Double Stroller: The Good The Bad And The Ugly
What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The best double strollers are made to grow with your family and come with thoughtful features that keep your children at ease and happy. The top double strollers have adjustable footrests as well as smooth riding over gravel, old sidewalks and trails.
Kerry was pleased that the stroller arrived in multiple boxes, but everything was clearly labeled and simple for her to open. She also liked that the twin stroller with car seats can accommodate two infant car seats, and it is able to be set with a ride-board for older children.
Seating Options
Seating arrangements are a key element in determining whether the family will buy a double stroller. You'll want to consider 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 stroller that has child seats linked to one another and does not require car seat adapters, explains Alli Cavasino who is a senior editor at Consumer Reports. They are generally larger than other types of double strollers, however, so they may not pass through door frames that are standard in your home.
If your children are of a different age, you may think about a stroller with two seats that can be converted into a stand-and-ride model. This will allow children to watch or ride with their sibling. These types of strollers can also accommodate infant car seats, if needed and are a great choice for children who'll be 3-5 years apart, says Billingsley.
Billingsley advises that you must take into consideration the fabric used to make the seat. Some offer more breathable fabrics than others and are more easy to clean. You should also think about how easy it will be to fold down your stroller for storage or transporting it to and from your car. "Nothing is more frustrating than buying your dream stroller, but finding it's too heavy to carry or too large for your trunk," she says.
If you're looking for a budget-friendly option that can accommodate various seating options look no further than 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 the calf bar controls can be adjusted independently. This is great the time when one child is in need of to rest while another is looking to explore the surroundings. It's also compact when folded and easily fits in most trunks.
Age Ranges
For families with kids who are similar to their ages, a sit-and-stand stroller is the ideal combination of comfort for children and adults and user-friendliness. These strollers usually have seats for infants or toddler in the front, and a platform or bench that allows an older child to stand or hop on and off in the back. They are great for big toddlers and preschoolers, but won't be ideal for babies or children who don't have the balance and coordination to stand on their own.
A narrow tandem stroller can help keep your eyes on both children at the same time and get through difficult areas like aisles of the grocery store that are crowded or family photos in the park. These models are usually narrower than double strollers with side-by-side designs and are able to move more easily however they aren't able to accommodate carseats for infants and generally don't offer the same amount of storage under the carriage.
If you plan on using a double stroller for a period of several years or even a decade, it's worth buying one that will grow with your kids. Double strollers are more expensive than single strollers however, if you choose them wisely, you'll save money in the end.
Our test participants put each of these strollers through a series maneuverability tests as well as off-road adventures and found them to be easy to navigate over a variety of terrain. But if you're planning to be using it in urban zones where sidewalks and traffic can be bumpy You might need something stronger and more durable that can handle the rough treatment.
Double strollers are made to last, but the seats could be worn out earlier than you think or your children might outgrow them before they're ready for retirement. If you're looking for a bargain look into a model that has been tested for at least 4 years and is designed to last for Best Compact double stroller as long as you can.
Simple to Use
If you're going to invest in a double travel buggy stroller, it's essential that it's simple to use for both children. This means a comfortable harness for children who sit and handles that are easy fold Double stroller to grab for toddlers who stand. This also means that the stroller can be moved effortlessly, and is able to be maneuvered around tight spaces and around obstacles. In fact, the top-rated strollers in our Lab tests, such as the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie and Thule Urban Glide 2 Double--are among the easiest to push.
It's also essential that a double stroller is easy to fold and to store. The best models fold in two or three steps and are compact enough to fit into most trunks. It's also beneficial when the stroller is a versatile with the option of adding an additional seat or ride-along board. Some strollers can also hold infant car seats, meaning you don't have to wake your baby to move them into the stroller when it's time to leave for home.
A good double stroller is also durable and can be used in different types of terrain. For example, some can be converted into an jogging lightweight twin stroller by using a front wheel that is specially designed, and some can also be used as an umbrella stroller. Some even have an accessory basket that can be attached to the back of the stroller to carry groceries or shopping bags.
Another consideration is whether you'd like either a side-byside stroller or a tandem. Side-by-side strollers tend to be wider than tandems and can be difficult to navigate through tight spaces such as the aisles of doors or grocery stores. They do offer the convenience of allowing each child to view the same scenery. They can also be more easy to navigate in a storm because they offer more protection from the elements for both kids.
Many parents opt to buy an adaptable single-to-double stroller, so they can use it for a newborn and later change to a regular double once their kiddos are older. After speaking with parents, it became apparent that it is better to purchase the items you require now rather instead of trying to anticipate what you will need in the near future.
Stores
When you're looking for double-strollers, it's crucial to think about the amount of storage and the dimensions. A lot of models have large, easy-to-access baskets that hold plenty of stuff. They often also have multiple parent cup holders and convertible seating arrangements that provide best-in-class legroom for children. Some of these features may make the price more expensive therefore, make sure to go through the reviews and descriptions carefully.
Most double strollers are categorized as tandem or side-by-side designs. Tandem strollers come with two seats on the same frame and are generally better suited for older babies who are already comfortable with unassisted sitting. They also tend to have a much larger storage basket than side-by-side strollers, but they can be a bit awkward or difficult to push when the front seat is reclined fully.
The side-byside stroller features two separate seats that are placed side-by-side. They're generally better suited for younger babies or toddlers, who haven't yet mastered sitting on their own. They also have the benefit of being generally easier to maneuver and pushing than tandem strollers. However, they tend to have smaller storage baskets than tandem strollers and may be more expensive.
There are also specially designed second hand double buggy strollers designed for jogging and biking. They're generally more expensive than all-terrain strollers, and come with fixed front wheels, which limit their mobility. These strollers are only worth considering if you plan to use them for these activities.
If you're looking for twins or a baby and a toddler, or a child who's not quite ready to walk on their own, there's an ideal double stroller available. The best options that we tested are flexible, stable, and easy to maneuver with seating that expands as your kids do. Take a look at our top choices for the best double stroller to meet your family's needs whether you're seeking a tandem stroller or one that accommodates your infant car seat.