How to Choose the Best Double Strollers
A double stroller makes life easier for parents with twins or children of different ages, whether you're enjoying your way to a relaxing walk or for a morning jog. How do you choose from the various options available?
This expandable model lets you to modify the seating to meet different requirements. Our latest member, Kerry, tested it out.
Safety
When you're doing through the zoo, running errands or going out for trick-or-treating with your kids stroller must be safe. That means an sturdy frame and comfortable harnesses for children who sit down, as well as easy-to-grab handles for toddlers who stand. It should also be able to pass through doors, be easy to fold and maneuver and be simple to move. It should also be affordable.
We put each double stroller we reviewed through rigorous testing in our lab, at the Zoo, on streets in the city, and during family outings in suburban areas. Our lab tests assess the stroller's stability and maneuverability as well as ease of steering and handling as well as the comfort of suspension for the driver and the rider, capacity for weight, seat canopy heights, and storage space.
We solicit feedback from parents on each model in addition to the safety checks that are routinely performed by our team. Then, we take all the information into consideration when forming our recommendations.
Start with our top picks If you're in search of an excellent stroller that is sturdy and safe. These strollers are incredibly versatile and can be used for infant car seats. They come in tandem or single stroller designs, and are suitable for children from birth to elementary school.
The best double strollers will evolve with your family. They're stylish and sleek, support a variety of customizations and can accommodate toddlers and infants in tandem or side-by-side (single-file) seating designs. Many also have a large storage basket as well as a telescoping handlebar and one-handed folding mechanisms.
If you have twins or a child who is a similar age to their sibling, think about selecting a tandem stroller that has a bench seat in the back that could be used by a third child. They're an excellent option for siblings who wish to interact with each other, but may not be in a position to sit next to each other in a side-by-side stroller, where they could end up arguing or fighting. There are convertible models that allow you to remove the bench seat when your children are ready for an excursion without a car seat.
Comfort
The most comfortable double strollers come with comfortable child seats with plenty of padding and support. strollers double strollers have plenty of storage space, large footwells and legroom for children, and UPF 50+ canopy that provides great sun protection. Seats should be able to recline at an angle to keep kids comfortable. They should also have adjustable calf bars that allow parents to independently adjust the seat. The handlebars should be comfortable and easy to maneuver according to Alli Cavasino who is a certified child passenger safety technician. 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 difficult to keep your balance and good posture while pushing them.
The ride should be smooth, even on rough or hard surfaces. Some of the models we tested come with shock absorbers to keep the ride stable. Others have front and rear suspension, which can reduce the amount of force you need to push them and improve your control over them. The wheels should have a sturdy tread and made of high-quality rubber.
We looked for the most versatile double-strollers which could be used from the age of infancy to toddlerhood. Some of the models we came across can be set up as side-by-side or tandem strollers and one is the Uppababy Vista v2, can even be transformed into a single-file stroller suitable for infants. The model is three times more than our standard tandem pick however it's of better quality and should last longer because of its durable materials.
The most comfortable double strollers are light and maneuverable enough to use for long walks, errands, and trips to the park or zoo. They're generally larger than single strollers, and as such they won't be able to pass through narrow doors or crowded store aisles. Some of them cost more than single-seaters, but that's reasonable since you get a lot for your price. The models we recommend are suitable for both adults and kids and will expand with your family.
Convenience
If you're planning to invest money in a double-stroller, it should be easy to move and store. The stroller should be lightweight and easily fit into your car's trunk or at home. It must also be able to navigate tough terrain and handle tight turns. Some of the top double strollers have adjustable calf supports as well as seats that recline, and offer UPF sun protection. The canopy should be big enough to accommodate two children. If you're concerned about the sun's rays getting into their eyes, opt for the stroller with a peek-aboo window.
The age and stage of your children will determine what kind of stroller you'll require. Parents of twins could opt for a convertible stroller that is able to hold two infant car seats at once and families with an older child and toddler might prefer side-by-side doubles. You'll have to decide if you want strollers that can go through narrow doorways and aisles of grocery stores or on planes.
In our Lab tests, we found that the best double strollers are relatively easy to fold and carry. Most double strollers fold in one or two steps and are small enough to fit into most compact cars. They're designed to be stable, making them easier to reassemble.
Some of the top double strollers come with convenient parent features that include a single parent cup holder and a spacious storage basket. Check if the stroller comes with a lock on the front seat to prevent your child from escaping. Some of the better strollers come with an adapter for car seats that is universal and can be converted to a single-seater when your children grow.
The top double strollers can be expensive, but they offer higher quality construction and better resale value than cheaper models. They are also easier to maneuver and can withstand rough terrain like city walkways or park trails.
Style
Parents shopping for a double stroller want more than just a means to transport two kids. They want a light stroller that is able to move with ease, has sufficient storage space on the inside and thoughtful features that allow it to grow with the kids--and be simple to push and navigate. Because they will be carrying more than children, the stroller must be easy on their back and shoulders.
This is why the top double strollers are sleek and allow for a variety of options for customization, and be adapted to infant car seats for an effortless transition from baby to toddler. They're available in side-by-side or tandem (single-file seating) models and can be light enough to jog or for travel.
In addition to the size, parents should also consider whether the double stroller will be able to pass through doorways or other tight spaces. Most of the models that we tested for our latest version can be pushed through doors that measure 36 inches wide.
Other factors we look at when reviewing the best double strollers include how quickly and easily they fold and unfold, how large the cargo basket is, how comfortable the seats are and how flexible the canopy are. We also take into consideration how comfortable the seat straps and buckles are for children sitting in the stroller, as well as how easy it is to adjust the height of the handlebars.
Our top choice, Uppababy Vista V2, for instance, is light and offers ample storage space for both children. It has a cup for parents holder, as well as seats that recline individually. It also has a large UPF 50+ canopy with peekaboo window. The padded straps for the seat 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 age groups.
If you're not ready to purchase a double stroller, Facebook Marketplace and second-hand-goods websites offer used products in good condition at reasonable costs. Make sure you do your homework and look for any signs of damage before you buy.