What to Look For in a Double Stroller

The best double strollers grow with families and offer clever features to keep children happy and comfortable. The best double strollers come with adjustable footrests and a smooth ride over gravel, old sidewalks, and trails.

Kerry was thrilled that the stroller was packaged in multiple boxes, however everything was clearly labeled and easy for her to open. She also appreciated that the stroller accepts two infant car seats and can be combined with a riding board for older children.

Seating Options

Seating options are an important element in determining whether the family will buy a double stroller. You'll have to think about the age of your children, the relative sizes of them, and the seating arrangements you prefer.

For example, if you have children close in age who will sit side-by-side, you should consider a tandem model that has child seats linked to one another and doesn't require you to use car seat adapters, says Alli Cavasino, a senior editor at Consumer Reports. They're typically larger than other double strollers, however they won't fit through standard door frames within your home.

If your children are a different age, you might be interested in a stroller with two seats that can be converted into a stand-and ride model. This allows children to watch or ride along with their sibling. These in-line strollers are also equipped to accommodate infant car seats if necessary and are ideal for children who are 3-5 years apart.

You should also take a look at the seat material, says Billingsley. Some offer more breathable fabrics than others and are more easy to clean. It's also important to take into consideration how easy it is to fold your stroller for transporting it to and from your car. "There's nothing more frustrating than buying the perfect stroller only to find out that it is too heavy or big for your trunk," says the expert.

If you're looking for a budget-friendly option that offers multiple configurations, then check out this award-winning stroller from Summer Infant. It has two toddler seats and an infant bassinet. It could be made into 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 when one child is looking to rest while the other one wants to take in the surroundings. When folded, the seat is small and easily fits into most trunks.

Age ranges

Sit-and-stand strollers are a great option for families with children who are similar in age. They provide the comfort and convenience. These strollers have a seat in the front for toddlers or infants, and a platform, bench or another surface at the rear that allows older children to stand up or hop on/off. They are great for big toddlers and preschoolers, but don't work well for younger babies or children who don't have the balance and coordination to stand on their own.

A narrow tandem stroller lets you to keep both children in view at once, and can fit through tight spaces like grocery store aisles or for family photos in the parks. These models are narrower and more maneuverable than double strollers with side-by-side seating, but they don't have as much storage under the carriage and can't accommodate infant car seats.

If you're planning to utilize a double stroller for several years--or even a decade or more--it's worth purchasing a model that will continue to adapt to your children's needs. Double strollers are more expensive than single ones however, if you choose them properly, you'll save money in the long run.

Our test participants took each stroller through an assortment of maneuverability tests as well as off road adventures. They discovered that they were easy to navigate on various terrains. If you plan to use it in cities or areas where the traffic and sidewalks are prone to bumps, you might want something more robust and durable that can handle rough treatment.

Double strollers are built to last, but the seats can wear out sooner than you expect or your kids may outgrow them before they're ready to retire. If you are on the tightest budget, go for one with a rating of at minimum four years. It should last as long as is possible.

Easy of Use

It's important to make sure that the double stroller is simple to use by both children. This means that the harnesses should be comfortable for children sitting and the handles should be easy to grasp for toddlers. 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 from our Lab tests -- such as the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie and Thule Urban Glide 2 Double among the most comfortable to push.

It's also important that a double stroller be 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 if the stroller is versatile with the option of adding a second seat or a ride-along board. Some strollers can hold infant car seats, so you don't need to wake your baby to transfer them to the stroller when it's time to leave for home.

A quality double stroller is also durable, so it can be used in different types of terrain. Some are able to be transformed into a jogging stoller with a specific front wheel and some can also be used as twin umbrella stroller strollers. Some strollers come with a cargo bag that can be attached at the back to carry shopping bags and other items.

Another consideration is whether you'd prefer an oversized stroller that can be used side-by-side or as a tandem. Side-by-side strollers are generally bigger than tandem models and aren't easy to maneuver through narrow spaces like doorways or aisles of grocery stores that are crowded. However, they provide the convenience of allowing every child to view the same scenery. They are also easier to navigate in rough weather, as they provide more protection from the elements for both children.

Many parents opt to buy a stroller that is convertible from single to double so they can use it as a baby, and then later change to a regular double pushchair once their children are older. After speaking with parents, it became clear that it is better to purchase the items you require now rather instead of trying to predict what you might require in the near future.

Stores

If you're considering a double stroller, you may need to think about the size and quantity of storage space. Many models come with large, easy-to-access baskets that can hold a lot of cargo. They also often feature multiple parent cup holders and convertible seating arrangements that provide the best legroom available for children. However, some of these features can add up in price, so it's important to read descriptions and reviews carefully.

The majority of double strollers can be classified into tandem or side by side models. Tandem strollers are two seats on one frame and are for older children who can stand unaided. They also tend to have a larger storage basket than side-by-side models, though they can be a bit awkward or difficult to push when the front seat is reclined fully.

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

There are also double strollers that are designed specifically for jogging or biking. They are generally more expensive than all-terrain strollers. They also have fixed front wheels, which limit their mobility. They are worth considering only if you plan to use them for these activities.

There's a double stroller to suit any situation regardless of whether you're purchasing one for twins, a child who's not yet ready to ride alone or not quite old enough to be a proper rider. The top options we've found in our tests are versatile, stable, and easy to use with seating that expands as your children grow. So whether you're in search of a tandem stroller or one that will accommodate your infant car seat, check out our top picks to find the perfect lightweight double buggy stroller for your family.