How Easy Is It to Push and Fold a Double Stroller?
If you're taking your toddler for an outing or running pram with your twins, having the right double stroller makes it easier for everyone to move around. But finding one that's easy to fold and push is essential.
Our Lab experts recommend side-by-side models with equal reclining and plenty of storage space, including car seat adapters for infants.
Seating
When looking for a double stroller, your seating options are crucial. You might want to think about a tandem stroller that lets one child stand while the other sits or a side-by- side option that lets your children sit together.
The seating configuration also impacts your comfort as you navigate through busy streets and sidewalks. Consider looking for a stroller with reclining seats, reclined footrests and ample canopy options that provide shade for both passengers. Beware of hanging bags on the handlebars because they can alter the stroller's centre of gravity, causing it to tip.
A quality double stroller comes with handy storage space for your essentials as well. Look for storage spaces under the seats or in the backs of the seats. These are great places to store snacks, toys, and other essentials. You can also use organizer bags and consoles for parents attached to the handles of the car to keep items handy during walks or outings.
A side-byside pram shops near me is the best option for parents who have children of the same age. They are generally more stable than stacking types, and they offer better views for both passengers. Some options also accept two infant car seats, allowing you to move your sleepy children from the car to the stroller without disturbing them up.
Parents who have older kids who aren't afraid to sit separately or who enjoy a degree of independence might appreciate a model that lets a bigger kid to sit on the front of the stroller and ride along. This type of double stroller usually isn't newborn-compatible and might require more maintenance as years pass by, but it can be a great alternative for families who require the flexibility of a single stroller that converts to a double-kid version.
The top double strollers will be durable and easy-to-maneuver even in a rough terrain or tight spaces. They're also light and fold up for compact storage in your garage or trunk, making them easy to transport and manage while traveling. They're also built to last and comply with the safety guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP).
Canopy
A canopy can shield both the passengers and the sun, and some models come with the option of a visor that can further protect kids' faces. Our top-scoring models for 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 while inline models tend to cut corners on the shade or offer a single canopy that only covers one seat, which can be problematic for siblings that want different levels of protection.
A good canopy should be able to fit comfortably on the stroller, and a lot of our top-rated models do just that. Be sure to verify the model's dimensions before you buy, as some canopies 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 pushchair with car seat a bassinet or 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 add-on RumbleSeat. This makes it a perfect option for families with twins or young children and require transport simultaneously. This stroller has the unique sit and stand arrangement for older children who prefer to travel on their own.
The organizer bags and consoles for parents can also help your stroller be more efficient. They keep essentials close to hand. They're particularly useful for strollers that don't get used often and when you'll need to store snacks and toys away from prying hands. Some of these accessories are attached by snaps or straps that makes it simple to remove them when ready for the stroller to be used again.
If you're planning on investing in a long-term plan, look for a double stroller that is compatible with infant car seats. It can also transform into a toddler stroller complete with an adjustable bench or glider board. Both the Graco Travel System RoomFor2 and UPPAbaby's Vista Duallie include a bassinet which is compatible with car seats, a toddler seat, and a RumbleSeat. Both strollers can be converted to triple strollers by the addition of a running board. This is ideal for active families who have one child who is always be on the go.
Wheels
The type of wheels used on the stroller can make an enormous difference in how it is easy or difficult to push. In general, bigger wheels are easier to maneuver and can handle more terrain. The material the wheels are made from also plays a role in how hard or easy they are to push. Rubber wheels, for example are usually more durable and can withstand rougher surfaces than plastic ones.
Stroller wheels are available in a variety of styles, sizes, and materials to suit a variety of needs and environments. Wheels that swivel, for instance, can make it easier to navigate tight spaces and tight corners. Fixed-wheels are more stable and suitable for smooth surfaces. If you intend to use your stroller on uneven terrain or off-road, air-filled tires are more suitable than standard rubber tires. These tires are similar to bicycle tires, and absorb shocks for a more comfortable ride.
Double strollers that are side by side are wider than tandem models and can be more difficult to navigate through narrow doors or congested aisles. They provide your children with the same amount of room to sit and let them stretch their legs. They are also generally easier to maneuver than tandem strollers.
If you are planning to use your stroller as an exercise bike or run then you should choose a double jogger that comes with special all-terrain tires or jogging wheels. They are larger, more robust and come with sealed ball bearings that provide an easier ride on uneven surfaces. Some models, such as the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double Stroller are compatible with a car seats, allowing you to jog while your children are secured in their car seats.
Other strollers with jogging/all-terrain capabilities like the Valco Baby Tri Mode Duo X accept a second child in the front, but they are too bulky to qualify as umbrella doubles. In our testing, we found that the buckles on this stroller were the most difficult to fasten. This can be a problem if have to squeeze two children in the stroller at the same time. The stroller is more expensive than the top-rated single to tandem model, but it comes with top-quality materials and a reasonable resale price.
Storage
A good double stroller will provide enough storage space for the children as well as the parents. Insufficient storage space can make it difficult for parents to get around town or bring all the equipment needed on an outing with two children. In our Lab tests the UPPAbaby V2 double was a good score on this metric. It comes with a big accessible, easy-to-access basket that can support up to 30 lbs.
Strollers with pockets or compartments that are multiple can aid families in keeping in mind small items such as phones, keys, and wallets. Additionally, a parent console or organizer bag that is attached to the handlebars may be a handy place for moms and dads to store their own personal belongings when out with their kids.
Along with a spacious basket, the UPPAbaby Vista carries two infant car seats (though not both bassinets), and it has a telescoping handlebar and brakes that are simple to use. It also has one of the biggest max allowable seat weight ratings in our collection, and it folds easily through the majority of door frames.
On the other hand, our testers discovered that the wagon-style Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite has an adjustable handlebar that is perfect for parents of different heights. The wagon has two folding UV screens to ensure complete sun protection, and its cup holders as well as snack tray can hold a variety of kid's bottles and snacks.
The biggest issue with any stroller is folding it and bringing it back in shape after use. This is especially the case if you have a toddler or infant with you. It's the reason it's essential to choose a stroller that has a smooth and user-friendly fold. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 and Evenflo Pivot Xpand both have an easy-to-use, single-handed mechanism that lets parents quickly and easily fold their strollers regardless of the configuration they are in.
Although a double stroller might seem like a daunting purchase, parents who plan to use the product for several years should keep in mind that they'll usually spend more on this kind of equipment than single strollers. Also, you should consider whether the stroller can be disassembled to make it easier for storage and transport. This is essential when you have a limited space in your home or vehicle.