Lance Faith

What to Look For in a Double Stroller The best double strollers grow with families and provide thoughtful features to keep kids at ease and content. This includes adjustable foot rests and an easy ride on gravel, trails and old sidewalks. Kerry was delighted that the stroller came in multiple boxes, but everything was clearly labeled and simple for her to open. She also liked that the stroller can accommodate two infant car seats, and it can be paired with a ride-board for older children. Seating Options Seating arrangements are a key aspect in determining whether or not a family will purchase a double stroller. You'll want to think about the age of your children, their relative sizes and the seating configurations that are most suitable for your needs. Alli Cavasino is a senior editor for 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. These double strollers are typically wider than other double strollers. They may not be able to fit through doors that are standard in your home. If you're facing an age gap between your kids, consider a dual-seat stroller that can convert to a stand-and-ride model that has a platform or small bench seat in the back for a kid who likes to just ride with or observe their younger sibling. These strollers are able to accommodate infant car seats if necessary and are ideal for children who are 3-5 years apart. Billingsley advises that you must also consider the type of material used for the seat. Some are more breathable than others and are easier to keep clean. It's also important to consider how easy it is to fold your stroller for transporting it to and from your car. "There's nothing more frustrating than purchasing your dream stroller only find out that it is too heavy or bulky for your trunk," says the expert. If you're looking for a low-cost option that can accommodate different seating options take a look at this award-winning model from Summer Infant It comes with two toddler seats as well as a bassinet attachment. The stroller can be expanded to become triple stroller by adding an additional seat or riding board. The seats recline, and have control mechanisms for the calf bar that allow them to adjust independently, which is great for when one child is looking to rest while the other wants look around. It's also compact when folded down and fits easily in the majority of trunks. Age ranges Sit-and-stand strollers are the best option for families with children who are close in terms of age. They offer convenience and comfort. These strollers typically have seats for infants or toddler in front and a bench or platform that allows an older child to stand or jump on and off in the back. They're ideal for big toddlers and preschoolers, but don't be suitable for infants or kids who don't yet have the balance and coordination to stand on their own. A narrow tandem stroller can help keep an eye on both kids at once and fit through difficult areas like busy aisles in the grocery store or family photos in the park. 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 carseats for infants and generally don't offer as much undercarriage storage. If you're planning to use a double stroller over the course of a few years, or even for a decade, you should consider investing in one that will grow along with your children. Double strollers are more expensive than single strollers however, if you select them correctly, you can save money over the long haul. Our test subjects put these strollers through a series maneuverability tests and off-road excursions, and they found them to be easy to navigate over various terrains. However, if you're planning to use it in cities or other urban areas where traffic and sidewalks are prone to bumps and uneven, you may want something stronger and more durable that can handle the rough treatment. Double strollers are designed to last, but the seats may be worn out earlier than you anticipate or your children may outgrow them before they're ready to retire. If you're looking for a bargain, consider getting a model that has been evaluated for at least four years and aims to last as long as you can. Ease of Use If you're going to purchase a double stroller, it's important that it is user-friendly for both children. That means comfortable harnesses for seated kids and handles that are easy to grasp for toddlers who stand. The stroller can also be easily rolled around and maneuvered around obstacles and in tight spaces. The top strollers we tested in our Lab tests, such as the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie or Thule Urban Glide 2 Double are among the easiest to navigate. It's also essential that a double stroller is easy to fold and put away. The best models fold in just a couple of steps and are compact enough to fit in most trunks. It's also an advantage that the stroller can be used in a variety of ways and has the option of adding an additional seat or ride-along board. Some strollers can accommodate infant car seats, meaning you don't need to wake your baby up to transfer them to the stroller when it's time to go home. Additionally, a great double stroller should be sturdy so that it can be used on a variety of terrain. Some are able to be converted into a jogging stoller with a specific front wheel and others can be used as umbrella strollers. Some strollers come with a bag that can be put to the back of the twin stroller side by side (read this blog article from jejucordelia.com) to carry shopping bags and groceries. Another factor to consider is whether you'd prefer either a side-byside stroller or a tandem. Side-by-side strollers are generally larger than tandems, and can be difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces like the aisles of doors or grocery stores. They are practical because they allow each child to view the same scene. They are also easier to navigate during bad weather as they offer more protection from the elements. Many parents choose to buy an adaptable stroller that can be used with a baby, and then transformed into a double stroller once their children are older. After talking to parents, it became apparent that it is better to purchase what you need now instead of trying to predict what you might need in the near future. Storage If you're shopping for a double stroller, you might be interested in the size and quantity of storage space. A lot of models have large easy-to-access baskets that are able to hold lots of cargo. They also often feature numerous cup holders for parents and convertible seating arrangements that provide the most comfortable legroom for children. Certain of these features could increase the cost, so be sure to go through the reviews and descriptions carefully. Most double strollers are classified as tandem double buggy or side by side models. Tandem strollers have two seats in one frame, and are best suited to older babies who can sit unassisted. They also have a larger storage basket than side-by-side models, though they can be a bit difficult or awkward to push when the front seat is reclined fully. Side-by-side strollers have two individual seats that are positioned side-by-side and are generally suited to younger babies or toddlers who aren't yet able to master independent sitting yet. They also have the added benefit of being more easy to maneuver and pushing than tandem strollers. They may be more expensive and have smaller baskets. There are also specialized double strollers that are designed specifically for jogging and biking. These are more expensive than the standard strollers that are all-terrain, and they often have fixed front wheels that restrict their mobility. It is worth looking into them only if you intend to use them for those activities. There's a double stroller to suit every scenario whether you're looking to purchase one for twins or a child that's not quite ready to take a ride by themselves, or a child who's not quite old enough to be a proper rider. Our top picks are easy to maneuver, versatile, stable and have seating that can grow with your child's. So whether you're looking for a tandem stroller or one that will accommodate your infant car seat, check out our top choices to find the perfect double stroller for your family.