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 jogging with your twins. It's important to find one that's easy to push and fold is a must.
Our Lab experts recommend side-by-side models that have equal recline and plenty of storage space, as well as car adapters for infants' seats.
Seating
Seating options are crucial when shopping for a double-stroller. You may want to think about a tandem stroller that lets one child stand while the other one sits, or a side by tandem option that allows your children to sit together.
The seating arrangement can affect your comfort as you navigate through busy streets and sidewalks. Find strollers with reclining chairs with reclined footrests, large canopy to shade the two passengers. Also, avoid hanging bags on the handlebars because they could alter the stroller's weight and encourage tipping.
A quality double stroller comes with convenient storage for your essentials and other essentials. Look for compartments under the seats or behind the seats. These are great places to store snacks, toys and other necessities. Parent consoles and organizer bags attached to the handles are also useful to keep essentials in reach during walks or outings.
For those with little ones who are getting older, a side-by-side stroller might be the best option. They are usually more stable and provide better visibility for both passengers than strollers that stack. Some models also accommodate two infant car seats that allow you to transfer your sleeping kids from the car to the stroller and not wake them.
Parents with older kids who don't mind sitting in separate places or who enjoy a bit of independence might like a sit-and-stand model that allows an older child to get on the front and enjoy a ride. This type of double stroller typically isn't suitable for newborns and could require more maintenance as years progress, but it's an excellent option for active families that want the versatility of a single stroller that converts to a two-kid version.
The best double strollers are sturdy and easy to maneuver, even on rough terrain or in tight spaces. They're also light and fold for compact stowing in your trunk or garage, making them easy to transport and manage when traveling. Additionally, they have a robust construction to ensure the durability and safety of your children. Additionally, they are compliant with the American Academy of Pediatricians' (AAP) guidelines for safety.
Canopy
A canopy protects both passengers from direct sun's rays and, in some models, a the option of a visor to protect children's faces. Models with giant shades like the BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 Duallie and the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double earned our highest scores for their canopy options. Both models offer plenty of coverage and protect children from head to toe, while inline options often do not have shade, or provide a single canopy that only covers one seat. This can be problematic for siblings who need different levels protection.
A quality canopy should be able to slide easily onto the stroller, and a number of our top-rated models do just that. Make sure to check the dimensions of the canopy prior to purchasing, as some might require extra space to expand completely and not hit the handles.
Some parents prefer a double stroller with a bassinet, car seat adapters or other add-ons to give them more options later on. The UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double, for instance, has a toddler seat as well as an added RumbleSeat. This makes it an ideal option for families with twins or young children and need to transport them simultaneously. This stroller has the unique sit and stand arrangement for older children who prefer riding alone.
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 need to keep snacks and toys away from view. Some of these accessories are attached with a snap or strap, making it easy to take them off when you're ready for the stroller to be used again.
If you're looking for a double stroller that can be transformed into a stroller for toddlers, with an incline board or bench seat it is the stroller to choose. Both the Graco Travel System RoomFor2 and UPPAbaby's Vista Duallie come with a bassinet that is compatible with car seats, a toddler seat as well as a RumbleSeat. Both are able to be expanded into a
triple stroller with the addition of a running board which is perfect for families with an active kid who prefers to stay active.
Wheels
The type of wheels used on the stroller can make a big difference in how it is simple or difficult to push. Generally, larger wheels are more maneuverable and are able to handle more terrain. The material that the wheels are made from also plays a role in how difficult or simple they are to push. Rubber wheels are more durable than plastic ones and are able to handle rougher surfaces.
Stroller wheels are available in a variety of styles sizes, dimensions and materials that can meet the needs of a variety of people and environments. Wheels that swivel, for instance can help to maneuver through tight corners and spaces. Fixed wheels offer greater stability and are ideal for smooth surfaces. If you intend to use your stroller on uneven terrain or off-road, air-filled tires are more suitable over standard rubber tires. These tires are similar in design to bicycle tires and can absorb shocks, making for an easier ride.
Double strollers that are side-by-side are larger than tandem models and can be more difficult to navigate through narrow doors or congested aisles. But they give your children equal seating space and allow them to stretch out their legs. They're generally also more maneuverable and easy to steer than tandem strollers.
If you want to use your stroller for biking or running then look for a double jogger with special all-terrain or jogging tires. These tires are bigger, thicker, and feature sealed ball bearings that provide a smoother ride on uneven surfaces. Some models, like the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double Stroller, are compatible with car seats which let you jog with your children securely strapped to their car seats.
Other all-terrain/jogging duos, such as the Valco Baby Tri Mode Duo X allow the addition of a second seat but are generally too heavy to be considered umbrella doubles. We discovered that the buckles on this stroller were the most difficult to secure. This could be a problem if are trying to fit two children into the stroller at once. The stroller is costly with a price that is hundreds higher than our main top-rated single-to-tandem pick, but it offers top-quality materials and an excellent return value.
Storage
A good double stroller should have ample storage space for both parents and children. Insufficient storage space can make it hard for a parent to run errands or bring all the equipment needed on a trip with two children. In our Lab tests, the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double performed excellently in this metric it has a large and easy-to-access basket that can accommodate up to 30lbs.
Strollers with multiple compartments or pockets can help families keep in mind small items such as phones, keys,
travel pram and wallets. A parent console or organizer bag attached to the handlebars may be a handy place for moms and dads to store their personal belongings while out with their children.
In addition to a large basket, the UPPAbaby Vista carries two infant car seats (though not both bassinets) and also has an adjustable handlebar that telescopically extends and brakes that are simple to use.