What to Look For in a Double Stroller

The best lightweight double stroller double strollers are made to adapt to the needs of your family and come with 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 appreciated that the stroller arrived in multiple boxes, however everything was well-labeled and easy to open. She also appreciated the fact that the stroller can accommodate two infant car seats, and can be paired up with a riding-board for older children.

Seating Options

Seating arrangements are a key factor in determining whether or the family will buy a double stroller. You'll need to take into consideration the age of your children, the relative sizes of them and the seating arrangements you prefer.

For instance, if have children who are close in age who will sit together, consider a tandem stroller that has child seats linked to each other and doesn't require you to use car seat adapters, according to Alli Cavasino who is a senior editor at Consumer Reports. These are typically wider than other types of double strollers, they won't pass through door frames that are standard within your home.

If you're experiencing an age gap between your kids you should consider a stroller with two seats that can change to a stand-and ride model with the option of a bench or a platform seat in the back for children who would like to ride along with their younger sibling. These strollers are able to accommodate infant car seats if necessary and are suitable for children aged three years apart.

Billingsley explains that you should be aware of the material used for the seat. Some offer more breathable fabrics than others and are more easy to clean. You should also think about how easy it is to fold your stroller for storage or transportation between your vehicle and home. "Nothing is more frustrating than buying the perfect stroller, only you realize it's too heavy to carry or too large for your trunk," she says.

If you're looking for an affordable option that offers multiple configurations take a look at this award-winning stroller from Summer Infant. It comes with two toddler seats as well as an infant bassinet. It can be expanded into a triple stroller by adding a third seat or a riding board. The seats recline, and the controls for the calf bar can be adjusted separately. This is great when one child needs to take a nap while the other wants to explore their surroundings. It's also compact when folded down and easily fits in the majority of trunks.

Age ranges

Sit-and-stand strollers are a great option for families with children who are close in terms of age. They offer convenience and comfort. They have an area in front that seats toddlers or infants and a bench, platform or other surface in the rear that allows older children to stand up or hop on/off. These strollers are great for older children and toddlers, but not for babies or children who do not yet have the coordination and balance to stand on their own.

A narrow tandem stroller lets you to keep both children in view at the same time, and also be pushed through tight spaces, such as aisles at the supermarket or for family photos in parks. These strollers are typically smaller than double strollers that are side-by-side and are generally easier to maneuver however they aren't able to accommodate infant car seats and typically don't have the same amount of undercarry storage.

If you are planning to utilize a double stroller for some time--or even for over a decade, it's worthwhile buying a stroller that will expand with your children. Double strollers are typically more expensive than single strollers, but if you choose the right one the first time around, it can save you money over time.

Our test subjects put these strollers through a series of maneuverability tests and off-road excursions and found them easy to maneuver over a variety of terrain. If you plan to use it in urban areas or cities where sidewalks and traffic are prone to bumps, you might want something more robust and durable that can withstand rough treatment.

Many double strollers are designed to last a long time, but you may find that the seats get used up faster than you anticipated or your kids grow out of it before it's ready for retirement. If you're on a budget, consider getting a model that has been evaluated for at least four years and aims to last for as long as is possible.

Simple to use

It is essential to ensure that the double stroller is simple to use by both children. This means that the harnesses must be comfortable for children who are seated and the handles must be easy to grasp for toddlers. The stroller can also be easily rolled around and maneuvered through tight spaces. In fact the top-rated strollers from our Lab tests -- such as the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie and Thule Urban Glide 2 Double--are among the easiest to push.

A double stroller with car seat stroller should be easy to fold and put away. The most efficient models fold in just a couple of steps and are small enough to fit in the majority of trunks. It's also a benefit when you can add a second seat or a ride-along stroller. Some strollers can accommodate infant car seats so you don't need to wake your baby to transfer them to the stroller when it's time to go home.

A quality double stroller is also sturdy and is able to be used in a variety of kinds of terrains. For instance, some strollers can be converted into a jogging stroller with a specialized front wheel, and some are able to be used as an umbrella stroller. Some even have cargo baskets that can be attached to the back of the stroller to carry groceries or shopping bags.

Another consideration is whether you'd prefer either a side-byside stroller or a tandem. Side-by-side strollers tend to be wider than tandems, and can be difficult to navigate through tight spaces such as entrances or aisles that are crowded in grocery stores. They do offer the convenience of allowing both children to enjoy the same view. They are also more convenient to navigate in 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 get older. But after talking to parents we've learned that it's best to get what you need at the time, rather than trying to anticipate what your family may need in the near future.

Storage

When you're looking for a double-stroller, it's important to think about the amount of storage and the size. Many models come with large, easy-to access baskets that hold plenty of stuff. Many models also have several cup holders for parents and seats that can be reversible to give the best legroom for children. However, certain features can increase in price, so it's important to read reviews and descriptions carefully.

Most double strollers are classified as either tandem or side-by-side designs. Tandem strollers have two seats assembled on the same frame, and are typically more suitable for older babies who have already learned sitting without assistance. They also tend to have a bigger storage basket than side-by-side strollers, but some are awkward or difficult to push when the front seat is fully reclined.

The side-by-side stroller has two separate seats that are placed side-by-side. They're typically better suited for younger babies or toddlers who aren't yet comfortable with independent sitting. They also have the benefit of being generally easier to maneuver and pushing than tandem strollers. They may be more expensive, and they have smaller baskets.

There are also specially designed double strollers designed for jogging and biking. These are usually more expensive than all-terrain strollers and have fixed front wheels, which restrict their mobility. They are worth considering only if you plan to use them for those activities.

If you're looking for twins, an infant and a toddler, or another child who's not yet ready to go out on their own, there's a perfect double stroller out there. Our top picks are simple to maneuver, adaptable and stable, as well as seating that expands with your child. Check out our top picks for the best double stroller to accommodate your family, whether you are seeking a tandem stroller or one that accommodates your infant car seat.