How Easy Is It to Push and Fold a Double Stroller?
A double stroller that is well-designed will allow you to move around whether you’re walking with your toddler or running with your twins. It’s important to find one that’s easy to push and fold is essential.
Our Lab experts recommend side by side models that feature equal recline, ample storage and car seat adapters to fit infants.
Seating
Seating options are crucial when choosing a double-stroller. Depending on your kids’ stages of development, you may want to look for a side-by-side option that allows both children to sit together, or a tandem design that lets one child stand while the other is sitting.
The seating arrangement also affects your comfort as you navigate through busy streets and sidewalks. Consider looking for strollers with reclining seats, reclined footrests and generous canopies that provide shade for both passengers. Beware of hanging bags from handlebars as they could alter the stroller’s centre of gravity, causing it to tip over.
A quality double stroller will include handy storage space for your essentials as well. Find storage compartments underneath the seats or in the backs of the seats. These are great places to store your snacks, toys and other necessities. You can also use organizer bags as well as consoles for parents that attach to the handles of the car to keep things handy during walks or outings.
A side-by-side pram is the best choice for parents who have children of similar age. They are generally more stable than stacking models and provide better views for both passengers. Some options also accept two car seats for infants that allow you to transfer your sleepy children from the car to the stroller without waking them.
Sit-and-stand strollers 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 in the front. This type of double stroller usually isn’t newborn-compatible and might require more maintenance as the years go by, however it’s an excellent option for families with active children who need the versatility of a single stroller that converts to a double-kid version.
The best double strollers are sturdy and easy to maneuver, even on rough terrain or in 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 are constructed to last and meet the safety guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP).
Canopy
A canopy can shield both the passengers and the sun’s rays, and some models even offer the option of a visor that can further protect kids’ faces. Our top-scoring canopy options were the BOB Revolution Flex v3.0 Duallie, and the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Dual. Both have huge shades. Both models provide ample coverage and cover children from head to toe, pushchairsandprams however, inline options tend to do not have shade, or offer a single canopy which only covers one seat. This can be a problem for siblings who need different levels of protection.
A good canopy should also fit easily on the stroller, and a lot of our top-rated models do just that. But be sure to check the dimensions of the model before you buy, as some canopies may require extra space in the basket to allow for full extension, and to avoid hitting the handles when they’re folded.
Some parents prefer a double stroller that includes a bassinet and car seat adapters as well as other add-ons to give them more options in the future. The UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double, Pushchairsandprams for instance, comes with a toddler seat as well as an additional RumbleSeat. This makes it a great option for families with twins or small children and need to transport them at the same time. This stroller can also be used in an innovative sit-and-stand design for older kids who prefer to ride on their own.
The organizer bags and consoles for parents can also make your stroller more practical. They keep essentials close to hand. These bags are particularly useful when you want to store toys and snacks away from the view of. Some of these accessories are attached by snaps or straps, making it easy to remove them when ready for the stroller to be used again.
If you are seeking a double-stroller which can be converted into a toddler stroller with a glider board or bench seat and a bench seat, this is the stroller for you. Both the Graco Travel System RoomFor2 and UPPAbaby’s Vista v2 Duallie include a bassinet which is compatible with car seats, a toddler seat as well as a RumbleSeat. Both can be converted to a triple stroller by the addition of a running board which is ideal for families that have an active child who likes to be on the move.
Wheels
The type of wheels used on a stroller can make an enormous difference in how it is easy or difficult to push. Generally, larger wheels are more maneuverable and can take on more terrain. The material that the wheels are made of plays a role in how difficult or simple they are to push. Rubber wheels are more durable than plastic wheels and can handle rougher surfaces.
Stroller wheels come in a variety styles sizes, shapes, and materials to meet a wide range of needs and conditions. Swivel wheels, for example can help to maneuver through tight corners and spaces. Fixed wheels are more stable and suitable for smooth surfaces. If you are planning to use your stroller on uneven terrain or off-road air-filled tires are better over standard rubber tires. These tires are similar to bicycle tires that absorb shocks for better comfort on the road.
Side-by-side double strollers are much wider than tandem models and can be difficult to squeeze through narrow entrances or aisles in stores. They give your children equal seating and allow them to stretch out their legs. They are also typically easier to maneuver than tandem strollers.
If you are planning to use your stroller for an exercise bike or run then you should choose a double jogger with all-terrain wheels or jogging tires. These tires are bigger and more robust, and also have sealed ball bearings to provide an easier ride on rough surfaces. Certain models, such as the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double Stroller are compatible with car seats, which let you jog with your children securely strapped in their car seats.
Other all-terrain/jogging duos, such as the Valco Baby Tri Mode Duo X can accommodate an additional seat in front however they’re usually too bulky to qualify as umbrella doubles. Also, in our testing, the restraint buckles on this model were among the hardest to fasten, which can be a problem when trying to fit two kids into the stroller all at once. This stroller is expensive, costing hundreds more than our top single-to-tandem option, but it does come with top-quality materials and a good resale value.
Storage
A great double stroller must have ample storage space for both parents and children. Insufficient storage space could make it difficult for parents to go on errands and bring everything they need for a family outing. In our Lab tests, the UPPAbaby V2 double was a good score in this measurement. It comes with a big accessible, easy-to-access basket that can accommodate up to 30 pounds.
Strollers that have pockets and compartments can assist families in organizing small items like wallets, keys, and phones. Additionally, a parent console or organizer bag that is attached to the handlebars could provide a convenient place for moms and dads to store their own personal belongings while out with their children.
In addition to a large basket the UPPAbaby Vista comes with two infant car seats (though not both bassinets), and it has a telescoping handlebar as well as easy-to-use brakes. It also has one of the biggest maximum allowable seat weight ratings in our collection, and an easy fold that fits into most door frames.
Our test participants also discovered that the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite wagon has a great adjustable bar that is perfect for parents with different heights. The wagon also comes with two folding UV screens that provide full sun coverage, and its snack tray and cup holders can hold a variety of kid snacks and bottles.
The most difficult thing about any stroller is folding it it back to its original shape after use. This is particularly true for those who have a toddler or infant with you. This is why it’s crucial to choose a stroller with a smooth and user-friendly fold. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 and Evenflo Pivot Xpand both come with an easy-to-use, single-handed system that allows parents to quickly and efficiently fold their stroller, no matter which configuration they’re in.
Double strollers can be an expensive investment, but parents who plan to use it for several years will pay more than they would for single strollers. You should also check if the stroller can be disassembled for easier storage and transport. This is essential in the event that you only have a small amount of space in your home or vehicle.