4 Dirty Little Details About Double Stroller And The Double Stroller Industry

What to Look For in a Double twin stroller side by side

The best double strollers are built to grow with families and offer clever features to keep children happy and comfortable. The best double strollers offer adjustable footrests and a smooth ride over old sidewalks, gravel, and trails.

Kerry appreciated the fact that the stroller was delivered in multiple boxes but everything was labeled well and was easy to open. She also loved that the stroller accepts two infant car seats and can be combined with a riding board for older kids.

Seating Options

Seating options are a major factor in determining whether or an entire family will invest in a double stroller. You'll want to consider the age of your children, their relative sizes and the seating configurations that are most suitable for your needs.

Alli Cavasino is a senior editor at Consumer Reports. She says that if you are looking to purchase a tandem stroller, it is best to consider one with children's seats that are connected. This model doesn't require car seat adapters. These double strollers are typically larger than other double strollers. They might not fit through standard doors in your home.

If you're facing an age gap between your children, consider a dual-seat stroller that has the option to change to a stand-and ride model with a platform or small double stroller bench seat in the back for a kid who likes to just ride along with their sibling. These kinds of in-line strollers can also fit infant car seats, if needed, and are a good option for children who are 3-5 years apart, says Billingsley.

You'll also want to take a look at the seat material, according to Billingsley. Some fabrics are more air-conditioned than others, and are easier to clean. It's also important to consider how easy it is to fold your new stroller down for transporting it to and from your car. "There's nothing more frustrating than purchasing your dream stroller only to find out that it is too heavy or large for your trunk," says the expert.

If you're looking for an affordable option that can accommodate multiple seating configurations, check out this award winner from Summer Infant that comes with two toddler seats as well as a bassinet attachment. The stroller can be made into a triple stroller with an additional seat or riding board. The seats recline, and have control mechanisms for the calf bar that allow them to adjust independently, which is great for those times when one child needs to sleep while the other wants look around. When folded, it is small and easily fits into most compact double stroller trunks.

Age ranges

For families with children who are near in age, a sit and stand stroller is the ideal combination of comfort for both children and ease of use. They have a seat in front for toddlers or infants and a bench, platform or another surface in the rear that allows older children to stand up or hop on/off. They're ideal for big toddlers and preschoolers, but won't work well for younger babies or kids who don't yet have the balance or coordination to stand on their own.

A narrow tandem stroller lets you to keep both children in sight at the same time, and also be pushed through tight spaces, such as aisles at the supermarket or for family photos in parks. These models are usually narrower than double strollers with side-by-side designs and are generally easier to maneuver however they aren't able to accommodate carseats for infants and generally do not offer the same amount of storage under the carriage.

If you plan to use a double stroller over several years--or even a decade or more--it's worth investing in an option that will grow with your kids. Double strollers are generally more expensive than single strollers. However, If you choose the right one first time it could save you money over time.

Our testers ran each of these strollers through a series of maneuverability tests and off-road excursions and found them easy to navigate over various terrains. If you intend to use it in cities or areas where the sidewalks and traffic are prone to bumps, you may want something that is more durable and robust capable of handling rough treatment.

A lot of double strollers are made to last for a long time, but you might find that the seats get worn out faster than expected or your children outgrow it before it's ready to retire. If you're looking for a bargain look into one that has been rated for at least four years and is designed to last for as long as is possible.

Ease of Use

It's crucial to ensure that the double stroller is easy to use by both children. It means that the harnesses need to be comfortable for children who are seated and the handles should be simple to grasp for toddlers. This also means that the stroller can be moved easily and is able to be maneuvered through tight spaces and around obstacles. In fact, the top-rated strollers in our Lab tests--such as the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie and Thule Urban Glide 2 Double among the easiest to push.

It's also crucial that a double stroller is easy to fold and to store. The best models fold down in just a couple of steps and are compact enough to fit into most compact double stroller trunks. It's also beneficial when the stroller is a versatile with the option of adding another seat or a ride-along board. Some strollers can also hold infant car seats, so you don't need to wake your baby to move them into the stroller when it's time to leave for home.

A quality double stroller is also strong and can be used on a variety of types of terrain. Some of them can be transformed into a jogging stoller with a specific front wheel and some can also be used as umbrella strollers. Some come with a cargo basket that can be affixed to the back of the stroller to carry shopping bags or groceries.

A tandem or side-by-side is an alternative to think about. Side-by-side strollers are generally larger than tandems and can be difficult to maneuver through tight spaces such as the aisles of doors or grocery stores. They are useful because they allow both children to view the same scene. They are also easier to navigate through in stormy weather because they offer more coverage from the elements for both kids.

Many parents opt to purchase an adaptable stroller that can be used with a baby, and then transformed into double strollers when their children get older. After speaking with parents we've learned that it's best to buy what you need at the time, rather than trying to anticipate what your family will require in the future.

Storage

When shopping for double-strollers, it's crucial to consider the amount of storage space available and the dimensions. Many models have large, easy-to access baskets that can hold plenty of stuff. They also often feature multiple parent cup holders and reversible seating configurations that offer the best legroom available for children. Certain of these features could increase the cost so make sure you read reviews and descriptions carefully.

The majority of double strollers are classified as tandem or side by side models. Tandem strollers feature two seats that are positioned on the same frame, and they're typically better suited for older babies who have already mastered unassisted sitting. They tend to have more storage space than side-byside models. However, some may be difficult to push with the front seat fully reclined.

Side-byside strollers have two distinct seats that are placed side-by-side and are typically for babies and toddlers who haven't yet learned independence sitting. They are also more maneuverable and easy to push than tandem strollers. They may be more expensive and have smaller baskets.

There are also specially designed double strollers that are designed specifically for biking and jogging. They're generally more expensive than all-terrain strollers. They also come with fixed front wheels, which limit their mobility. They are worth considering only if you intend to use them for such activities.

There's a double stroller for every situation whether you're looking to purchase one for twins or a child who's not quite ready to take a ride by themselves or not yet old enough to be a proper rider. Our top picks are easy to maneuver, versatile and stable, with seating that grows with your child. Take a look at our top choices for the top double buggy that converts to single stroller that will accommodate your family regardless of whether you are searching for a tandem or one that accommodates your infant car seat.