How Easy Is It to Push and Fold a Double Stroller?
When you're taking your toddler on an outing or running with your twins, the best double stroller will make it easier for everyone to get around. It's important to find one that's easy to fold and push is essential.
Our Lab experts recommend side-by-side models with 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. Based on your kids' age and stage it is possible to look for a side-by-side option that lets both children sit together or a tandem style that lets one child stand while the other one is sitting.
Seating arrangements can also impact your comfort when you're navigating the busy streets and sidewalks. Find strollers that have reclined seats, footrests that recline and large canopies to shade the two passengers. Also, don't hang bags on the handlebars as they can alter the stroller's centre of gravity and encourage tipping.
Double stroller s that are of good quality will also come with convenient storage compartments for your essentials. Look for storage spaces under the seats or in the backs of the seats. These are great places to store your snacks, toys, and other essentials. You can also make use of organizer bags and consoles for parents that attach to the handles of the car to keep items handy during walks or outings.
If you have children nearing their age, a stroller that is side-by-side could be the best choice. They tend to be more stable and offer better visibility for both of the passengers than strollers that stack. Some models also accommodate two car seats for infants, allowing you to move your sleeping children from the car to the stroller and not wake them up.
Sit-and stand models are a great option for parents with older children who don't mind their children sitting on their own and prefer some independence. They can also allow the larger child to go in the front. This type of double stroller usually isn't newborn-compatible and might require more maintenance as the years progress, but it's an excellent option for families with active children who require the flexibility of a single stroller that converts to a two-kid version.
The most effective double strollers are durable and easy-to-maneuver even in rough terrain or tight spaces. They're also lightweight and fold up for compact storage in your trunk or garage which makes them easy to transport and manage while traveling. They're also built to last and meet the safety guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP).
Canopy
A canopy protects both passengers from the sun, and some models offer the option of a visor to protect children's faces. Our top-scoring models for canopy options were the BOB Revolution Flex v3.0 Duallie, and the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Dual. Both come with huge shades. Both models have plenty of coverage and protect children from head to toe while inline models often lack shade or provide a single canopy that only covers one seat. This can be a problem for siblings that want different levels of protection.
A good canopy should fit easily on the stroller, and many of our top-rated models do just that. Check the dimensions of the canopy before purchasing, as some might need extra space to extend completely and avoid hitting the handles.
Some parents prefer a double stroller with a bassinet and car seat adapters, as well as other add-ons to provide them with more options down the road. For instance the UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double features an infant seat as well as an additional RumbleSeat making it a perfect choice for families with twins or young children who need to transport more than two children at a time. This stroller is a versatile model that offers a unique sit and stand configuration for older children who prefer to travel on their own.
The organizer bags and consoles for parents can make your stroller more practical. They keep the essentials in your reach. They're particularly useful for strollers that don't get used often, when you might want to keep snacks and toys away from prying eyes. Some of these accessories are secured via a strap or snap, making it easy to remove them when you're ready for the stroller to be used again.
If you're looking for a double stroller that can be transformed into a stroller for toddlers, with the option of a bench or glider seat and a bench seat, this is the stroller to choose. The Graco RoomFor2 Travel System and the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Duallie both come with an auto seat-compatible bassinet, toddler seat and RumbleSeat. Both strollers can be made to triple strollers by the addition a running board. This is perfect for active families who have one child who likes to be active.
Wheels
The type of wheels a stroller is equipped with can make a difference in how easy it is to push. In general, larger wheels are more maneuverable and are able to handle more terrain. The material used to make the wheels can also impact how they are to push. Rubber wheels, for example are usually more durable and are able to withstand rougher surfaces than plastic ones.
Stroller wheels are available in a variety of designs, sizes and materials to suit a variety of environments and needs. For instance, swivel wheels can help navigate narrow spaces and make tight turns. Fixed-wheels are more stable and suitable for smooth surfaces. If you are planning to use your stroller off-road or on a rough terrain, consider getting air-filled tires instead rubber tires. These tires are similar to bicycle tires and absorb shocks, making for an easier ride.
Double strollers that are side-byside are more spacious than tandem strollers and can be more difficult to maneuver through narrow doors or crowded aisles. They offer your children the same amount of space to sit and stretch their legs. They're generally also easier to steer and maneuver than tandem strollers.
If you intend to use your stroller for an exercise bike or run it as a double jogger, you need to choose one that has special all-terrain wheels or jogging tires. These tires are bigger and more robust, and also have sealed ball bearings for smoother rides on uneven surfaces. Certain models, such as the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double Stroller are compatible with car seats that allow you to run with your kids safely to their car seats.
Other all-terrain/jogging duos, such as the Valco Baby Tri Mode Duo X can accommodate the addition of a second seat however they're usually too bulky to be considered umbrella doubles. And in our testing the restraint buckles on this model were among the hardest to secure, which could be a problem when you're trying to get two kids in the stroller at the same time. This stroller costs hundreds more than the top-rated single to tandem model, but it comes with high-quality components and a reasonable resale price.
Storage
A quality double stroller should have ample storage space for parents and children. Lack of storage makes it hard for a parent to run errands or bring along all the gear needed on an outing with two children. In our Lab tests, the UPPAbaby V2 double was a good score in this measure. It comes with a big and easy-to-access storage basket that can hold up 30 lbs.
Strollers with multiple compartments and pockets can assist families in organizing small things like keys, wallets and phones. Additionally, a parent console or organizer bag attached to the handlebars may provide a convenient space for dads and moms to store their own personal belongings when out with their children.
The UPPAbaby Vista has an enormous basket that can carry two car seats for infants. (Not both bassinets, though.) It also has the ability to telescopically adjust its bar and has easy-to use brakes. It also has the largest maximum weight capacity in our collection, as well as an adjustable fold that will fit the majority of door frames.
Our test participants also discovered that the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite wagon comes with a fantastic adjustable bar, which is perfect for parents with different heights. The wagon has two UV screens that fold up for full sun protection, and its cup holders and snack tray can be used to hold various bottles for kids and snacks.
The most difficult thing about any stroller is folding it it back to its original shape after using. This is particularly true for those who have a toddler or infant with you. It's crucial to select a stroller that folds easily and smoothly. Both the UPPAbaby Vista v2 stroller and Evenflo Pivot Xpand have a single-handed, simple-to-use mechanism that allows parents to fold their strollers quickly and efficiently, regardless of what configuration they're in.
Double strollers may seem like an expensive investment, but parents who plan to use it for many years will pay more than single strollers. It's also worth looking into whether the stroller is able to be broken down into parts for storage and transport, which is an important aspect to consider if you're limited in your space in your home or vehicle.