrying more weight than the kids and their strollers, they should be comfortable for shoulders and back.
This is why the best double strollers are sleek and support a wide range of options for customization, and accommodate infant car seats to ensure a seamless transition from toddler to baby. They can be used in tandem (single-file seating) or side-by-side, and are even lightweight enough to use for running.
Aside from size one of the most important considerations for parents shopping for a double stroller is whether or not it will fit through doorways or other small spaces. Luckily, the majority of strollers we tested in our latest update can pass through doors that are standard for exteriors that measure 36 inches wide, and most can accommodate interior doors that measure 28 to 35 inches wide.
Other factors we look at when evaluating the top double strollers include how quickly and easily they fold and unfold, how big the cargo basket is, how comfortable the seats are and how adjustable the canopy are. Additionally, we look at how comfortable the straps and buckles are for seated kids and how easy to access and adjust the height of the handlebar.
For instance, our top option one, the Uppababy Vista V2, is lightweight and has ample onboard storage for both children. It has a cup for parents holder and seats that recline independently. It also has an ample UPF 50+ canopy, with a windows that peek out. Its cushioned seat straps and buckles are among the most comfortable in our tests and we found the seat to be one of the easiest to fasten for children of all different ages.
If you're not ready to purchase a double stroller, Facebook Marketplace and second-hand-goods websites can offer used options in good condition at affordable prices. Be sure to conduct your research before you buy to a purchase, looking for signs of damage and looking for recalls.