Watch Out: What Double Strollers Is Taking Over And What We Can Do About It

How to Choose the Best Double Strollers A double stroller can make things easier for parents of twins or children of different ages, whether you're on an easy stroll or going for a run in the morning. What should you consider when choosing between the many choices available? This expandable model allows you to adjust the seating for different needs. Our new member, Kerry, tested it out. Safety Whether you're running errands, visiting the zoo or going out for trick-or-treating with your kiddos your stroller should be safe. It's crucial to have sturdy frames as well as comfortable harnesses that are easy to grab handle for toddlers. It must also be able to fit through doors and be easy to move and fold. It must also be affordable. We put each double stroller we reviewed through vigorous tests in our lab, at the Zoo, on streets in the city, and during family outings in suburban areas. Our lab tests evaluate the stroller's maneuverability, stability and ease of steering. We also test the suspension comfort for both the driver and rider, the weight capacity, the seat canopy heights, as well as the storage space. We ask parents for feedback on each model in addition to the standard safety check performed by our team. We then take into consideration all of the information provided when making recommendations. Take a look at our top picks to help you find a stroller that is sturdy and safe. These strollers are versatile and offer a variety of seating options to accommodate infant car seats. They can be used as a single stroller or tandem, and are suitable for children from birth through elementary school. The top double strollers are designed to adapt to your growing family. They are sleek and stylish with a variety of customizations and can be used by infants and toddlers with side-byside seating or tandem (single file) seating. Some also have an enormous storage basket and a handlebar that can be telescopically adjusted, and one-handed fold mechanisms. Consider a tandem stroller with a bench seat at the back to accommodate a third child if you have twins or a child who is similar in age. They're a great option for siblings who want to interact with each other but aren't capable of sitting next to each other in a stroller that is side-by-side, where they could end in fighting or arguing. There are also convertible models, which allow you to remove the bench seat for your child once they are ready to go without the car seat. Comfort The top double strollers have comfortable child seats that are well-padded and well-supported. They also come with plenty of storage space, spacious footwells for kids' feet and legroom and UPF 50+ canopy that offer excellent sun protection. The seats should recline at a slight angle to ensure children are comfortable, and they should have calf bars that permit parents to adjust the position of each seat individually. The handlebars must be comfortable and easy to maneuver according to Alli Cavasino, a certified child-passenger safety technician. The handlebars should be close enough to the children's seats that you can reach them and hold on to them. If the handlebars on the stroller are too far apart it will be a challenge to keep your balance and maintain good posture while pushing them. The ride should be smooth on rough or rough surfaces. Some of the models we tested have shock absorbers to ensure that the ride remains steady. Others have front and rear suspensions, which decrease the amount of force required to push them and increase the control you have over them. The wheels should have a long-lasting tread and made of high-quality rubber. We scoured the internet for the most versatile double-strollers which can be used from the time of to toddlerhood. Some of the double strollers we came across are convertible to tandem or side-by-side strollers. lightest double stroller of them, the Uppababy Vista V2, can even be converted into a single-file infant stroller. This model is priced three times more than our main tandem pick, but it's of higher quality and will last longer due to its sturdy materials. The best double strollers will be light and maneuverable for long walks, trips to the zoo, park, and other errands. Double strollers are generally bigger than single strollers, and may not fit into narrow aisles or doorways. Some models cost more than single-seat models however it's reasonable given that you're getting a much better value for your budget. These models are suitable for both adults and children, and will grow with your family. Convenience If you're going to spend the money for a double stroller, you'll need one that's convenient to push and put away. Ideally, the stroller will be light and compact enough to fit into the trunk of your car or the space at home. It should be able to maneuver rough terrain and make precise turns. Some of the best double strollers have adjustable calf supports as well as seats that recline, and offer UPF sun protection. The canopy should be large enough to protect both kids If you're worried about getting the sun into their eyes, look for one with a peek-aboo window. The age and stage of your children will determine what type stroller you require. Parents of twins could opt for a convertible stroller that is able to accommodate two infant car seats simultaneously and families with an older child and toddlers may prefer side-byside doubles. You'll have to decide if you want strollers that can go through narrow doors and aisles in grocery stores, or on planes. In our Lab tests, we found that the top double strollers are fairly easy to fold and carry. They usually have a singleor two-step procedure, and they're small enough to fit in the majority of compact cars. They're also designed to be sturdy when folded, which makes them easier to put back together. Some of the top double strollers feature convenient parent features like a one-parent cup holder and a spacious storage basket. lightweight double pushchair is important to know if the stroller comes with a lock on the front seat, to stop your kids from getting out in case they get bored. Some of the better strollers include a universal car seat adapter and can be transformed into one-seaters as your children grow. Some of the best double strollers are a bit expensive, but they come with a better build quality and better resale value than cheaper models. They're also easier to maneuver and can handle tough terrains, such as city sidewalks or park trails. Style Parents shopping for a double stroller are looking for more than just a way to transport two kids. They want a light, maneuverable stroller with sufficient storage space on the inside and thoughtful features that allow it to grow with the kids—and be easy for them to push and maneuver. Since they will be carrying more than children, the stroller should be easy on their backs and shoulders. The best double strollers are sleek and come with many different customization options. They can also be able to accommodate infant car seats, ensuring a smooth transition from baby-to-toddler. They can be used in tandem (single-file seating) or side-by-side, and are even lightweight enough to use for running. In addition to the size parents should also think about whether the double stroller will be able to pass through doorways or other tight spaces. Luckily, the majority of models we tested in our latest update can pass through doors that are standard for exteriors that measure 36 inches wide, and the majority of them can fit inside doors that measure 28 to 35 inches wide. Other factors we look at when evaluating the top double strollers include how quickly and easily they fold and unfold, how big the cargo basket is, how cushioned the seats are and how adjustable the canopies are. Additionally, we look at how comfortable the straps and buckles are for seated kids and how easy it is to access and adjust the height of the handlebar. For example, our top pick, the Uppababy Vista V2, is lightweight and offers plenty of storage for both children. It has one parent cup holder, seats that recline independently, and generous UPF 50+ canopies with windows that can be peekaboo. Its padded seat straps and buckles are among the most comfortable in our tests and we found the seat to be one of the easiest to secure for children of all different ages. If you're not ready to buy a double stroller, Facebook Marketplace and other secondhand-goods sites can often offer good-condition used options for reasonable costs. Make sure to do your research before committing to buying, examining for signs of damage and looking for recalls.