What to Look For in a Double Stroller

The best double strollers develop with families and provide clever features to keep children comfortable and happy. The best double strollers offer adjustable footrests and smooth riding over gravel, old sidewalks, and trails.

Kerry was pleased the fact that the stroller was delivered in multiple boxes, but everything was labeled properly and easy to open. She also liked that the stroller accepts two infant car seats and can be used with a riding board for older children.

Seating Options

Seating options are a major factor in determining whether or not a family will purchase a double stroller. You'll want to consider the ages of your children, their relative sizes and the seating configurations that work best for you.

For instance, if you have children close in age who will sit side-by-side, you should consider a tandem model that comes with child seats linked to one another and doesn't require you to use car seat adapters, explains Alli Cavasino who is a senior editor at Consumer Reports. They are generally larger than other types of pushchair double strollers, however they won't fit through standard door frames within your home.

If you're experiencing an age gap between your children you should consider a stroller with two seats that has the option to convert to a stand-and-ride model that has the option of a bench or a platform seat in the back for a child who likes to just ride along with their younger sibling. These in-line strollers are also equipped to accommodate infant car seats when needed and are ideal for children who will be three years apart.

Billingsley suggests that you also consider the type of fabric used to make the seat. Certain fabrics are more breathable than others and are easier to keep clean. It is also important to consider how easy it is to fold your stroller for storage or transport to and from your vehicle. "There's nothing more frustrating than buying your dream stroller only find out that it is too heavy or large for your trunk," says the expert.

If you're looking for a low-cost option that has various seating options take a look at this award winner from Summer Infant, which has two toddler seats as well as a bassinet attachment. The stroller can be made into a triple stroller with an additional seat or riding board. The seats recline and the control of the calf bar can be adjusted separately. This is great the time when one child is in need of to take a nap while the other is looking to explore the surroundings. It's also compact when folded down and easily fits into most trunks.

Age Ranges

For families with kids who are near in age, a sit-and-stand stroller is the perfect combination of comfort for children and adults and convenience. These strollers have an area in front that seats an infant or toddler and a bench, platform or another type of surface at the rear that allows older children to stand up or get off and on. These strollers are great for toddlers and older children, but not for babies or children who do not have the balance and coordination to stand up on their own.

A narrow tandem stroller can help keep an eye on both kids at the same time and get through difficult areas like aisles of the grocery store that are crowded or family photos in the park. These models are usually narrower than double travel stroller strollers with side-by-side designs and are generally easier to maneuver however they aren't able to accommodate infant car seats and typically don't offer as much undercarriage storage.

If you plan to use a double stroller for some time--or even for over a decade, it's worthwhile buying a stroller that will expand with your children. Double strollers tend to be more expensive than single strollers, however If you choose the right one the first time around, it can save you money over time.

Our test subjects put these strollers through a series of maneuverability tests and off-road excursions, and they found them easy to navigate over different terrains. If you plan to use it in cities or areas where the traffic and sidewalks are prone to bumps, you may need something more durable and sturdy that can withstand rough treatment.

Double strollers are designed to last, however the seats could be worn out earlier than you anticipate or your children might outgrow them before they're ready for retirement. If you're on a tight budget, choose an option with a warranty of at minimum four years. It is best to use it for as long as it can.

Ease of Use

It's crucial to ensure that the double stroller is easy to use by both children. This means a comfortable harness for kids who are seated, and easy-to-grasp handles for toddlers who stand. This also means that the stroller can be moved effortlessly, and is able to be maneuvered through tight spaces and around obstacles. In fact the top strollers in our Lab tests--such as the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie and Thule Urban Glide 2 double buggy sale among the most comfortable to push.

A second hand double buggy stroller should be able to fold and take down and store. The most effective models come with the option of a two-step or one-step process, and they're compact enough to fit in the majority of trunks. It's also beneficial when the stroller is a versatile with the option of adding another seat or a ride-along board. Some can even hold infant car seats, meaning you don't need to wake your baby to put them into the stroller when they're ready to head home.

A quality double stroller is also durable, so it is able to be used in a variety of terrains. For example, some can be converted into a jogging stroller with an adapted front wheel and some can be used as an umbrella stroller. Some even have cargo baskets which can be attached to the back of the stroller to carry shopping bags or groceries.

Another factor to consider is whether you'd prefer an oversized stroller that can be used side-by-side or as a tandem. Side-by-side strollers tend to be larger than tandem models, and they aren't easy to maneuver in tight spaces like doorways and aisles of the grocery store. They are practical because they allow both children to view the same scene. They can also be easier to navigate through in stormy weather, as they provide more protection from the elements for both children.