7 Little Changes That'll Make The Difference With Your Double Stroller
What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The best double strollers are made to grow with your family and include thoughtful features that keep your children at ease and happy. This includes adjustable foot rests as well as a smooth ride on trails, gravel and old sidewalks.
Kerry was delighted that the stroller was packaged in multiple boxes, but everything was clearly labeled and easy to open. She also appreciated that the stroller can be used with two infant car seats and can be used with a riding board for older children.
Seating Options
When it comes to double strollers, the seating options are the main factor that determines the purchase for many families. You'll want to think about the age of your children, their relative sizes, and the seating arrangements that are most suitable for your needs.
Alli Cavasino is a senior editor of Consumer Reports. She says that if you are looking to buy a tandem stroller, it is best to look at one that has child seats attached together. This model doesn't require car seat adapters. These double strollers are typically wider than other double strollers. They might not fit through the standard doors of your home.
If your children are older age, you might think about a stroller with two seats that can be turned into a stand-and-ride model. This allows a child to watch or ride with their siblings. These types of strollers can also accommodate infant car seats, should they be required, and are a good choice for children who'll be 3-5 years apart, says Billingsley.
Billingsley advises that you must take into consideration the material you choose for your seat. Some fabrics are more air-conditioned than others, and are easier to clean. You should also consider how easy it is to fold your stroller to store it or for transportation to and from your vehicle. "There's nothing more frustrating than purchasing the perfect stroller only to find out that it is too heavy or large for your trunk," says the expert.
If you're looking for a low-cost option that offers different seating options look no further than this award winner from Summer Infant, which has two toddler seats with a bassinet attachment. It can be made into triple stroller by adding an additional seat or riding board. The seats recline, and have the calf bar controls that can be adjusted independently, which is great for those times when one child needs to sleep while the other wants take in the surroundings. It's also compact when folded and easily fits in the majority of trunks.
Age Variations
For families with children who are similar in age, a sit-and-stand stroller is the perfect combination of comfort for both children and ease of use. They have a seat in front for toddlers or infants and a platform, bench or another surface at the rear that lets older children stand up or get off and on. These strollers are great for older toddlers and children, but not for babies or children who do have the coordination and balance to stand up on their own.
A narrow tandem stroller can help keep your eyes on both children at once and fit through narrow spaces like the busy aisles in the grocery store or family photos in the park. These models are often narrower than double strollers with side-by-side designs and are generally easier to maneuver, but they won't accommodate carseats for infants and generally do not offer the same amount of storage under the carriage.
If you're planning to use a double stroller over a period of several years or even a decade, it's worth investing in an item that can expand with your children. double pram and pushchair are more expensive than single strollers, but if they're chosen properly, you'll save money over the long haul.
Our testers tested each stroller in a series maneuverability tests and off-road adventures. They found them easy to navigate on various terrains. If you plan to use it in urban areas or cities where the traffic and sidewalks are prone to bumps, you may want something more durable and sturdy capable of handling rough treatment.
A lot of double strollers are made to last for a long time, but you may discover that the seats become more worn than you expected or your children outgrow it before it's time to retire. If you're on a budget look into a model that has been evaluated for at least four years and is designed to last as long as is possible.
User-Friendliness
It's crucial to ensure 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 grasp for toddlers who stand. This also means that the stroller rolls easily and is able to be maneuvered in tight spaces and around obstacles. The top-rated strollers from our Lab tests, including the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie or Thule Urban Glide 2 Double, are among the easiest to move around.
It's also crucial that a double stroller be easy to fold and to store. The best models fold down in two or three steps and are compact enough to fit in most trunks. It's a plus if you can include a second chair or a ride-along to the stroller. Some strollers can hold infant car seats, so you don't have to wake your baby to transfer them to the stroller when it's time to go home.
A quality double stroller is also strong, so it can be used on a variety of kinds of terrains. For instance, some strollers can be converted into an jogging stroller by using a specialized front wheel, and some are able to be used as an umbrella stroller. Some even come with cargo baskets which can be attached to the rear of the stroller to carry shopping bags or groceries.
Another factor to consider is whether you want either a side-byside stroller or a tandem. Side-by-side strollers tend to be wider than tandems and can be difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces like doorways or crowded aisles in grocery stores. They do offer the convenience of allowing every child to see the same scene. They are also easier to navigate during bad weather since they provide more protection from the elements.
Many parents opt to buy an adaptable single-to-double stroller, so they can use it as a baby, and then later change to a regular double when their kiddos are older. However, after speaking with parents we've learned it's best to purchase what you need at the time, rather than trying to predict what your family might need in the near future.
Stores
If you're considering a double stroller, you may be interested in the size and the amount of storage space. Many models come with large, easy-to access baskets that can store lots of items. They also typically have several cup holders for parents as well as reversible seating configurations that offer the best legroom available for children. However, some of these features can add up in price and it's crucial to read reviews and descriptions carefully.
The majority of double strollers are classified as tandem or side by side designs. Tandem strollers have two seats assembled on the same frame and are typically more suitable for older children who have already mastered sitting on their own. They also tend to have a bigger storage basket than side-by-side strollers, but they can be a bit difficult or awkward to push when the front seat is fully reclined.
Side-by-side strollers have two individual seats that are placed side-by-side and are generally suited to younger babies or toddlers who haven't mastered independent sitting. They are also easier to push and maneuver than tandem strollers. However, they typically have smaller storage baskets than tandem models and can be more expensive.
There are double strollers made specifically for biking or jogging. They are generally more expensive than all-terrain strollers and have fixed front wheels which limit their flexibility. They're worth considering only if you intend to use them for such activities.
Whether you're shopping for twins or a baby and a toddler, or another child who's not yet ready to go out on their own, there's a perfect double stroller available. The top choices in our tests are versatile and stable. They're also easy to maneuver and have seating that grows as your children grow. Take a look at our top picks for the top double stroller that will fit your family regardless of whether you are searching for a tandem or one that will fit your infant car seat.