A Proactive Rant About Double Stroller

How Easy Is It to Push and Fold a Double Stroller?

Whether 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. Choosing a double stroller that can be folded and easy to push is crucial.

Our Lab experts recommend side-by-side models that have equal recline, ample storage space and car seat adapters to accommodate infants.

Seating

The seating options you choose are important when you are shopping for a double stroller. Based on your kids' stages of development, you may want to look for a side-by-side option that allows both children to sit together, or a tandem style that allows one child to stand while the other one is sitting.

Seating configurations can also impact your comfort when you're navigating busy sidewalks and streets. Look for strollers with reclining seats, reclined footrests and ample canopy options that provide shade for both of the passengers. Beware of hanging bags from handlebars, as they can alter the stroller's center of gravity and cause it to tip over.

A good quality double stroller will include handy storage space for your essentials, too. Look for storage spaces under the seats or behind the seats. These are great places to store your snacks, toys and other essentials. Parents consoles and bags that are attached to handles are also helpful for keeping essentials within reach on walks or outings.

A side-by-side pram is the best option for parents with children of similar ages. They are generally more stable than stacking models and offer better sightlines for both passengers. Some models can accommodate two infants in a car seat, allowing you transfer your sleeping children from the car to the pram sale without disturbing them.

Parents with older kids who aren't afraid to sit separately or who enjoy a degree of independence might appreciate the sit-and-stand option that allows the bigger child to climb onto the front and enjoy a ride. This type of double stroller is not compatible with newborns and could require more maintenance over the course of time. However, it could be a great choice for active families that are looking for the flexibility of a single stroller that can be converted into an adult-only model.

The most effective double strollers are robust and easy to maneuver even in rough terrain or tight spaces. They are also lightweight, foldable and compact to make it easy to store them in your garage or trunk. This makes them easy to carry on trips. They are made to last and comply with the safety standards of the American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP).

Canopy

A canopy protects both the passenger and the sun's rays, and some models come with an visor to further protect kids' faces. Shades that are massive like the BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 Duallie and the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double earned our top marks for their canopy options. They both provide plenty of coverage and cover kids from head to knee while inline models tend to cut corners on the shade or offer one canopy that only covers one seat, which can be problematic for siblings who want different levels of protection.

The majority of our top-rated canopys fit on strollers with ease. Be sure to verify the dimensions of the model prior to making a purchase, as certain canopy may require extra space in the basket to allow for full extension and to ensure that the handles don't get hit when they're folded.

Some parents prefer a double stroller with a bassinet and pushchair car seat seat adapters, as well as other add-ons to give them more options in the future. The UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double, for instance, comes with an infant seat and an added RumbleSeat. This makes it a great option for families with twins or young children and require transportation at the same time. This versatile stroller also offers an innovative sit-and-stand design for older kids who prefer to ride on their own.

Parent consoles and organizer bags can also help your stroller be more efficient. They keep your essentials at hand. These bags are especially useful when you need to keep snacks and toys out of sight. Some of these accessories can be secured using either a strap or snap, which makes it easy to remove them once you're ready to take the stroller again.

If you're thinking of an investment that will last for a long time opt for a double stroller that is compatible with infant car seats and can grow into a toddler stroller that has an adjustable bench or glider board. Both the Graco travel pram System RoomFor2 and UPPAbaby's Vista v2 Duallie include a bassinet which is compatible with car seats, a toddler's seat as well as a RumbleSeat. Both can expand into a triple stroller with the addition of a running board, which is ideal for families with an active kid who prefers to stay active.

Wheels

The type of wheels that a stroller has makes an impact on how it is to push. In general, larger wheels are more maneuverable and can take on more terrain. The material used to make the wheels also affects how easy or difficult they are to push. Rubber wheels are more durable than plastic ones and are able to withstand rougher surfaces.

Stroller wheels come in different styles, sizes, and materials to suit a variety of requirements and environments. For instance, swivel wheel can help navigate narrow spaces and tight turns. Fixed wheels offer greater stability and are better for smooth surfaces. If you plan to use your stroller on uneven terrain or off-road, air-filled tires are better than the standard rubber tires. These tires are similar to bicycle tires, and they absorb shocks, which makes for more comfortable riding.

Double strollers that are side-by-side are larger than tandem models and may be more difficult to navigate through narrow doors or crowded aisles. They provide your children with the same amount of space to sit and stretch their legs. They are also usually easier to maneuver than tandem strollers.

If you intend to use your stroller for biking or running, look for double joggers that have all-terrain or jogging tires. These tires are larger and more robust, and also have sealed ball bearings that provide a smoother ride on uneven surfaces. Certain models, such as the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double Stroller are compatible with car seats which let you jog with your children securely strapped in their car seats.

Other all-terrain/jogging doubles like the Valco Baby Tri Mode Duo X, accept the addition of a second seat however they're usually too bulky to qualify as umbrella doubles. In our tests the restraint buckles of this model were among the most difficult to secure, which could be a problem when you're trying to get two kids into the stroller all at once. This stroller is priced higher than the top-rated single to tandem pick, but offers top prams-quality materials and an affordable resale value.

Storage

A well-designed double stroller should have enough storage space to accommodate the children as well as the parents. Insufficient storage space could make it difficult for parents to go on around and carry all the equipment they require on a family day out. In our Lab tests the UPPAbaby double scored very well on this measurement. It has a large accessible, easy-to-access basket that can support up to 30 lbs.

Strollers that have multiple compartments and pockets can help families organize small things like wallets, keys and phones. A parent console or organizer bag that attaches to the handlebars of the stroller could be a handy method for parents to keep their personal belongings during outings with their children.

In addition to a spacious basket, the UPPAbaby Vista carries two infant car seats (though not both bassinets) and also has a telescoping handlebar and easy-to-use brakes. It also has the biggest maximum weight capacity in our collection, as well as an adjustable fold that will fit most standard door frames.

Our testers also found that the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite wagon features a remarkably adjustable bar, which is ideal for parents with different heights. The wagon comes with two folding UV screens for full sun protection, and its cup holders as well as snack tray can be used to hold various bottles for kids and snacks.

The biggest challenge with any stroller is folding it and bringing it back in shape after using. This is especially true for those who have a child or toddler with you. It's therefore important to choose an item that folds easily and effortlessly. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 and Evenflo Pivot Xpand both have a simple, single-handed mechanism that allows parents to swiftly and efficiently fold their strollers, no matter which configuration they're in.

While a double stroller might seem like a daunting purchase, parents who plan to utilize the product for several years should keep in mind that they'll generally pay more for this kind of stroller than single strollers. It's also worth determining if the stroller compact is able to be broken down into parts for easier transport and storage, which is an important aspect to consider if you're limited in your space in your home or vehicle.