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 an easy ride on trails, gravel and old sidewalks.

Kerry was thrilled that the stroller came in multiple boxes, but everything was clearly labeled and easy to open. She also liked that the stroller can accept two infant car seats, and can be paired with a ride-board for older children.

Seating Options

When it comes to double strollers, the seating options are the main factor that determines the purchase of many families. You'll have to think about the age of your children, the sizes and seating arrangements you like.

Alli Cavasino is a senior editor for Consumer Reports. She says that if you're planning to purchase a tandem stroller, you should consider one with children's seats that are connected. This model does not require car seat adapters. They're typically larger than other types of double strollers, however, so they may not pass through door frames that are standard in your home.

If you're experiencing an age gap between your kids, consider a dual-seat stroller that can transform into a stand-and-ride model with an elevated or small bench seat in the back for a child who would like to ride along with their younger sibling. These kinds of in-line strollers can also accommodate infant car seats in the event that they are needed, and are a good choice for children who'll be three to five years apart, according to Billingsley.

Billingsley explains that you should also consider the type of material you choose for your seat. Certain fabrics are more air-conditioned than others, and easier to clean. It is also important to consider how easy it will be to fold down your stroller for storage or transport to and from your car. "Nothing is more frustrating than acquiring your dream stroller but then realizing it's too heavy for you to lift or too big for your trunk," she says.

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 features two toddler seats and a bassinet, and could be made into a triple stroller by adding an additional seat or a riding board. The seats recline and the calf bar controls can be adjusted in a separate manner. This is ideal the time when one child is in need of a nap while another is looking to explore the surroundings. When folded, it is compact and can fit easily into most trunks.

Age Variations

Sit-and stand strollers are the ideal option for families with children who are similar in age. They provide the comfort and convenience. These strollers come with a seat in front for an infant or toddler and a platform, bench or another type of surface at the rear which allows older children to stand up and walk on/off. They're ideal for big toddlers and preschoolers, but won't be ideal for babies or kids who do not 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 difficult areas like busy aisles in the grocery store or family photos at the park. These strollers are a bit narrower and more maneuverable than side-byside double buggy newborn strollers however they don't offer enough storage space under the carriage, and they're not able to fit an infant car seats.

If you're planning to use a double stroller for many years, or even a decade, it's worth purchasing one that will grow along with your children. Double strollers are more expensive than single ones however, if you choose them properly, you'll save money in the long run.

Our test participants put each of these strollers through a series maneuverability tests as well as off-road adventures and found them to be simple to navigate over a variety of terrain. If you plan to use it in urban areas or in cities where sidewalks and traffic can be bumpy, then you may want something that is more durable and robust that can handle rough treatment.

Many double strollers are designed to last a long time, but you may find that the seats get worn out faster than expected or your children outgrow it before it's time to retire. If you're on an extremely tight budget, you should choose a model with a rating of at least four years. It should last as long as possible.

Easy of Use

If you're planning to invest in a double stroller, it's important that it be user-friendly for both children. It means that the harnesses should be comfortable for children who sit, and the handles should be a breeze to hold for toddlers. It also means that the stroller rolls effortlessly, and is able to be maneuvered around tight spaces and around obstacles. The top strollers we tested in our Lab tests, like the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie or Thule Urban Glide 2 Double are among the most easy to move around.

A double stroller should also be easy to fold up and store. The best twin buggy models use a one- or two-step procedure, and are small enough to fit in the majority of trunks. It's also beneficial that the stroller can be used in a variety of ways with the option of adding another seat or a ride-along board. Some even have the capacity to hold infant car seats, so you don't need to wake up your baby to put them into their stroller when they're ready to go home.

A quality double stroller is also durable, so it can be used in different terrains. Some are able to be converted into a jogging stoller with a special front wheel and some can also be used as umbrella strollers. Some strollers come with a cargo bag that can be tacked to the back of the vehicle to carry groceries and shopping bags.

A tandem or side-by-side is an alternative to think about. Side-by-side strollers are typically larger than tandem models, and can be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces like doorways and aisles of grocery stores that are crowded. They are practical because they allow each child to view the same scene. They are also easier to navigate during 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 travel stroller stroller when their children reach an older age. After talking to parents, it became clear that it is better to purchase what you need now than to try to predict what you might need in the near future.

Stores

When shopping for a double-stroller, it's important to consider the amount of storage space available and the size. Many models come with large, easy-to access baskets that hold plenty of stuff. They also often feature numerous cup holders for parents and seats that can be reversible to provide best-in-class legroom for children. However, certain features can be costly in price, so it's important to read the descriptions and reviews carefully.

The majority of double strollers are classified as tandem or side by side designs. Tandem strollers include two seats in one frame, and are best travel double stroller for older children who can stand unaided. They tend to have bigger storage baskets than side-byside models. However, some models can be difficult to push when the front seat is fully reclined.

The side-by-side stroller has two separate seats that are set side-by-side. They're usually better suited for younger babies or toddlers who aren't yet comfortable with sitting on their own. They are also more maneuverable and easy to push than tandem strollers. However, they tend to have smaller storage baskets than tandem strollers, and can be more expensive.

There are also specialized double strollers designed for jogging and biking. They're generally more expensive than all-terrain strollers, and come with fixed front wheels, which limit their flexibility. They're worth considering only if you intend to use them for those activities.

If you're looking for twins or a baby and a toddler, or a child who's not quite ready to walk on their own, there's a perfect double stroller available. The top options we've found that we tested are flexible and stable. They are also easy to navigate with seating that expands as your children grow. So whether you're in search of 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.