What to Look For in a Double Stroller

The best double strollers are designed to grow with your family and include thoughtful features that keep your children content and comfortable. This includes adjustable foot rests and a smooth stroll on trails, gravel and old sidewalks.

Kerry was thrilled that the stroller was packaged in multiple boxes, however everything was clearly labeled and easy for her to open. She also appreciated that the stroller accepts two infant car seats and can be used with a riding board for older children.

Seating Options

Seating options are a major aspect in determining whether or not a family will purchase a double stroller. You'll need to consider the age of your children, the sizes of them and the seating configurations you prefer.

Alli Cavasino is a senior editor at Consumer Reports. She says that if you are looking to purchase a tandem stroller, you should consider one with child seats that are attached. This model doesn't require car seat adapters. These double strollers are typically wider than other double strollers. They may not be able to fit through doors that are standard in your home.

If your children are of a different age, you might think about a stroller with two seats that can be turned into a stand-and ride model. This will allow children to observe or ride along with their sibling. These types of in-line strollers can also accommodate infant car seats should they be required and are a great option for children who are 3-5 years apart, says Billingsley.

Billingsley advises that you must take into consideration the material you choose for your seat. Some offer more breathable fabrics than others, and are easier to clean. It's also important to take into consideration how easy it is to fold your stroller to store it or transport it to and twin pushchair from birth your car. "Nothing is more frustrating than buying your dream stroller, but finding it's too heavy to lift or too big for your trunk," she says.

If you're looking for a budget-friendly option that can accommodate multiple seating configurations take a look at this award winner from Summer Infant that comes with two toddler seats as well as a bassinet attachment. The twin stroller with car seats can be made into a triple stroller, with an additional seat or riding board. The seats recline and come with the calf bar controls that can be adjusted independently, which is ideal for those times when one child needs to rest while the other wants to take in the surroundings. It's also compact when folded down and fits easily in the majority of trunks.

Age ranges

Sit-and-stand strollers are the best option for families with children who are close in terms of age. They provide the comfort and convenience. 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 children and toddlers, but not 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 in view at the same time, and also be pushed through tight spaces, such as aisles in the grocery store or for family photos at the parks. These models are smaller and more maneuverable than side-byside double strollers however they don't offer enough storage space under the carriage, and they're not able to fit an infant car seats.

If you plan on using a double stroller for the course of a few years or even over a decade, it's worth investing in a model that can grow with your kids. Double strollers tend to be more expensive than single strollers, but if you choose the right one first time around it can help you save money over time.

Our testers ran each of these strollers through a series of maneuverability tests and off-road excursions, and they found them easy to maneuver over various terrains. But if you're planning to use it in urban areas where traffic and sidewalks can be bumpy, you might want something more sturdy and durable that can handle the rough treatment.

Many double strollers are designed to last a long time, but you could notice that the seats are worn out faster than expected or your children grow out of it before it's ready to retire. If you're on the tightest budget, go for a model with a rating of at minimum four years. It is best to use it for as long as is possible.

Easy of Use

If you're going to invest in a double stroller, you need to ensure that it be user-friendly for both children. This means that the harnesses need to be comfortable for children sitting and the handles must be a breeze to hold for toddlers. The stroller can also be easily rolled around and maneuvered around obstacles and in tight spaces. In fact the top Double Pushchairs strollers in our Lab tests -- such as the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie and Thule Urban Glide 2 Double--are among the most comfortable to push.

It's also crucial that a double stroller is easy to fold and put away. The best models fold in two or three steps and are small enough to fit in most trunks. It's also beneficial when the stroller is a versatile and has the option of adding another seat or a ride-along board. Some even have the capacity to hold infant car seats, meaning you don't have to wake your baby to put them into the stroller when they're ready to head home.

In addition, a good double stroller must be durable to be able to be used on a variety of terrain. For instance, some strollers can be converted into an jogging twin stroller that has a front wheel that is specially designed, and some are able to be used as an umbrella stroller. Some strollers come with a cargo bag that can be tacked to the back of the vehicle to carry shopping bags and other items.

Another consideration is whether you want a side-by-side stroller or a tandem. Side-by-side strollers are generally larger than tandems and can be difficult to navigate tight spaces such as the aisles of doors or grocery stores. However, they offer the convenience of allowing every child to see the same scene. They are also easier to navigate during bad weather as they offer more protection from the elements.

Many parents decide to purchase an adaptable stroller that can be used by a baby and later converted into a double stroller when their children are older. After talking to parents, it became apparent that it is better to purchase the items you require now rather instead of trying to predict what you might require in the near-term.

Storage

When shopping for double-strollers, it's crucial to consider the amount of storage available and the size. Many models have spacious accessible baskets that can hold lots of cargo. They also typically have several cup holders for parents as well as seats that can be reversible to provide the most comfortable legroom for children. However, some of these features can add up in price therefore it is important to read the descriptions and reviews carefully.

Most double strollers are classified as tandem or side-byside designs. Tandem strollers have two seats assembled on the same frame, and are typically more suitable for older children who are already comfortable with sitting on their own. They usually have more storage space than side-by-side models. However, some models can be difficult to push when the front seat is fully reclined.

The side-byside stroller features two separate seats that are positioned side-by-side. They're typically best suited to infants or toddlers who aren't yet comfortable with sitting independently. They are also more maneuverable and easy to push than tandem strollers. However, they typically have smaller storage baskets than tandem models and can be more expensive.

There are also double strollers that are designed specifically for jogging or biking. These are usually more expensive than all-terrain strollers and have fixed front wheels which limit their mobility. It is worth looking into them only if you plan to use them for such activities.

There's a double stroller to suit every scenario, whether you're buying one for twins or a child that's not quite ready to take a ride by themselves or not quite old enough to be a proper rider. The top choices in our tests are versatile and stable. They are also easy to maneuver with seating that expands as your kids do. Check out our top picks for the best double stroller to accommodate your family whether you're looking for a tandem or one that accommodates your infant car seat.