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

Whether you're taking your toddler on an outing or running with your twins, having the right double stroller makes it easier for everyone to get around. It's important to find one that's easy to fold and push is essential.

Our Lab experts recommend side-by-side models that have equal recline and plenty of storage space, including car adapters for infants' seats.

Seating

When looking for a double stroller, the seating options are key. You may want to consider a tandem stroller that allows one child to stand while the other sits or a side by side model that lets your children sit together.

Seating arrangements can also affect your comfort when you're walking on busy streets and sidewalks. You should consider a stroller with reclined seats, reclined footrests and generous canopies that provide shade for both passengers. Avoid hanging bags from the handlebars, as they can alter the stroller's center of gravity, causing it to tip over.

Double strollers of high-quality are also equipped with storage compartments for your essentials. Look for compartments under the seats or behind the seats. These are excellent places to store your snacks, toys and other necessities. You can also make use of organizer bags and consoles for parents affixed to the handles of the car to keep essentials close at hand during walks or outings.

For those with little ones close in age, a side-by-side stroller might be the best option. They are usually more stable and offer better visibility for both of the passengers than stacking strollers. Some options can accommodate two infant car seats, allowing you to take your sleepy children from the car to the pram pushchair without waking them.

Parents who have older kids who aren't afraid to sit separately or who prefer a little bit of independence might like a sit-and-stand model that allows an older child to climb onto the front of the stroller and ride along. This type of double stroller is not newborn-compatible, and it may require more maintenance over the course of time. However, it could be an excellent option for active families who want the versatility of one stroller that transforms into an adult-only model.

The most effective double strollers are sturdy and easy to maneuver even on rugged terrain or in tight spaces. They are also lightweight and foldable to be easily stored in your trunk or garage. This makes them easy to carry when traveling. Finally, they feature sturdy construction to ensure the longevity and safety of your children, and they are compliant with the American Academy of Pediatricians' (AAP) guidelines for safety.

Canopy

A canopy shields both passengers from direct sunlight and some models even have a an apron that protects children's faces. Models with giant shades like the BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 Duallie and the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double earned our highest scores for their canopy options. They both provide plenty of coverage and cover children 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 who want different levels of protection.

The majority of our top-rated canopys fit onto strollers with ease. Be sure to verify 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 with a bassinet, car seat adapters or other add-ons to give them more options down the road. For instance the UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double features a toddler seat and an added RumbleSeat, making it a great option for families with twins or young children who may require the transport of more than two kids at a time. This stroller is a versatile model that offers an unique sit-and-stand configuration for older children who prefer to ride alone.

Other accessories that can make your stroller more practical include parent consoles or organizer bags, which help keep your essentials in reach. These bags are especially useful when you need to store snacks and toys away from view. Some of these accessories are secured with a snap or strap, making it easy to remove them when ready for the stroller to be used again.

If you are looking for a double stroller that can be transformed into a toddler stroller with a glider board or bench seat it is the stroller to choose. The Graco RoomFor2 Travel System and UPPAbaby Vista v2 Duallie both have a bassinet that is compatible with car seats as well as a toddler seat and RumbleSeat. Both strollers can be made to triple strollers by the addition a running board. This is perfect for families with active children. one child who likes to travel.

Wheels

The type of wheels that are used on the stroller can make a big difference in how easy or difficult it is to push. In general, larger wheels are easier for you to maneuver and will be able to tackle more terrain. The material that the wheels are made of also is a factor in how hard or easy they are to push. Rubber wheels, for instance are generally more durable and are able to withstand rougher surfaces than plastic wheels.

Stroller wheels come in different styles, sizes, and materials to fit a variety of needs and environments. Wheels that swivel, for instance can help to navigate tight corners and spaces. Fixed-wheels offer more stability and are more suitable for smooth surfaces. If you are planning to use your stroller on rough terrain or off-road, air-filled tires are better than standard rubber tires. These tires are similar in design to bicycle tires, and they absorb shocks, pushchairs Car seats making for a more comfortable ride.

Side-by-side double strollers are wider than tandem models, and they can be difficult to fit through narrow doorways or crowded store aisles. They give your children equal seating space and let them stretch out their legs. They are also typically more maneuverable than tandem strollers.

If you want to use your stroller to run or bike consider a double jogger with special all-terrain or jogging tires. They are larger, more robust and have sealed ball bearings to provide an easier ride on uneven surfaces. Some models, like the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double Stroller are compatible with a car seats that allow you to run while your children are strapped into their car seats.

Other all-terrain/jogging doubles, like the Valco Baby Tri Mode Duo X allow a second seat in front but are generally too bulky to qualify as umbrella doubles. And in our testing, the restraint buckles on this model were among the toughest to secure, which could be a challenge when trying to get two children in the stroller at the same time. This stroller is pricey with a price that is hundreds higher than our top single-to-tandem pick, but it offers top-quality materials and an excellent return value.

Stores

A good double stroller should provide ample storage space for both children and parents. Lack of storage makes it difficult for parents to complete errands or take all the necessary equipment for a day out with two kids. In our Lab tests the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double did excellently in this metric with a spacious and easily accessible basket that can accommodate up to 30 lbs.

Strollers that have pockets or compartments can aid families in keeping track of small items, such as phones, keys, and wallets. Additionally, a parent console or organizer bag attached to the handlebars can provide a convenient place for moms and dads to store their personal belongings while out with their kids.

The UPPAbaby vista has a large basket and can carry two infant car seats. (Not both bassinets, however.) It also features an adjustable telescoping bar as well as easy-to use brakes. It also has one of the biggest maximum allowable seat weight ratings in our range, as well as it folds easily through most standard door frames.

Our test participants also discovered that the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite wagon features a remarkably adjustable bar that is ideal for parents with different heights. The wagon comes with two UV screens that fold down for full sun protection, and its cup holders and snack tray can accommodate a variety of kid's bottles and snacks.

The biggest challenge for any stroller is how to fold it and then get it back into shape after use, especially when you're carrying two children in the back. It's the reason it's essential to select a stroller that has a smooth and user-friendly fold. Both the UPPAbaby Vista v2 stroller and Evenflo Pivot Xpand have a single-handed, simple-to-use mechanism that lets parents to fold their strollers quickly and efficiently, no matter the configuration they're in.

While a double stroller might appear like a costly purchase, parents who plan to use the product for several years should be aware that they'll usually pay more for this type of stroller than single ones. Also, you should consider whether the stroller can be disassembled for storage and transport. This is essential in the event that you only have a small amount of space in your home or vehicle.