How to Choose the Best Double Strollers
A double stroller makes the life of parents with twins or children of different ages, whether you're taking your way to a relaxing walk or for a run in the morning. With the many options available, how do you choose the right one for your family?
This expandable model allows you to customize the seating to meet your needs. Our new member, Kerry, tested it out.
Safety
Whether you're running around town, going to the zoo, or heading out trick-or-treating with your kids stroller must be safe. It's essential to have a sturdy frame as well as comfortable harnesses that are easy to grab handles for toddlers. It must also be able to fit through doorways and be easy to move and fold. It should be a good value.
We put each double stroller we tested through rigorous testing in our lab at the Zoo, on city streets, and during family outings in suburban neighborhoods. Our lab tests assess the stroller's maneuverability and stability in steering, ease of handling as well as the comfort of suspension for the rider and the driver, capacity to carry weight as well as the height of the canopy on the seat and storage space.
In addition to the regular security checks carried out by our stroller experts, we request parents to give feedback on their experiences with each model. We then consider all of that information when forming our recommendations.
If you're in search of a secure quality, high-quality stroller, begin with our top choices. These versatile strollers offer multiple seating options for infant car seats, can be used as an individual stroller or in tandem and are suitable for children from birth through elementary school.
The best double strollers will grow with your family. They're sleek and stylish they can be fitted with many different customization options and can be used by infants and toddlers in tandem or side-by-side (single-file) seating styles. They also come with a large storage basket and a telescoping handlebar and one-handed folding mechanisms.
Consider a tandem stroller that comes with benches at the back for a third child, if you have twins or a child of the same age. They're an excellent option for siblings who want to interact with each other however they may not be capable of sitting with each other in a side-by-side stroller and end in fighting or arguing. There are also convertible models that allow you to remove the bench seat when your children are ready to go for the ride without a car seat.
Comfort
best twin stroller come with comfortable child seats that are well-padded and bolstered. They also have ample storage, roomy footwells for kids' feet and legroom and UPF 50+ canopies which offer great sun protection. The seats should recline at a slight angle to ensure children are comfortable. They should also have calf bars that allow parents to adjust the height of each seat individually. Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician. She suggests that the handlebars need to be ergonomic and easy-to-maneuver. The handlebars should be close enough to the kiddos' seats that you can reach them and hold onto them. If the handlebars are too separated, you'll have a hard time keeping your balance and retaining good posture when pushing them.
The ride should be smooth even on rough or hard surfaces. Some of the models we tested include shock absorbers to keep the ride stable. Certain models come with front and back suspension that improves control and reduces the force needed to push them. The wheels must have a long-lasting tread and made of high-quality rubber.
We scoured the internet for the most versatile double-strollers that can be used from the age of infancy to toddlerhood. Some of the models we came across can be set up as tandem strollers or side-byside and one, the Uppababy Vista v2, can even transform into a single-file stroller designed for infants. The model is three times as costly as our top tandem option however, its materials are more durable and it will last longer.
The best double strollers will be lightweight and easy to maneuver for long walks and trips to the zoo or the park as well as for running errands. They're generally wider than single strollers, so they might not be able to be able to pass through narrow doors or crowded store aisles. Some are also priced more than their single-seat counterparts, but that's understandable since you're getting greater value for your money. These models are appropriate for adults and children, and will expand with your family.
Convenience
If you're planning to spend money on double-strollers, they should be easy to push and put away. Ideally, the stroller will be lightweight and fit in the trunk of your car, or the space at home. It must also be able to navigate through rough terrain and take tight turns. Some of the most reliable double strollers come with adjustable calf supports, and seats that recline and provide UPF sun protection. The canopy should be big enough to cover two children. If you're concerned about the sun getting in their eyes, opt for the stroller with a peek-aboo window.
The age and stage of your children will determine the kind of stroller you'll need. Parents of twins could opt for a convertible stroller that is able to accommodate two infant car seats at once parents with an older child and toddlers might prefer doubles that are side-by-side. You'll also need to decide whether you'd like a stroller that can fit through narrow entrances or grocery store aisles and is able to be used on planes.
In our Lab tests we found that most double strollers are easy to fold and carry. Most double strollers fold in one or two steps, and are small enough to fit in the majority of compact cars. They are also designed to be sturdy, making them easier to assemble.
Some of the best double-strollers come with convenient parent features like the cup holder that can be used by one parent and a big storage basket. It is important to know if the stroller is locked on the front of the seat, to stop your kids from getting out in case they get bored. Some strollers have a universal adapter that fits car seats and can be converted to a single seat when your child develops.
The price tag on some of the most expensive double strollers is a bit expensive, but they usually have better build quality and resale value compared to lower-end models. They're also more maneuverable and can handle tough terrain, such as park trails or city sidewalks.
Style
Parents shopping for a double stroller are looking for more than just a way to transport two children. They're looking for a stroller that's light that is easy to move and has enough storage to grow with their children. Since they'll be carrying more than the children, the stroller needs to be easy on their back and shoulders.
That's why the best double strollers are sleek, support a wide range of customizations, and can accommodate infant car seats for an effortless transition from toddler to baby. They're available in side by side or tandem (single-file seating) designs and can be light enough to jog or travel.
In addition to the size, parents should also consider whether the double stroller can fit through doorways and other tight spaces. Fortunately, the majority of models we tested in our most recent update are able to pass through standard exterior doors that measure 36 inches wide, and they can be used for interior doors that are 28 to 35 inches wide.
When evaluating the top double strollers, we also consider how easily they fold and unfold. We also take a look at how comfortable the seats and canopies are. We also think about how comfortable the seat straps and buckles are for children who sit in the stroller, as well as how easy it would be to adjust the height of the handlebars.
Our top choice, Uppababy Vista V2, for instance, is a light-weight model and has plenty of storage space for both children. It has one parent cup seat that reclines independently, and generous UPF 50+ canopy with windows that peek out. The straps and buckles are padded and among the most comfortable that we have test. We also found it to be the most simple seat for children to fasten.
If you're not ready to purchase a double stroller, Facebook Marketplace and other secondhand-goods sites can often offer good-condition used options for reasonable costs. Make sure you do your homework and look for signs of damage before purchasing.