What to Look For in a Double Stroller

The best double strollers develop with families and provide thoughtful features to keep kids comfortable and happy. The best double strollers come with adjustable footrests, as well as smooth riding over gravel, old sidewalks, and trails.

Kerry appreciated the fact that the stroller was delivered in multiple boxes but everything was labeled properly and easy to open. She also loved that the stroller can be used with two infant car seats and can be paired with a riding board for older children.

Seating Options

When it is about double strollers, seating options are what determines the success or failure of the purchase of many families. You'll need to consider the ages of your children, their respective sizes and the seating configurations that work best for you.

For example, if you have children close in age who will sit side-by-side, consider a tandem model that has child seats attached to each other and doesn't require you to use car seat adapters, explains Alli Cavasino who is a senior editor at Consumer Reports. Pushchair Double strollers are generally wider than other double strollers. They may not fit through the standard doors of your home.

If you have an age gap between your kids, consider a dual-seat stroller with the option to convert to a stand-and-ride model that has an elevated or small bench seat in the back for children who would like to ride along or watch their younger sibling. These in-line strollers are also able to accommodate infant car seats if necessary and are suitable for children who are three years apart.

You'll also want to look at the type of seat material, according to Billingsley. Some are more breathable than others, and are easier to keep clean. You should also think about how easy it will be to fold your stroller for storage or transportation to and from your car. "There's nothing more frustrating than buying your dream stroller only to find out that it is too heavy or big for your trunk," says the expert.

If you're looking for an affordable alternative that can be configured in a variety of ways, then check out this award-winning stroller from Summer Infant. It comes with two toddler seats and an infant bassinet. It can be expanded to a triple stroller by adding a seat or a riding board. The seats recline, and have calf bar controls to adjust independently, which is perfect for when one child is looking to nap while the other one wants to look around. It's also compact when folded down and easily fits in most trunks.

Age ranges

Sit-and-stand strollers are a great option for families with children who are similar in age. They offer convenience and comfort. These strollers come with an area in front that seats an infant or toddler and a bench, platform or another surface at the rear which allows older children to stand up and walk on/off. They're ideal for big toddlers and preschoolers, but don't be suitable for infants or kids who don't yet have the balance and coordination to stand on their own.

A narrow tandem stroller can help you keep your eyes on both children simultaneously and can fit into narrow spaces like the aisles of the grocery store that are crowded or family photos in the park. These models are usually narrower than double strollers that are side-by-side and tend to maneuver easier, but they won't accommodate infant car seats and typically do not offer as much undercarriage storage.

If you're planning to use a double stroller for the course of a few years, or even a decade, it's worth buying an item that can expand along with your children. Double strollers tend to be more expensive than single strollers, however if you choose the right one the first time, it can save you money over time.

Our test participants put each of these strollers through a series maneuverability tests as well as off-road adventures and found them easy to navigate through various terrains. If you plan to use it in urban areas or cities where the traffic and sidewalks can be bumpy, you may need something more robust and durable capable of handling rough treatment.

nipper double buggy strollers are designed to last, but the seats could be worn out earlier than you anticipate or your children might outgrow them before they're ready to retire. If you're on a tight budget, choose one with a rating of at minimum four years. It is best to use it for as long as possible.

Simple to Use

It's important to make sure that the double stroller is easy to use by both children. This means a comfortable harness for kids who are seated, and easy-to-grasp handles for toddlers who stand. The stroller can also be easily rolled around and maneuvered through tight spaces. In fact, the top-rated 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 put away. The best models fold in two or three steps and are small enough to fit in most trunks. It's also beneficial that the stroller can be used in a variety of ways, with options to add a second seat or a ride-along board. Some strollers can hold infant car seats, so you don't need to wake your baby up to move them into the stroller when it's time to go home.

Furthermore, a quality double stroller sale stroller must be durable to be able to be used on a variety of terrain. For example, some can be converted to an jogging stroller that has an adapted front wheel and some can be used as an umbrella stroller. Some even come with an accessory basket that can be attached to the back of the stroller to carry groceries or shopping bags.

Another consideration is whether you want either a side-byside stroller or a tandem. Side-by-side strollers are generally larger than tandems and can be difficult to navigate through tight spaces such as doorways or crowded aisles in grocery stores. They are useful because they allow each child to see the same scenery. They can also be easier to navigate in rough weather because they offer more protection from the elements for both kids.

Many parents decide to purchase an adaptable stroller that can be used by a newborn, and later converted into a double stroller when their children get older. After speaking with parents, we've learned that it's best to buy what you need now instead of trying to anticipate what your family might need in the future.

Stores

If you're shopping for a double stroller, you might be interested in the size and quantity of storage space. Many models have large, easy-to-access baskets that can store a lot of cargo. They also often feature multiple parent cup holders and convertible seating arrangements that provide best lightweight double stroller-in-class legroom for children. Certain of these features could add to the price, so be sure to go through the reviews and descriptions carefully.

The majority of double strollers can be classified into tandem or side by side models. Tandem strollers come with two seats on the same frame and are typically more suitable for older babies who have already mastered sitting on their own. They typically have larger storage baskets than side-by-side models. However, some models can be difficult to push with the front seat fully reclined.

Side-by-side strollers come with two separate seats positioned side by side and are typically for babies and toddlers who aren't yet able to master independent sitting yet. They also have the added advantage of usually being easier to push and maneuver than tandem strollers. However, they usually have smaller storage baskets than tandem models and can be more expensive.

There are also special double strollers that are designed specifically for biking and jogging. They are generally more expensive than all-terrain strollers, and come with fixed front wheels, which restrict their mobility. They're worth considering only if you intend to use them for these activities.

If you're looking for twins or a baby and a toddler, or another child who's not quite ready to ride on their own, there's an ideal double stroller out there. Our top choices are easy to maneuver, versatile, stable and have seating that expands with your child. So whether you're looking for a tandem stroller or one that will accommodate your infant car seat, look through our top choices to find the ideal double stroller for your family.