How Easy Is It to Push and Fold a Double Stroller?
Whether you’re taking your toddler for the streets or jogging with your twins, the perfect double stroller makes it easier for everyone to get around. But finding one that’s easy to fold and push is a must.
Our Lab experts recommend side by side models with equal recline, ample storage space and car seat adapters to accommodate infants.
Seating
Seating options are crucial when choosing a double-stroller. Based on your children’s stages of development it is possible to look for a side-by-side option that lets both children sit together, or a tandem style that lets one child stand while the other is seated.
Seating configurations can also affect your comfort while you are navigating the busy streets and sidewalks. You should consider strollers that have reclined seats, reclined footrests and large canopy that provides shade for both of the passengers. Also, avoid hanging bags on the handlebars because they could alter the stroller’s weight and increase tipping.
A good quality double stroller will have handy storage space for your essentials as well. Look for compartments under the seats or behind the seats. These are excellent places to store toys, snacks, and other essentials. You can also use organizer bags and consoles for parents attached to the handles of the car to keep items in your hand on walks or outings.
A side-by-side stroller is the ideal choice for parents who have children of similar age. They tend to be more stable and provide better visibility for both of the passengers than stacking strollers. Some options also accept two infant car seats which allows you to move your sleeping kids from the car to the stroller and not wake them up.
Sit-and-stand strollers are a great option for parents with older children who don’t mind their kids sitting separately and who like some freedom. They can also allow a larger child to ride along on the front. This type of double-stroller is not newborn-compatible and may require more maintenance over time. However, it can be a great choice for families with active children who are looking for the flexibility of a single stroller that can be converted into a two-kid model.
The top double strollers will be robust and easy to maneuver, even in 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 when traveling. They’re made to last and meet the safety standards of the American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP).
Canopy
A canopy protects both passengers from the sun’s rays and, in some models, a a visor that shields children’s 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 kids from head to knee, however, inline models tend to be less generous with the shade or offer only a single canopy that covers one seat, which can be problematic for siblings that want different levels of protection.
A good canopy should be able to slide easily onto the stroller, and Baby strollers many of our top-rated models accomplish that. Check the dimensions of the canopy prior to purchasing, as some might require additional space to extend completely and avoid hitting the handles.
Some parents prefer a double stroller that includes a bassinet and car seat adapters, as well as other accessories that provide them with more options later on. The UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double, for example, comes with an infant seat as well as an added RumbleSeat. This makes it an ideal option for families with twins or small children and require transport simultaneously. This versatile stroller also offers an unique sit-and-stand option for older children who prefer to ride on their own.
Other accessories that can make your stroller more practical include parent consoles and bags that organize, which allow you to keep things in reach. They’re especially useful for strollers that aren’t frequently used or when you want to keep snacks and toys away from prying hands. Some of these accessories can be secured with straps or snaps that makes it simple to remove them when you’re ready to put them on the stroller once more.
If you’re planning on a long-term investment opt for a double stroller compatible with infant car seats and will grow into a toddler stroller that has a bench seat or glider board. The Graco RoomFor2 Travel System and the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Duallie both feature a car seat-compatible bassinet with a toddler seat as well as RumbleSeat. Both can be converted into a triple stroller – click through the up coming website, with the addition of a running board, which is perfect for active families with one kid who prefers to stay active.
Wheels
The kind of wheels a stroller comes with makes a difference in how it is to push. In general, bigger wheels are easier for you to maneuver and will be able to tackle more terrain. The material used to make the wheels also determines how they are easy or difficult to push. Rubber wheels are more durable than plastic wheels and are able to handle rougher surfaces.
Stroller wheels are available in a variety styles sizes, shapes and materials that can meet the needs of a variety of people and environments. Wheels that swivel, for instance can make it easier to maneuver around tight corners and narrow spaces. Fixed-wheels are more stable and ideal for smooth surfaces. If you are planning to use your stroller off-road or on rough terrain, consider getting air-filled tires instead of standard rubber tires. These tires are similar to bicycle tires, and absorb shocks to provide better comfort on the road.
Side-by-side double strollers are bigger than tandem strollers and can be difficult to squeeze through narrow doors or aisles of stores. However, they offer your children the same amount of space and let them stretch their legs. They’re usually also more maneuverable and easy to steer than tandem strollers.
If you intend to use your stroller for a running or bike it as a double jogger, you need to choose one that comes with special all-terrain wheels or jogging tires. They are larger, more robust and have sealed ball bearings for an easier ride on uneven surfaces. Some models, like the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double Stroller, are compatible with car seats, that allow you to run with your kids safely to their car seats.
Other all-terrain/jogging strollers, such as the Valco Baby Tri Mode Duo X accept two children in the front, but they are too heavy to qualify as umbrella doubles. Also, in our testing the restraint buckles of this model were among the toughest to secure, which could be a challenge when trying to fit two kids into the stroller all at once. This stroller is priced higher than the top-rated single to tandem option, but comes with top-quality materials and an affordable resale value.
Storage
A great double stroller must offer plenty of storage space for both parents and children. Insufficient storage space could make it difficult for parents to run around and carry everything they need to enjoy a day out with the family. In our Lab tests the UPPAbaby V2 double was a good score in this measure. It comes with a large, easy-to-access basket which can accommodate up to 30 pounds.
Strollers that have pockets or compartments that are multiple can help families keep in mind small items such as phones, keys, and wallets. A parent console or organizer bag attached to the handlebars can be a handy location for dads and moms to keep their personal belongings when out with the kids.
The UPPAbaby vista has a large basket and can carry two car seats for infants. (Not both bassinets, though.) It also has an adjustable telescoping bar as well as brakes that are simple to use. It also has the biggest weight capacity in our line-up and it folds to fit most standard door frames.
On the other hand 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 also comes with two UV screens that fold up to provide complete sun coverage and its snack tray and cup holders can hold plenty of kid snacks and bottles.
The biggest challenge with any stroller is folding it and getting it back to its original shape after using. This is especially the case when you have a toddler or infant pushchair with car seat you. That’s why it’s important to choose a model that has a smooth and easy fold. Both the UPPAbaby Vista v2 stroller travel and Evenflo Pivot Xpand have a single-handed, user-friendly mechanism that allows parents fold their stroller quickly and efficiently, no matter what configuration they’re in.
Double strollers can be an expensive investment however, parents who intend to use it for a number of years will pay more than single strollers. It’s also worth checking whether a stroller can be disassembled into smaller pieces for easier transport and storage This is a crucial aspect to consider if you’re limited in your living or vehicle space.