How to Choose the Best Double Strollers
A double stroller makes the life of parents with twins or children of different ages whether you're taking a leisurely walk or going for a morning run. What should you consider when choosing between the numerous choices available?
This model expands to allow you to adjust the seating to meet your needs. Our latest member, Kerry, tested it out.
Safety
Your stroller should be safe, whether you're out on the town with your children, going to the zoo, or going trick-or-treating. This means a sturdy frame and comfortable harnesses for kids who sit down, and easy-to-grab handles for toddlers who stand. It also needs to be able to pass through doorways and be easy to move and fold. And of course, it should be a good value.
Each double stroller that we tested was put through rigorous testing in our laboratory at the zoo, in our lab and on streets in cities. We also took them out for family outings in suburban neighborhoods. Our lab tests evaluate the stroller's maneuverability, stability, and ease of steering. We also test the comfort of the suspension for both the driver as well as the rider as well as the capacity for weight, seat canopy heights and 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 the information into consideration when making our recommendations.
If you're in search of a secure stroller that is high-quality, then start with our top picks. These strollers can be used in 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 are designed to evolve with your family. They're sleek and stylish, support many different customization options and can accommodate infants and toddlers in side-by-side or tandem (single-file) seating styles. Many also come with an enormous storage basket, a handlebar that can be telescopically adjusted, and one-handed fold mechanisms.
Consider a tandem stroller with benches at the back for a third child if you have twins or a child of similar age. They're an excellent option for siblings who wish to interact with each other but aren't in a position to sit close to one another in a side-by-side stroller which could result in them ending in fighting or arguing. There are also convertible models that permit you to remove the bench seat once your children are ready to go for the ride without a car seat.
Comfort
The best double strollers feature comfortable child seats that have plenty of padding and support. They also have plenty of storage, roomy footwells for children's feet and legroom, and UPF 50+ canopies that offer excellent sun protection. The seats should recline at an angle to ensure children are at ease, and they should include calf bars that allow parents to adjust the position of each seat individually. The handlebars should be ergonomic and easy to maneuver according to Alli Cavasino, a certified child-passenger safety technician. The handlebars must be close enough to the seat of your child that you can grasp them and hold them. If the handlebars on the stroller are too far apart 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 we tested include shock absorbers to ensure that the ride remains steady. Others have both rear and front suspension, which reduce the amount of force required to push them and increase your control over them. The wheels should be made of high-quality rubber and have a durable tread that can handle plenty of wear and tear.
We searched for the most versatile double-strollers that could be used from infancy through toddlerhood. Some of the double strollers we found can be converted to tandem strollers or side-byside strollers. One of them, the Uppababy Vista V2, can even be converted to one-file infant strollers. This model is three times more expensive as our main tandem model, but its materials are more durable and it should last longer.
The best double strollers are light and easy to maneuver for long walks, errands and trips to the zoo or park. Double strollers are generally larger than single strollers and can be difficult to fit into narrow aisles in stores or doors. Some of them also cost more than single-seat models, but that's understandable given that you're getting a much better value for your budget. The models we recommend are safe for both adults and kids, and they'll grow with your family.
Convenience
If you're going to spend the money for a double stroller, you'll want one that is easy to move and store. The stroller should be light and easily fit into the trunk of your car or at home. It must also be able to traverse rough terrain and make tight turns. Some of the top double strollers come with adjustable calf supports, as well as seats that recline and provide UPF sun protection. The canopy should be big enough to protect both kids If you're worried about getting the sun into their eyes, look for one with a peek-aboo window.
The stage and age of your children will determine what kind of stroller you'll need. Parents of twins may choose a convertible stroller that can accommodate two infant car seats simultaneously parents with an older child and toddlers might prefer doubles that are side-by-side. You'll also need to decide whether you want a stroller that fits through narrow doors or in crowded grocery store aisles and is able to be used on planes.
In our Lab tests, we discovered that the top double strollers are reasonably easy to fold and carry. They usually have a oneor two-step process and they're compact enough to fit in the majority of cars that are compact. They're also designed to be sturdy when folded, which makes them easier to put back together.
Some of the top double-strollers come with convenient parent features like a cup holder for one parent and a big storage basket. Consider whether the stroller comes with locks on the front seat, to prevent your child from escaping. Some strollers have a universal adapter for car seats that can be converted to one seat as your child grows.
The price of some of the best double strollers is a bit expensive, but they usually have better build quality and resale value than less expensive models. They're also more maneuverable and can handle tough terrain, such as city sidewalks or park trails.
Style
Parents who are looking for a double stroller are looking for more than just a way to carry two kids. They're looking for a light stroller that is able to move with ease, has ample storage on the board and thoughtful features that allow it to grow with the kids--and be easy for them to push and maneuver. Also, since they'll 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, offer a variety of designs, and accommodate infant car seats for a seamless transition from toddler to baby. They are available in tandem (single-file seating), side-by-side, and even lightweight enough to use for running.
In addition to size, parents should also consider whether the double stroller can fit through doorways or other tight spaces. Luckily, the majority of models we tested in our most recent update can clear standard exterior doors, 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 is the speed and ease with which they fold and unfold, how big the cargo basket is, how cushioned the seats are and how flexible the canopy are. We also look at how comfortable the straps and buckles are for seated children and how easy it is to access and adjust the height of the handlebar.
For example our top pick one, the Uppababy Vista V2, is light and has plenty of onboard storage for both children. double jogging stroller has one parent cup seat that reclines independently, and a large UPF 50+ canopies with windows that can be peekaboo. The padded straps for the seat and buckles are among the most comfortable in our tests and we found the seat to be one of the easiest to secure for children of all different ages.
If you're still not sure if you're ready to purchase a double stroller, Facebook Marketplace and other second-hand-goods websites can provide good-condition used options for reasonable prices. Be sure to conduct your research before you buy, scanning for indications of damage and checking up possible recalls.