Watch Out: What Double Strollers Is Taking Over And How To Stop It

How to Choose the Best Double Strollers A double stroller makes things easier for parents of twins or children of different ages whether you're on your way to a relaxing walk or for a morning run. What should you consider when choosing between the numerous choices available? Our newest team member, Kerry, got her stroller's feet wet when she tried it out with this expandable model that allows you to change the seating configuration for different needs. Safety Your stroller should be safe regardless of whether you're running shopping trips with your kids, going to the zoo or trick-or-treating. This means an sturdy frame and comfortable harnesses that are suitable for children who sit down, and easy-to-grab handles for toddlers who stand. It must also be able to fit through doorways and be easy to maneuver and fold. It must also be affordable. Every double stroller we tested went through rigorous testing in our laboratory at the zoo, in our lab and on streets in the city. We also took them on family outings in suburban neighborhoods. Our lab tests assess the stroller's stability and maneuverability as well as ease of steering and handling and suspension comfort for both the rider and the driver, weight capacity and seat canopy heights and storage space. In addition to the routine safety checks performed by our stroller experts, we request parents to give feedback on their experiences with each model. We then consider all of the information provided when making our recommendations. Take a look at our top picks if you're looking for an excellent stroller that is sturdy and safe. These strollers are versatile and can be used with infant car seats. They're available in tandem or single stroller configurations, and they're suitable for children from birth to elementary school. The top double strollers are designed to adapt to your growing family. They're stylish and sleek, offer a range of customizations and can accommodate infants as well as toddlers with side-by-side seating or tandem (single file) seating. A lot of them also have large storage baskets and a handlebar that can be telescopically adjusted, as well as one-handed folding mechanisms. If you have twins or children who are similar age to their sibling, consider choosing a tandem stroller with an extra bench seat in the back that could be used by a 3rd child. These tandem strollers are a great choice for siblings who wish to interact, but might not be able to do so in a standard stroller. They may be fighting or arguing. You'll also find convertible models that allow you to remove the bench seat when your children are ready to go for the ride without a car seat. Comfort The most comfortable double strollers come with comfortable child seats that have plenty of padding and support. The best double strollers come with ample storage space, spacious legroom and footwells for kids, and a UPF 50+ canopy which provides great sun protection. Seats should recline at an angle to ensure that children are comfortable. They should also have calf bar adjusters that let parents adjust each seat. Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician. She says that the handlebars should be comfortable and ergonomic to maneuver. The handlebars should be close enough to your child's seat that you can grasp them and hold them. If the handlebars are far apart you'll have a difficult to maintain your balance and retaining good form when pushing them. The ride should be smooth, even on rocky or uneven surfaces. Some of the models we tested include shock absorbers to keep the ride stable. Some models have front and back suspension that increases control and reduces force needed to push them. The wheels must have a long-lasting tread and be made from high-quality rubber. We looked for the most versatile double strollers that could be used from birth to toddlerhood and beyond. Some of the double strollers that we found can be converted to tandem or side-by-side strollers. One of them, the Uppababy Vista V2, can even be converted into a single-file infant stroller. This model is three times more expensive as our main tandem model however, its materials are more durable, and it will last longer. The most comfortable double strollers are light and movable enough for long walks, errands, and trips to the park or zoo. They're generally larger than single strollers, so they may not fit through narrow doorways or in crowded aisles of stores. Some of them are more expensive than single-seaters. This is reasonable since you get a lot for your budget. These models are appropriate for children and adults, and will expand with your family. Convenience If you're planning to spend the money for a double stroller, you'll want one that's easy to move and store. Ideally, the stroller will be light and easy to store in the trunk of your car or in the space at home. It should be able to maneuver rough terrain and take precise turns. Some of the best double strollers come with adjustable calf supports, and seats that recline and offer UPF sun protection. The canopy should be wide enough to cover both kids If you're worried about getting sun in their eyes, opt for one with a window that can be opened for peek-aboo. Your children's ages and stages will influence the type of stroller that's the best for you. Parents of twins could opt for a convertible stroller which can accommodate two infant car seats at once and families with a child who is older and a toddlers might prefer doubles that are side-by-side. You'll have to decide if you want an infant stroller that fits through narrow doors and aisles of grocery stores or even on planes. In our Lab tests, we found that the majority of double strollers were easy to fold and move. They usually have a oneor two-step procedure, and are compact enough to fit in the majority of cars that are compact. They're also designed to be sturdy which makes them easier to put back together. Some of the top double-strollers include convenient features for parents, like cups holder for one parent and a big storage basket. Consider whether the stroller comes with a lock on the front seat to prevent your child from climbing out. Some strollers come with an adapter that fits car seats and can be converted into a single seat as your child develops. The price tag on some of the best double strollers can be a bit steep, but they typically have better build quality and resale value as compared to lower-end models. They are also easier to maneuver and can handle rough terrain, such as city walkways or park trails. Style When parents are looking for a double stroller, they're looking for more than just a way to transport their two children. They want a light stroller that is able to move with ease, has enough onboard storage and thoughtful features to grow with the kids—and be easy for them to push and maneuver. Also, since they'll carry more weight than the kids so the stroller must be comfortable for shoulders and back. The best double strollers are sleek and support various customization options. They can also accommodate infant car seats, ensuring an easy transition from baby to toddler. They're available in side-by-side or tandem (single-file seating) designs and can be light enough to jog or for travel. Aside from size, one of the primary considerations for parents shopping for a double stroller is whether or not it'll fit through doorways and other narrow spaces. The majority of the strollers that we evaluated for our latest update can fit through standard exterior doors which are 36 inches wide. When evaluating the top double strollers, we also consider how easily they fold and unfold. pushchairsandprams.uk consider how comfortable the seats and canopy are. We also take into consideration how comfortable the buckles and seat straps are for children sitting in the stroller, as well as how easy it is to adjust the handlebar height. For instance our top choice, the Uppababy Vista V2, is light and has plenty of onboard storage for both children. It has a cup for parents holder, as well as seats that recline individually. It also comes with a generous UPF 50+ canopy that has a windows that peek out. The seat's buckles and straps are cushioned and among the most comfortable we've tested. We also found it to be the easiest seat for children to secure. If you're not quite ready to buy a double stroller, Facebook Marketplace and second-hand-goods websites can offer used options in good condition at affordable costs. Do your research and look for signs of damage before you buy.