How Easy Is It to Push and Fold a Double Stroller?
The right double stroller will make it easier to move around regardless of whether you’re walking your toddler or jogging together with your twins. However, finding one that is easy to fold and push is a must.
Our Lab experts recommend side by side models that feature equal reclining, plenty of storage and car seat adapters to fit infants.
Seating
When you are looking 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 sits or a side by side model that allows your children to sit together.
Seating arrangements can also impact your comfort when you’re navigating busy sidewalks and streets. Look for strollers with reclined seats, footrests that recline and large canopy covers to provide shade for the two passengers. Also, avoid hanging bags on the handlebars since they can alter the stroller’s weight and cause tipping.
A quality double stroller will include convenient storage for your essentials and other essentials. Check for compartments in the back of the seats or underneath the seats to keep snacks, toys and other essentials in one place. You can also use organizer bags and consoles for Double pushchair parents attached to the handles of the car to keep things handy during walks or outings.
A side-byside pram is the best option for parents who have children of the same age. They’re usually more stable than stacking types and provide better visibility for both passengers. Some options also accept two car seats for infants which allows you to move your sleeping kids from the car to the stroller without waking them.
Parents with older kids who aren’t afraid to sit separately or prefer a bit of independence might like a sit-and-stand model that allows the bigger child to climb onto the front and enjoy a ride. This type of double-stroller is not compatible with newborns and may require more maintenance in the future. However, it can be a great choice for active families who are looking for the flexibility of a single stroller that transforms into an adult-only model.
The top double strollers will be sturdy and maneuverable even in muddy terrain or narrow spaces. They’re also light and fold down for compact storage in your trunk or garage making them easy to transport and manage while traveling. They’re constructed to last and comply with the safety guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP).
Canopy
A canopy protects both the passengers from the sun’s rays and some models even have a a visor that shields children’s faces. Models with huge shades like the BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 Duallie and the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double received our top marks for their canopy options. Both models offer ample coverage and cover children from head to toe, however, inline options tend to lack shade or have a single canopy that only covers one seat. This can be problematic for siblings that want different levels of protection.
Most of our top-rated canopys fit on strollers with ease. Be sure to verify the dimensions of the canopy before buying, as some models may need extra space to extend fully and avoid hitting the handles.
Some parents prefer a double stroller that includes a bassinet and car seat adapters, as well as other accessories to give them more options in the future. The UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double, for instance, comes with a toddler seat and an added RumbleSeat. This makes it a great choice for families who have twins or young children and need to transport them at the same time. This stroller is also able to offer a unique sit-and-stand configuration for older kids who prefer to ride on their own.
parent facing pram consoles and organizer bags can also help your stroller be more efficient. They keep essentials close in your reach. They’re especially useful for strollers that aren’t frequently used, when you might want to keep snacks and toys away from prying hands. Some of these accessories can be secured by a strap or snap that makes it simple to take them off when you’re ready to use the stroller again.
If you’re looking to make a long-term investment opt for a double stroller that’s compatible with infant car seats and can be converted into a toddler stroller complete with a bench seat or glider board. The Graco RoomFor2 Travel System and the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Duallie both come with a car seat-compatible bassinet with a toddler seat as well as RumbleSeat. Both can be converted into a triple stroller with the addition of a running board, which is ideal for families with an active child who is in motion.
Wheels
The type of wheels that are used on the stroller can make a big difference in how it is simple or difficult to push. In general, bigger wheels are easier for you to maneuver and will be able to tackle a wider range of terrain. The material of the wheels can also impact how they are to push. Rubber wheels are more durable than plastic ones and can handle rougher surfaces.
Stroller wheels are available in a variety styles, sizes and materials to accommodate various needs and conditions. Swivel wheels, for example can help to navigate tight corners and spaces. Fixed wheels are more stable and suitable for smooth surfaces. If you intend to take your stroller off-road or on rough terrain, think about getting air-filled tires instead of standard rubber tires. These tires are similar to bicycle tires, and they absorb shocks, which makes for an easier ride.
Side-by-side double strollers are much larger than tandem strollers and are difficult to fit through narrow entrances or aisles in stores. They give your children the same amount of space and allow them to stretch out their legs. They’re generally also more maneuverable and easy to steer than tandem strollers.
If you intend to use your stroller for an exercise bike or run, choose a double jogger that has special all-terrain tires or jogging wheels. These tires are bigger, thicker, and feature sealed ball bearings for a smoother ride on uneven surfaces. Some models, such as the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double Stroller are compatible with car seats that allow you to run while your children are secured in their car seats.
Other all-terrain/jogging doubles, like the Valco Baby Tri Mode Duo X can accommodate a second seat in front but are generally too bulky to qualify as umbrella doubles. Also, in our testing the restraint buckles on this model were among the most difficult to fasten, which can be a challenge when trying to get two kids into the stroller at once. The stroller is costly with a price that is hundreds higher than our main top-rated single-to-tandem option, but it does come with top prams-quality materials and a good return value.
Storage
A good double stroller should provide ample storage space for parents and children. Insufficient storage space can make it difficult for parents to get around town or bring along all the gear needed for an outing with two kids. In our Lab tests we found that the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double performed well in this metric with a spacious and easily accessible basket that can hold up to 30 pounds.
Strollers with multiple compartments and pockets can aid families in organizing small items like keys, wallets and phones. A parent console or organizer bag that is attached to the stroller’s handlebars can be a convenient way for parents to store their personal belongings when out with the children.
The UPPAbaby vista has an enormous basket that can carry two infant car seats. (Not both bassinets however.) It also comes with a telescoping bar and brakes that are easy to use. It also has the largest weight capacity in our collection, as well as an adjustable fold that will fit the majority of door frames.
Our test participants also discovered that the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite wagon comes with a fantastic adjustable bar, which is ideal for parents of different heights. The wagon also has two folding UV screens that provide complete sun coverage and its cup and snack tray holders can accommodate a lot of bottles and snacks for kids.
A major challenge for anyone using a stroller is the ability to fold it and get it back into shape after usage, especially when you have two children in tow. It’s essential to pick one that folds quickly and smoothly. Both the UPPAbaby Vista v2 stroller and Evenflo Pivot Xpand have a single-handed, simple-to-use mechanism that allows parents to fold their strollers quickly and efficiently, regardless of the configuration they’re using.
Although a double stroller might appear like a costly purchase, parents who intend to utilize the product for several years should be aware that they’ll typically pay more for this kind of equipment than single strollers. It’s also worth looking into whether the stroller is able to be disassembled into smaller pieces for storage and transport, which is an important consideration if you have limited space in your home or vehicle.