How Easy Is It to Push and Fold a Double Stroller?
A double stroller that is well-designed will make it easier to move around, whether you're walking with your toddler or jogging with your twins. Choosing a double stroller that folds easily and is easy to push is crucial.
Our Lab experts recommend side-by-side models that have equal recline and plenty of storage space, including car adapters for infants' seats.
Seating
The seating options you choose are important when shopping for a double-stroller. You may want to consider a tandem stroller that allows one child to stand while the other one sits, or a side by side option that allows your children to sit together.
The seating arrangement can affect your comfort when you're walking on busy streets and sidewalks. You should consider a stroller with reclined seats, reclined footrests and large canopy that provides shade for both passengers. Beware of hanging bags on the handlebars because they can alter the stroller's center of gravity and cause it to tip over.
A quality double stroller will have handy storage space for your essentials as well. Look for compartments under the seats or in the backs of the seats. These are excellent places to store toys, snacks, and other essentials. Parent consoles and organizer bags connected to the handles are also useful to keep things within reach when you go for walks or outings.
For those with little ones nearing their age, a side-by-side stroller might be the best option. They are generally more stable than stacking types, and they offer better views for both passengers. Some models can accommodate two infants in a car seats, allowing you to take your sleepy children from the car to the pram without waking them.
Parents with older kids who don't mind sitting separately or who enjoy a degree of independence might appreciate the sit-and-stand option that allows an older child to sit on the front and ride along. This kind of double-stroller is not newborn-compatible and could require more maintenance over the course of time. However, it can be a great option for active families that want the versatility of one stroller that transforms into an adult-only model.
The best double strollers are strong and easy to maneuver, even on rugged terrain or in tight spaces. They are also light and foldable for easy storage in your trunk or garage. This makes them easy to carry when you travel. They're constructed to last and comply with the safety standards of the American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP).
Canopy
A canopy protects both passengers from direct sun and some models even have a a visor that shields children's faces. Models with giant shades like the BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 Duallie and the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double earned our top marks for their canopy options. Both offer ample coverage and cover kids from head to knee whereas inline options tend to skimp on shade or provide a single canopy that only covers one seat, which can be problematic for siblings that want different levels of protection.
A quality canopy should fit easily on the stroller, and a number of our top-rated models can do that. Check the dimensions of the canopy before buying, as some may require additional space to extend completely and avoid hitting the handles.
Some parents like double strollers that come with the option of a bassinet or car seat adapters to allow them to have more options in the future. For instance, the UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double features a toddler seat and an add-on RumbleSeat which makes it an ideal choice for families with twins or young children who might require the transport of more than two children at the same time. This stroller is a versatile model that offers the unique sit and stand arrangement for older children who prefer to ride on their own.
Ongoing and consoles for parents can help your stroller be more efficient. They keep essentials close at hand. These bags are particularly useful when you want to store snacks and toys away from the view of. Some of these accessories can be secured using either a strap or snap that makes it simple to take them off when you're ready to use the stroller once more.
If you're planning on an investment that will last for a long time opt for a double stroller compatible with infant car seats and can be converted into a toddler stroller that has an adjustable bench or glider board. The Graco RoomFor2 Travel System and the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Duallie both have an auto seat-compatible bassinet with a toddler seat as well as RumbleSeat. Both can be converted into a triple stroller with the addition of a running board, which is perfect for families that have an active child who likes to be in motion.
Wheels
The type of wheels that a stroller is equipped with can make an impact on how it is easy to push. In general, bigger wheels are easier for you to maneuver and are able to handle an array of terrain. The material used to make the wheels also affects how they are easy or difficult to push. Rubber wheels are more durable than plastic ones and are able to withstand rougher surfaces.
Stroller wheels come in various styles, sizes, and materials to fit a variety of requirements and environments. Swivel wheels, for example can make it easier to maneuver around tight corners and spaces. Fixed wheels provide more stability and are better for smooth surfaces. If you plan to take your stroller off-road or on a rough terrain, think about getting air-filled tires instead of regular rubber tires. These tires are similar to bicycle tires, and absorb shocks for a more comfortable ride.
Double strollers that are side-by-side are wider than tandem models and can be more difficult to maneuver through narrow doors or congested aisles. They provide your children with the same amount of room to sit down and stretch their legs. They're generally also more maneuverable and easy to steer than tandem strollers.
If you intend to use your stroller to run or bike, look for double joggers with all-terrain or jogging tires. They are larger, more robust and feature sealed ball bearings that provide an easier ride on uneven surfaces. Certain models, like the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double Stroller are compatible with a car seats which allows you to jog while your children are safely strapped into their car seats.
Other strollers that are all-terrain and jogging like the Valco Baby Tri Mode Duo X accept an additional child in front but are too bulky to qualify as umbrella doubles. In our testing, we discovered that the buckles on this stroller were the most difficult to fasten. This can be a problem if need to squeeze two children on the stroller at the same time. This stroller is priced higher than the top single-to tandem pick, but offers high-quality components and an affordable resale value.
Storage
A quality double stroller will have enough storage space for both parents and children. Insufficient storage space could make it difficult for parents to run around and carry everything they need for a family outing. In our Lab tests, the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double performed very well in this measurement it has a large and easy-to-access basket that can hold up to 30 lbs.
Strollers with multiple compartments or pockets can help families keep in mind small items like phones, keys and wallets. A parent console or organizer bag that attaches to the handlebars of the stroller can be a great way for parents to store their personal belongings during outings with the children.
In addition to a large basket The UPPAbaby Vista also has two infant car seats (though not both bassinets) and also has an adjustable handlebar that telescopically extends and brakes that are simple to use. It also comes with one of the highest capacity weight ratings for seats in our range, as well as an easy fold that fits through the majority of door frames.
Our test participants also discovered that the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite wagon has a great adjustable bar that is ideal for parents of different heights. The wagon also features two folding UV screens that provide complete sun coverage and its snack tray and cup holders can hold a variety of bottles and snacks for kids.
The most difficult thing about any stroller is folding it and bringing it back in shape after use. This is particularly true for those who have a toddler or infant with you. It's crucial to select one that folds quickly and quickly. Both the UPPAbaby Vista v2 stroller and Evenflo Pivot Xpand have a single-handed, user-friendly mechanism that allows parents to fold their strollers quickly and efficiently, regardless of the configuration they're using.
While a double stroller may appear like a costly purchase, parents who intend to use the product for several years should remember that they'll generally spend more on this kind of stroller than single strollers. It's also worth determining if a stroller can be broken down into parts for easier transport and storage this is a vital consideration if you have limited living or vehicle space.