How to Choose the Best Double Strollers

A double stroller makes things easier for parents of twins or children of different ages, whether you’re on an easy stroll or going for a run in the morning. How do you choose from the various options available?

Our latest team member, Kerry, got her stroller’s feet wet when she tried it out with this expandable model that allows you to change the seating configuration to suit different requirements.

Safety

Whether you’re running errands, visiting the zoo or out for a trick-or-treat with your kiddos your stroller should be safe. It’s essential to have a sturdy frame, comfortable harnesses and easy-to-grab handle for toddlers. It should also be able to pass through doors, be easy to fold and move and be simple to maneuver. Of course, it should be a good value.

Each double stroller we tested went through rigorous testing in our lab at the zoo, and on streets in the city. We also took them on family outings to suburban neighborhoods. Our lab tests test the stroller’s maneuverability and stability as well as ease of steering and handling, suspension comfort for the rider and the driver capacity for weight as well as the height of the canopy on the seat and storage space.

In addition to the standard safety checks conducted by our stroller experts, we ask parents to provide feedback on their experiences with each model. We then take into account all of the information provided when making our recommendations.

If you’re in search of a secure quality, high-quality stroller, begin with our top picks. These strollers are versatile and offer a variety of seating options for infant car seats. They can be used as an individual stroller or in tandem, and are suitable for children ranging from birth to elementary school.

The best double strollers will grow with your family. They’re stylish and sleek and offer a variety of designs and options, and can accommodate infants as well as toddlers by providing side-by-side or tandem (single file) seating. A lot of them also have an enormous storage basket, a handlebar that can be adjusted telescopically, and one-handed fold mechanisms.

If you have twins or children who are similar age to their sibling, you should consider choosing a tandem stroller with an extra bench seat in the back that could be used by a 3rd child. These tandem strollers are ideal for siblings who want to interact, but might not be able to sit side-by-side in a standard stroller. They could get into a fight or argue. You’ll also find convertible models that permit you to take off the bench seat when your children are ready for an excursion without a car seat.

Comfort

The best double strollers feature comfortable child seats with plenty of padding and support. They also have ample storage, roomy footwells for kids’ feet and legroom and UPF 50+ canopies that provide great sun protection. Seats should be able to recline at an angle to ensure that children are comfortable. They should also come with adjustable calf bar that let parents independently adjust the seat. Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician. She suggests that the handlebars need to be comfortable and ergonomic to maneuver. The handlebars should be close enough to the seat of your child that you can grasp them and hold them. If the handlebars on the stroller are not close enough, it will be difficult to keep your balance and maintain good posture while pushing them.

The ride should be smooth, even on rough or hard surfaces. Some of the models we test had shock absorbers to keep the ride stable. Others have front and rear suspensions, which decrease the amount of force needed to push them, and increase your control over them. The wheels must be made of high-quality rubber with a durable tread that can handle lots of wear and tear.

We looked for the most flexible double strollers that could be used from birth through toddlerhood and beyond. A few of the ones we came across can be set up as tandem strollers or side-by-side, and one of them is 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 choice, but its materials are more durable and it should last longer.

The best double strollers will be light and maneuverable for long walks and trips to the zoo or the park, and shopping trips. The double strollers are usually bigger than single strollers, and can be difficult to fit into narrow aisles in stores or doors. Some are more expensive than single-seaters, but that’s reasonable since you get a lot more for your money. The models we recommend are suitable for kids and adults alike and will continue to grow with your family.

Convenience

If you’re going to spend money on a double-stroller, it should be easy to carry and put away. The stroller should be light and easily fits in the trunk of your car or at home. It should be able navigate rough terrain and make tight turns. The best double-strollers come with adjustable calf support, and seats that recline. They also provide UPF sun protection. The canopy should be large enough to cover two children. If you’re worried about the sun’s rays getting into their eyes, choose one with a peek-a-boo window.

The age and stage of your children will determine what kind of stroller you’ll need. For instance, parents of twins might opt for a convertible stroller that holds two infant car seats simultaneously or parents with an older child and a toddler might prefer a double that is side-by-side. It is also important to determine whether you’d like a stroller that fits through narrow entrances or grocery store aisles and is able to be used on planes.

In our Lab tests, we found that the best double strollers are relatively easy to fold and carry. They typically have a one- or two-step process, and they’re compact enough to fit in most compact cars. They are also designed to be sturdy, making them easier to reassemble.

Some of the top double strollers have practical features for parents that include a single parent cup holder and a large storage basket. You’ll want to consider if the stroller comes with a lock on the front of the seat, so that you can keep the kids from climbing out if they get antsy. Some of the top strollers come with an adapter for carseats that is universal and can be transformed into an individual-seater model as your children grow.

The top double strollers are expensive, but they come with a better build quality and higher resale values than less expensive models. They are also easier to maneuver and are able to handle rough terrain, such as city walkways or park trails.

Style

If parents are in the market for a double-stroller, they’re looking for more than just a means to transport their two children. They want a light, maneuverable stroller with sufficient storage space on the inside and thoughtful features to adapt to the changing needs of children. It should also be easy to push and maneuver. Since they will be carrying more children, the stroller must be comfortable on their backs and shoulders.

That’s why the best double strollers are sleek, support a wide range of customizations, and can accommodate infant car seats to ensure a seamless transition from toddler to baby. They’re available in side by side or tandem (single-file seating) designs and can be light enough to jog or travel.

In addition to the size parents must also consider whether the double stroller will be able to pass through doorways or other narrow spaces. Luckily, the majority of strollers we tested in our latest update are able to pass through the standard doors for exterior use, which are 36 inches wide. Moreover, the majority of them can fit inside doors that range from 28 to 35 inches wide.

Other factors we look at when reviewing the best double strollers include how quickly and easily they fold and unfold, how big the cargo basket is, how cushioned the seats are and how flexible the canopy are. We also consider how comfortable the buckles and seat straps are for children who sit in the stroller, and how easy it is to adjust the height of the handlebars.

For example, our top option, the Uppababy Vista V2, is light and has plenty of onboard storage for both children. It comes with a parent cup holder, seats that recline independently, and a large UPF 50+ canopy that has windows that can be peekaboo. double to single buggy padded seat straps and buckles are among the most comfortable we have found in our tests and we found the seat to be among the easiest to secure for children of all age groups.

If you’re still not sure if you’re ready to buy a double stroller, Facebook Marketplace and other second-hand sites often have good-condition used options for affordable prices. Be sure to do your research and check for any indications of damage before you buy.