How Easy Is It to Push and Fold a Double Stroller?

When you're taking your toddler for the streets or jogging with your twins, the perfect double stroller makes it easier for everyone to get around. However, finding one that is easy to fold and push is a must.

Our Lab experts recommend side-by-side models that have equal recline, ample storage and car seat adapters to accommodate infants.

Seating

Seating options are crucial when shopping for a double-stroller. You may want to consider a tandem stroller that lets one child stand while the other one sits or a side-by- side option that lets your children sit together.

Seating arrangements can also affect your comfort when you are navigating the busy streets and sidewalks. Look for Prams for Newborns strollers with reclining seats, reclined footrests and large canopy that provides shade for both passengers. Beware of hanging bags on the handlebars since they can change the stroller's weight and encourage tipping.

A quality double stroller will include convenient storage for your essentials and other essentials. Check for compartments in the seat backs or underneath the seats to keep snacks, toys and other necessities handy. Parent consoles and organizer bags connected to the handles are also useful to keep things within reach on walks or outings.

For those pushchair with car seat little ones close in age, a side-by-side stroller might be the best option. They are usually more stable and provide better visibility for both of the passengers than strollers that stack. Some models can accommodate two infants in a car seat, allowing you move your sleeping children from the car to the babiie pram without disturbing them.

Parents with older children who don't mind sitting in separate places or who enjoy a degree of independence might appreciate a sit-and-stand model that allows a bigger kid to climb onto the front and ride along. This kind of double-stroller isn't compatible with newborns, and it may require more maintenance over the course of time. However, it can be an excellent option for active families who are looking for the flexibility of a single stroller that converts into an adult-only model.

The most effective double strollers are strong and easy to maneuver, even on rough terrain or in tight spaces. They are also light, foldable and compact to be easily stored in your garage or trunk. This makes them easy to carry when traveling. They are made to last and comply with the safety standards of the American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP).

Canopy

A canopy can shield both the passenger and the sun's rays. Some models come with an visor to further protect children's faces. Shades that are massive like the BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 Duallie and the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double earned our top scores for their canopy options. Both models provide ample coverage and cover children from head to toe while inline models often lack shade or offer a single canopy which only covers one seat. This can be a problem for siblings that want different levels protection.

Most of our top-rated canopys fit on strollers easily. Make sure to check the dimensions of the canopy prior to buying, as some models may require extra space to expand completely and avoid hitting the handles.

Some parents prefer a double stroller that comes with a bassinet, car seat adapters or other add-ons to provide them with more options down the road. The UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double, for instance, comes with a toddler seat and an add-on RumbleSeat. This makes it a perfect option for families with twins or young children and need to transport them at the same time. This stroller has the unique sit and stand configuration for older children who prefer to travel by themselves.

Other accessories that can make your stroller more functional include parent consoles and organizer bags, which help keep things in reach. They're particularly useful for strollers that aren't frequently used or when you want to stash toys and snacks away from prying eyes. Some of these accessories are attached by snaps or straps, making it easy to remove them when you're ready for the stroller to be used again.

If you're planning on a long-term investment consider a double stroller compatible with infant car seats and will be converted into a toddler stroller with the option of a bench seat or a glider board. The Graco RoomFor2 Travel System and UPPAbaby Vista v2 Duallie both come with an auto seat-compatible bassinet, toddler seat and RumbleSeat. Both are able to be expanded to a triple stroller by the addition of a running board, which is ideal for families with an active child who likes to be in motion.

Wheels

The type of wheels a stroller is equipped with can make an impact on how it is easy to push. In general, larger wheels are easier to maneuver and can handle more terrain. The material used to make the wheels also determines how they are easy or difficult to push chairs and prams. Rubber wheels, for example, are typically more durable and can stand up to rougher surfaces than plastic wheels.

Stroller wheels come in a variety styles sizes, dimensions and materials that can meet a wide range of needs and environments. Swivel wheels, for instance, can make it easier to maneuver around tight spaces and tight corners. Fixed wheels are more stable and ideal for smooth surfaces. If you intend to take your stroller off the road or on rough terrain, you should consider purchasing air-filled tires instead rubber tires. These tires are similar to bicycle tires, and they absorb shocks, which makes for more comfortable riding.

Side-by-side double strollers are much bigger than tandem strollers, and they can be difficult to fit through narrow doors or aisles of stores. They offer your children the same amount of room to sit and let them stretch their legs. They're generally also more maneuverable and easy to steer than tandem strollers.

If you want to use your stroller to run or bike, look for double joggers with all-terrain or jogging tires. These are thicker, larger and come with sealed ball bearings to provide smoother rides on uneven surfaces. Certain models, like the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double Stroller are compatible with a car seat, allowing you to jog while your children are in their car seats.

Other all-terrain/jogging strollers, such as the Valco Baby Tri Mode Duo X allow an additional child in front but are too heavy to be classified as umbrella doubles. Also, in our testing, the restraint buckles on this model were among the toughest to secure, which could be a problem when you're trying to get two kids into the stroller all at once. The stroller is more expensive than the top single to tandem option, but comes with top-quality materials and a reasonable resale price.

Stores

A good double stroller should offer plenty of storage space for parents and children. Lack of storage makes it hard for a parent to complete errands or take all the equipment needed on a trip with two kids. In our Lab tests the UPPAbaby V2 double was a good score in this measure. It has a large, easy-to-access basket which can support up to 30 lbs.

Strollers with pockets and compartments that are multiple can aid families in organizing small things like wallets, keys and phones. A parent console or organizer bag that is attached to the handlebars of the stroller could be a handy option for parents to store their personal belongings when out with the children.

In addition to a spacious basket The UPPAbaby Vista also has two infant car seats (though not both bassinets) and also has a telescoping handlebar as well as easy-to-use brakes. It also has the biggest maximum weight rating in our lineup, and an adjustable fold that will fit most standard door frames.

Our test participants also discovered that the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite wagon features a remarkably adjustable bar that is ideal for parents with different heights. The wagon also features two UV screens that fold down to provide complete sun coverage and its cup and snack tray holders can hold plenty of bottles and snacks for children.

The biggest issue with any stroller is folding it and getting it back in shape after you've used it. This is especially the case when you have a toddler or infant with you. It's essential to pick a stroller that folds easily and smoothly. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 and Evenflo Pivot Xpand both feature an easy-to-use, single-handed system that allows parents to swiftly and efficiently fold their stroller, no matter which configuration they're in.

While a double stroller might appear like a costly purchase, parents who intend to utilize the product for several years should remember that they'll usually pay more for this kind of stroller than single ones. Also, you should consider whether the stroller is able to be disassembled for storage and transport. This is essential if you only have limited space in your vehicle or home.