4 Dirty Little Secrets About The Double Stroller Industry
What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The best double strollers are built to grow with families and provide thoughtful features to keep kids comfortable and happy. This includes adjustable foot rests and an easy ride on gravel, trails and old sidewalks.
Kerry appreciated that the stroller arrived in multiple boxes, however everything was labeled well and was easy to open. She also liked that the stroller can accept two infant car seats, and can be paired up with a riding-board for older children.
Seating Options
Seating options are an important element in determining whether an entire family will invest in a double stroller. You'll want to think about the age of your children, their relative sizes, and the seating arrangements that work best for you.
Alli Cavasino is a senior editor at Consumer Reports. She says that if you are looking to purchase a tandem stroller, you should look at one that has children's seats that are connected. This model does not require car seat adapters. These double strollers are typically larger than other double strollers. They may not be able to fit through doors that are standard in your home.
If you're experiencing an age gap between your kids look into a double pushchair sale-seat stroller with the option to transform into a stand-and-ride model that has an elevated or small bench seat in the back for a kid who likes to just ride with or observe their younger sibling. These types of in-line strollers can also be adapted to fit infant car seats if needed and are a great option for children who are 3 to 5 years apart, according Billingsley.
Billingsley advises that you must be aware of the material used for the seat. Some fabrics are more breathable than others, and are easier to clean. It's also important to consider how easy it is to fold your new stroller down to store it or transport it to and from your car. "Nothing is more frustrating than acquiring the perfect stroller, only you realize it's too heavy to lift or too big for your trunk," she says.
If you're looking for an affordable option that has multiple seating configurations, check out this award winner from Summer Infant, which has two toddler seats with a bassinet attachment. It can be expanded to become a triple stroller, with an additional seat or riding board. The seats recline and come with the calf bar controls that can be adjusted independently, which is perfect for those times when one child needs to nap while the other wants to take in the surroundings. It's also compact when folded down and fits easily in the majority of trunks.
Age Variations
For families with kids who are close to their ages, a sit-and-stand stroller is the ideal combination of comfort for both children and convenience. These strollers typically have a seat for an infant or toddler in the front, and a platform or bench that lets an older child stand or hop on and off in the back. These strollers are great for older toddlers and children however, they are not suitable for babies or children who do not have the coordination or balance 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 busy aisles in the grocery store or family photos in the park. These strollers are a bit narrower and more maneuverable than double strollers that are side-by-side however they don't offer as much storage space under the carriage and can't accommodate the infant car seat.
If you plan on using a double stroller over a period of several years, or even for a decade, you should consider purchasing a model that can grow along with your children. Double strollers tend to be more expensive than single strollers, but if you choose the right one first time it can help you save money over time.
Our testers ran each of these strollers through a series maneuverability tests and off-road excursions and found them to be easy to navigate over a variety of terrain. If you intend to use it in cities or areas where the traffic and sidewalks can be bumpy, then you may need something that is more durable and robust that can withstand rough treatment.
A lot of double strollers are made to last for a long period of time, but you might discover that the seats become used up faster than you anticipated or your kids grow out of it before it's ready for retirement. If you're looking for a bargain look into one that's been rated for at least four years and aims to last as long as possible.
Easy of Use
It's important to make sure that the double stroller is simple to use by both children. That means comfortable harnesses for children who sit, and easy-to-grasp handles for toddlers who stand. The stroller can also be easily rolled and maneuvered around obstacles and in tight spaces. In fact, the top-rated strollers in our Lab tests--such as the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie and Thule Urban Glide 2 Double among the easiest to push.
It's also essential that a double stroller is easy to fold and put away. The best models use the option of a two-step or one-step procedure, and are small enough to fit into the majority of trunks. It's also a benefit if you can include a second chair or a ride-along stroller. Some can even hold infant car seats, meaning you don't need to wake your baby to get them into their stroller when they're ready for a trip home.
Furthermore, a quality Double Stroller For 3 Year Old stroller needs to be sturdy to be able to be used on a variety of terrain. For instance, some strollers can be converted into a jogging stroller with an adapted front wheel and some can be used as an umbrella stroller. Some strollers come with a cargo bag that can be attached to the back of the stroller to carry shopping bags and other items.
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 are typically bigger than tandem models and they can be difficult to maneuver through tight spaces such as doorways and aisles of the grocery store. However, they provide the convenience of allowing both children to see the same scene. They are also easier to navigate during bad weather since they provide more protection from the elements.
Many parents choose to buy an adaptable stroller that can be used with a baby, and later converted into double strollers when their children are older. After speaking with parents we've learned that it's best to get what you need at the time, rather than trying to predict what your family may need in the future.
Stores
If you're looking for a double stroller, you might want to consider the size and quantity of storage space. Many models come with spacious easy-to-access baskets that are able to accommodate a lot of cargo. They also typically have several cup holders for parents as well as convertible seating arrangements that provide the best legroom available for children. However, certain features can increase in cost, so it's important to read descriptions and reviews carefully.
Most double strollers are categorized as tandem or side-byside designs. Tandem strollers include two seats on one frame, and are best for older children who can sit unassisted. They typically have more storage space than side-by-side models. However, some can be difficult to push with the front seat fully reclined.
Side-by-side strollers come with two separate seats positioned side by side and are generally suited to younger babies or toddlers who haven't mastered independent sitting yet. They are also more maneuverable and easy to push than tandem strollers. They may be more expensive, and they have smaller baskets.
There are also double strollers made specifically for biking or jogging. These are more expensive than basic all-terrain strollers, and they usually come with fixed front wheels that limit their flexibility. They're worth considering only if you intend to use them for these activities.
If you're looking for twins or an infant and an older toddler, or a child who's not yet ready to walk on their own, there's a perfect double stroller for you. Our top choices are easy to maneuver, flexible, stable and have seating that grows with your child. Check out our top picks for the top double stroller that will fit your family regardless of whether you are looking for Double Stroller For 3 Year Old a tandem or one that can accommodate your infant car seat.