The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Double Stroller
How Easy Is It to Push and Fold a Double Stroller?
If you're taking your toddler on a walk or jogging with your twins, having the right double stroller makes it easier for everyone to move around. Choosing a double stroller that can be folded and easy to push is essential.
Our Lab experts recommend side-by-side models that have equal recline and plenty of storage space, as well as car adapters for infants' seats.
Seating
Seating options are crucial when shopping for a double-stroller. You might want to think about a tandem stroller that allows one child to stand while the other sits or a side-by- side model that lets your children sit together.
Seating arrangements can also affect your comfort when you are navigating busy streets and sidewalks. Look for strollers that have reclining seats, reclined footrests and ample canopy options that provide shade for both passengers. Beware of hanging bags on the handlebars as they could alter the stroller's centre of gravity, causing it to tip.
A good quality double stroller will include useful storage for your necessities, too. Look for storage spaces under the seats or in the backs of the seats. These are great places to store toys, snacks and other necessities. Parents consoles and bags that are attached to handles are also useful to keep essentials in reach when you go for walks or outings.
For parents with children nearing their age, a stroller that is side-by-side could be the best choice. They tend to be more stable and offer better visibility for both of the passengers than strollers that stack. Some options can accommodate two infant car seat, allowing you move your sleeping children from the car to the pram and travel system and not wake them.
Parents with older children who aren't afraid to sit separately or prefer a some independence may like the sit-and-stand option that allows the bigger child to sit on the front and ride along. This kind of double stroller generally isn't suitable for newborns and could require more maintenance as the years go by, however it's a great option for families with active children who need the versatility of one stroller that can be converted into a two-kid model.
The top double strollers will be robust and easy to maneuver, even in a rough terrain or tight spaces. They are also light, foldable and compact to be easily stored in your garage or trunk. This makes them easy to transport on trips. They're constructed to last and meet the safety guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP).
Canopy
A canopy protects both the passengers from the sun, and some models offer an apron that protects children's faces. Our top-scoring models for canopy options included the BOB Revolution Flex v3.0 Duallie, and the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Dual. Both have giant shades. They both provide plenty of coverage and cover children from head to knee, while inline models tend to be less generous with the shade or offer only a single canopy that covers one seat, which can be difficult for siblings who need different levels of protection.
A good canopy should be able to fit comfortably on the stroller, and a lot of our top-rated models accomplish that. However, make sure you check the model's dimensions before you buy, as some canopies may require additional space in the basket for full extension and to ensure that the handles don't get hit when folded.
Some parents prefer a double stroller that includes a bassinet and car seat adapters as well as other accessories that provide them with more options in the future. For instance the UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double features an infant seat as well as an added RumbleSeat making it a great option for families with twins or children who require transporting more than two children at once. This stroller has the unique sit and stand arrangement for older children who prefer to ride on their own.
Other accessories that can make your stroller more functional include parent consoles or bags that organize, which allow you to keep things in reach. They're especially useful for strollers that aren't frequently used or when you want to stash toys and snacks away from prying hands. Some of these accessories can be secured using either a strap or snap making it easy to remove them once you're ready to use the stroller once more.
If you're thinking of a long-term investment, look for a double stroller that's compatible with infant car seats and can grow into a toddler stroller complete with the option of a bench seat or a glider board. Both the Graco Travel System RoomFor2 and UPPAbaby's Vista v2 Duallie feature a bassinet that is compatible with car seats, a toddler's seat as well as a RumbleSeat. Both strollers can be converted to triple strollers by the addition of a running board. This is ideal for families with one child who loves to travel.
Wheels
The type of wheels that a stroller has makes a difference in how easy it is to push. In general, larger wheels are easier for you to maneuver and will be able to tackle more terrain. The material the wheels are made of also is a factor in how difficult or simple they are to push. Rubber wheels, for instance are usually more durable and can withstand rougher surfaces than plastic wheels.
Stroller wheels come in various styles, sizes, and materials to fit a variety of environments and needs. For instance, swivel wheels can help navigate narrow spaces and tight turns. Fixed-wheels offer more stability and are more suitable for smooth surfaces. If you plan to use your stroller on rough terrain or off-road, air-filled tires are a better option than the standard rubber tires. These tires are similar to bicycle tires, which absorb shocks for an easier ride.
Double strollers that are side by side are wider than tandem strollers and can be more difficult to maneuver through narrow doors or in crowded aisles. They give your children the same amount of room to sit down and stretch their legs. They're generally also easier to steer and maneuver than tandem strollers.
If you intend to use your stroller for biking or running, look for a double jogger with special all-terrain or jogging tires. These are thicker, larger and feature sealed ball bearings for an easier ride on uneven surfaces. Certain models, such as the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double Stroller, are compatible with car seats, which allow you to jog with your kids safely in their car seats.
Other all-terrain/jogging strollers like the Valco Baby Tri Mode Duo X allow an additional child in the front, but are too heavy to qualify as umbrella doubles. In our tests, the restraint buckles on this model were among the most difficult to secure, which could be a problem when trying to get two kids in the stroller at the same time. This stroller travel is priced higher than the top-rated single to tandem model, but it comes with high-quality components and an affordable resale value.
Stores
A quality double stroller should have ample storage space for both parents and children. Insufficient storage can make it hard for a parent to get around town or bring along all the gear needed to enjoy a day out with two children. In our Lab tests, the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double did excellently in this metric with a spacious and easily accessible basket that can accommodate up to 30 lbs.
Strollers with multiple compartments and pockets can aid families in organizing small items such as wallets, keys and phones. A parent console or organizer bag that attaches to the handlebars of the stroller could be a handy way for parents to store their personal belongings when out with the children.
The UPPAbaby vista comes with a large basket and is able to carry two car seats for infants. (Not both bassinets however.) It also has an adjustable telescoping bar as well as brakes that are simple to use. It also has one of the largest capacity seat weight ratings in our collection, and it folds easily into most door frames.
Our test participants also discovered that the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite wagon comes with a fantastic adjustable bar that is ideal for parents of different heights. The wagon comes with two UV screens that fold down to ensure complete sun protection, and its cup holders and snack tray can hold different bottles for children and snacks.
The biggest issue with any stroller is folding it it back to its original shape after you've used it. This is especially true for those who have a child or toddler with you. It's therefore important to choose an item that folds easily and smoothly. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 and Evenflo Pivot Xpand both come with an easy-to-use, single-handed mechanism that allows parents to swiftly and efficiently fold their strollers, no matter which configuration they are in.
Double strollers might seem like an investment that is costly but parents who plan to use it for many years will be paying more than single strollers. It is also important to determine if the stroller is able to be disassembled to make it easier for storage and transport. This is important in the event that you only have a small amount of space in your home or vehicle.