What to Look For in a Double Stroller

The best double strollers are built to grow with families and provide clever features to keep children happy and comfortable. The best double strollers offer adjustable footrests as well as smooth riding over gravel, old sidewalks, and trails.

Kerry was thrilled that the stroller arrived in multiple boxes, but everything was clearly labeled and simple for her to open. She also appreciated the fact that it can accommodate two infant car seats and can be used 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 want to think about the ages of your children, their respective sizes and the seating configurations that work best for you.

Alli Cavasino is a senior editor at Consumer Reports. She says that if you are looking to purchase a tandem stroller, it is best to think about one with child seats attached together. This model is not required to have car seat adapters. These are typically wider than other double infant stroller strollers, however they might not fit into standard door frames within your home.

If you're experiencing an age gap between your kids, consider a dual-seat stroller that has the option to change to a stand-and ride model that has the option of a bench or a platform seat in the back for a kid who wants to casually ride along or watch their sibling. These strollers are equipped to accommodate infant car seats when needed, and are good for children who will be 3 to 5 years apart.

Billingsley advises that you must be aware of the material you choose for your seat. Some are more breathable than others, and are easier to keep clean. It is also important to consider how easy it will be to fold the stroller for storage purposes or transporting it to and from your car. "Nothing is more frustrating than acquiring the perfect stroller, only finding it's too heavy for you to lift or too large for your trunk," she says.

If you are seeking a low-cost option that has multiple configurations look no further than this award-winning stroller from Summer Infant. It features two toddler seats and the bassinet. It can be converted to a triple stroller by adding an additional seat or a riding board. The seats recline, and have calf bar controls to adjust independently, which is perfect for when one child wants to sleep while the other one wants to take in the surroundings. When folded, the seat is compact and can fit easily into the majority of trunks.

Age ranges

For families with kids who are similar to their ages, a sit-and-stand stroller is the perfect combination of comfort for both children and ease of use. These strollers come with a seat in the front for toddlers or infants and a bench, platform or other surface in the rear which allows older children to stand up or hop on/off. These strollers are great for older children and toddlers however, they are not suitable for babies or children who do not have the coordination or balance to stand up on their own.

A narrow tandem stroller allows you to keep both children within sight at the same time, and also be squeezed into tight spaces such as grocery store aisles or for family photos in parks. These strollers are typically smaller than side-by-side double strollers and are able to move more easily, but they won't accommodate infant car seats and generally don't offer the same amount of storage under the carriage.

If you're planning to use a double stroller over many years, or even over a decade, it's worth buying a model that can grow with your kids. double car seat stroller strollers are more expensive than single ones however, if you choose them properly, you'll save money in the long run.

Our testers put each stroller through an assortment of maneuverability tests as well as off-road adventures. They discovered that they were simple to maneuver over a variety terrain. If you intend to use it in urban areas or cities where the traffic and sidewalks can be bumpy, you might want something more durable and sturdy capable of handling rough treatment.

A lot of double strollers are made to last a long time, but you may find that the seats get used up faster than you anticipated or your children grow out of it before it's ready to retire. If you're looking for a bargain look into a model that has been rated for at least four years and is designed to last as long as possible.

User-Friendliness

It is essential to ensure that the double stroller is comfortable to use by both children. That means comfortable harnesses for seated kids, and easy-to-grasp handles for toddlers who stand. The stroller can also be easily rolled and moved through tight spaces. In fact the top strollers in our Lab tests--such as the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie and thule double stroller Urban Glide 2 Double among the most easy to push.

It's also important that a double stroller be easy to fold and put away. The best models fold down in two or three steps and are compact enough to fit in most trunks. It's an advantage if you can add a second seat or a ride-along stroller. Some even have the capacity to hold infant car seats, meaning you don't need to wake your baby to transfer them into their stroller once they're ready for a trip home.

Additionally, a great double stroller must be durable to be able to be used on a variety of terrain. Some are able to be transformed into a jogging stoller with a front wheel that is specially designed and some can also be used as umbrella strollers. Some strollers have a cargo bag that can be attached to the back of the stroller to carry shopping bags and groceries.

A tandem or side-by-side is an alternative to think about. Side-by-side strollers are generally larger than tandems, and may be difficult to navigate narrow spaces like doorways or crowded aisles in grocery stores. However, they provide the convenience of allowing each child to view the same scenery. They are also easier to navigate through in stormy weather, as they provide more protection from the elements for both children.

Many parents opt to buy a stroller that is convertible from single to double so they can use it as a baby, and then later switch to a regular double when their kiddos are older. But after talking to parents we've learned that it's best to purchase what you need now instead of trying to anticipate what your family may need in the future.

Stores

If you're looking for a double stroller, you might need to think about the size and quantity of storage space. Many models have spacious, easy-to-access baskets that can accommodate a lot of cargo. Many models also have multiple cup holders for parents and seating configurations that can be reversed to provide the best legroom for children. However, a few of these features can increase in price, so it's important to read descriptions and reviews carefully.

The majority of double strollers can be classified as tandem or side by side designs. Tandem strollers are two seats on one frame, and are best for older children who can sit unassisted. They also tend to have a much larger storage basket than side-byside models, however some can be difficult or awkward to push when the front seat is reclined fully.

Side-by-side strollers come with two separate seats that are positioned side-by-side and are generally for infants or toddlers who haven't mastered independent sitting. They are also more maneuverable and easy to push than tandem strollers. They may be more expensive, and they have smaller baskets.

There are also specialized double strollers specifically designed for biking and jogging. These are more expensive than standard strollers that are all-terrain, and they typically come with fixed front wheels that restrict their mobility. They are worth considering only if you intend to use them for these activities.

If you're looking for twins or an infant and an older toddler, or a child who's not yet ready to go out on their own, there's a perfect double stroller out there. The top options we've found that we tested are flexible, stable, and easy to navigate, with seating that grows as your kids do. Check out our top picks for the best double stroller to accommodate your family whether you're searching for a tandem or one that can accommodate your infant car seat.