What to Look For in a Double Stroller

The best compact double stroller double strollers are made to adapt to the needs of your family and include thoughtful features that keep children happy and comfortable. The best double buggy that converts to single strollers offer adjustable footrests and smooth rides over gravel, old sidewalks, and trails.

Kerry was pleased that the stroller came in multiple boxes, but everything was clearly labeled and easy for her to open. She also liked that the stroller accepts two infant car seats and can be combined with a riding board for older kids.

Seating Options

When it is about double strollers, seating options are what makes or breaks the purchase for many families. You'll want to consider the ages of your children, their relative sizes, and the seating arrangements that will work best for you.

Alli Cavasino is a senior editor for Consumer Reports. She says that if you're looking to purchase a tandem stroller, you should think about one with children's seats that are connected. This model does not require car seat adapters. These double strollers are typically wider than other double strollers. They may not fit through the standard doors of your home.

If you have an age gap between your children you should consider a stroller with two seats that can convert to a stand-and-ride model with the option of a bench or a platform seat in the back for a kid who would like to ride with or observe their sibling. These in-line strollers are also capable of accommodating infant car seats when needed and are suitable for children aged 3-5 years apart.

Billingsley suggests that you be aware of the material used for the seat. Some fabrics are more comfortable than others, and easier to clean. It's also important to think about how easy it is to fold your stroller for transporting it to and from your car. "There's nothing more frustrating than buying the perfect stroller only to find out that it is too heavy or large for your trunk," says the expert.

If you're looking for an affordable option that can accommodate various seating options take a look at this award-winning model from Summer Infant, which has two toddler seats with a bassinet attachment. It can be expanded to become a triple stroller with an additional seat or riding board. The seats recline and the control of the calf bar can be adjusted in a separate manner. This is perfect for when one child wants a nap while another is looking to explore the surroundings. It's also compact when folded down and easily fits in the majority of trunks.

Age ranges

For families with kids who are similar in age, a sit n stand double stroller and stand stroller is the perfect combination of comfort for both children and ease of use. These strollers usually have seats for infants or toddler in the front, and a platform or bench that lets an older child stand or jump on and off in the back. These strollers are great for older children and toddlers but not suitable for infants or children who do not yet have the balance and coordination to stand on their own.

A narrow tandem stroller can help keep your eyes on both children at the same time and get through narrow spaces like the crowded grocery store aisles or family photos in the park. These models are often narrower than double strollers with side by side double stroller-by-side designs and are able to move more easily but they don't have the capacity to fit infant car seats and generally don't have the same amount of undercarry storage.

If you plan on using a double stroller over many years or even a decade, it's worth investing in a model that can grow with your children. Double strollers are typically more expensive than single strollers. However, if you choose the right one first time around it could help you save money over time.

Our test participants put each of these strollers through a series maneuverability tests and off-road excursions, and they found them to be easy to navigate through a variety of terrain. But if you're planning to be using it in urban areas where traffic and sidewalks are prone to bumps and uneven, you may want something more robust and durable to withstand the rough treatment.

Many double stroller for twins strollers are designed to last a long time, but you might find that the seats get used up faster than you anticipated or your children outgrow it before it's time for retirement. If you're on the tightest budget, go for an option with a warranty of at least four years. It is best to use it for as long as possible.

Easy of Use

It's important to make sure that the double stroller is comfortable to use by both children. That means comfortable harnesses for seated kids and handles that are easy to grasp for toddlers who stand. It also means that the stroller can be moved easily, and can be maneuvered in tight spaces and around obstacles. 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 most comfortable to push.

A double stroller should be easy to fold up and take down and store. The most effective models come with the option of a two-step or one-step process, and they're small enough to fit in the majority of trunks. It's a plus when you can include a second chair or a ride-along to the stroller. Some even have the capacity to hold infant car seats, meaning you don't have to wake your baby to put them into their stroller when they're ready for a trip home.

Furthermore, a quality double stroller should be sturdy so that it can be used on different types of terrain. For example, some can be converted into an jogging stroller that has a front wheel that is specially designed, and some can be used as an umbrella stroller. Some even come with cargo baskets that can be affixed to the back of the stroller to carry shopping bags or groceries.

A tandem or side-by-side is another option worth considering. Side-by-side strollers tend to be wider than tandems, and may be difficult to navigate tight spaces such as doorways or crowded aisles in grocery stores. They are practical because they allow both children to enjoy the same view. They are also much easier to navigate in bad weather as they offer more protection from the elements.

Many parents opt to purchase an adaptable stroller that can be used by a newborn, and then converted to double strollers when their children get older. But after talking to parents, we've learned that it's best to buy what you require at the moment, rather than trying to anticipate what your family may need in the future.

Stores

If you're looking for a double stroller, you might need to think about the size and quantity of storage space. Many models come with large, easy-to access baskets that can hold a lot of cargo. Many models also feature numerous cup holders for parents, as well as reversible seat configurations to provide the most legroom for children. Some of these features can increase the cost, so be sure to read reviews and descriptions carefully.

Most double strollers are classified as either tandem or side-by-side designs. Tandem strollers have two seats on one frame and are best for older children who can stand unaided. They usually have more storage space than side-by-side models. However, some can be difficult to push when the front seat is fully reclined.

The side-by-side stroller has two seats that are placed side-by-side. They're usually best suited to infants or toddlers who aren't yet ready for sitting independently. They are also more maneuverable and easy to push than tandem strollers. However, they tend to have smaller storage baskets than tandem strollers and may be more expensive.

There are double strollers made specifically for jogging or biking. They are generally more expensive than all-terrain strollers, and have fixed front wheels, which limit their flexibility. These strollers are worth considering if you plan to use them for these types of activities.

There's a lightest double stroller stroller for every scenario, whether you're buying one for twins, a child who's not quite ready to take a ride by themselves or not yet old enough. The top options we've found in our tests are versatile and stable. They're also easy to maneuver, with seating that grows as your kids do. So whether you're looking for a tandem stroller or one that will accommodate your infant car seat, take a look at our top picks to find the ideal double stroller for your family.