How to Choose the Best Double Strollers
If you're taking a leisurely stroll or tackling your morning jog with the kids, a double stroller will make life with twins or two kids with different ages a lot simpler. How do you choose from the various choices available?
Our latest team member, Kerry, got her stroller testing feet wet with this expandable model that lets you to change the seating configuration to suit different needs.
Safety
If you're running errands, visiting the zoo or going out for trick-or-treating with your kids stroller must be secure. It's important to have a sturdy frame, comfortable harnesses and easy-to-grab handle for toddlers. It should also be able fit through doors, be easy to fold and maneuver, and be easy to maneuver. It should also be reasonably priced.
We put every double stroller we reviewed through rigorous testing in our lab, at the zoo, on streets in the city, and during family outings in suburban neighborhoods. Our lab tests assess a stroller's maneuverability and stability in steering, ease of handling, suspension comfort for the driver and the rider, capacity for weight, seat canopy heights, and storage space.
In addition to the regular security checks carried out by our team of stroller experts, we request parents to provide feedback on their experiences with each model. We then take into consideration all of that information when making recommendations.
Begin with our top choices If you're in search of an excellent stroller that is sturdy and safe. These strollers are flexible and can be used for infant car seats. They're available in tandem or single stroller designs, and are suitable for children aged from birth to elementary school.
The best double strollers are made to adapt to your growing family. They're sleek and stylish they can be fitted with many different customization options and can be used by toddlers and infants in a tandem or side-byside (single-file) seating designs. Many also have a large storage basket and a telescoping handlebar and one-handed folding mechanisms.
Consider a tandem stroller that comes with a bench seat at the back for a third child if you have twins or a child of the same age. They're an excellent option for siblings who wish to be social with one another but aren't in a position to sit with each other in a stroller with a side-byside feature and end up arguing or fighting. There are convertible models that permit you to take off the bench seat once your children are ready for a ride without using a car seat.
Comfort
The best double strollers feature comfortable child seats that have plenty of padding and support. The top double strollers have ample storage space, spacious legs and footwells for children, and UPF 50+ canopy which provides fantastic sun protection. Seats should recline at an angle to ensure that children are comfortable. They should also come with adjustable calf bar that let parents adjust each seat. Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician. She says that the handlebars need to be ergonomic and easy-to-maneuver. The handlebars need to be close enough to the seat of your child 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 good posture when pushing them.
The ride should be smooth, even on rough or uneven surfaces. Some of the models we tested had shock absorbers to ensure that the ride is stable. Certain models come with front and back suspensions which enhances control and reduces the force required to push them. The wheels should be made of high-quality rubber and have a sturdy tread that is able to withstand plenty of wear and tear.
We looked for the most versatile double strollers that could be used from birth through toddlerhood and beyond. A few of the ones we came across can be set up as tandem strollers or side-byside, and one of them is the Uppababy Vista v2, can even be converted into a single-file stroller for infants. The model is three times more expensive as our main tandem choice however, its materials are more durable, and it will last longer.
The best double strollers are lightweight and easy to maneuver for long walks, errands, and trips to the park or zoo. Double strollers are generally larger than single strollers and might not fit in narrow aisles in stores or doors. Some are more expensive than single-seaters. double buggy for twins is understandable because you get a lot for your budget. These models are suitable for both adults and children and will expand with your family.
Convenience
If you are going to spend money on a double-stroller, it should be easy to carry and store. The ideal stroller will be light and easy to store in the trunk of your car or the space at home. It should be able to navigate rough terrain and make tight turns. Some of the top double-strollers feature adjustable calf support, and seats that recline. They also provide UPF sun protection. The canopy should be big enough to cover both kids and, if you're concerned about getting the sun in their eyes, opt for one with a peek-aboo window.
The age and stage of your child can influence the kind of stroller you choose to be the best for you. For instance, parents of twins might choose a convertible stroller that holds two infant car seats simultaneously and families with an older child and a toddler might prefer a double that is side-by-side. You'll also have to decide whether you want a stroller that fits through narrow doorways or crowded grocery store aisles and can be used on planes.
In our Lab tests we found that most double strollers are easy to fold and carry. They typically have a oneor two-step process and are small enough to fit in most compact cars. They're also designed to be sturdy and easy to assemble.
Some of the best double strollers feature practical features for parents that include a single parent cup holder and a large storage basket. You should consider whether the stroller is locked on the front seat, so that you can keep your kids from getting out when they start getting antsy. Some of the top strollers come with a universal car seat adapter and can be converted into an individual-seater model when your children grow.
The price tag on some of the top double strollers is high, but they generally have better build quality and resale value than less expensive models. They are also easier to maneuver and can withstand rough terrain like urban walkways or parks.
Style
If parents are in the market for a double-stroller, they're looking for more than just a way to transport their two kids. They want a lightweight stroller that is easy to maneuver and has enough storage space to grow with their children. Also, since they'll be carrying more weight than the kids so the stroller must be easy on shoulders and back.
The top double strollers are sleek and support a variety of customizations. They can also accommodate infant car seats to ensure an easy transition from baby to toddler. They can be used in tandem (single-file seating), side-by-side, and even lightweight enough to use for running.
In addition to the size parents must also consider whether the double stroller can fit through doorways or other tight spaces. Fortunately, the majority of strollers we tested in our most recent update can pass through the standard doors for exterior use, which are 36 inches wide. Moreover, the majority of them can fit inside doors that range from 28 to 35 inches wide.
Other features we consider when reviewing the best double strollers are how quickly and easily they fold and unfold, the size the cargo basket is, how comfortable the seats are and how adjustable the canopy are. We also take into consideration how comfortable the buckles and seat straps are for children seated in the stroller, and how easy it would be to adjust the height of the handlebars.
Our top choice, Uppababy Vista V2, for instance, is a light-weight model and offers plenty of storage space for both children. It comes with a cup for parents holder and recliners that can be adjusted independently. It also has a large UPF 50+ canopy with the peek-a-boo window. Its cushioned seat straps and buckles are among the most comfortable in our tests, and we found the seat to be among the easiest to secure for children of all ages.
If you're not quite ready to buy a double stroller, Facebook Marketplace and other secondhand-goods sites can often offer quality used items in good condition at reasonable prices. Make sure to do your research before committing, scanning for evidence of damage and looking for recalls.