What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The best double strollers grow with families and offer thoughtful features to keep kids happy and comfortable. The top double strollers have adjustable footrests and smooth riding over gravel, old sidewalks, and trails.
Kerry loved that the stroller arrived in multiple boxes, but everything was well-labeled and easy 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
When it is double strollers, seating options are what makes or breaks the purchase for many families. You'll want to consider the ages of your children, their respective sizes and the seating configurations that work best for you.
For example, if you have children who are close in age who will sit together, consider a tandem stroller that has child seats attached to one another and doesn't require you to use car seat adapters, says Alli Cavasino an editor in the senior position at Consumer Reports. They're typically larger than other double strollers,, so they may not fit through standard door frames in your home.
If your children are older age, you might want to consider 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 strollers are equipped to accommodate infant car seats if necessary and are ideal for children who are three years apart.
Billingsley suggests that you take into consideration the material used for the seat. Certain fabrics are more breathable than others and are more easy to clean. It's also important to consider how easy it is to fold your new stroller down to store it or transport it to and from your car. "There's nothing more frustrating than buying the perfect stroller only to discover that it's too heavy or bulky for your trunk," says the expert.
If you are looking for a budget-friendly alternative that can be configured in a variety of ways look no further than this award-winning stroller from Summer Infant. It has two toddler seats as well as the bassinet. It can be converted into a triple stroller adding a third seat or a riding board. The seats recline and have control mechanisms for the calf bar that allow them to adjust independently, which is ideal for those times when one child needs to sleep while the other wants to take in the surroundings. When folded, it is compact and can fit easily into most trunks.
second hand double buggy
Sit-and stand strollers are the ideal option for families with children who are close in age. They provide the comfort and convenience. These strollers have an area in front that seats toddlers or infants and a bench, platform or another type of surface at the rear that lets older children stand up or get off and on. They're ideal for big toddlers and preschoolers, but won't work well for younger babies or kids who don't yet have the balance and coordination to stand on their own.
A narrow tandem stroller can help you keep an eye on both kids at once and fit through narrow spaces like the crowded grocery store aisles or family photos in the park. These models are usually narrower than double strollers with side-by-side designs and tend to maneuver easier but they don't have the capacity to fit infant car seats and typically do not offer the same amount of storage under the carriage.
If you are planning to utilize a double stroller for some time--or even for over a decade, it's worthwhile purchasing a model that can adapt to your children's needs. Double strollers are more expensive than single ones however, if you select them wisely, you'll save money over the long haul.
Our test participants took each stroller through a series maneuverability tests and off-road excursions. They discovered that they were easy to maneuver on different terrains. If you intend to use it in urban areas or in cities where the sidewalks and traffic can be bumpy, you may need something more durable and sturdy capable of handling rough treatment.
Double strollers are built to last, however the seats could wear out sooner than you think or your children may outgrow them before they're ready to retire. If you're on a budget look into one that has been rated for at least four years and aims to last as long as you can.
Easy of Use
It is essential to ensure that the double stroller is easy to use by both children. This means a comfortable harness for children who sit, and easy-to-grasp handles for toddlers who stand. The stroller can also be easily rolled around and maneuvered over obstacles and tight spaces. In fact the top strollers in our Lab tests, such as the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie and Thule Urban Glide 2 Double among the most easy to push.
A double stroller should be easy to fold up and take down and store. The most efficient models fold in just a couple of steps and are small enough to fit in most trunks. It's also a benefit to include a second chair or a ride-along to the stroller. Some strollers can even accommodate infant car seats, so you don't have to wake up your baby to get them into their stroller when they're ready for a trip home.
A good double stroller is also durable, so it is able to be used in a variety of types of terrain. For example, some can be converted to a jogging stroller with a specialized front wheel, and some are able to be used as an umbrella stroller. Some even come with a cargo basket which can be attached to the back of the stroller to carry groceries or shopping bags.
A tandem or side-by-side is another option worth considering. Side-by-side strollers are generally larger than tandems, and can be difficult to maneuver through tight spaces such as doorways or crowded aisles in grocery stores. However, they offer the convenience of allowing each child to enjoy the same view. They can also be easier to navigate in rough weather, as they provide more protection from the elements for both children.
Many parents decide to purchase a stroller that is convertible from single to double so that they can use it with a baby and later switch to a regular double when their kiddos are older. After speaking with parents, it became apparent that it is better to purchase what you need now instead of trying to predict what you might need in the near future.
Storage
When you're looking for a double-stroller, you need to think about the amount of storage available and the dimensions. A lot of models have large accessible baskets that can store a large amount of items. Many models also come with numerous cup holders for parents and seating configurations that can be reversed to provide the most legroom for children. Certain of these features could make the price more expensive, so be sure to go through the reviews and descriptions carefully.
Most double strollers can be classified into tandem or side by side models. Tandem strollers have two seats on one frame, and are best suited to older babies who can stand unaided. They tend to have larger storage baskets than side-byside models. However, some can be difficult to push with the front seat fully reclined.
Side-by-side strollers come with two separate seats that are placed side-by-side and are generally for babies and toddlers who haven't mastered independent sitting. They also have the benefit of being more easy to maneuver and pushing than tandem strollers. However, they usually have smaller storage baskets than tandem strollers, and can be more expensive.
There are also specially designed double strollers designed for biking and jogging. They are more expensive than standard strollers that are all-terrain, and they usually come with fixed front wheels that restrict their mobility. They're worth considering only if you plan to use them for such activities.
If you're looking 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 perfect double stroller out there. The top options we've found in our tests are affluent and stable. They're also easy to navigate and have seating that grows as your children get older. 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 picks to find the perfect double stroller for your family.