What to Look For in a Double Stroller

The best double strollers are built to grow with families and offer clever features to keep children comfortable and happy. The top double strollers have adjustable footrests, as well as a smooth ride on old sidewalks, gravel and trails.

Kerry loved that the stroller arrived in multiple boxes, however everything was well-labeled and easy to open. She also loved that the stroller accepts two infant car seats and can be paired with a riding board for older kids.

Seating Options

When it is double strollers, the seating options are the main factor that determines 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.

Alli Cavasino is a senior editor for Consumer Reports. She says that if you are looking to purchase a tandem stroller, it is best to look at one that has child seats attached together. This model does not require car seat adapters. They're typically larger than other types of double strollers, however they won't pass through door frames that are standard within your home.

If your children are a different age, you may be interested in a stroller that has two seats that can be transformed into a stand-and-ride model. This will allow children to watch or ride with their sibling. These kinds of in-line strollers can also be adapted to fit infant car seats should they be required, and are a good option for children who are three to five years apart, according to Billingsley.

Billingsley suggests that you be aware of the material you choose for your 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 to store it or transport it to and from your car. "Nothing is more frustrating than purchasing your dream stroller but finding it's too heavy to lift or too big for your trunk," she says.

If you're looking for a low-cost option that offers multiple seating configurations, check out this award-winning model from Summer Infant It comes with two toddler seats with a bassinet attachment. It can be expanded to become triple stroller by adding an additional seat or riding board. The seats recline, and have the calf bar controls that can be adjusted independently, which is ideal for when one child is looking to nap while the other wants observe their surroundings. It's also compact when folded and easily fits into the majority of trunks.

Age Variations

For families with kids who are near to their ages, a sit-and-stand stroller can provide the best combination of comfort for children and adults and user-friendliness. These strollers have a seat in front for toddlers or infants and a bench, platform or another type of surface at the rear that lets older children stand up or get off and on. They are great for big toddlers and preschoolers, but they won't be suitable for infants or children who don't have the balance and coordination to stand on their own.

A narrow tandem stroller allows you to keep both children in view at the same time, and also fit through tight spaces like aisles in the grocery store or for family photos in the parks. These models are narrower and more maneuverable than double strollers with side-by-side seating however they don't have as much storage under the carriage and aren't able to accommodate an infant car seats.

If you are planning to use a double stroller over many years, or even a decade, it's worth purchasing a model that can grow along with your children. Double strollers are more expensive than single to double buggy strollers however, if you choose them correctly, you can save money in the end.

Our test participants put each stroller through an assortment of maneuverability tests as well as off-road adventures. They found that they were easy to navigate on a variety terrain. If you intend to use it in urban areas or in cities where the traffic and sidewalks are prone to bumps, you may need something that is more durable and robust capable of handling rough treatment.

Double strollers are built to last, however the seats can wear out sooner than you think or your children may outgrow them before they're ready for retirement. If you're on the tightest budget, go for a model with a rating of at minimum four years. It should last as long as it can.

Easy of Use

If you're planning to invest in a double stroller, it's important that it is easy to use for both children. This means comfortable harnesses for seated kids, 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 strollers in our Lab tests--such as the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie and Thule Urban Glide 2 Double among the most easy to push.

It's also essential that a double car seat stroller stroller is easy to fold and store. The best models fold in two or three steps and are compact enough to fit into most trunks. It's also a plus that the stroller can be used in a variety of ways and has the option of adding a second seat or a ride-along board. Some can even 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.

In addition, a good double stroller needs to be sturdy to be able to be used on various types of terrain. Some can 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 put at the back to carry shopping bags and other items.

A tandem double buggy or side-by-side is another option worth considering. Side-by-side strollers are generally larger than tandems, and can be difficult to navigate through narrow spaces like entrances or aisles that are crowded in grocery stores. They are useful because they allow each child to view the same scene. They are also more convenient 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 with a baby, and then converted to a double stroller when their children reach an older age. After talking to parents, it became apparent that it is better to purchase the items you require now rather instead of trying to anticipate what you will need in the near future.

Storage

When looking for double-strollers, it's crucial to consider the amount of storage space available and the size. A lot of models have large, easy-to-access baskets that can accommodate a lot of cargo. Many models also come with multiple cup holders for parents as well as reversible seat configurations to provide the most legroom for children. Some of these features can make the price more expensive therefore, make sure to review the reviews and descriptions thoroughly.

Most double strollers are categorized as tandem or side-byside designs. Tandem strollers have two seats assembled on the same frame, and are typically more suitable for older children who are already comfortable with sitting without assistance. They also typically have a larger storage basket than side-byside models, however some are awkward or difficult to push when the front seat is fully reclined.

Side-byside strollers have two distinct seats positioned side by side, and they're typically better for infants or toddlers who haven't yet learned independence sitting yet. They also have the added advantage of usually being easier to push and maneuver than tandem strollers. They may be more expensive, and they have smaller baskets.

There are double strollers designed specifically for jogging or biking. They are more expensive than the standard all-terrain strollers and usually come with fixed front wheels that limit their flexibility. It is worth looking into them only if you plan to use them for those activities.

There's a double stroller for every situation, whether you're buying one for twins or a child who's not yet ready to ride on their own or not quite old enough. Our top picks are easy to maneuver, flexible and stable, with seating that grows with your child. Check out our top picks for the top double stroller that will fit your family, whether you are looking for a tandem or one that will fit your infant car seat.