What to Look For in a Double Stroller

The most effective double strollers are designed to grow with your family. They include clever features that keep your kids happy and comfortable. The best double strollers come with adjustable footrests, as well as smooth riding on old sidewalks, gravel, and trails.

Kerry was delighted that the stroller came in multiple boxes, but everything was clearly labeled and simple for her to open. She also liked the fact that it can accommodate two infant car seats and can be paired with a riding board for older children.

Seating Options

When it comes to double buggy strollers, the seating options are what makes or breaks the purchase of many families. You'll need to take into consideration the age of your children, the relative sizes of them and the seating arrangements you prefer.

For instance, if you have children of similar age and will be sitting together, consider a tandem model that has child seats linked to one another and doesn't require you to use car seat adapters, explains Alli Cavasino, a senior editor at Consumer Reports. These are typically wider than other double buggy from birth strollers, however, so they may not fit into standard door frames within your home.

If you have an age gap between your children you should consider a stroller with two seats that has the option to convert to a stand-and-ride model with a platform or small bench seat in the back for children who wants to casually ride with or observe their younger sibling. These in-line strollers are also able to accommodate infant car seats when needed, and are good for children who are 3 to 5 years apart.

You'll also need to take a look at the seat material, explains Billingsley. Certain fabrics are more air-conditioned than others, and they are also easier to clean. It's also important to consider how easy it is to fold your stroller for transporting it to and from your car. "Nothing is more frustrating than buying your dream stroller, but then realizing it's too heavy to carry or too large for your trunk," she says.

If you're looking for a budget-friendly option that can accommodate various seating options look no further than this award winner from Summer Infant, which has two toddler seats as well as a bassinet attachment. The stroller can be made into a triple stroller, with an additional seat or riding board. The seats recline and come with control mechanisms for the calf bar that allow them to adjust independently, which is ideal for those times when one child needs to rest while the other wants to look around. It's also compact when folded down and fits easily in the majority of trunks.

Age Ranges

Sit-and-stand strollers are the best option for families with children who are close in age. They offer the comfort and convenience. These strollers have a seat in front for toddlers or infants and a platform, bench or other surface in the rear that allows older children to stand up or get off and on. They are great for big toddlers and preschoolers, but don't be suitable for infants or children who don't have the balance or coordination to stand on their own.

A narrow tandem stroller can help keep your eyes on both children at once and fit through difficult areas like aisles of the grocery store that are crowded or family photos in the park. These strollers are a bit narrower and easier to maneuver than double stroller for twins strollers with side-by-side seating however they don't have enough storage space under the carriage, and they're not able to fit an infant car seats.

If you are planning to use a cheap double stroller stroller for many years, or even for a decade, you should consider buying an item that can expand with your kids. Double strollers are generally more expensive than single strollers, but if you choose the right one first time, it can help you save money over time.

Our testers ran each of these strollers through a series maneuverability tests as well as off-road adventures, and they found them to be easy to maneuver over different terrains. However, if you're planning to be using it in cities or other urban areas where sidewalks and traffic can be bumpy, you might want something more sturdy and durable that can handle the rough treatment.

Double strollers are built to last, but the seats may get worn out faster than you expect or your kids may outgrow them before they're ready for retirement. If you are on a tight budget, choose an option with a warranty of at least four years. It is best to use it for as long as is possible.

Easy of Use

If you're planning to purchase a double stroller, it's important that it be simple to use for both children. This means a comfortable harness for children who sit and handles that are easy to grasp for toddlers who stand. The stroller can also be easily rolled around and maneuvered around obstacles and in tight spaces. The top strollers we tested in our Lab tests, like the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie or Thule Urban Glide 2 Double, are among the easiest to move around.

It's also essential that a double stroller is easy to fold and store. The best models have an easy one- or two-step process, and they're small enough to fit into the majority of trunks. It's a plus if you can add a second chair or a ride-along stroller. Some strollers can accommodate infant car seats so you don't have to wake your baby to move them into the stroller when it's time to leave for home.

A quality double stroller is also sturdy, so it is able to be used in a variety of types of terrain. Some of them can be converted into a jogging stoller with a front wheel that is specially designed and others can be used as umbrella strollers. Some even come with an accessory basket that can be affixed to the back of the stroller to carry groceries or shopping bags.

Another factor to consider is whether you'd prefer a side-by-side stroller or a tandem. Side-by-side strollers are typically larger than tandem models, and they aren't easy to maneuver through narrow spaces like doorways or aisles of the grocery store. They do offer the convenience of allowing every child to see 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 stroller that can be used by a newborn, and then transformed into a double stroller with Bassinet stroller when their children reach an older age. But after talking to parents we've learned that it's best to get what you need now, rather than trying to predict what your family will require in the near future.

Storage

When shopping for double-strollers, it's crucial to think about the amount of storage and the size. A lot of models have large accessible baskets that can accommodate a lot of cargo. Many models also have numerous cup holders for parents as well as seating configurations that can be reversed to provide the best legroom possible for children. However, a few of these features can increase 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 designs. Tandem strollers are two seats in one frame and are suited to older babies who are able to sit without assistance. They also typically have a larger storage basket than side-byside models, however they can be a bit awkward or difficult to push when the front seat is fully reclined.

The side-by-side stroller has two seats that are positioned side-by-side. They're usually more suitable for infants or toddlers who haven't yet mastered independent sitting. They also have the added benefit of being generally easier to maneuver and push than tandem strollers. They are more expensive, and they have smaller baskets.

There are also double strollers that are designed specifically for biking or jogging. They are more expensive than standard strollers that are all-terrain, and they often have fixed front wheels that restrict their mobility. They're worth considering only if you plan to use them for such activities.

There's a double stroller for every situation regardless of whether you're purchasing one for twins or a child that's not quite ready to take a ride by themselves, or a child who's not quite old enough to be a proper rider. The top choices that we tested are flexible and stable. They're also easy to use, with seating that grows as your kids do. Check out our top picks for the top double stroller that will accommodate your family regardless of whether you are looking for a tandem or one that can accommodate your infant car seat.