What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The best double strollers grow with families and have clever features to keep children at ease and content. This includes adjustable foot rests as well as a smooth ride on trails, gravel 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 appreciated that the stroller can accommodate two infant car seats, and it is able to be set up with a riding-board for older children.
Seating Options
Seating arrangements are a key factor in determining whether or an entire family will invest in a double stroller. You'll have to think about the age of your children, the relative sizes of them and the seating configurations you prefer.
Alli Cavasino is a senior editor of Consumer Reports. She says that if you are looking to purchase a tandem stroller, you should consider one with child seats that are attached. This model doesn't require car seat adapters. Double strollers are generally larger than other double strollers. They might not fit through standard doors in your home.
If your children are different age, you might want to consider a stroller that has two seats that can be transformed into a stand-and-ride model. This will allow children to observe or ride with their siblings. These types of in-line strollers can also be adapted to fit infant car seats in the event that they are needed, and are a good option for children who are 3-5 years apart, says Billingsley.
You'll also need to take a look at the seat material, explains Billingsley. Some are more breathable than others and are more easy to keep clean. It is also important to consider how easy it is to fold your stroller to store it or for transport to and from your car. "There's nothing more frustrating than purchasing your dream stroller only discover that it's too heavy or big for your trunk," says the expert.
If you are looking for a budget-friendly option that offers multiple configurations take a look at this award-winning stroller from Summer Infant. It has two toddler seats as well as an infant bassinet. It can be expanded into a triple stroller adding an additional seat or riding board. The seats recline, and have control mechanisms for the calf bar that allow them to adjust independently, which is ideal for when one child wants to rest while the other one wants to observe their surroundings. It's also compact when folded down and fits easily in most trunks.
Age ranges
Sit-and-stand strollers are a great option for families with children who are similar in age. They offer comfort and ease of use. These strollers come with an area in front that seats an infant or toddler and a platform, bench or other surface in the rear that lets older children stand up or get off and on. These strollers are great for older toddlers and children however, they are not suitable 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 in view all at once, and it can be pushed through tight spaces, such as grocery store aisles or for family photos at the parks. These models are often narrower than double strollers that are side-by-side and are generally easier to maneuver however they aren't able to accommodate infant car seats and generally don't offer as much undercarriage storage.
If you're planning to use a double stroller over a period of several years, or even a decade, it's worth investing in one that will grow with your kids. Double strollers are generally more expensive than single strollers. However, if you choose the right one first time around it could save you money over the course of time.
Our testers tested each stroller in a series maneuverability tests and off road adventures. They found that they were simple to maneuver over different terrains. If you plan to use it in urban areas or in cities where sidewalks and traffic can be bumpy, then you might want something more durable and sturdy capable of handling rough treatment.
A lot of double strollers are made to last a long time, but you may discover that the seats become worn out faster than expected or your kids outgrow it before it's ready to retire. If you're looking for a bargain you should consider buying a model that has been evaluated for at least four years and is designed to last as long as you can.
Easy of Use
It's important to make sure that the double stroller is easy to use by both children. This means that the harnesses must be comfortable for children who sit and the handles should be easy to grasp for toddlers. The stroller can also be easily rolled and maneuvered over obstacles and tight spaces. 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.
It's also crucial that a double stroller is easy to fold and store. The best models fold in one or two steps and are small enough to fit in the majority of trunks. It's also beneficial when the stroller is a versatile and has the option of adding another seat or a ride-along board. Some strollers can accommodate infant car seats, so you don't have to wake your baby up to move them into the stroller when it's time to leave for home.
In addition, a good double stroller needs to be sturdy so that it can be used on different types of terrain. Some can be converted into a jogging scooter with a special front wheel and others can be used as umbrella strollers. Some come with a cargo basket which can be attached to the rear of the stroller to carry groceries or shopping bags.
A tandem or side-by-side stroller is another option worth considering. Side-by-side strollers are typically larger than tandem models, and they can be difficult to maneuver through tight spaces such as doorways and aisles of grocery stores that are crowded. They are useful because they allow each child to view the same scene. They are also much easier to navigate in bad weather because they offer more protection from the elements.
Many parents decide to purchase an adaptable single-to-double stroller, so they can use it for a newborn and later switch to a regular double once their children are older. After talking with parents, it became apparent that it is better to purchase what you need today rather instead of trying to predict what you might need in the near future.
Storage
If you're looking for a double stroller, you might want to consider the size and the amount of storage space. Many models come with spacious accessible baskets that can accommodate a lot of cargo. Many models also feature numerous cup holders for parents and seating configurations that can be reversed to provide the best legroom for children. Some of these features may add to the price so make sure you review the reviews and descriptions thoroughly.
The majority of double strollers are classified as tandem or side by side models. Tandem strollers have two seats on one frame, and are best for older children who can stand unaided. They also typically have a much larger storage basket than side-by-side models, though they can be a bit difficult or awkward to push when the front seat is fully reclined.
Side-by-side strollers come with two separate seats positioned side by side and are typically for babies and toddlers who haven't yet learned independence sitting yet. They also have the benefit of being generally easier to maneuver and pushing than tandem strollers. They can be more expensive, and they have smaller baskets.
There are also special double strollers that are designed specifically for jogging and biking. www.pushchairsandprams.uk are more expensive than basic strollers that are all-terrain, and they usually come with fixed front wheels that limit their flexibility. They're worth considering only if you plan to use them for these activities.
There's a double stroller to suit any situation regardless of whether you're purchasing one for twins, a child who's not quite ready to take a ride by themselves or not yet old enough. Our top picks are easy to maneuver, flexible, stable and have seating that can grow with your child. So whether you're looking for a tandem stroller or one that will accommodate your infant car seat, check out our top picks to choose the ideal double stroller for your family.