Double Stroller: What s The Only Thing Nobody Is Talking About
How Easy Is It to Push and Fold a Double Stroller?
A double stroller that is well-designed will help you move around whether you're walking with your toddler stroller or running with your twins. Finding a double stroller which is easy to fold and push is essential.
Our Lab experts recommend side-by-side models with equal recline and ample storage space, as well as car adapters for infants' seats.
Seating
When shopping for a double stroller, seating options are important. Depending on your kids' ages and stages, you may want to consider a side-byside option that allows both children to sit together or a tandem design that allows one child to stand while the other is sitting.
The seating arrangement also affects your comfort as you navigate through busy streets and sidewalks. You should consider a stroller with reclining seats, reclined footrests and large canopy that provides shade for both of the passengers. Also, avoid hanging bags on the handlebars as they can change the stroller's centre of gravity and increase tipping.
Double strollers that are of good quality will also come with convenient storage compartments for your essentials. Make sure you have compartments in the seat backs or beneath the seats to keep toys, snacks and other necessities handy. Parents consoles and bags attached to the handles are also helpful to keep essentials in reach on walks or outings.
A side-by-side stroller is the best choice for parents who have children of the same age. They are generally more stable than the stacking type and offer better visibility for both passengers. Some models can also accommodate two car seats for infants which allows you to move your sleeping kids from the car to the stroller and not wake them.
Sit-and stand models are a great option for parents with older children who don't mind their children sitting separately and who like some independence. They can also permit the larger child to go along on the front. This type of double stroller isn't compatible with newborns and could require more maintenance in the future. However, it could be a great option for active families that are looking for the flexibility of a single stroller that can be converted into a two-kid model.
The most effective double strollers are sturdy and easy to maneuver, even on rough terrain or in tight spaces. They are also lightweight stroller, foldable and compact to be easily stored in your trunk or garage. This makes them easy to transport when you travel. They're also built to last and meet the safety guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP).
Canopy
A canopy protects both the passengers from the sun's rays, and some models offer an apron that protects children's faces. Models with giant shades like the BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 Duallie and the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double received our top scores for their canopy options. Both models have ample coverage and cover children from head to toe while inline models often lack shade or have a single canopy that only covers one seat. This can be a problem for siblings who require different levels protection.
A good canopy should be able to slide easily onto the stroller, and a lot of our top-rated models do just that. Be sure to verify the dimensions of the canopy before purchasing, as some might require additional space to extend completely and not hit the handles.
Some parents prefer a double stroller with a bassinet, car seat adapters or other add-ons to provide them with more options down the road. The UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double, for instance, comes with a toddler seat as well as an added RumbleSeat. This makes it an ideal option for families with twins or young kids and require transportation simultaneously. This stroller can also be used in a unique sit-and-stand configuration for older children who prefer to ride on their own.
Other accessories that can make your stroller more practical include parent consoles or bags for organizing, which can help keep things in reach. These bags are particularly useful when you need to store snacks and toys out of sight. Some of these accessories are attached by snaps or straps that makes it simple to remove them when you're ready for the stroller to be used again.
If you're looking to make a long-term investment opt for a double stroller that is compatible with infant car seats and will transform into a toddler stroller complete with the option of a bench seat or a glider board. The Graco RoomFor2 Travel System and the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Duallie both come with a car seat-compatible bassinet with a toddler seat as well as RumbleSeat. Both strollers can be made into triple strollers with the addition a running board. This is a great option for families with active children. one child who loves to be active.
Wheels
The type of wheels a stroller has makes an impact on how easy it is to push. Generally, larger wheels are easier to maneuver and are able to handle more terrain. The material the wheels are made of determines how difficult or simple they are to push. Rubber wheels, for instance, are typically more durable and can stand up to rougher surfaces than plastic ones.
Stroller wheels are available in a variety styles sizes, dimensions and materials that can meet a wide range of needs and conditions. Swivel wheels, for instance, can make it easier to maneuver around tight corners and spaces. Fixed wheels provide more stability and are more suitable for smooth surfaces. If you intend to take your stroller off-road or on a rough terrain, consider getting air-filled tires instead of standard rubber tires. These tires are similar in design to bicycle tires and absorb shocks, making for an easier ride.
Double strollers that are side-by-side are more spacious than tandem strollers and can be more difficult to navigate through narrow doors or crowded aisles. They offer your children the same amount of space to sit and stretch their legs. They are also typically more maneuverable than tandem strollers.
If you intend to use your stroller for a running or bike it as a double jogger, you need to choose one that has special all-terrain tires or jogging wheels. These are large, thicker and feature sealed ball bearings prams for sale smoother rides on uneven surfaces. Some models, like the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double Stroller, are compatible with car seats, that allow you to run with your children securely strapped to their car seats.
Other strollers with jogging/all-terrain capabilities, such as the Valco Baby Tri Mode Duo X allow a second child in the front, but are too heavy to be classified as umbrella doubles. And in our testing, the restraint buckles on this model were among the most difficult to fasten, which can be a problem when trying to get two kids in the stroller at the same time. The stroller is costly, costing hundreds more than our top single-to-tandem option, but it does come with high-quality materials and good selling value.
Storage
A quality double stroller will have enough storage space to accommodate the children as well as the parents. Lack of storage makes it difficult for parents to get around town or bring along all the gear needed on an outing with two kids. In our Lab tests, the UPPAbaby v2 double pram scored well in this measurement. It has a large, easy-to-access basket which can support up to 30 lbs.
Strollers with multiple compartments and pockets can aid families in organizing small items such as keys, wallets, and phones. A parent console or organizer bag that attaches to the handlebars of the stroller could be a great way for parents to store their personal belongings while outing with their children.
The UPPAbaby vista comes with an enormous basket that can carry two infant car seats. (Not both bassinets, though.) It also features an adjustable telescoping bar as well as easy-to use brakes. It also has one of the biggest max allowable seat weight ratings in our lineup and a simple fold that fits into most door frames.
On the flip side our test subjects found that the wagon-style Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite has an adjustable handlebar that is ideal for parents with different heights. The wagon also has two folding UV screens that provide complete sun coverage and its cup and snack tray holders can accommodate a lot of kid snacks and bottles.
The biggest issue with any stroller is folding it and getting it back in shape after using. This is particularly true when you have a child or toddler with you. It's therefore important to choose a stroller that folds easily and quickly. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 and Evenflo Pivot Xpand both have an easy-to-use, single-handed mechanism that lets parents quickly and efficiently fold their stroller regardless of the configuration they are in.
Double strollers can be an expensive investment however, parents who intend to use it for several years will be paying more than they would for single strollers. You should also check if the stroller can be disassembled for storage and transportation. This is essential when you have a limited space in your vehicle or home.