What to Look For in a Double Stroller

The best double strollers are made to grow with your family. They include thoughtful features that keep your children content and comfortable. This includes adjustable foot rests as well as an easy ride on trails, gravel and old sidewalks.

Kerry was thrilled that the stroller was packaged in multiple boxes, but everything was clearly labeled and simple 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 is about double strollers, the seating options are what makes or breaks the purchase for many families. You'll need to take into consideration the age of your children, the sizes of them, and the seating arrangements you like.

Alli Cavasino is a senior editor of Consumer Reports. She says that if you're planning to purchase a tandem stroller, it is best to look at one that has child seats that are attached. This model doesn't require car seat adapters. They're typically larger than other double strollers, however, so they may not fit through standard door frames in your home.

If your children are a different age, you may think about a stroller that has two seats that can be converted into a stand-and ride model. This allows children to watch or ride along with their siblings. 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 3 to 5 years apart, according Billingsley.

You should also take a look at the seat material, according to Billingsley. Some fabrics are more comfortable than others, and are easier to clean. It's also important to think about how easy it is to fold your new stroller down for stowing or transporting to and from your car. "Nothing is more frustrating than acquiring your dream stroller, but then realizing it's too heavy to lift or too large for your trunk," she says.

If you are looking for a budget-friendly option that has multiple configurations take a look at this award-winning stroller from Summer Infant. It has two toddler seats as well as a bassinet, and could be made into a triple stroller by adding a third seat or a riding board. The seats recline and come with calf bar controls to adjust independently, which is perfect for when one child is looking to sleep while the other wants take in the surroundings. When folded, it's compact and fits into the majority of trunks.

Age ranges

For families with kids who are similar in age, pushchairsandprams a sit-and-stand stroller can provide the best combination of comfort for both children and ease of use. They have a seat in front for toddlers or infants, and a bench, platform or another type of surface in the rear that allows older children to stand up or get off and on. They're great for big toddlers and preschoolers, but they won't be ideal for babies or children who don't have the balance or coordination to stand on their own.

A narrow tandem stroller can help you keep an eye on both kids 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 that are side-by-side and are able to move more easily however they aren't able to accommodate infant car seats and typically don't offer as much undercarriage storage.

If you're planning to use a double stroller for many years, or even over a decade, it's worthwhile buying a stroller that will continue to adapt to your children's needs. Double strollers are more expensive than single ones however, if you select them correctly, you can save money in the end.

Our testers tested each stroller in several maneuverability tests, as well as off road adventures. They found that they were easy to maneuver on various terrains. If you plan to use it in urban areas or in cities where sidewalks and traffic can be bumpy, you may want something that is more durable and robust that can handle rough treatment.

Many double strollers are built to last a long time, but you might find that the seats get worn out faster than expected or your kids 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 should last as long as it can.

Simple to use

If you're planning to invest in a double stroller, it's important that it's easy to use for both children. That means comfortable harnesses for children who sit and handles that are easy to grasp for toddlers who stand. It also means that the stroller can be moved easily and is able to be maneuvered through tight spaces and around obstacles. The top-rated strollers in our Lab tests, including the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie or Thule Urban Glide 2 Double are among the easiest to move around.

A double stroller should also be easy to fold up and put away. The best models use the option of a two-step or one-step process, and they're compact double stroller enough to fit in most trunks. It's a plus if you can include a second Hauck Roadster Duo SLX - Twin Chair for Twins - Ultimate Comfort and Convenience or a ride-along stroller. Some strollers can also hold infant car seats, meaning you don't have to wake your baby to transfer them to the stroller when it's time to leave for home.

In addition, a good double stroller should be sturdy to be able to be used on different types of terrain. For example, some can be converted into an jogging stroller by using a specialized front wheel, and some can be used as an umbrella stroller. Some strollers come with a cargo bag that can be attached to the back of the vehicle to carry shopping bags and other items.

A tandem stroller or side-byside is another option worth considering. Side-by-side strollers are typically bigger than tandem models and they can be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces like doorways and crowded grocery store aisles. They do offer the convenience of allowing both children to view the same scenery. They are also much easier to navigate in bad weather since they provide more protection from the elements.

Many parents opt to purchase an adaptable stroller that can be used with a baby, and later converted into a double stroller when their children are older. After talking to parents we've learned it's best to get what you need at the time instead of trying to predict what your family will require in the future.

Stores

If you're looking for a double stroller, you might want to consider the size and amount of storage space. Many models come with spacious accessible baskets that can accommodate a lot of cargo. Many models also come with multiple cup holders for parents, as well as seats that can be reversible to give the best legroom for children. Some of these features can add to the price therefore, make sure to review the reviews and descriptions thoroughly.

Most double strollers are classified as either tandem or side-by-side designs. Tandem strollers come with two seats on the same frame, and are generally better suited for older children who have already mastered sitting on their own. They also have a much larger storage basket than side-by-side strollers, but they can be a bit difficult or awkward to push when the front seat is reclined fully.

Side-by-side strollers have two individual seats positioned side by side and are generally for babies and toddlers who aren't yet able to master independent sitting. They are also easier to push and maneuver than tandem strollers. However, they tend to have smaller storage baskets than tandem models and can be more expensive.

There are double strollers that are designed specifically for biking or jogging. They are more expensive than standard strollers that are all-terrain, and they usually come with fixed front wheels that restrict their mobility. They are worth considering only if you plan to use them for those activities.

There's a double stroller for any situation whether you're looking to purchase one for twins or a child that's not yet ready to ride on their own, or a child who's not quite old enough. The top options we've found in our tests are affluent and stable. They're also easy to use, with seating that grows as your children grow. So whether you're in search of a tandem stroller or one that can accommodate your infant car seat, check out our top choices to find the perfect double stroller for your family.