What to Look For in a Double Stroller

The best double strollers are designed to adapt to the needs of your family and come with thoughtful features that keep children at ease and happy. This includes adjustable foot rests as well as a smooth ride on gravel, trails and old sidewalks.

Kerry was thrilled that the stroller came in multiple boxes, however everything was clearly labeled and simple to open. She also appreciated that the stroller can be used with two infant car seats and can be combined with a riding board for older kids.

Seating Options

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

Alli Cavasino is a senior editor for Consumer Reports. She says that if you are looking to purchase a tandem stroller, it is best to consider one with child seats attached together. This model doesn't require car seat adapters. These double pram and pushchair strollers are usually larger than other double strollers. They may not fit through the standard doors of your home.

If you're experiencing an age gap between your children, consider a dual-seat stroller with the option to change to a stand-and ride model that has an elevated or small bench seat in the back for a kid who wants to casually ride along with their younger sibling. These strollers are able to accommodate infant car seats when needed, and are good for children aged three years apart.

Billingsley suggests that you also consider the type of material you choose for your seat. Some fabrics are more air-conditioned than others, and are easier to clean. It's also important to think about how easy it is to fold your new stroller down for transporting it to and from your car. "Nothing is more frustrating than acquiring your dream stroller but you realize it's too heavy for you to lift or too large for your trunk," she says.

If you're looking for a low-cost option that has various seating options look no further than this award-winning model from Summer Infant that comes with two toddler seats as well as a bassinet attachment. The stroller can be expanded to become a triple stroller, with an additional seat or riding board. The seats recline and come with control mechanisms for the calf bar that allow them to adjust independently, which is ideal for when one child wants to sleep while the other wants to take in the surroundings. It's also compact when folded and easily fits into the majority of 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 come with a seat in front for toddlers or infants and a bench, platform or another surface at the rear which allows older children to stand up or get off and on. These strollers are ideal for older toddlers and children, but not for babies or children who do not yet have the balance and coordination to stand on their own.

A narrow tandem stroller can help keep your eyes on both children at the same time and get through difficult areas like aisles of the grocery store that are crowded or family photos in the park. These models are usually narrower than side-by-side double strollers and are generally easier to maneuver, but they won't accommodate carseats for infants and generally do not offer the same amount of storage under the carriage.

If you plan to use a double stroller over several years--or even longer than a decade, it's worth investing in an option that will grow with your kids. Double strollers tend to be more expensive than single strollers, but If you choose the right one the first time it can save you money over the course of time.

Our test subjects put these strollers through a series of maneuverability tests as well as off-road adventures and found them easy to navigate over different terrains. If you plan to use it in urban areas or cities where the sidewalks and traffic are prone to bumps, you may want something more durable and sturdy capable of handling rough treatment.

Many double strollers are built to last for a long period of time, but you could discover that the seats become used up faster than you anticipated or your children outgrow it before it's ready to retire. If you're on the tightest budget, go for one with a rating of at minimum four years. It should last as long as it can.

Simple to Use

It's crucial to ensure that the double stroller is easy to use by both children. It means that the harnesses need to be comfortable for children who are seated, and the handles should be easy to grasp for toddlers. The stroller can also be easily rolled and maneuvered through tight spaces. In fact the top strollers in 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 should also be easy to fold up and take down and store. The best models fold down in one or two steps and are compact enough to fit into most trunks. It's also an advantage that the stroller can be used in a variety of ways with the option of adding another seat or a ride-along board. Some strollers can also hold infant car seats so you don't have to wake your baby up to move them into the stroller when it's time to go home.

In addition, a good double stroller should be sturdy so that it can be used on different types of terrain. Some are able to be converted into a jogging stoller with a front wheel that is specially designed and some can also be used as umbrella strollers. Some even have an accessory basket that can be affixed to the rear of the stroller to carry groceries or shopping bags.

Another consideration is whether you'd like either a side-byside stroller or a tandem. Side-by-side strollers are generally larger than tandem models, and aren't easy to maneuver through tight spaces such as doorways and crowded grocery store aisles. However, they provide the convenience of allowing both children to view the same scenery. They are also easier to navigate through in stormy weather as they provide greater coverage from the elements for both children.

Many parents decide to purchase an adaptable stroller that can be used by a baby and then converted to double strollers when their children get older. After talking with parents, it became apparent that it is better to buy what you need now than to try to anticipate what you will need in the near future.

Stores

If you're shopping for a double pushchairs for narrow spaces stroller, then you might be interested in the size and amount of storage space. Many models come with spacious accessible baskets that can store a large amount of items. Many models also have multiple cup holders for parents as well as seating configurations that can be reversed to provide the best legroom for children. Some of these features can increase the cost so make sure you go through the reviews and descriptions carefully.

Most double strollers are classified as tandem or side-by-side designs. Tandem strollers are two seats in one frame and are best suited to older babies who can sit n stand double stroller unassisted. They also tend to 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-by-side stroller comes with two seats that are set side-by-side. They're usually more suitable for infants 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. They are more expensive and have smaller baskets.

There are also special double buggy that converts to single strollers designed for biking and jogging. These are usually more expensive than all-terrain strollers. They also have fixed front wheels which limit their flexibility. These strollers are only worth considering if you intend to use them for these kinds of activities.

There's a double stroller that's suitable for any situation regardless of whether you're purchasing one for twins or a child who's not yet ready to ride on their own or not yet old enough. The best options that we tested are flexible, stable, and easy to use with seating that expands as your children grow. So whether you're looking for a tandem stroller or one that can accommodate your infant car seat, take a look at our top picks to find the ideal double stroller for your family.