What to Look For in a Double Stroller

The best double strollers grow with families and provide thoughtful features to keep kids happy and comfortable. This includes adjustable foot rests and an easy ride on trails, gravel and old sidewalks.

Kerry was delighted that the stroller came in multiple boxes, but everything was clearly labeled and easy for her to open. She also liked that the stroller accepts two infant car seats and can be used with a riding board for older kids.

Seating Options

Seating arrangements are a key factor in determining whether or the family will buy a double stroller. You’ll want to think about the ages of your children, their respective sizes and the seating configurations that are most suitable for your needs.

Alli Cavasino is a senior editor of Consumer Reports. She says that if you are looking to buy a tandem stroller, you should consider one with child seats that are attached. This model does not require car seat adapters. Double strollers are generally wider than other double strollers. They may not be able to fit through the standard doors of your home.

If you have an age gap between your kids, consider a dual-seat stroller that has the option to transform into a stand-and-ride model that has the option of a bench or a platform seat in the back for children who wants to casually ride with or observe their younger sibling. These strollers are equipped to accommodate infant car seats when needed, and are good for children aged three years apart.

You should also look at the type of seat material, explains Billingsley. Some fabrics are more air-conditioned than others, and easier to 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 purchasing your dream stroller, but you realize it’s too heavy to carry or too large for your trunk,” she says.

If you’re seeking a low-cost option that has multiple configurations take a look at this award-winning stroller from Summer Infant. It comes with two toddler seats as well as a bassinet, and can be expanded to a triple stroller by adding a third seat or riding board. The seats recline, and have the calf bar controls that can be adjusted independently, which is great for those times when one child needs to sleep while the other wants to look around. It’s also compact when folded and fits easily in most trunks.

Age ranges

For families with children who are near in age, a sit and stand stroller can provide the best combination of comfort for children and adults and convenience. These strollers have a seat in front for toddlers or infants and a bench, platform or another type of surface at the rear which allows older children to stand up or hop on/off. They’re great for big toddlers and preschoolers, but won’t work well for younger babies or children who don’t have the balance or coordination to stand on their own.

A narrow tandem stroller can help you keep your eyes on both children at once and fit through difficult areas like aisles of the grocery store that are crowded or family photos at the park. These models are narrower and more maneuverable than double strollers that are side-by-side, but they don’t have enough storage space under the carriage, and they’re not able to fit an the infant car seat.

If you’re planning to use a lightweight double stroller stroller for the course of a few years or even over a decade, it’s worth investing in a model that can grow along with your children. Double strollers are generally more expensive than single strollers. However, when you pick the right one the first time around it can save you money over the course of time.

Our testers ran each of these strollers through a series of maneuverability tests as well as off-road adventures and found them easy to maneuver over different terrains. If you intend to use it in cities or areas where the sidewalks and traffic can be bumpy, you may want something that is more durable and robust that can handle rough treatment.

Many double strollers are designed to last a long time, but you may discover that the seats become used up faster than you anticipated or your children grow out of it before it’s ready for retirement. If you’re on a tight budget look into a model that has been rated for at least four years and is designed to last for as long as you can.

Easy of Use

If you’re planning to purchase a double stroller, you need to ensure that it be simple to use for both children. This means comfortable harnesses for kids who are seated and handles that are easy to grasp for toddlers who stand. This also means that the stroller rolls effortlessly, and is able to be maneuvered through tight spaces and around obstacles. In fact, the top-rated strollers in our Lab tests–such as the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie and Thule Urban Glide 2 Double–are among the easiest to push.

It’s also important that a double stroller is easy to fold and store. The most effective models come with a one- or two-step process, and they’re small enough to fit in most trunks. It’s also a plus when the stroller is a versatile and has the option of adding another seat or a ride-along board. Some can even hold infant car seats, so you don’t have to wake your baby to put them into their stroller once they’re ready to head home.

A quality double stroller is also sturdy and is able to be used in a variety of kinds of terrains. Some can be transformed into a jogging stoller with a front wheel that is specially designed and some can also be used as umbrella strollers. Some come with cargo baskets that can be affixed to the back of the stroller to carry shopping bags or groceries.

Another thing to consider is whether you’d prefer a side-by-side stroller or a tandem. Side-by-side strollers tend to be wider than tandems and can be difficult to maneuver through tight spaces such as the aisles of doors or grocery stores. They do offer the convenience of allowing both children to enjoy the same view. They are also easier to navigate in rough weather, as they provide more coverage twin pushchair from birth the elements for both kids.

Many parents choose to purchase an adaptable single-to-double stroller, so that they can use it for a newborn and then switch to a regular cheap double pushchair when their kids are older. After talking to parents, it became clear that it is better to purchase what you need today rather than to try to predict what you might need in the near future.

Stores

If you’re considering a double stroller, you may be interested in the size and the amount of storage space. Many models come with spacious, easy-to-access baskets that can accommodate a lot of cargo. Many models also have numerous cup holders for parents, as well as seating configurations that can be reversed to provide the best legroom for children. Some of these features may add to the price, so be sure to go through the reviews and descriptions carefully.

The majority of double strollers are classified as tandem or side-by-side designs. Tandem strollers have two seats assembled on the same frame and they’re typically better suited for older children who are already comfortable with unassisted sitting. They also have a bigger storage basket than side-by-side strollers, but some can be awkward or difficult to push when the front seat is reclined fully.

The side-byside stroller features two separate seats that are set side-by-side. They’re usually more suitable for infants or toddlers, who aren’t yet ready for sitting on their own. They also have the benefit of being more easy to maneuver and pushing than tandem strollers. However, they typically have smaller storage baskets than tandem strollers, and can be more expensive.

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

There’s a double stroller to suit any situation, whether you’re buying one for twins, a child who’s not yet ready to take a ride by themselves, or a child who’s not quite old enough. The best options that we tested are flexible and stable. They are also easy to navigate, with seating that grows as your children grow. Take a look at our top choices for the top double stroller that will fit your family, whether you are seeking a tandem stroller or one that can accommodate your infant car seat.