What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The best double strollers are made to adapt to the needs of your family and come with clever features that keep your kids happy and comfortable. The best double strollers come with adjustable footrests, as well as smooth rides over gravel, old sidewalks and trails.
Kerry was pleased that the stroller was packaged in multiple boxes, however everything was clearly labeled and easy to open. She also liked that the stroller accepts two infant car seats and can be paired with a riding board for older kids.
Seating Options
Seating arrangements are a key element in determining whether not a family will purchase a double stroller. You'll need to take into consideration the age of your children, the relative sizes of them, and the seating arrangements you like.
Alli Cavasino is a senior editor of Consumer Reports. She says that if you are looking to purchase a tandem stroller, it is best to look at one that has child seats that are attached. This model doesn't require car seat adapters. Double strollers are generally wider than other double strollers. They may not be able to fit through the standard doors of your home.
If your children are of a different age, you might think about a stroller that has two seats that can be transformed into a stand-and ride model. This allows children to watch or ride with their siblings. These in-line strollers are also equipped to accommodate infant car seats if necessary, and are good for children who will be three years apart.
Billingsley explains that you should take into consideration the material used for the seat. Certain fabrics are more breathable than others, and are easier to keep clean. It's also important to consider how easy it is to fold your stroller for stowing or transporting to and from your car. "Nothing is more frustrating than buying your dream stroller but you realize it's too heavy to carry or too big for your trunk," she says.
If you're looking for a budget-friendly option that can accommodate different seating options take a look at this award-winning model from Summer Infant, which has two toddler seats, a bassinet attachment and could be expanded to make 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 when one child wants to rest while the other wants to take in the surroundings. It's also compact when folded and easily fits in most trunks.
Age ranges
For families with children who are similar to their ages, a sit-and-stand stroller can provide the best combination of comfort for both children and ease of use. These strollers come with an area in front that seats toddlers or infants, and a platform, bench or another surface in the rear that lets older children stand up or hop on/off. They're ideal for big toddlers and preschoolers, but they won't be suitable for infants or kids who do not yet have the balance or coordination to stand on their own.
A narrow tandem stroller can help keep an eye on both kids at the same time and get through tight spots like busy aisles in the grocery store or family photos at the park. These models are usually narrower than double strollers with side-by-side designs and tend to maneuver easier but they don't have the capacity to fit infant car seats and generally don't offer the same amount of undercarry storage.
If you are planning to use a double stroller for the course of a few years, or even for a decade, you should consider buying one that will grow along with your children. Double strollers are more expensive than single strollers however, if you select them properly, you'll save money over the long haul.
Our testers ran each of these strollers through a series of maneuverability tests as well as off-road adventures and found them to be easy to navigate over different terrains. However, if you're planning to be using it in urban areas where sidewalks and traffic are prone to bumps You might need something stronger and more durable to withstand the rough treatment.
Double strollers are designed to last, but the seats could wear out sooner than you expect or your children may outgrow them before they're ready to retire. If you're on a budget you should consider buying one that has been rated for at least four years and aims to last for as long as you can.
Easy of Use
If you're going to invest in a double stroller, it's essential that it be simple to use for both children. This means that the harnesses need to be comfortable for children who sit and the handles must be easy to grasp for toddlers. It also means that the stroller rolls easily, and can be maneuvered through 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--are among the easiest to push.
A double stroller should also be easy to fold up and store. The best models have the option of a two-step or one-step process, and they're compact enough to fit into most trunks. It's an advantage if you can include a second chair or a ride-along to the stroller. twin stroller with car seats www.pushchairsandprams.uk can accommodate infant car seats, meaning you don't have to wake your baby to move them into the stroller when it's time to go home.
A quality double stroller is also sturdy and is able to be used in a variety of types of terrain. Some of them can be transformed into a jogging stoller with a special front wheel and some can also be used as umbrella strollers. Some strollers have a cargo bag that can be attached to the back of the vehicle to carry shopping bags and groceries.
Another consideration is whether you want either a side-byside stroller or a tandem. Side-by-side strollers are generally wider than tandem models, and they aren't easy to maneuver in tight spaces like doorways and crowded grocery store aisles. They are useful because they allow each child to enjoy the same view. They are also more convenient to navigate in bad weather as they offer more protection from the elements.
Many parents choose to purchase a stroller that can be converted from single to double, so that they can use it as a baby, and then change to a regular double when their kiddos are older. However, after speaking with parents we've learned it's best to get what you need at the time, rather than trying to anticipate what your family might need in the future.
Stores
When shopping for a double-stroller, it's important to think about the amount of storage space available and the size. Many models come with spacious accessible baskets that can store a large amount of items. They also typically have multiple parent cup holders and convertible seating arrangements that provide best-in-class legroom for children. However, a few of these features can add up in price therefore it is important to read reviews and descriptions carefully.
The majority of double strollers are classified as tandem or side by side models. Tandem strollers are two seats on one frame and are for older children who can sit unassisted. They also tend to have a larger storage basket than side-byside models, however they can be a bit difficult or awkward to push when the front seat is fully reclined.
The side-byside stroller features two seats that are placed side-by-side. They're typically best suited to infants or toddlers who aren't yet ready for sitting independently. They are also more maneuverable and easy to push than tandem strollers. They can be more expensive and have smaller baskets.
There are double strollers made specifically for jogging or biking. They are more expensive than standard all-terrain strollers, and they often have fixed front wheels that limit their flexibility. These strollers are worth considering if you intend to use them for these activities.
There's a double stroller to suit any situation, whether you're buying one for twins or a child that's not yet ready to ride on their own or not quite old enough to be a proper rider. The best options that we tested are flexible and stable. They're also easy to maneuver and have seating that grows as your children get older. Take a look at our top picks for the top double stroller that will fit your family, whether you are looking for a tandem or one that can accommodate your infant car seat.