What to Look For in a Double Stroller

The best double strollers are built to grow with families and provide clever features to keep children happy and comfortable. The top double strollers have adjustable footrests and smooth rides over gravel, old sidewalks and trails.

Kerry appreciated that the stroller arrived in multiple boxes, however everything was labeled well and was easy to open. She also loved that the stroller can be used with two infant car seats and can be used with a riding board for older kids.

Seating Options

Seating options are a major element in determining whether an entire family will invest in a double stroller. You'll want to consider the ages of your children, their relative sizes, and the seating arrangements that work best for you.

Alli Cavasino is a senior editor of Consumer Reports. She says that if you're planning to purchase a tandem stroller, you should think about one with child seats attached together. This model is not required to have car seat adapters. They are generally larger than other double strollers, however, so they may not fit into standard door frames in your home.

If you're experiencing an age gap between your kids, consider a dual-seat stroller with the option to transform into a stand-and-ride model with an elevated or small bench seat in the back for a child who likes to just ride along or watch their younger sibling. These kinds of in-line strollers can also be adapted to fit infant car seats, should they be required, and are a good option for children who are 3-5 years apart, says Billingsley.

You'll also want to take a look at the seat material, according to Billingsley. Some are more breathable than others and are more easy to clean. It's also important to think about how easy it is to fold your stroller for transporting it to and from your car. "Nothing is more frustrating than buying your dream stroller, but you realize it's too heavy to carry or too big for your trunk," she says.

If you're looking for a budget-friendly option that offers different seating options take a look at this award-winning model 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 control of the calf bar can be adjusted in a separate manner. This is great when one child needs to rest while another is looking to explore the surroundings. When folded, the seat is compact and can fit easily into most trunks.

Age ranges

Sit-and-stand strollers are the best option for families with children who are close in age. They provide comfort and ease of use. These strollers usually have seats for infants or toddler in front and a bench or platform that lets an older child stand or hop on and off in the back. They're great for big toddlers and preschoolers, but won't work well for younger babies or kids who do not yet have the balance or coordination to stand on their own.

A narrow tandem stroller lets you to keep both children within sight all at once, and it can be pushed through tight spaces, such as aisles in the grocery store or for family photos at the parks. These models are narrower and easier to maneuver than lightest double stroller strollers with side-by-side seating however they don't have as much storage space under the carriage, and they're not able to fit an infant car seat.

If you are planning to utilize a double stroller for many years, or even over a decade, it's worthwhile purchasing a model that will grow with your kids. Double strollers tend to be more expensive than single to double buggy strollers, but when you pick the right one first time, it can save you money over the course of time.

Our test participants put each of these strollers through a series maneuverability tests and off-road excursions and found them to be simple to maneuver over a variety of terrain. However, if you're going to use it in cities or other urban areas where sidewalks and traffic are prone to bumps and uneven, you may want something more sturdy and robust that can withstand the rough treatment.

Many double twin strollers for newborns are designed to last a long time, but you may notice that the seats are more worn than you expected or your kids outgrow it before it's ready to retire. If you are on an extremely tight budget, you should choose an option with a warranty of at least four years. It should last as long as is possible.

Ease of Use

It's important to make sure that the double stroller is easy to use by both children. This means that the harnesses must be comfortable for children who sit and the handles must be a breeze to hold for toddlers. The stroller can also be easily rolled and moved around obstacles and in tight spaces. In fact, the top-rated strollers in our Lab tests--such as the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie and Thule Urban Glide 2 Double among the most easy to push.

A double stroller should be easy to fold up and put away. The best models have the option of a two-step or one-step process, and they're compact enough to fit into most trunks. It's also an advantage when the stroller is a versatile, with options to add a second seat or a ride-along board. Some can even hold infant car seats, so you don't need to wake up your baby to get them into their stroller when they're ready to go home.

Furthermore, a quality double stroller must be durable to be able to be used on various types of terrain. For instance, some models can be converted to an jogging stroller by using an adapted front wheel and some can be used as an umbrella stroller. Some come with cargo baskets that can be attached to the rear of the stroller to carry shopping bags or groceries.

Another thing to consider is whether you want either a side-byside stroller or a tandem. Side-by-side strollers tend to be bigger than tandem models and they aren't easy to maneuver through tight spaces such as doorways and aisles of the grocery store. They are convenient since they permit each child to view the same scene. They can also be easier to navigate in a storm, as they provide more protection from the elements for both children.

Many parents opt to purchase an adaptable stroller that can be used with a baby, and then transformed into a double stroller once their children get older. After speaking with parents we've learned it's best to buy what you require at the moment instead of trying to anticipate what your family will require in the future.

Storage

When shopping for a double-stroller, you need to take into consideration the amount of storage available and the dimensions. A lot of models have large easy-to-access baskets that are able to store a large amount of items. Many models also have multiple cup holders for parents as well as seats that can be reversible to give the most legroom for children. However, a few of these features can increase in price and it's crucial to read descriptions and reviews carefully.

Most double strollers can be classified as tandem or side by side designs. Tandem strollers have two seats on one frame and are for older children who can sit unassisted. They also have a much larger storage basket than side-byside models, however some are difficult or awkward to push when the front seat is fully reclined.

The side-byside stroller features two separate seats that are placed side-by-side. They're usually better suited for younger babies or toddlers, who aren't yet comfortable with sitting independently. They also have the added benefit of being more easy to maneuver and push than tandem strollers. However, they tend to have smaller storage baskets than tandem strollers and may be more expensive.

There are double strollers designed specifically for jogging or biking. They are generally more expensive than all-terrain strollers, and have fixed front wheels, which restrict their mobility. These strollers are only worth considering if you intend to use them for these kinds of activities.

There's a stokke double stroller stroller to suit every scenario, whether you're buying one for twins or a child that's not yet ready to take a ride by themselves or not yet old enough. The best options in our tests are versatile and stable. They're also easy to use and have seating that grows as your kids do. Check out our top picks for the top double stroller that will fit your family whether you're seeking a tandem stroller or one that accommodates your infant car seat.