How to Choose the Best Double Strollers
A double stroller can make the life of parents with twins or children of different ages, whether you're enjoying a leisurely walk or going for a run in the morning. With so many options out there to choose from, how do you pick the right one for your family?
Our new team member, Kerry, got her stroller testing feet wet with this expandable model that lets you to change the seating configuration to suit different needs.
Safety
Your stroller should be safe regardless of whether you're running shopping trips with your kids, taking them to the zoo, or going trick-or-treating. It should have an sturdy frame and comfortable harnesses for children who sit down, and easy-to-grab handles for toddlers who stand. It should also be able to pass through doors and be easy to move and fold. It should be a good value.
We put each double stroller we reviewed through vigorous tests in our lab, at the Zoo, on streets in the city, and during family outings in suburban areas. Our lab tests assess the stroller's maneuverability, stability, and ease of steering. We also test the comfort of the suspension for both the driver as well as the rider, the weight capacity, the seat canopy heights, as well as the storage space.
We ask parents to provide feedback on each model, in addition to the safety checks that are routinely performed by our team. Then, we take all this information into consideration when forming our recommendations.
If you're looking for a secure quality, high-quality stroller, begin with our top recommendations. These strollers are versatile and offer a variety of seating configurations to accommodate infant car seats. They can be used as a single stroller or tandem and are suitable for children ranging from birth to elementary school.
The best double strollers can grow with your family. They're stylish and sleek they can be fitted with a variety of customizations and can be used by infants and toddlers in side-by-side or tandem (single-file) seating styles. Many also come with large storage baskets, a handlebar that can be telescopically adjusted, as well as one-handed folding mechanisms.
Consider a tandem stroller that comes with a bench seat at the back for a third child if you have twins or a child who is similar in age. They're an excellent option for siblings who wish to be social with one another however they may not be in a position to sit with each other in a stroller with a side-byside feature and end in fighting or arguing. There are also convertible models that allow you to remove the bench seat when your children are ready for the ride without a car seat.
Comfort
The best double strollers have comfortable child seats with plenty of padding and support. The best double strollers have plenty of storage, spacious legs and footwells for children, and UPF 50+ canopy that provides great sun protection. The seats should recline at a slight angle to keep children comfortable. They should also have calf bars that permit parents to adjust the position of each seat individually. Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician. She says that the handlebars need to be ergonomic and easy-to-maneuver. The handlebars must be close enough to the kiddos seats that you are able to reach them and grasp them. If the handlebars are spread out, you'll have a hard time keeping your balance and retaining good posture when pushing them.
The ride should be smooth even on rough or hard surfaces. Some of the models we tested come with shock absorbers to keep the ride stable. Others have front and rear suspension, which can reduce the amount of force you need to push them and improve your control over them. The wheels should have a sturdy tread and be made of high-quality rubber.
We scoured the internet for the most versatile double-strollers that can be used from the age of infancy to toddlerhood. Some of the models we found can be configured as tandem strollers or side-by-side and one that we found, the Uppababy Vista v2, can even transform into a single-file stroller for infants. That model costs three times more than our standard tandem model however it's of better quality and should last longer due to its robust materials.
The most effective double strollers are lightweight and easy to maneuver for long walks or trips to the zoo or park and for other errands. They're generally wider than single strollers, which means they won't be able to fit through narrow entrances or crowded store aisles. Some of them also cost more than single-seat models however it's reasonable considering that you're getting a much better value for your budget. The models we recommend are safe for both adults and kids, and they'll grow with your family.
Convenience
If you're planning to spend the money on a double stroller, you'll want one that's convenient to move and to store. The stroller should be light and easily fit into your car's trunk or at home. It should be able navigate rough terrain and take precise turns. Some of the top double-strollers feature adjustable calf support, and seats that recline. They also come with UPF sun protection. The canopy should be wide enough to cover both kids and, if you're concerned about getting sun in their eyes, look for one with a peek-a-boo window.
Your children's ages and stages can influence the kind of stroller that's most suitable for your needs. For instance, parents with twins might choose a convertible stroller that holds two infant car seats at the same time and families with an older child and a toddler may prefer a side-byside double. It is also important to determine whether you'd like a stroller that fits through narrow doorways or crowded aisles in grocery stores and is able to be used on airplanes.
In our Lab tests, we found that most double strollers were easy to fold and carry. Most double strollers fold in a matter of one or two steps and are small enough to fit into the majority of compact cars. They're also designed to be stable when folded, making them easier to put back together.
Some of the best double strollers have practical features for parents, such as a one-parent cup holder as well as a large storage basket. Be sure to check if the stroller is equipped with locks for the front seat to prevent your child from climbing out. Some of the top strollers come with a universal car seat adapter and can be transformed into an individual-seater model as your children grow.
Some of the best double strollers are a bit expensive, but they come with higher quality construction and better resale value than cheaper models. They are also more maneuverable, and are able to handle rough terrain such as city walkways or park trails.
Style
When parents are shopping for a double stroller, they're looking for more than just a means to carry their two children. They're looking for a lightweight stroller that is easy to move and has enough storage space to grow with their children. Since they'll be carrying more children, the stroller needs to be easy on their backs and shoulders.
This is why the best double strollers are sleek and offer a variety of designs, and be adapted to infant car seats for an effortless transition from toddler to baby. They are available in tandem (single-file seating) or side-by-side, and are even light enough for jogging.
In addition to size parents should also think about whether the double stroller will be able to pass through doorways or other tight spaces. Most of the models we evaluated for our latest version can be pushed through doors for exterior use that measure 36 inches wide.
Other factors we look at when reviewing the best double strollers are the speed and ease with which they fold and unfold, how big the cargo basket is, how comfortable the seats are, and how adjustable the canopies are. We also think about how comfortable the buckles and seat straps are for children seated in the stroller, as well as how easy it would be to adjust the handlebar height.
Our top choice, Uppababy Vista V2, for instance, is a light-weight model and offers ample storage space for both children. It comes with a parent cup seat that reclines independently, and a large UPF 50+ canopies with windows that peek out. The seat's buckles and straps are padded and are among the most comfortable we've tested. We also found it to be the easiest seat for children to secure.
If you're not ready to buy a double stroller yet, Facebook Marketplace and second-hand-goods websites can offer used options in good condition at affordable costs. Be sure to do your research and check for any indications of damage before purchasing.