10 Wrong Answers To Common Double Stroller Questions: Do You Know The Right Ones?
What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The best double strollers are made to grow with your family and come with thoughtful features that keep your children content and comfortable. The top double strollers have adjustable footrests as well as smooth riding on old sidewalks, gravel and trails.
Kerry was delighted that the stroller came in multiple boxes, however everything was clearly labeled and easy to open. She also appreciated that the stroller is able to accommodate two infant car seats, and it can be paired with a ride-board for older children.
Seating Options
When it is about double strollers, the seating options are the main factor that determines the purchase of many families. You'll want to consider the age of your children, their relative sizes, and the seating arrangements that work best for you.
Alli Cavasino is a senior editor at Consumer Reports. She says that if you're planning to purchase a tandem stroller, you should think about one with child seats attached together. This model does not require car seat adapters. These double strollers are usually wider than other double strollers. They may not fit through standard doors in your home.
If you're facing an age gap between your kids you should consider a stroller with two seats with the option to change to a stand-and ride model with an elevated or small bench seat in the back for children who wants to casually ride along or watch their sibling. These types of strollers can also fit infant car seats should they be required, and are a good choice for children who'll be 3 to 5 years apart, according Billingsley.
Billingsley explains that you should take into consideration the material used for the seat. Some are more breathable than others and are easier to clean. You should also consider how easy it will be to fold down the stroller for storage purposes or transporting it between your vehicle and home. "Nothing is more frustrating than acquiring your dream stroller, but you realize it's too heavy to carry or too large for your trunk," she says.
If you are looking for an affordable option that offers multiple configurations, then check out this award-winning stroller from Summer Infant. It comes with two toddler seats and a bassinet, and could be made to a triple stroller by adding an additional seat or a riding board. The seats recline, and the controls for the calf bar can be adjusted in a separate manner. This is great when one child needs a nap while another is looking to explore the surroundings. It's also compact when folded down and easily fits into the majority of trunks.
Age Variations
Sit-and-stand strollers are the best option for families with children who are close in terms of age. They provide comfort and ease of use. These strollers have an area in front that seats an infant or toddler and a platform, bench or another type of surface in the rear that lets older children stand up or hop on/off. These strollers are great for older toddlers and children, but not for babies or children who do have the coordination and balance to stand on their own.
A narrow tandem stroller can help keep your eyes on both children at once and fit through difficult areas like crowded grocery store aisles or family photos in the park. These models are usually narrower than side-by-side double strollers and are generally easier to maneuver, but they won't accommodate carseats for infants and generally don't have as much undercarriage storage.
If you are planning to use a double stroller over a period of several years, or even over a decade, it's worth investing in an item that can expand with your kids. Double strollers are typically more expensive than single strollers, however when you pick the right one first time, it can save you money over time.
Our testers ran each of these strollers through a series maneuverability tests and off-road excursions and found them easy to navigate through a variety of terrain. But if you're planning to use it in urban areas where sidewalks and traffic can be bumpy and uneven, you may want something stronger and more durable to withstand the rough treatment.
Double strollers are made to last, however the seats could get worn out faster than you expect or your children may outgrow them before they're ready for retirement. If you're looking for a bargain look into one that has been evaluated for at least four years and aims to last for as long as is possible.
Easy of Use
If you're planning to invest in a double stroller, it's essential that it is user-friendly for both children. That means comfortable harnesses for kids who are seated, and easy-to-grasp handles for toddlers who stand. This also means that the stroller rolls easily and is able to be maneuvered in tight spaces and around obstacles. The top strollers we tested in our Lab tests, including the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie or Thule Urban Glide 2 Double are among the most easy to navigate.
A double stroller should be able to fold and store. The best models have an easy one- or two-step process, and they're small enough to fit into most trunks. It's also an advantage when the stroller is a versatile with the option of adding another seat or a ride-along board. Some strollers can also hold infant car seats, so you don't need to wake your baby to transfer them to the stroller when it's time to leave for home.
A quality double stroller is also durable and can be used on a variety of terrains. For instance, some models can be converted to a jogging stroller with a front wheel that is specially designed, and some are able to be used as an umbrella stroller. Some come with cargo baskets that can be attached to the back of the stroller to carry groceries or shopping bags.
A tandem stroller or side-byside is another option to consider. Side-by-side strollers are generally larger than tandems, and may be difficult to navigate through narrow spaces like doorways or crowded aisles in grocery stores. They are practical because they allow each child to view the same scene. They are also much easier to navigate in bad weather because 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. But after talking to parents we've learned that it's best to buy what you need now instead of trying to anticipate what your family will require in the future.
Stores
If you're considering a double stroller, you might be interested in the size and amount of storage space. Many models have large, easy-to access baskets that hold lots of items. Many models also come with numerous cup holders for parents, as well as reversible seat configurations to provide the best legroom for children. However, some of these features can add up in cost and it's crucial to read descriptions and reviews carefully.
The majority of double strollers are classified as tandem or side by side models. Tandem strollers have two seats assembled on the same frame and are typically more suitable for older babies who are already comfortable with sitting without assistance. They also typically have a bigger storage basket than side-by-side models, though some can be difficult or awkward to push when the front seat is reclined fully.
Side-by-side strollers have two individual seats that are placed side-by-side and are generally suited to younger babies or toddlers who aren't yet able to master independent sitting. They are also 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're generally more expensive than all-terrain strollers, and come with fixed front wheels, which limit their mobility. These strollers are only worth considering if you plan to use them for these kinds of activities.
There's twin pushchair from birth that's suitable for any situation, whether you're buying one for twins or a child who's not quite ready to take a ride by themselves, or a child who's not quite old enough. Our top picks are simple to maneuver, adaptable and stable, with seating that can grow with your child's. So whether you're looking for a tandem stroller or one that can accommodate your infant car seat, take a look at our top picks to find the perfect double stroller for your family.