Double Stroller 10 Things I'd Love To Have Known Earlier
What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The best double strollers develop with families and have clever features to keep children comfortable and happy. This includes adjustable foot rests and an easy ride on gravel, trails and old sidewalks.
Kerry was thrilled that the stroller was packaged in multiple boxes, however everything was clearly labeled and simple for her to open. She also appreciated that the stroller is able to accommodate two infant car seats, and it is able to be set with a ride-board for older children.
Seating Options
When it is double strollers, the seating options are the main factor that determines the purchase for many families. You'll want to think about the age of your children, their relative sizes and the seating configurations that will work best for you.
For instance, if you have children who are close in age that will be seated together, consider a tandem model that comes with child seats that are attached to each other and does not require car seat adapters, according to Alli Cavasino an editor in the senior position at Consumer Reports. These are typically wider than other types of double strollers, however, so they may not pass through door frames that are standard in your home.
If you have an age gap between your kids look into a double-seat stroller with the option to transform into a stand-and-ride model with an elevated or small bench seat in the back for a child who wants to casually ride along or watch their sibling. These in-line strollers are also able 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. Some fabrics are more comfortable than others, and easier to clean. It's also important to think about how easy it is to fold your stroller for transporting it to and from your car. "There's nothing more frustrating than purchasing your dream stroller only to find out that it is too heavy or big for your trunk," says the expert.
If you're looking for a budget-friendly option that offers different seating options take a look at this award-winning model from Summer Infant that comes with two toddler seats with a bassinet attachment. It could be expanded to make a triple stroller with an additional seat or riding board. The seats recline, and have calf bar controls to adjust independently, which is ideal for when one child is looking to sleep while the other one wants to take in the surroundings. When folded, it's small and easily fits into most trunks.
Age ranges
Sit-and-stand strollers are a great option for families with children who are close in age. They provide the comfort and convenience. They typically come with a seat for an infant or toddler in front and a bench or platform that lets an older child stand or jump on and off in the back. These strollers are ideal for older children and toddlers, but not for babies or children who do not have the coordination and balance to stand on their own.
A narrow tandem stroller allows you to keep both children within sight all at once, and it can be pushed through tight spaces, such as grocery store aisles or for family photos at the parks. These models are usually narrower than double strollers with side-by-side designs and are able to move more easily but they don't have the capacity to fit infant car seats and typically don't offer as much undercarriage storage.
If you're planning to use a double stroller for many years, or even for a decade, you should consider buying one that will grow with your kids. Double strollers are more expensive than single strollers however, if you choose them correctly, you can save money in the end.
Our testers ran each of these strollers through a series maneuverability tests as well as off-road adventures, and they found them easy to navigate through various terrains. If you plan to use it in cities or areas where the traffic and sidewalks are prone to bumps, you may want something that is more durable and robust capable of handling rough treatment.
Double strollers are made to last, however the seats could wear out sooner than you think or your children might outgrow them before they're ready for retirement. If you are on a tight budget, choose a model with a rating of at minimum four years. It is best to use it for as long as it can.
Easy of Use
It's important to make sure that the double stroller is simple to use by both children. It means that the harnesses need to be comfortable for children who sit and the handles must be easy to grasp for toddlers. The stroller can also be easily rolled around and maneuvered through tight spaces. In fact the top strollers in our Lab tests--such as the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie and Thule Urban Glide 2 Double--are among the most easy to push.
It's also important that a double stroller be easy to fold and store. The most efficient models fold in just a couple of steps and are small enough to fit into most trunks. It's also an advantage when the stroller is a versatile and has the option of adding a second seat or a ride-along board. single to double buggy have the capacity to hold infant car seats, meaning you don't need to wake up your baby to transfer them into the stroller when they're ready to go home.
Additionally, a great double stroller needs to be sturdy so that it can be used on a variety of terrain. For instance, some models can be converted into 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 cargo bag that can be tacked to the back of the stroller to carry shopping bags and groceries.
A tandem or side-by-side is another option to consider. Side-by-side strollers are typically bigger than tandem models and can be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces such as doorways and aisles of grocery stores that are crowded. They do offer the convenience of allowing every child to enjoy the same view. They are also more convenient to navigate in bad weather since they provide more protection from the elements.
Many parents decide to purchase an adaptable stroller that can be used with a baby, and later converted into a double stroller once their children are older. But after talking to parents, we've learned that it's best to get what you need at the time instead of trying to predict what your family will require in the near future.
Stores
When you're looking for a double-stroller, it's important to take into consideration the amount of storage available and the size. Many models have large, easy-to-access baskets that hold plenty of stuff. Many models also feature multiple cup holders for parents, as well as seats that can be reversible to give the best legroom possible for children. However, a few of these features can add up in cost and it's crucial to read the descriptions and reviews carefully.
Most double strollers are classified as tandem or side-by-side designs. Tandem strollers come with two seats on the same frame, and they're typically better suited for older children who have already learned sitting without assistance. They typically have more storage space than side-by-side models. However, some may be difficult to push when the front seat is fully reclined.
The side-by-side stroller comes with two separate seats that are set side-by-side. They're generally better suited for younger babies or toddlers, who aren't yet ready for sitting independently. They also have the added benefit of being generally easier to maneuver and pushing than tandem strollers. They can be more expensive, and they have smaller baskets.
There are also special double strollers specifically designed for jogging and biking. They are more expensive than the standard strollers that are all-terrain, and they often have fixed front wheels that restrict their mobility. These strollers are only worth considering if you plan to use them for these activities.
Whether you're shopping for twins or an infant and a toddler, or another child who isn't quite ready to walk on their own, there's a perfect double stroller out there. Our top picks are easy to maneuver, versatile, stable and have seating that can grow with your child. So whether you're looking for a tandem stroller or one that can accommodate your infant car seat, check out our top picks to find the right double stroller for your family.