What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The best double strollers are made to grow with your family and 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 loved the fact that the stroller was delivered in multiple boxes, however everything was labeled well and was easy to open. She also liked that the stroller can be used with two infant car seats and can be paired with a riding board for older children.
Seating Options
Seating arrangements are a key element in determining whether the family will buy a double stroller. You'll need to take into consideration the age of your children, their relative sizes of them, and the seating arrangements you like.
For instance, if have children who are close in age who will sit side-by-side, consider a tandem model that comes with child seats attached to one another and doesn't require you to use car seat adapters, according to Alli Cavasino an editor in the senior position at Consumer Reports. They're typically larger than other double strollers, they won't fit through standard door frames in your home.
If you have an age gap between your children, consider a dual-seat stroller with the option to change to a stand-and ride model with a platform or small bench seat in the back for a child who would like to ride with or observe their younger sibling. These in-line strollers are also able to accommodate infant car seats when needed and are ideal for children aged three years apart.
Billingsley advises that you must also consider the type of material used for the seat. Some fabrics are more breathable than others, and easier to clean. It's also important to take into consideration how easy it is to fold your stroller for stowing or transporting to and from your car. "There's nothing more frustrating than purchasing your dream stroller only to discover that it's too heavy or large for your trunk," says the expert.
If you're looking for a low-cost option that offers different seating options, check out this award winner from Summer Infant, which has two toddler seats with a bassinet attachment. It can be made into a triple stroller with an additional seat or riding board. The seats recline and the calf bar controls can be adjusted in a separate manner. This is perfect for when one child wants to rest while another is looking to explore the surroundings. It's also compact when folded and easily fits in most trunks.
Age ranges
Sit-and-stand strollers are the best option for families with children who are close in age. They provide convenience and comfort. These strollers typically have seats for infants or toddler in front and a bench or platform that lets an older child stand or take a ride in the back. These strollers are great for older toddlers and children but not suitable for infants or children who do not have the coordination or balance to stand up on their own.
A narrow tandem stroller can help you keep your eyes on both children at once and fit through difficult areas like busy aisles in the grocery store 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, but they won't accommodate infant car seats and typically don't offer the same amount of undercarry storage.
If you are planning to use a double stroller over several years--or even over a decade, it's worthwhile investing in an option that will continue to grow with your kids. double pram and pushchair are more expensive than single strollers however, if you select them properly, you'll save money in the long run.
Our test participants put each of these strollers through a series of maneuverability tests and off-road excursions and found them to be easy to navigate through a variety of terrain. But if you're planning to use it in urban zones where sidewalks and traffic can be bumpy and uneven, you may want something more sturdy and durable that can handle the rough treatment.
Double strollers are built to last, but the seats could wear out sooner than you expect or your kids may outgrow them before they're ready to retire. If you're on a tight budget you should consider buying one that has been evaluated for at least four years and aims to last for as long as you can.
Ease of Use
It's crucial to ensure that the double stroller is comfortable to use by both children. This means that the harnesses need to be comfortable for children sitting and the handles must be easy to grasp for toddlers. The stroller can also be easily rolled and moved through tight spaces. The top strollers we tested in our Lab tests, like the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie or Thule Urban Glide 2 Double are among the easiest to move around.
A double stroller must be able to fold and put away. The best models fold down in just a couple of steps and are small enough to fit into the majority of trunks. It's a plus when you can add a second seat or a ride-along stroller. Some strollers can even accommodate infant car seats, meaning you don't need to wake up your baby to put them into their stroller when they're ready for a trip home.
A good double stroller is also durable and can be used on a variety of kinds of terrains. 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 bag that can be put 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 models are usually wider than tandems, and may be difficult to navigate through narrow spaces like the aisles of doors or grocery stores. However, they provide the convenience of allowing each child to view the same scenery. They are also more convenient to navigate in bad weather since they provide more protection from the elements.
Many parents opt to buy a stroller that is convertible from single to double to use it for a newborn and later change to a regular double when their kiddos are older. After speaking with parents, it became apparent that it is better to purchase the items you require now rather instead of trying to predict what you'll require in the near-term.
Storage
If you're considering a double stroller, you may need to think about the size and the amount of storage space. A lot of models have large accessible baskets that can store a large amount of items. Many models also come with several cup holders for parents as well as seats that can be reversible to give the best legroom possible for children. However, some of these features can add up in price, so it's important to read reviews and descriptions carefully.
Most double strollers are categorized as tandem or side-by-side designs. Tandem strollers feature two seats that are positioned on the same frame, and they're typically better suited for older babies who have already learned sitting without assistance. They also have a much larger storage basket than side-by-side models, though they can be a bit awkward or difficult to push when the front seat is reclined fully.
Side-by-side strollers have two individual seats positioned side by side, and they're typically better suited to younger babies or toddlers who aren't yet able to master independent sitting. They are also more maneuverable and easy to push than tandem strollers. However, they typically have smaller storage baskets than tandem strollers and may be more expensive.
There are also specialized double strollers specifically designed for jogging and biking. They are more expensive than the standard strollers that are all-terrain, and they often come with fixed front wheels that restrict their mobility. They are worth considering only if you intend to use them for those activities.
If you're looking for twins or an infant and a toddler, or a child who's not yet ready to go out on their own, there's a perfect double stroller for you. The top options we've found in our tests are affluent, stable, and easy to use and have seating that grows as your kids do. So whether double pram pushchair looking for a tandem stroller or one that will accommodate your infant car seat, check out our top choices to find the perfect double stroller for your family.