How Easy Is It to Push and Fold a Double Stroller?
A good double stroller will make it easier to move around whether you're walking with your toddler or running with your twins. Finding a double stroller that can be folded and easy to push is essential.
Our Lab experts recommend side-by-side models that have equal reclining, plenty of storage space and car seat adapters that can fit infants.
Seating
When shopping for a double stroller, the seating options are crucial. You may want to think about a tandem stroller that lets one child stand while the other one sits or a side-by- side model that allows your children to sit together.
The seating arrangement also affects your comfort as you navigate through busy streets and sidewalks. Find strollers with reclining chairs with footrests that recline, as well as large canopy to shade the two passengers. Beware of hanging bags from handlebars because they can alter the stroller's center of gravity, causing it to tip.
Double strollers of good quality will also have convenient storage compartments to store your essentials. Check for compartments in the seat backs or underneath the seats to keep toys, snacks and other necessities handy. You can also make use of organizer bags and consoles for parents affixed to the handles of the car to keep things in your hand on walks or outings.
A side-byside pram is the best choice for parents who have children of similar age. They tend to be more stable and provide better visibility for both of the passengers than stacking strollers. Some options can accommodate two infant car seats, allowing you to take your sleepy children from the car to the pram without disturbing them.
good strollers pushchairsandprams with older children who don't mind sitting in separate places or prefer a some independence may like a model that lets a bigger kid to get on the front and enjoy a ride. This type of double stroller typically isn't suitable for newborns and could require more maintenance as the years go by, however it's a great option for families with active children who want the versatility of one stroller that can be converted to a double-kid version.
The most effective double strollers are durable and easy to maneuver even on rough terrain or in tight spaces. They're also lightweight and fold up for compact storage in your trunk or garage which makes them easy to transport and manage when traveling. Additionally, they have a sturdy construction to ensure the durability and safety of your children, and they comply with the American Academy of Pediatricians' (AAP) guidelines for safety.
Canopy
A canopy can shield both the passenger and the sun's rays. Some models even offer an visor to further protect kids' faces. Shades that are massive like the BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 Duallie and the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double earned our top scores for their canopy options. They both provide plenty of coverage and cover kids from head to knee whereas inline options tend to be less generous with shade or provide a single canopy that only covers one seat, which is difficult for siblings who need different levels of protection.
A good canopy should also be able to fit comfortably on the stroller, and many of our top-rated models accomplish that. Make sure to check the dimensions of the canopy prior to buying, as some may require extra space to expand completely and not hit the handles.
Some parents prefer a double stroller that includes a bassinet and car seat adapters as well as other accessories that provide them with more options down the road. The UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double, for instance, comes with a toddler seat as well as an add-on RumbleSeat. This makes it a great choice for families who have twins or young children and need to transport them simultaneously. This stroller can also be used in an innovative sit-and-stand design for older kids who prefer to ride on their own.
Other accessories that can make your stroller more functional include parent consoles or bags for organizing, which can help keep your essentials in reach. They're particularly useful for strollers that aren't used frequently, when you might want to store snacks and toys away from prying eyes. Some of these accessories are connected with a snap or strap which makes it easy to take them off when you're ready for the stroller to be used again.
If you are looking for a double stroller that can be transformed into a toddler stroller with the option of a bench or glider seat and a bench seat, this is the stroller you should choose. Both the Graco Travel System RoomFor2 and UPPAbaby's Vista v2 Duallie feature a bassinet that is compatible with car seats, a toddler's seat and a RumbleSeat. Both can expand into a triple stroller with the addition of a running board which is perfect for families with an active child who is on the move.
Wheels
The type of wheels used on a stroller can make an enormous difference in how it is simple or difficult to push. In general, larger wheels are easier for you to maneuver and are able to handle an array of terrain. The material of the wheels also determines how they are easy or difficult to push. Rubber wheels are more durable than plastic ones and are able to withstand rougher surfaces.
Stroller wheels are available in a variety of designs, sizes and materials to fit a variety of environments and needs. For instance, swivel wheels can aid in maneuvering narrow spaces and make tight turns. Fixed-wheels are more stable and better for smooth surfaces. If you intend to use your stroller on uneven terrain or off-road air-filled tires are more suitable than the standard rubber tires. These tires have a similar design to bicycle tires and can absorb shocks, which makes for a more comfortable ride.
Side-by-side double strollers are bigger than tandem strollers and can be difficult to fit through narrow doorways or crowded aisles in stores. However, they offer your children the same amount of space and let them stretch out their legs. They're generally also more maneuverable and easy to steer than tandem strollers.
If you want to use your stroller for running or biking consider a double jogger with special all-terrain or jogging tires. They are larger, more robust and have sealed ball bearings to provide an easier ride on uneven surfaces. Certain models, such as the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double Stroller are compatible with car seats, which let you jog with your children safely strapped to their car seats.
Other all-terrain/jogging strollers like the Valco Baby Tri Mode Duo X allow two children in the front, but are too heavy to be classified as umbrella doubles. And in our testing, the restraint buckles on this model were among the hardest to fasten, which can be a problem when you're trying to get two kids into the stroller at once. The stroller is more expensive than the top single to tandem pick, but offers top-quality materials and an affordable resale value.
Stores
A well-designed double stroller should have enough storage space to accommodate the children as well as the parents. Insufficient storage space can make it difficult for parents to complete errands or take along all the gear needed for a trip with two children. In our Lab tests, the UPPAbaby V2 double was a good score in this measure. It comes with a big, easy-to-access basket which can support up to 30 lbs.
Strollers with pockets or compartments can aid families in keeping the track of small things, like keys, phones, and wallets. A parent console or organizer bag that attaches to the stroller's handlebars can be a handy way for parents to store their personal belongings while outing with their children.
The UPPAbaby vista has a large basket and is able to carry two car seats for infants. (Not both bassinets, though.) It also features an adjustable telescoping bar as well as easy-to use brakes. It also has one of the biggest capacity seat weight ratings in our range, as well as a simple fold that fits into most door frames.
Our testers also found that the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite wagon comes with a fantastic adjustable bar that is ideal for parents of different heights. The wagon also comes with two UV screens that fold down to provide full sun coverage, and its cup and snack tray holders can hold a variety of bottles and snacks for children.
A big challenge for any stroller is the ability to fold it up and get it back into shape after use, particularly when you have a toddler and an infant in tow. It's the reason it's essential to choose a model that is easy to fold and easy fold. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 and Evenflo Pivot Xpand both feature an easy-to-use, single-handed system that allows parents to swiftly and efficiently fold their strollers, no matter which configuration they are in.
Double strollers can be an investment that's expensive, but parents who plan to use it for many years will be paying more than they would for single strollers. It is also important to determine if the stroller is able to be disassembled to make it easier for storage and transportation. This is important when you have a limited space in your car or at home.