The Leading Reasons Why People Achieve In The Double Stroller Industry
How Easy Is It to Push and Fold a Double Stroller?
A good double stroller will make it easier to move around, whether you're walking with your toddler or running with your twins. Finding a double stroller that is 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 accommodate infants.
Seating
Seating options are crucial when shopping for a double-stroller. Based on your children's ages and stages, you may want to consider a side-byside option that allows both children to sit together or a tandem design that lets one child stand while the other is sitting.
Seating configurations can also impact your comfort when you're walking on the busy streets and sidewalks. You should consider strollers with reclining seats, reclined footrests and generous canopies that provide shade for both of the passengers. Also, avoid hanging bags on the handlebars as they could alter the stroller's center of gravity and cause tipping.
A quality double stroller will have useful storage for your necessities and other essentials. Look for storage compartments on the back of the seats or underneath the seats to keep snacks, toys and other necessities handy. You can also make use of organizer bags and consoles for parents attached to the handles of the car to keep items close at hand during walks or outings.
A side-by-side stroller is the best option for parents with children of the same age. They're usually more stable than the stacking type and provide better sightlines for both passengers. Some options accept two infant car seats, allowing you to transfer your sleeping children from the car to the pram without waking them.
Parents with older children who don't mind sitting in separate places or who enjoy a bit of independence might like the sit-and-stand option that allows an older child to sit on the front of the stroller and ride along. This kind of double stroller generally isn't pushchair newborn-compatible and might require more maintenance as years progress, but it's an excellent option for active families that require the flexibility 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 muddy terrain or narrow spaces. They're also light and fold for compact stowing in your trunk or garage which makes them easy to transport and manage while traveling. They also have sturdy construction to ensure the longevity and safety of your children. Additionally, they comply with the American Academy of Pediatricians' (AAP) guidelines for safety.
Canopy
A canopy helps protect both the passenger and the sun's rays, and some models even offer an visor to further protect children's faces. Models with giant shades like the BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 Duallie and the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double received our top scores for their canopy options. They both provide plenty of coverage and cover children from head to knee, whereas inline options tend to cut corners on the shade or offer one canopy that only covers one seat, which can be problematic for siblings who want different levels of protection.
A good canopy should also be able to fit comfortably on the stroller, and a number of our top-rated models do just that. Be sure to verify the dimensions of the canopy before buying, as some models may require additional space to extend completely and not hit the handles.
Some parents prefer double strollers that come with an infant bassinet and car seat adapters to provide them with more options in the future. The UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double, for example, comes with a toddler seat as well as an add-on RumbleSeat. This makes it a great option for families with twins or young kids and need to transport them simultaneously. This versatile stroller also offers an unique sit-and-stand option for older children who prefer to ride on their own.
The organizer bags and consoles for parents can make your stroller more practical. They keep the essentials to hand. These bags are especially useful when you need to keep snacks and toys away from the view of. Some of these accessories can be secured using straps or snaps that makes it simple to remove them when you're ready to take the stroller once more.
If you're looking for a double-stroller that can be converted into a stroller for toddlers, with an incline board or bench seat, then this is the stroller for you. Both the Graco travel pushchair System RoomFor2 and UPPAbaby's Vista v2 Duallie feature a bassinet that is compatible with car seats, a toddler seat, and a RumbleSeat. Both can be converted into a triple stroller with the addition of a running board, which is ideal for families with an active child who is in motion.
Wheels
The kind of wheels a stroller has makes a difference in how it is to push. In general, larger wheels are easier to maneuver and can handle an array of terrain. The material of the wheels can also impact how they are easy or difficult to push. Rubber wheels, for instance are generally more durable and can withstand rougher surfaces than plastic ones.
Stroller wheels are available in a variety styles, sizes and materials to accommodate a wide range of needs and environments. Wheels that swivel, for instance can make it easier to maneuver around tight corners and spaces. Fixed-wheels are more stable and better for smooth surfaces. If you are planning to take your stroller off the road or on rough terrain, think about getting air-filled tires instead of regular rubber tires. These tires are similar to bicycle tires and absorb shocks, making for a more comfortable ride.
Side-by-side double strollers are wider than tandem models and can be difficult to fit through narrow doorways or crowded aisles in stores. They give your children the same amount of space to sit down and stretch their legs. They are also generally easier to maneuver than tandem strollers.
If you plan to use your stroller for biking or running, look for double joggers with all-terrain or jogging tires. These tires are bigger and more robust, and also have sealed ball bearings that provide an easier ride on rough surfaces. Some models, like the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double Stroller are compatible with car seats, which let you jog with your children securely strapped to their car seats.
Other strollers with jogging/all-terrain capabilities like the Valco Baby Tri Mode Duo X can accommodate a second child in the front, but they are too heavy to qualify as umbrella doubles. Also, in our testing, the restraint buckles on this model were among the most difficult to fasten, which can be a challenge when trying to fit two kids in the stroller at the same time. The stroller is more expensive than the top single to tandem model, but it comes with top-quality materials and a reasonable resale price.
Stores
A good prams double stroller should have ample storage space for parents and children. Insufficient storage can make it difficult for parents to complete errands or take all the necessary equipment on a day out with two children. In our Lab tests, the UPPAbaby v2 double scored well on this measure. It comes with a large accessible, easy-to-access basket that can hold up 30 lbs.
Strollers with pockets or compartments can help families keep in mind small items such as phones, keys, and wallets. A parent console or organizer bag that is attached to the handlebars of the stroller could be a great way for parents to store their personal belongings when out with their 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 features the ability to telescopically adjust its bar and has easy-to use brakes. It also has the biggest maximum weight rating in our collection, as well as an adjustable fold that will fit most standard door frames.
On the flip side our test participants discovered that the wagon-style Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite has an excellent handlebar that can be adjusted, ideal for parents of various heights. The wagon features two folding UV screens for full sun protection, and its cup holders as well as snack tray can be used to hold different bottles for children and snacks.
The most difficult thing about any stroller is folding it and getting it back in shape after you've used it. This is especially true when you have a child or toddler with you. It's crucial to select a stroller that folds easily and smoothly. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 and Evenflo Pivot Xpand both feature a simple, single-handed mechanism that allows parents to quickly and easily fold their strollers, no matter which configuration they are in.
Double strollers can be an expensive investment, but parents who plan to use it for several years will pay more than single strollers. You should also check if the stroller is able to be disassembled for storage and transport. This is essential when you have a limited space in your vehicle or home.