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 a smooth ride on gravel, trails and old sidewalks.
Kerry was pleased that the stroller arrived in multiple boxes, however everything was clearly labeled and simple for her to open. She also liked that the stroller can accommodate two infant car seats and can be paired up with a riding-board for older children.
Seating Options
Seating options are a major factor in determining whether or the family will buy a double stroller. You'll want to consider the ages of your children, their relative sizes, and the seating arrangements that are most suitable for your needs.
For instance, if have children of similar age who will sit side-by-side, you should consider a tandem model that has child seats attached to one another and does not require car seat adapters, explains Alli Cavasino, a senior editor at Consumer Reports. These double strollers are usually larger than other double strollers. They might not fit through the standard doors of your home.
If your children are different age, you may want to consider a stroller with two seats that can be converted into a stand-and-ride model. This will allow children to watch or ride along with their siblings. These in-line strollers are also equipped to accommodate infant car seats if necessary and are ideal for children who will be 3-5 years apart.
You'll also need to consider the type of seat material, says Billingsley. Certain fabrics are more breathable than others, and easier to clean. You should also consider how easy it will be to fold the stroller for storage purposes or transportation to and from your car. "There's nothing more frustrating than buying the perfect stroller only to discover that it's too heavy or big for your trunk," says the expert.
If you're looking for an affordable option that can accommodate multiple seating configurations, check out this award-winning model from Summer Infant, which has two toddler seats with a bassinet attachment. It can be made into triple stroller by adding an additional seat or riding board. The seats recline, and have control mechanisms for the calf bar that allow them to adjust independently, which is ideal for when one child is looking to sleep while the other wants take in the surroundings. It's also compact when folded and easily fits into the majority of trunks.
Age ranges
For families with children who are near in age, a sit-and-stand stroller can provide the best combination of comfort for both children and convenience. These strollers have an area in front that seats toddlers or infants and a bench, platform or other surface at the rear that allows older children to stand up or hop on/off. They're ideal for big toddlers and preschoolers, but won't be ideal for babies or kids who don't yet have the balance and coordination to stand on their own.
A narrow tandem stroller lets you to keep both children within sight at the same time, and also be squeezed into tight spaces such as aisles at the supermarket 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 offer enough storage space under the carriage, and they're not able to fit an the infant car seat.
If you are planning to use a double stroller for several years--or even a decade or more--it's worth purchasing a model that will grow with your kids. Double strollers are typically more expensive than single strollers, but If you choose the right one first time, it can help you save money over time.
Our testers ran each of these strollers through a series maneuverability tests and off-road adventures, and they found them to be simple to navigate over a variety of terrain. However, if you're going to use it in cities or other urban areas where traffic and sidewalks are prone to bumps, you might want something more sturdy and robust that can withstand the rough treatment.
Double strollers are designed to last, however the seats may wear out sooner than you think or your children might outgrow them before they're ready to retire. If you're on a tight budget, consider getting one that's been rated for at least four years and aims to last as long as you can.
User-Friendliness
It's important to make sure that the double stroller is comfortable to use by both children. That means comfortable harnesses for kids who are seated and handles that are easy to grab for toddlers who stand. The stroller can also be easily rolled and moved through tight spaces. In fact the top-rated strollers from our Lab tests -- such as the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie and Thule Urban Glide 2 Double--are among the easiest to push.
A double stroller should also be able to fold and take down and store. The best models fold in two or three steps and are small enough to fit into the majority of trunks. click the up coming post 's also beneficial that the stroller can be used in a variety of ways with the option of adding an additional seat or ride-along board. Some strollers can hold infant car seats, meaning you don't have to wake your baby to transfer them to the stroller when it's time to go home.
In addition, a good double stroller must be durable so that it can be used on a variety of terrain. Some are able to be converted into a jogging stoller with a front wheel that is specially designed and others can be used as umbrella strollers. Some even have a cargo basket that can be attached to the rear of the stroller to carry groceries or shopping bags.
A tandem or side-by-side stroller is an alternative to think about. Side-by-side strollers are generally larger than tandems, and can be difficult to navigate narrow spaces like doorways or crowded aisles in grocery stores. However, they provide the convenience of allowing every child to view the same scenery. They can also be more easy to navigate through in stormy weather because they offer more coverage from the elements for both children.
Many parents choose to purchase a stroller that can be converted from single to double, so they can use it as a baby, and then switch to a regular double once their children are older. After speaking with parents, it became clear that it is better to buy the items you require now rather than to try to predict what you'll require in the near future.
Storage
When shopping for double-strollers, it's crucial to think about the amount of storage and the dimensions. A lot of models have large, easy-to-access baskets that can hold lots of cargo. They also often feature multiple parent cup holders and reversible seating configurations that offer best-in-class legroom for children. Certain of these features could increase the cost so make sure you read reviews and descriptions carefully.
Most double strollers can be classified as 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 learned unassisted sitting. They also have a bigger storage basket than side-byside models, however some are difficult or awkward to push when the front seat is fully reclined.
Side-by-side strollers come with two separate seats positioned side by side and are generally suited to younger babies or toddlers who haven't yet learned independence sitting yet. They also have the benefit of being generally easier to maneuver and pushing than tandem strollers. However, they typically have smaller storage baskets than tandem models and can be more expensive.
There are also double strollers made specifically for jogging or biking. They are more expensive than basic all-terrain strollers and typically come with fixed front wheels that restrict their mobility. It is worth looking into them only if you intend to use them for these activities.
If you're looking for twins or a baby and a toddler, or another child who isn't quite ready to go out on their own, there's a great double stroller out there. Our top picks are easy to maneuver, versatile and stable, as well as seating that can grow with your child's. Take a look at our top picks for the best double stroller to meet your family's needs, whether you are looking for a tandem or one that will fit your infant car seat.