The 10 Most Scariest Things About Double Stroller
How Easy Is It to Push and Fold a Double Stroller?
When you're taking your toddler for an outing or running with your twins, having the best double stroller will make it easier for everyone to get around. However, finding one that is easy to push and fold is essential.
Our Lab experts recommend side by side models that feature equal reclining, plenty of storage space and car seat adapters that can fit infants.
Seating
The seating options you choose are important when you are shopping for a double stroller. You might want to think about a tandem stroller that allows one child to stand while the other sits or a side-by- side model that allows your children to sit together.
The seating configuration also impacts your comfort when you walk through busy streets and sidewalks. You should consider a stroller with reclined seats, reclined footrests and large canopy that provides shade for both of the passengers. Also, avoid hanging bags on the handlebars since they can alter the stroller's centre of gravity and encourage tipping.
A quality double stroller will have convenient storage for your essentials as well. Look for storage spaces under the seats or behind the seats. These are great places to store toys, snacks and other necessities. You can also make use of organizer bags and consoles for parents that attach to the handles of the car to keep things close at hand during walks or outings.
A side-byside pram and travel system is the best option for parents with children of similar age. They are usually more stable and offer better visibility for both passengers than stacking strollers. Some models can accommodate two infants in a car seats, which allows you to take your sleepy children from the car to the pram and not wake them.
Parents who have older kids who don't mind sitting separately or who prefer a little bit of independence might like the sit-and-stand option that allows the bigger child to sit on the front of the stroller and ride along. This kind of double-stroller is not compatible with newborns and could require more maintenance over the course of time. However, it could be a great option for families with active children who want the versatility of one stroller that transforms into a two-kid model.
The most effective double strollers are durable and easy-to-maneuver, even in muddy terrain or narrow spaces. They're also light and fold up for compact storage in your trunk or garage which makes them easy to transport and manage when traveling. Finally, they feature solid construction to ensure security and durability of your children. Furthermore, they meet the American Academy of Pediatricians' (AAP) guidelines for safety.
Canopy
A canopy shields both passengers from the sunlight, and some models offer a visor that shields children's faces. Our top-scoring canopy options included the BOB Revolution Flex v3.0 Duallie, and the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Dual. Both have giant shades. They both offer plenty of coverage and cover children from head to knee, however, inline models tend to be less generous with shade or have one canopy that only covers one seat, which is problematic prams for newborns siblings that want different levels of protection.
The majority of our top-rated canopys fit onto strollers with ease. Be sure to verify the dimensions of the model prior to making a purchase, as certain canopy may require additional space in the basket for full extension, and to ensure that the handles don't get hit when they're folded.
Some parents prefer double strollers that come with an infant bassinet and car seat adapters to give them more options in the future. The UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double, for instance, comes with a toddler seat and an additional RumbleSeat. This makes it an ideal option for families with twins or young kids and require transport at the same time. This versatile stroller offers an unique sit-and-stand configuration for older children who prefer to prams travel system by themselves.
The organizer bags and consoles for parents can make your stroller more useful. They keep your essentials in your reach. They're especially useful for strollers that aren't used frequently or when you want to keep snacks and toys away from prying eyes. Some of these accessories are connected by snaps or straps which makes it easy to remove them when you're ready for the stroller to be used again.
If you're looking to make a long-term investment consider a double stroller compatible with infant car seats. It can also transform into a toddler stroller [see this site] complete with an adjustable bench or glider board. Both the Graco Travel System RoomFor2 and UPPAbaby's Vista v2 Duallie come with a bassinet that is compatible with car seats, a toddler seat as well as a RumbleSeat. Both can be converted into a triple stroller through 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 on a stroller can make an enormous difference in how it is easy or difficult to push. In general, larger wheels are easier to maneuver and can handle more terrain. The material that the wheels are made of is a factor 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 various designs, sizes and materials to meet a range of requirements and environments. For instance, swivel wheels help navigate narrow spaces and make tight turns. Fixed-wheels are more stable and suitable for smooth surfaces. If you are planning to use your stroller off-road or on rough terrain, think about getting air-filled tires instead rubber tires. These tires are similar to bicycle tires, which absorb shocks for a more comfortable ride.
Double strollers that are side-byside are larger than tandem models and can be more difficult to navigate through narrow doors or congested aisles. They give your children the same amount of space to sit down and stretch their legs. They're usually also more maneuverable and easy to steer than tandem strollers.
If you intend to use your stroller to run or bike consider double joggers that have all-terrain or jogging tires. These tires are bigger, thicker, and feature sealed ball bearings that provide smoother rides on uneven surfaces. Certain models, like the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double Stroller are compatible with car seats, allowing you to jog while your children are secured in their car seats.
Other all-terrain/jogging strollers, such as the Valco Baby Tri Mode Duo X accept an additional child in the front, but are too bulky to qualify as umbrella doubles. Also, in our testing, the restraint buckles on this model were among the toughest to secure, which could be a challenge when trying to get two kids into the stroller all at once. The stroller is costly, costing hundreds more than our top single-to-tandem option, but it does come with top-quality materials and an excellent selling value.
Stores
A quality double stroller should offer plenty of storage space for parents and children. Insufficient storage can make it hard for a parent to run errands or bring along all the gear needed to enjoy an outing with two kids. In our Lab tests the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double did excellently in this metric it has a large and easy-to-access basket that can accommodate up to 30lbs.
Strollers with pockets and compartments that are multiple can assist families in organizing small items like keys, wallets 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 personal belongings when out with the kids.
Along with a spacious basket the UPPAbaby Vista comes with two infant car seats (though not both bassinets) and also has an adjustable handlebar that telescopically extends and brakes that are simple to use. It also has the largest weight capacity in our collection, as well as a fold that fits most standard door frames.
On the flip side our test subjects discovered that the wagon-style Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite has a great adjustable handlebar, perfect for parents of different heights. The wagon has two UV screens that fold down to ensure complete sun protection, and its cup holders and snack tray can hold different bottles for children and snacks.
A big challenge for any stroller is the ability to fold it and then get it back into shape after usage, especially if you're dealing with an infant and a toddler in tow. It's crucial to select an item that folds easily and quickly. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 and Evenflo Pivot Xpand both come with a simple, single-handed mechanism that allows parents to swiftly and efficiently fold their strollers regardless of the configuration they're in.
Although a double stroller might appear like a costly investment, parents who plan to utilize the product for several years should be aware that they'll usually pay more for this type of stroller than single strollers. It is also important to determine if the stroller can be disassembled to make it easier for storage and transport. This is important if you only have limited space in your car or at home.