What to Look For in a Double Stroller

The most effective double strollers are designed to grow with your family and come with thoughtful features that keep your children content and comfortable. This includes adjustable foot rests as well as an easy stroll on trails, gravel and old sidewalks.

Kerry appreciated that the stroller arrived in multiple boxes, but everything was labeled properly and easy to open. She also liked the fact that it can accommodate two infant car seats and can be combined with a riding board for older kids.

Seating Options

Seating options are a major aspect in determining whether or an entire family will invest in a double stroller. You'll want to think about the age of your children, their respective sizes, and the seating arrangements that will work best for you.

Alli Cavasino is a senior editor of Consumer Reports. She says that if you're planning to buy a tandem stroller, it is best to consider one with child seats that are attached. This model doesn't require car seat adapters. These double strollers are usually wider than other double strollers. They may not be able to fit through standard doors in your home.

If you have an age gap between your kids look into a double-seat stroller with the option to change to a stand-and ride model with a platform or small bench seat in the back for children who likes to just ride along or watch their younger sibling. These kinds of in-line strollers can also fit infant car seats if needed and are a great option for children who are 3 to 5 years apart, according Billingsley.

Billingsley advises that you must be aware of the fabric used to make the seat. Some are more breathable than others and are easier to keep clean. It's also important to take into consideration how easy it is to fold your new stroller down for stowing or transporting to and from your car. "There's nothing more frustrating than buying your dream stroller only discover that it's too heavy or big for your trunk," says the expert.

If you're looking for an affordable option that has multiple configurations take a look at this award-winning stroller from Summer Infant. It features two toddler seats and a bassinet, and can be expanded into a triple stroller adding an additional seat or riding board. The seats recline, and have calf bar controls to adjust independently, which is great for those times when one child needs to sleep while the other wants to look around. It's also compact when folded down and easily fits in the majority of trunks.

Age Ranges

For families with children who are similar in age, a sit and stand stroller is the ideal combination of comfort for both children and user-friendliness. These strollers have a seat in front for toddlers or infants, and a platform, bench or another surface in the rear which allows older children to stand up or hop on/off. These strollers are ideal for toddlers and older children, but not for babies d around obstacles. In fact the top strollers in our Lab tests--such as the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie and Thule Urban Glide 2 Double among the most comfortable to push.

A double stroller should be easy to fold and take down and store. The best models fold down in one or two steps and are compact enough to fit into most trunks. It's an advantage to add a second chair or a ride-along stroller. Some strollers can also hold infant car seats so you don't need to wake your baby up to transfer them to the stroller when it's time to go home.

A quality double stroller is also strong, so it can be used on a variety of terrains. Some are able to be converted into a jogging scooter with a special front wheel and some can also be used as umbrella strollers. Some strollers have a cargo bag that can be attached at the back to carry shopping bags and other items.

A tandem or side-by-side is an alternative to think about. Side-by-side strollers are generally bigger than tandem models and they can be difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces like doorways or aisles of grocery stores that are crowded. They are useful because they allow each child to enjoy the same view. They are also easier to navigate during bad weather since they provide more protection from the elements.

Many parents decide to purchase an adaptable stroller that can be used with a baby, and then converted to double strollers when their children get older. But after speaking with parents we've learned it's best to buy what you require at the moment instead of trying to anticipate what your family may need in the future.

Stores

If you're looking for a double stroller, then you might need to think about the size and the amount of storage space. Many models have large, easy-to-access baskets that hold lots of items. Many models also feature numerous cup holders for parents, as well as seating configurations that can be reversed to provide the best legroom possible for children. Certain of these features could make the price more expensive therefore, make sure to go through the reviews and descriptions carefully.

Most double prams with adjustable footrest strollers are classified as tandem or side-by-side designs. Tandem strollers are two seats on one frame and are for older children who can stand unaided. They also tend to have a larger storage basket than side-by-side strollers, but some are awkward or difficult to push when the front seat is reclined fully.

The side-by-side stroller has two seats that are positioned side-by-side by side double stroller. They're usually more suitable for infants or toddlers, who haven't yet mastered sitting independently. They also have the added benefit of being more easy to maneuver and push than tandem strollers. However, they tend to have smaller storage baskets than tandem models and can be more expensive.

There are also special double strollers designed for jogging and biking. These are more expensive than standard all-terrain strollers, and they usually have fixed front wheels that limit their flexibility. These strollers are only worth considering if you plan to use them for these kinds of activities.

Whether you're shopping for twins or an infant and a toddler, or a child who's not quite ready to ride on their own, there's a perfect double stroller out there. The top choices that we tested are flexible and stable. They're also easy to navigate with seating that expands as your children get older. Take a look at our top choices for the best double stroller to accommodate your family whether you're searching for a tandem or one that will fit your infant car seat.