20 Misconceptions About Double Strollers: Busted

How to Choose the Best Double Strollers

When you're going for a stroll in the sun or going for your morning jog with your children, a double stroller can make life with twins or two children of different ages much easier. There are so many options out there to choose from, how do you pick the right one for your family?

Our new team member, Kerry, got her stroller testing feet wet with this expandable model that allows you to change the seating arrangement to meet your different requirements.

Safety

Your stroller must be secure, whether you're out on shopping trips with your kids, taking them to the zoo, or going trick-or-treating. That means a sturdy frame and comfortable harnesses for children who sit down, and easy-to-grab handles for toddlers who stand. It also needs to be able to pass through doorways and be easy to move and fold. It should be worth the money.

Each double stroller we tested went through rigorous testing in our laboratory, at the zoo and on city streets. We also took them out for family outings to 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 and the weight capacity, height of the canopy for the seat, and the storage space.

We ask parents to provide feedback on each model in addition to the standard safety check performed by our team. We then take into consideration all of the information provided when making our recommendations.

Start with our top picks If you're in search of an excellent stroller that's sturdy and safe. These versatile strollers offer multiple seating options to accommodate infant car seats. They can be used as a single stroller or tandem, and are suitable for children ranging from birth to elementary school.

The best double strollers can evolve with your family. They are sleek and stylish and offer a variety of customizations and can be used by infants and toddlers with side-byside seating or tandem (single file) seating. Many also come with an enormous storage basket and a handlebar that can be adjusted telescopically, and one-handed folding mechanisms.

Consider a tandem stroller with benches at the back for a third child if you have twins, or a child of the same age. They're a great choice for siblings who want to interact with each other but aren't able to sit next to each other in a stroller that is side-by-side, where they could end up arguing or fighting. There are convertible models that allow you to take off the bench seat when your children are ready for a ride without using a car seat.

Comfort

The best double strollers feature comfortable child seats that are well-padded and supported. They also come with plenty of storage, roomy footwells for children's feet and legs and UPF 50+ sun-protection canopies that provide great sun protection. Seats should recline at an angle to keep kids comfortable. They should also include adjustable calf bar that let parents adjust the seat. Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician. She suggests that the handlebars must be ergonomic and easy-to-maneuver. The handlebars must be close enough to the kiddos' seats that you can reach them and hold onto them. If the handlebars are separated, you'll have a hard to maintain your balance and retaining good posture when pushing them.

The ride should be smooth, even on rough or hard surfaces. Some of the models we tested come with shock absorbers to ensure that the ride remains steady. Some have rear and front suspensions, which decrease the amount of force required to push them and increase the control you have over them. The wheels should be made of high-quality rubber and have a sturdy tread that is able to withstand plenty of wear and tear.

We looked for the most flexible double strollers that can be used from birth through toddlerhood and beyond. Some of the models we found could be used as tandem strollers or side-byside and one is the Uppababy Vista v2, can even be transformed into a single-file stroller for infants. This model is priced three times more than our standard tandem model however it's of better quality and should last longer because of its durable materials.

The most comfortable double strollers are light and movable enough for long walks, errands and trips to the park or zoo. The double strollers are typically bigger than single strollers, and may not fit into narrow aisles or doorways. Some are more expensive than single-seaters. This is normal since you get a lot more for your price. The models we recommend are comfortable for kids and adults alike and will develop with your family.

Convenience

If you're going to spend the money for a double stroller, you'll need one that's easy to move and put away. The stroller should be lightweight and easily fit into the trunk of your car or at home. It should be able to maneuver rough terrain and take precise turns. Some of the top double-strollers have adjustable calf support and seats that recline. They also provide UPF sun protection. The canopy should be large enough to protect both kids and, if you're concerned about getting the sun in their eyes, opt for one with a peek-aboo window.

The age and stage of your child can influence the kind of stroller that's most suitable for your needs. For instance, parents with twins might choose a convertible stroller that holds two infant car seats at once, while families with an older child and a toddler might prefer a side-by-side double. You'll need to decide if you want an infant stroller that fits through narrow entrances and aisles in grocery stores, or on planes.

In our Lab tests, we found that the top double strollers are fairly easy to fold and carry. The majority of double strollers fold in a matter of one or two steps and are compact enough to fit into the majority of compact cars. They are also designed to be stable, making them easier to assemble.

Some of the best double-strollers have convenient parent features such as cups holder for one parent and a large storage basket. You'll want to consider if the stroller has a lock on the front seat so that you can keep the kids from climbing out when they start getting antsy. Some strollers come with an universal adapter for car seats that can be converted into a single seat when your child grows.

Some of the best double strollers are a bit expensive, but they offer a better build quality and have higher resales values than less expensive models. They're also more maneuverable and can handle tough terrains, such as park trails or city sidewalks.

Style

Parents shopping for a double stroller are looking for more than just a means to transport two kids. They want a lightweight stroller that can be maneuvered with enough onboard storage and thoughtful features that allow it to adapt to the changing needs of children. It should also be easy to push and navigate. Since they will be carrying more than children, the stroller must be easy on their backs and shoulders.

The top double strollers are sleek and come with various customization options. They can also allow for infant car seats to provide a smooth transition from baby-to-toddler. They are available in tandem (single-file seating) or side by side double stroller-by-side, and are even lightweight enough to use for jogging.

In addition to the size, parents should also consider whether the double stroller will fit through doorways and other narrow spaces. Luckily, the majority of strollers we tested in our most recent update are able to pass through doors that are standard for exteriors that measure 36 inches wide. Moreover, most can accommodate interior doors that are 28 to 35 inches wide.

When reviewing the best double Stroller rain Cover strollers, we consider how easily they fold and unfold. We also consider how comfortable the seats and canopy are. We also think about how comfortable the seat straps and buckles are for children who sit in the stroller, as well as how easy it is to adjust the handlebar height.

Our top choice, Uppababy Vista V2, for instance, is a light-weight model and offers ample storage space for both children. It has one parent cup holder, seats that recline independently, and generous UPF 50+ canopies with peekaboo windows. Its cushioned seat straps and buckles are among the most comfortable in our tests, and we found the seat to be one of the easiest to fasten for children of all ages.

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