Meet Your Fellow Double Stroller Enthusiasts. Steve Jobs Of The Double Stroller Industry
What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The most effective double strollers are designed to adapt to the needs of your family and include clever features that keep your kids content and comfortable. The best double strollers come with adjustable footrests as well as smooth riding over gravel, old sidewalks, and trails.
Kerry was thrilled that the stroller arrived in multiple boxes, but everything was clearly labeled and simple for her to open. She also loved the fact that it can accommodate two infant car seats and can be used with a riding board for older kids.
Seating Options
Seating arrangements are a key factor in determining whether or an entire family will invest in a double stroller. You'll need to take into consideration the age of your children, the sizes of them and the seating arrangements you prefer.
Alli Cavasino is a senior editor of Consumer Reports. She says that if you are looking to purchase a tandem stroller, it is best to consider one with child seats that are attached. This model doesn't require car seat adapters. These are typically wider than other double strollers,, so they may not pass through door frames that are standard within your home.
If you're experiencing an age gap between your kids you should consider a stroller with two seats that can change to a stand-and ride model with an elevated or small bench seat in the back for children who would like to ride along with their sibling. These strollers are equipped to accommodate infant car seats when needed and are ideal for children who are 3-5 years apart.
You'll also need to take a look at the seat material, says Billingsley. Certain fabrics are more comfortable than others, and they are also easier to clean. You should also think about how easy it will be to fold the stroller for storage purposes or transport to and from your car. "Nothing is more frustrating than purchasing your dream stroller, but finding it's too heavy to lift or too large for your trunk," she says.
If you are seeking a low-cost option that offers multiple configurations, then check out this award-winning stroller from Summer Infant. It has two toddler seats as well as a bassinet, and can be expanded into a triple stroller adding an additional seat or riding board. The seats recline and come with control mechanisms for the calf bar that allow them to adjust independently, which is ideal for when one child is looking to sleep while the other wants observe their surroundings. When folded, it's small and easily fits into most trunks.
Age ranges
Sit-and stand strollers are the ideal option for families with children who are close in terms of age. They provide comfort and ease of use. They have a seat in the front for toddlers or infants, and a platform, bench or another surface in the rear which allows older children to stand up or get off and on. They're great for big toddlers and preschoolers, but won't work well for younger babies or children who don't have the balance or coordination to stand on their own.
A narrow tandem stroller allows you to keep both children within sight at once, and can be squeezed into tight spaces such as aisles at the supermarket or for family photos at the parks. These models are smaller and easier to maneuver than double strollers with side-by-side seating however they don't offer as much storage space under the carriage, and they're not able to fit an infant car seats.
If you're planning to utilize a double stroller for several years--or even over a decade, it's worthwhile purchasing a model that will adapt to your children's needs. Double strollers are more expensive than single ones, but if they're chosen properly, you'll save money over the long haul.
Our test participants put each of these strollers through a series maneuverability tests as well as off-road adventures, and they found them to be simple to navigate over various terrains. If you intend to use it in urban areas or in cities where the sidewalks and traffic are prone to bumps, you may want something that is more durable and robust capable of handling rough treatment.
Many double strollers are built to last for a long period of time, but you might find that the seats get used up faster than you anticipated or your children outgrow it before it's ready to retire. If you're looking for a bargain look into one that's been evaluated for at least four years and is designed to last for as long as possible.
Easy of Use
It is essential to ensure that the double stroller is easy to use by both children. It means that the harnesses need to be comfortable for children sitting and the handles must be a breeze to hold for toddlers. It also means that the stroller is able to roll effortlessly, and is able to be maneuvered in tight spaces and around obstacles. In fact the top-rated strollers from our Lab tests -- such as the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie and Thule Urban Glide 2 Double--are among the most comfortable to push.
A double stroller must be easy to fold up and take down and store. The best models use an easy one- or two-step process, and they're compact enough to fit into most trunks. It's also beneficial when the stroller is a versatile, with options to add an additional seat or ride-along board. Some even have the capacity to hold infant car seats, meaning you don't have to wake up your baby to get them into their stroller when they're ready to head home.
Additionally, a great double stroller should be sturdy so that it can be used on a variety of terrain. For instance, some strollers can be converted to a jogging stroller with a front wheel that is specially designed, and some can also be used as an umbrella stroller. Some strollers come with a bag that can be put to the back of the stroller to carry shopping bags and other items.
Another factor to consider is whether you'd prefer an oversized stroller that can be used side-by-side or as a tandem. Side-by-side strollers tend to be wider than tandems and can be difficult to maneuver through tight spaces such as entrances or aisles that are crowded in grocery stores. However, they offer the convenience of allowing each child to view the same scenery. They are also easier to navigate through in stormy weather as they provide greater coverage from the elements for both kids.
Many parents decide to purchase an adaptable stroller that can be used by a baby and then transformed into double strollers when their children get older. After talking with parents, it became apparent that it is better to purchase the items you require now rather instead of trying to predict what you'll need in the near future.
Storage
When looking for a double-stroller, it's important to consider the amount of storage available and the dimensions. A lot of models have large accessible baskets that can store a large amount of items. They also often feature multiple parent cup holders and reversible seating configurations that offer the best legroom available for children. Some of these features may increase the cost so make sure you read reviews and descriptions carefully.
Most double strollers are categorized as either tandem or side-by-side designs. Tandem strollers are two seats in one frame and are best for older children who can sit unassisted. They also typically have a much larger storage basket than side-by-side models, though they can be a bit difficult or awkward to push when the front seat is fully reclined.
The side-by-side stroller comes with two seats that are placed side-by-side. They're usually more suitable for infants or toddlers who haven't yet mastered sitting independently. They also have the benefit of being more easy to maneuver and push than tandem strollers. They may be more expensive and come with smaller baskets.
There are also specialized double strollers specifically designed for jogging and biking. They're generally more expensive than all-terrain strollers. They also come with fixed front wheels, which restrict their mobility. twin pushchair are only worth considering if you plan to use them for these kinds of activities.
There's a double stroller to suit any situation, whether you're buying one for twins or a child who's not yet ready to ride alone, or a child who's not yet old enough. The top options we've found in our tests are versatile and stable. They are also easy to maneuver, with seating that grows as your kids do. Take a look at our top picks for the best double stroller to fit your family regardless of whether you are searching for a tandem or one that can accommodate your infant car seat.