How to Choose the Best Double Strollers

A double stroller makes life easier for parents with twins or children of different ages, whether you're on an easy stroll or going for a morning run. With the many options available, how do you choose the right one for your family?

Our newest team member, Kerry, got her stroller feet wet by using this expandable model that allows you to alter the seating configuration to suit different requirements.

Safety

Whether you're running through the zoo, running errands, or heading out trick-or-treating with your kiddos, your stroller needs to be secure. That means a sturdy frame and comfortable harnesses for children who sit down, and easy-to-grab handles for toddlers who stand. It should also to fit through doors, simple to fold and move, and be easy to move. It should also be reasonably priced.

We put every double stroller through vigorous testing in our lab, at the zoo, on streets in the city, and during family outings in suburban areas. Our lab tests assess the stroller's maneuverability, stability and ease of steering. We also test the comfort of the suspension for both the driver and rider as well as the weight capacity, the seat canopy heights and storage space.

In addition to the routine safety checks performed by our experts in strollers We also ask parents to provide feedback on their experiences with each model. Then, we take the information into consideration when making our recommendations.

If you're looking for a secure stroller that is high-quality, then start with our top recommendations. These strollers are versatile and can be used as infant car seats. They are available in tandem or single stroller configurations, and they're suitable for children ranging from birth to elementary school.

The best double strollers are designed to grow with your family. They're stylish and sleek they can be fitted with a variety of customizations, and can accommodate both toddlers and infants in side-by-side or tandem (single-file) seating designs. Most also feature a spacious storage basket as well as a telescoping handlebar and one-handed folding mechanisms.

Consider a tandem stroller that comes with benches at the back for a third child if you have twins, or a child of similar age. These strollers are great for siblings who would like to be together, but may not be able sit side-by-side in a standard stroller. They may get into a fight or argue. There are convertible models that allow you to take off the bench seat once your children are ready to go for the ride without a car seat.

Comfort

The best double strollers come with comfortable child seats that are well-padded and supported. They also have ample storage space, spacious footwells for children's feet and legroom and UPF 50+ canopies that provide great sun protection. The seats should recline at an angle to ensure children are comfortable, and they should include calf bars that allow parents to adjust the height of each seat independently. The handlebars should be comfortable and easy to maneuver, says Alli Cavasino, a certified child passenger safety technician. The handlebars must be close enough to the kids seats that you are able to reach them and grasp them. If the handlebars are too spread out you'll have a difficult time keeping your balance and maintaining good form when pushing them.

The ride should be smooth even on rough or hard surfaces. Some of the models we tested have shock absorbers to keep the ride steady. Certain models come with front and back suspension which increases control and reduces amount of force needed to push them. The wheels must be made of high-quality rubber with robust tread that can withstand lots of wear and tear.

We searched for the most versatile double-strollers that can be used from the time of to toddlerhood. Some of the models we came across can be set up as side-by-side or tandem strollers and one that we found, the Uppababy Vista v2, can even be transformed into a single-file stroller suitable for infants. This model is three times more expensive as our primary tandem model however, its materials are more durable, and it should last longer.

The best double strollers are lightweight and easy to maneuver for long walks, errands and trips to the park or zoo. They're generally wider than single strollers, so they might not be able to be able to fit through narrow entrances or in crowded aisles of stores. Some of them cost more than single to double stroller-seaters. This is understandable because you get a lot more for your budget. These models are suitable for both adults and children, and will grow with your family.

Convenience

If you're planning to spend the money for a double prams For infant and toddler stroller, you'll want one that is easy to move and store. It should be light and compact enough to fit into the trunk of your car or in the space at home. It should be able navigate rough terrain and make precise turns. The best double-strollers feature adjustable calf support and seats that recline. They also provide UPF sun protection. The canopy should be wide enough to cover both kids, and if you're worried about getting the sun into their eyes, opt for one with a peek-a-boo window.

The age and stage of your children will determine the type stroller you need. Parents with twins can opt for a convertible stroller which can accommodate two infant car seats simultaneously parents with a child who is older and a toddlers might prefer doubles that are side-by-side. You'll need to decide if you want an infant stroller that fits through narrow entrances and aisles of grocery stores or even on planes.

In our Lab tests, we discovered that the best double strollers are fairly easy to fold and carry. Most double strollers fold in a matter of one or two steps and are small enough to fit in the majority of cars that are compact. They're also designed to be stable when folded, which makes them much easier to put back together.

Some of the best double-strollers have convenient parent features like the cup holder that can be used by one parent as well as a huge storage basket. Consider whether the stroller comes with locks for the front seat, to prevent your child from escaping. Some of the top strollers include a universal car seat adapter and can be converted into one-seaters when your children grow.

The cost of some of the top double strollers is a bit steep, but they typically are of higher quality and resale value than cheaper models. They are also more maneuverable and can withstand the toughest terrain, such as city sidewalks or park trails.

Style

Parents shopping for a double stroller are looking for more than just a way to carry two kids. They want a lightweight stroller that can be maneuvered with enough onboard storage and thoughtful features to grow with the kids--and be simple to push and navigate. Since they'll be carrying more than children, the stroller must be easy on their back and shoulders.

That's why the best double strollers are sleek and support a wide range of designs, and be adapted to infant car seats for an easy transition from baby to toddler. They can be used in tandem (single to double stroller-file seating) as well as side-by-side. They are even light enough for running.

In addition to the size parents should also think about whether the double stroller can fit through doorways and other narrow spaces. Fortunately, the majority of strollers we tested in our latest update can pass through standard exterior doors that measure 36 inches wide. Moreover, the majority of them can fit inside doors that range from 28 to 35 inches wide.

When we review the top double strollers, we take into consideration how easy they fold and unfold. We also take a look at how well-padded the seats and canopy are. We also consider how comfortable the buckles and seat straps are for children seated in the stroller, and how easy it is to adjust the handlebar height.

For example our top choice is the Uppababy Vista V2, is lightweight and has ample onboard storage for both children. It has one parent cup seat that reclines independently, and a large UPF 50+ canopies with windows that peek out. The seat's buckles and straps are padded and among the most comfortable that we have tested. We also found it to be the most simple seat for children to fasten.

If you're not quite ready to purchase a double stroller yet, Facebook Marketplace and second-hand-goods websites are able to offer used items in good condition at reasonable prices. Just make sure to do your research before you buy, scanning for signs of damage and looking for recalls that could be possible.