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

If you're taking your toddler out for the streets or jogging with your twins, having the best double stroller will make it easier for everyone to get around. However, finding one that is easy to push and fold is a must.

Our Lab experts recommend side-by-side models with equal recline and ample storage, plus car seat adapters for infants.

Seating

Seating options are important when choosing a double-stroller. You may want to think about a tandem stroller that lets one child stand while the other one sits, stroller compact or Toddler stroller a side by side option that lets your children sit together.

The seating arrangement can impact your comfort when you are navigating busy streets and sidewalks. You should consider strollers with reclined seats, footrests that recline and generous canopies that provide shade for both of the passengers. Beware of hanging bags from handlebars, as they can alter the stroller's center of gravity and cause it to tip.

A high-quality double stroller will include handy storage space for your essentials, too. Check for compartments in the back of the seats or underneath the seats to keep toys, snacks and other items in a convenient place. You can also make use of organizer bags and consoles for parents affixed to the handles of the car to keep things handy during walks or outings.

For those with little ones close in age, a side-by-side stroller might be the best choice. They are generally more stable than the stacking type and offer better visibility for both passengers. Some models also accommodate two infant car seats which allows you to move your sleepy children from the car to the stroller without waking them up.

Parents with older children who aren't afraid to sit separately or who prefer a little bit of independence might like the sit-and-stand option that allows a bigger kid to sit on the front of the stroller and ride along. This type of double stroller typically isn't suitable for newborns and could require more maintenance as years pass by, but it's an excellent alternative for families who want the versatility of one stroller that can be converted to a two-kid version.

The best double strollers are sturdy and easy to maneuver even on rugged terrain or in tight spaces. They're also light and fold down for compact storage in your garage or trunk, making them easy to transport and manage while traveling. They are also built to last and comply with the safety guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP).

Canopy

A canopy shields both passengers from the sun, and some models offer the option of a visor to protect children's faces. Models with huge shades like the BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 Duallie and the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double earned our top scores for their canopy options. They both offer plenty of coverage and cover kids from head to knee, whereas inline options tend to be less generous with shade or have a single canopy that only covers one seat, which is difficult for siblings who need different levels of protection.

A good canopy should be able to fit comfortably on the stroller, and a number of our top-rated models can do that. But be sure to check the model's dimensions before you purchase, as certain canopy may require additional space in the basket to allow for full extension and to ensure that the handles don't get hit when they're folded.

Some parents prefer a double stroller that includes a bassinet and Travel System Prams car seat adapters as well as other add-ons to provide them with more options down the road. The UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double, for example, comes with a toddler seat and an added RumbleSeat. This makes it an ideal option for families with twins or young kids and need to transport them simultaneously. This stroller is also able to offer a unique sit-and-stand configuration for older children who prefer to ride on their own.

The organizer bags and consoles for parents can also make your stroller more useful. They keep essentials close to hand. They're especially useful for strollers that aren't frequently used or when you want to keep snacks and toys away from prying hands. Some of these accessories are attached with a snap or strap that makes it simple to remove them when ready for the stroller to be used again.

If you're planning on investing in a long-term plan, look for a double stroller compatible with infant car seats and can transform 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 a bassinet that is compatible with car seats, toddler seat and RumbleSeat. Both strollers can be converted into triple strollers with the addition of a running board. This is ideal for active families who have one child who loves to travel.

Wheels

The type of wheels a stroller is equipped with can make a difference in how it is to push. In general, bigger wheels are easier to maneuver and will be able to tackle a wider range of terrain. The material that the wheels are made of also determines how hard or easy they are to push. Rubber wheels are more durable than plastic ones and can handle rougher surfaces.

Stroller wheels come in a variety styles, sizes, and materials to meet various needs and environments. For instance, swivel wheels can aid in maneuvering narrow spaces and tight turns. Fixed-wheels are more stable and better for smooth surfaces. If you are planning to take your stroller off-road or over rough terrain, consider getting air-filled tires instead of standard rubber tires. These tires are similar to bicycle tires, which absorb shocks for a more comfortable ride.

Side-by-side double strollers are larger than tandem strollers and can be difficult to maneuver through narrow entrances or aisles of stores. But they give your children equal seating space and let them stretch their legs. They are also usually easier to maneuver than tandem strollers.

If you plan to use your stroller as a running or bike it as a double jogger, you need to choose one that comes with special all-terrain tires or jogging wheels. These tires are bigger and thicker, and come with sealed ball bearings that provide smoother rides on uneven surfaces. Some models, such as the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double Stroller are compatible with a car seat that allow you to run while your children are safely in their car seats.

Other all-terrain/jogging strollers like the Valco Baby Tri Mode Duo X allow two children in the front, but are too heavy to be classified as umbrella doubles. We found that the buckles on this stroller were the most difficult to fasten. This could be a problem when you are trying to fit two children in the stroller at the same time. The stroller is costly, costing hundreds more than our main top-rated single-to-tandem model, but it comes with top-quality materials and an excellent selling value.

Stores

A quality double stroller should offer plenty of storage space for both children and parents. Insufficient storage can make it hard for a parent facing pram to run errands or bring all the equipment needed to enjoy a trip with two kids. In our Lab tests the UPPAbaby double scored very well on this measure. It has a large accessible, easy-to-access basket that can support up to 30 lbs.

Strollers that have pockets or compartments that are multiple can aid families in keeping in mind small items like keys, phones, and wallets. A parent console or organizer bag that is attached to the stroller's handlebars can be a great method for parents to keep their personal belongings when out with the children.

The UPPAbaby vista comes with a large basket and pushchair travel system can carry two infant car seats. (Not both bassinets however.) It also features a telescoping bar and brakes that are easy to use. It also comes with one of the highest maximum allowable seat weight ratings in our collection, and it folds easily through the majority of door frames.

Our testers also found that the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite wagon comes with a fantastic adjustable bar that is ideal for parents with different heights. The wagon has two UV screens that fold up to provide complete sun protection and its cup holders and snack tray can hold a variety of kid's bottles and snacks.

The biggest issue with any stroller is folding it it back in shape after use. This is particularly true for those who have a child or toddler with you. It's crucial to select one that folds quickly and smoothly. Both the UPPAbaby Vista v2 stroller and Evenflo Pivot Xpand have a single-handed, user-friendly mechanism that lets parents fold their stroller quickly and efficiently, no matter what configuration they're in.

While a double stroller might appear like a costly investment, parents who plan to use the product for a number of years should be aware that they'll usually spend more on this kind of stroller than single ones. Also, you should consider whether the stroller is able to be disassembled for storage and transportation. This is important if you only have limited space in your home or vehicle.