What to Look For in a Double Stroller

The best double strollers grow with families and have clever features to keep children comfortable and happy. This includes adjustable foot rests and an easy ride on gravel, trails and old sidewalks.

Kerry was pleased the fact that the stroller was delivered in multiple boxes but everything was labeled well and was easy to open. She also liked that the stroller can be used with two infant car seats and can be paired with a riding board for older kids.

Seating Options

When it is about double strollers, the seating options are the main factor that determines the purchase for many families. You'll need to take into consideration the age of your children, their relative sizes of them and the seating arrangements you prefer.

For instance, if have children who are close in age and will be sitting side-by-side, consider a tandem model that has child seats attached to each other and doesn't require you to use car seat adapters, according to Alli Cavasino an editor in the senior position at Consumer Reports. They are generally larger than other types of double strollers, they might not fit through standard door frames within your home.

If you're facing an age gap between your children look into a double-seat stroller that has the option to change to a stand-and ride model that has an elevated or small bench seat in the back for children who would like to ride along or watch their sibling. These types of strollers can also be adapted to fit infant car seats, if needed and are a great option for children who are three to five years apart, according to Billingsley.

You should also take a look at the seat material, according to Billingsley. Some are more breathable than others, and are easier to keep clean. You should also think about how easy it is to fold your stroller to store it or for transporting it to and from your vehicle. "There's nothing more frustrating than purchasing your dream stroller only to discover that it's too heavy or large for your trunk," says the expert.

If you're looking for an affordable option that can accommodate multiple seating configurations take a look at this award winner from Summer Infant It comes with two toddler seats, a bassinet attachment and can be expanded to become a triple stroller, with an additional seat or riding board. The seats recline and come with calf bar controls to adjust independently, which is great for those times when one child needs to rest while the other wants take in the surroundings. It's also compact when folded and easily fits into most trunks.

Age Variations

For families with kids who are similar to their ages, a sit-and-stand stroller is the ideal combination of comfort for both children and ease of use. These strollers have a seat in the front for an infant or toddler and a bench, platform or another surface in the rear that allows older children to stand up or hop on/off. These strollers are great for older toddlers and children, but not for babies or children who do not yet have the coordination and balance to stand up on their own.

A narrow tandem stroller allows you to keep both children within sight all at once, and it can fit through tight spaces like aisles in the grocery store or for family photos at the parks. These strollers are typically smaller than double stroller for twins strollers with side-by-side designs and are able to move more easily but they don't have the capacity to fit infant car seats and generally do not offer the same amount of undercarry storage.

If you plan on using a double stroller for the course of a few years or even over a decade, it's worth investing in one that will grow with your children. Double strollers are generally more expensive than single strollers, however if you choose the right one the first time around it could help you save money over time.

Our testers ran each of these strollers through a series maneuverability tests and off-road excursions and found them easy to navigate over a variety of terrain. If you plan to use it in cities or areas where sidewalks and traffic can be bumpy, then you might want something more durable and sturdy that can withstand rough treatment.

A lot of double strollers are made to last a long time, but you may find that the seats get worn out faster than expected or your children outgrow it before it's time to retire. If you're on the tightest budget, go for a model with a rating of at least four years. It is best to use it for as long as it can.

Ease of Use

It's important to make sure that the double stroller is easy to use by both children. This means comfortable harnesses for kids who are seated, and easy-to-grasp handles for toddlers who stand. It also means that the stroller rolls easily, and can be maneuvered in tight spaces and around obstacles. In fact the top strollers in our Lab tests, such as the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie and Thule Urban Glide 2 Double among the most easy to push.

A double stroller should also be able to fold and take down and store. The best models fold down in one or two steps and are compact enough to fit in the majority of trunks. It's also a plus when the stroller is a versatile with the option of adding a second seat or a ride-along board. Some even have the capacity to hold infant car seats, meaning you don't have to wake your baby to get them into their stroller once they're ready to head home.

A good double stroller is also durable, so it is able to be used in a variety of types of terrain. Some of them can be converted into a jogging scooter with a specific front wheel and some can also be used as umbrella strollers. Some come with cargo baskets that can be attached to the back of the stroller to carry shopping bags or groceries.

A tandem stroller or side-byside is another option to consider. 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 are practical because they allow each child to view the same scene. They can also be more easy to navigate through in stormy weather, as they provide more protection from the elements for both children.

Many parents choose to purchase a stroller that is convertible from single to double so they can use it with a baby and then later switch to a regular double stroller with all-wheel suspension once their children are older. After talking with parents, it became apparent that it is better to buy what you need now than to try to anticipate what you will require in the near-term.

Stores

If you're considering a double stroller, then you might want to consider the size and quantity of storage space. A lot of models have large easy-to-access baskets that are able to store a large amount of items. Many models also have multiple cup holders for parents as well as seating configurations that can be reversed to provide the best legroom possible for children. However, some of these features can be costly in cost, so it's important to read reviews and descriptions carefully.

Most double strollers are classified as tandem or side by side models. Tandem strollers are two seats on one frame and are best suited to older babies who can sit unassisted. They also tend to have a larger storage basket than side-by-side models, though they can be a bit awkward or difficult to push when the front seat is reclined fully.

The side-byside stroller features two seats that are positioned side-by-side. They're usually better suited for younger babies or toddlers who haven't yet mastered independent sitting. They also have the added advantage of usually being easier to maneuver and push than tandem strollers. However, they typically have smaller storage baskets than tandem strollers, and can be more expensive.

There are also specially designed double strollers designed for jogging and biking. These are usually more expensive than all-terrain strollers and have fixed front wheels which restrict their mobility. It is worth looking into them only if you plan to use them for those activities.

There's a double stroller that's suitable for any situation whether you're looking to purchase one for twins, a child who's not quite ready to ride on their own or not quite old enough. Our top choices are easy to maneuver, versatile and stable, as well as seating that can grow with your child. So whether you're in search of a tandem stroller or one that will accommodate your infant car seat, take a look at our top choices to find the ideal double stroller for your family.