Double Stroller: The Good The Bad And The Ugly
What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The best double strollers (dig this) are built to grow with families and provide clever features to keep children happy and comfortable. This includes adjustable foot rests and a smooth stroll on trails, gravel and old sidewalks.
Kerry was delighted that the stroller was packaged in multiple boxes, but everything was clearly labeled and simple to open. She also appreciated the fact that the stroller can accommodate two infant car seats and can be paired with a riding board for older children.
Seating Options
When it is double strollers, the seating options are what makes or breaks the purchase for many families. You'll have to think about the age of your children, their relative sizes of them, and the seating configurations you prefer.
Alli Cavasino is a senior editor at Consumer Reports. She says that if you're looking to buy a tandem stroller, it is best to consider one with child seats that are attached. This model is not required to have car seat adapters. These double strollers are usually larger than other double strollers. They may not fit through standard doors in your home.
If you're facing an age gap between your kids look into a double-seat stroller that has the option to change to a stand-and ride model with a platform or small bench seat in the back for children who wants to casually ride with or observe their sibling. These in-line strollers are also capable of accommodating infant car seats if needed and are suitable for children who are 3 to 5 years apart.
You should also consider the type of seat material, according to Billingsley. Some are more breathable than others and are more easy to clean. It's also important to think about how easy it is to fold your new stroller down for stowing or transporting to and from your car. "There's nothing more frustrating than purchasing the perfect stroller only to find out that it is too heavy or bulky for your trunk," says the expert.
If you're looking for a budget-friendly option that has multiple configurations look no further than this award-winning stroller twin buggy from birth Summer Infant. It features two toddler seats and a bassinet, and could be made into a triple stroller adding a third seat or a riding board. The seats recline and come with the calf bar controls that can be adjusted independently, which is ideal for those times when one child needs to rest while the other wants to take in the surroundings. It's also compact when folded and easily fits into the majority of trunks.
Age Variations
Sit-and stand strollers are the ideal option for families with children who are similar in age. They provide the comfort and convenience. These strollers have an area in front that seats an infant or toddler and a bench, platform or another surface at the rear that lets older children stand up or get off and on. They are great for big toddlers and preschoolers, but won't work well for younger babies or kids who don't yet have the balance and coordination to stand on their own.
A narrow tandem stroller lets you to keep both children in sight at once, and can be squeezed into tight spaces such as grocery store aisles or for family photos at the parks. These models are narrower and easier to maneuver than cheap double pushchair strollers that are side-by-side however they don't have as much storage under the carriage and can't accommodate the infant car seat.
If you plan to use a double stroller over several years--or even over a decade, it's worthwhile purchasing a model that can expand with your children. Double strollers tend to be more expensive than single strollers, however If you choose the right one first time it can help you save money over time.
Our test participants tested each stroller in a series maneuverability tests and off road adventures. They found that they were easy to navigate on different terrains. If you plan to use it in cities or areas where sidewalks and traffic can be bumpy, you may need something that is more durable and robust that can handle rough treatment.
Many double strollers are built to last a long time, but you could discover that the seats become used up faster than you anticipated or your children grow out of it before it's ready for retirement. If you're on a tight budget, choose one with a rating of at least four years. It is best to use it for as long as possible.
Ease of Use
It's important to make sure that the double stroller is easy to use by both children. This means a comfortable harness for children who sit and handles that are easy to grab for toddlers who stand. The stroller can also be easily rolled and maneuvered around obstacles and in tight spaces. In fact the top-rated strollers from 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 crucial that a double pram stroller stroller is easy to fold and to store. The best models use a one- or two-step process, and they're small enough to fit in most trunks. It's also a plus if the stroller is versatile with the option of adding an additional seat or ride-along board. Some strollers can hold infant car seats, meaning you don't have to wake your baby to transfer them to the stroller when it's time to go home.
In addition, a good double stroller needs to be sturdy to be able to be used on different types of terrain. Some of them can be converted into a jogging stoller with a front wheel that is specially designed and some can also be used as umbrella strollers. Some strollers have a cargo bag that can be put to the back of the vehicle to carry shopping bags and groceries.
Another factor to consider is whether you'd prefer a side-by-side stroller or a tandem. Side-by-side strollers tend to be wider than tandems, and may be difficult to navigate narrow spaces like doorways or crowded aisles in grocery stores. They are practical because they allow both children to see the same scenery. They are also much easier to navigate in bad weather as they offer more protection from the elements.
Many parents opt to buy an adaptable single-to-double stroller, to use it as a baby, and later change to a regular double when their kiddos are older. But after speaking with parents we've learned it's best to purchase what you require at the moment, rather than trying to predict what your family may need in the future.
Storage
If you're considering a double stroller, you may want to consider the size and quantity of storage space. A lot of models have large, easy-to access baskets that can store a lot of cargo. Many models also come with numerous cup holders for parents, as well as reversible seat configurations to provide the most legroom for children. Some of these features can make the price more expensive so make sure you read reviews and descriptions carefully.
The majority of double strollers are classified as tandem or side by side models. Tandem strollers have two seats in one frame and are best for older children who can stand unaided. They tend to have more storage space than side-byside models. However, some may be difficult to push with the front seat fully reclined.
Side-byside strollers have two distinct seats positioned side by side and are typically for infants or toddlers who aren't yet able to master independent sitting yet. They also have the benefit of being generally easier to push and maneuver than tandem strollers. They may be more expensive and come with smaller baskets.
There are also specialized double strollers designed for jogging and biking. They are more expensive than basic all terrain double buggy-terrain strollers, and they often come with fixed front wheels that limit their flexibility. It is worth looking into them only if you plan to use them for those activities.
Whether you're shopping 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 smallest double buggy stroller for you. Our top choices are easy to maneuver, flexible, stable and have seating that expands 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 choices to find the ideal double stroller for your family.