17 Signs You Work With Double Stroller
How Easy Is It to Push and Fold a Double Stroller?
Whether you're taking your toddler on the streets or jogging with your twins, having the perfect double stroller makes it easier for everyone to move around. It's important to find one that's easy to fold and push is essential.
Our Lab experts recommend side by side models with equal recline, plenty of storage and car seat adapters to fit infants.
Seating
The seating options you choose are important when shopping for a double-stroller. Based on your kids' stages of development, you may want to look for a side-by-side option that allows both children to sit together, or a tandem model that allows one child to stand while the other is sitting.
Seating arrangements can also impact your comfort when you're walking on busy streets and sidewalks. Look for strollers with reclined seats, footrests that recline and large canopy that provides shade for both passengers. Beware of hanging bags from handlebars because they can alter the stroller's center of gravity and cause it to tip over.
A high-quality double stroller comes with convenient storage for your essentials as well. Find storage compartments underneath the seats or in the backs of the seats. These are excellent places to store toys, snacks and other essentials. The organizer bags and consoles for parents attached to the handles are also useful to keep things within reach during walks or outings.
For parents with children close in age A stroller with a side-byside design could be the best choice. They're usually more stable than stacking types and offer better sightlines for both passengers. Some options can accommodate two infant car seats, which allows you to transfer your sleeping children from the car to the pram for newborn without disturbing them.
Parents with older kids who aren't afraid to sit separately or who prefer a little bit of independence might like a model that lets the bigger child to get on the front and ride along. This kind of double-stroller isn't compatible with newborns, and it may require more maintenance in the future. However, it can be a great choice for active families who are looking for the flexibility of a single stroller that can be converted into a two-kid model.
The top double strollers will be sturdy and maneuverable, even in rough terrain or tight spaces. They are also light and foldable to be easily stored in your trunk or garage. This makes them easy to carry when you travel. They're constructed to last and comply with the safety guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP).
Canopy
A canopy protects both the passenger and the sun's rays. Some models also come with a visor to further shield children's faces. Our top-scoring models for canopy options were the BOB Revolution Flex v3.0 Duallie, and the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Dual. Both come with huge shades. Both models have adequate coverage and cover children from head to toe, however, inline options tend to skimp on shade or only provide a single canopy that only covers one seat. This can be a problem for siblings who need different levels of protection.
A good prams canopy should be able to slide easily onto the stroller, and a lot of our top-rated models can do that. Be sure to verify the dimensions of the canopy before purchasing, as some might require additional space to extend completely and avoid hitting the handles.
Some parents prefer a double stroller that includes a bassinet, car seat adapters or other accessories that give them more options in the future. The UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double, for instance, comes with an infant seat as well as an added RumbleSeat. This makes it a perfect choice for families who have twins or young children and require transport simultaneously. This stroller is a versatile model that offers the unique sit and stand arrangement for older children who prefer to ride on their own.
Other accessories that can make your stroller more practical include parent consoles and bags that organize, which allow you to keep things in reach. They are especially useful for strollers that don't get used often, when you might want to store snacks and toys away from prying eyes. Some of these accessories are connected via a strap or snap, making it easy to remove them when ready for the stroller to be used again.
If you are seeking a double-stroller which can be transformed into a toddler stroller with the option of a bench or glider seat, then this is the stroller for you. Both the Graco Travel System RoomFor2 and UPPAbaby's Vista v2 Duallie include a bassinet which is compatible with car seats, a toddler's seat, and a RumbleSeat. Both strollers can be made into triple strollers with the addition a running board. This is ideal for active families who have one child who loves to be active.
Wheels
The kind of wheels a stroller is equipped with can make an impact on how it is to push. In general, larger wheels are easier to maneuver and will be able to tackle an array of terrain. The material of the wheels can also impact how easy or difficult they are to push. Rubber wheels, for example are usually more durable and can withstand rougher surfaces than plastic ones.
Stroller wheels come in various styles, sizes, and materials to suit a variety of needs and environments. Wheels that swivel, for instance can help to maneuver around tight corners and narrow spaces. Fixed-wheels are more stable and ideal for smooth surfaces. If you intend to use your stroller on rough terrain or off-road, air-filled tires are more suitable than standard rubber tires. These tires are similar to bicycle tires that absorb shocks for better comfort on the road.
Side-by-side double strollers are wider than tandem models, and they can be difficult to maneuver through narrow entrances or aisles of stores. However, they offer your children equal seating and allow them to stretch their legs. They are also generally easier to maneuver than tandem strollers.
If you want to use your stroller for biking or running, look for double joggers with all-terrain or jogging tires. These are large, thicker and come with sealed ball bearings to provide a smoother ride over uneven surfaces. Certain models, like the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double Stroller are compatible with a car seats, allowing you to jog while your children are secured in their car seats.
Other all-terrain/jogging strollers - click through the next page - like the Valco Baby Tri Mode Duo X can accommodate an additional child in front but are too bulky to qualify as umbrella doubles. In our testing, we found that the buckles on this stroller were the most difficult to fasten. This can be a problem when you have to squeeze two children on the stroller at once. The stroller is more expensive than the top prams single to tandem pick, but offers high-quality materials as well as a reasonable resale price.
Stores
A great double stroller must have ample storage space for parents and children. A lack of storage can make it difficult for parents to go on errands and bring all the gear they need on a family day out. In our Lab tests the UPPAbaby v2 double scored well in this measure. It has a large, easy-to-access basket which can hold up 30 lbs.
Strollers with pockets and compartments can help families organize small items like keys, wallets, and phones. A parent console or organizer bag attached to the handlebars can be a handy space for dads and moms to store their own personal belongings when out with their children.
In addition to a large basket, the UPPAbaby Vista carries two infant car seats (though not both bassinets), and it has an adjustable handlebar that telescopically extends and brakes that are easy to use. It also has one of the largest capacity seat weight ratings in our collection, and it folds easily through most standard door frames.
Our test participants also discovered that the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite wagon features a remarkably adjustable bar that is ideal for parents of different heights. The wagon also features two UV screens that fold up to offer full sun coverage, and its snack tray and cup holders can hold plenty of bottles and snacks for children.
The biggest issue with any stroller is folding it and bringing it back in shape after using. This is especially the case if you have a child or toddler with you. This is why it's crucial to choose a stroller with a smooth and user-friendly fold. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 and Evenflo Pivot Xpand both feature an easy-to-use, single-handed mechanism that allows parents to swiftly and easily fold their strollers, no matter which configuration they are in.
Double strollers might seem like an expensive investment, but parents who plan to use it for several years will pay more than single strollers. It's also worth looking into whether the stroller is able to be divided into pieces for storage and transport This is a crucial consideration if you have limited space for your vehicle or living space.