Strollers For Twins and Toddlers
Whether you're taking the kids for a stroll through the park or taking to the road for a morning run, a good double stroller can help you get to where you want to go. Our top picks are simple to use, come with comfortable harnesses for children who sit, and offer some flexibility based on the needs of the day.
Strollers for twins
When twins are added to the mix, it can become difficult for parents. One of them is choosing the best stroller to meet the needs. There are plenty of options for twin babies and toddlers to make it easier for them to move around. Whether you want a tandem stroller or a side-by-side one there is one to suit your family's lifestyle. Some strollers are compatible with twin car seats and bassinets.
When you are choosing a twin stroller, the age of your child is the most important aspect to consider. Seats for newborns should be fully reclined to allow them to lay flat. They should also have a canopy that is large enough to offer shade, and also have an open window. Additionally, some models are designed to support breastfeeding and come with a specially designed reclining seat that allows mothers to nurse their twins.
If your twins are similar in age, it might be best to select an asymmetrical stroller. This will prevent siblings from arguing over who is in which seat and help them feel more close. If they are very different, whether in the way they behave or age, then a tandem stroller might be the best option.
Most twin strollers are suitable from birth, however for babies older than 6 months, you will need to choose an option that can be used with infant car seats or newborn bassinets. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double, for instance, has seating that can be connected to a pair of infant car seat carriers. It can accommodate two newborns. This model is quite expensive, so you might want to consider an alternative stroller that is less expensive for your twins.
Another great choice is a modular stroller that has a seat at the front and a platform in the back for children standing. They're not as versatile as some other dual-seat options however they are great for older children and can be used for many years. The UPPAbaby Vist V2 Double is a great choice for this, since it can be used with two infant car seats and has an optional running board for mobile older kids.
Strollers for multiple children
If you have two kids close in age, a double stroller could be a necessity. They tend to be bulkier and heavier, as well as more expensive than single strollers, yet they are more maneuverable with two children onboard. These strollers are particularly useful if you have an infant and a toddler. They can be used side by side rather than in front of one another, allowing them to see the world.
The type of stroller you select depends on a number of factors, like the distance between your children are and if they're capable of sitting up on their own. A tandem stroller is utilized for twins or siblings who aren't quite old enough to walk out of their car seat. If navigate to these guys have a large age gap on the other hand, it may be best to choose an convertible stroller that will expand with your children and also accept car seats for infants (not all strollers do).
You must think about the space you have available in your vehicle or home for a double-stroller. When folded they can be heavy and bulky. They are also difficult to squeeze into small spaces or the trunk of your car.
Take into consideration your surroundings, too. City dwellers often face narrow sidewalks, small apartments, and narrow hallways, doors, and other living spaces. Side-by-side strollers that are narrow and inline doubles are ideal for those scenarios. If you live in the suburbs however you'll need a large, comfortable stroller with plenty of storage space and an extra-wide base that can handle rough terrain.
The quality of the suspension and wheels will determine how well it can glide on uneven surfaces, carpeting, grass and other obstacles. A double stroller with swivel lock front wheels and a smooth suspension is likely to offer the greatest stability.
If you're on a tight budget, the G-Link 2 is an excellent double stroller that is lightweight and has upscale features that make it much easier to schlep up and down the stairs than you'd think. At just under 22 lbs it's even more impressive when you consider that it has two large child seats and plenty of storage space for both of them.
Strollers for older kids
Strollers have evolved a lot from the bulky vintage 1980s models some older parents might remember. Double strollers of these days are sleek and offer a range of options for customization that can help families on numerous family outings. They can accommodate children as young as birth (if they are used with an infant bassinet or car seat) until age 4 or 5 and they are available in tandem or side-by-side seating formats.
Side-by-side strollers are smaller than tandem models and are generally easier to maneuver, especially in crowded store aisles and narrow sidewalk corners. They tend to be less expensive than convertible strollers. Tandem strollers are more spacious, have more confined spaces for the two seats, and may require extra clearance in the garage to park. These models can accommodate kids from birth until age 4 or 5. The best tandem strollers are built with stadium seating that elevates the child in front, so that both children are able to see. Some of these seats recline or are in a standing position for older children.
When you are choosing a stroller to fit your family, think about how long you'll use it for. The majority of the strollers we tested last for several years, but it's important to keep in mind your family's growth as well as budget. If you intend to use it for a long time, you'll need to consider the cost of replacing the stroller's tires and perhaps accessories like the child's snack tray or canopy as your children grow older.
Before making a final decision, ensure that the stroller has been inspected by the Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association (JPMA) with locks that can be locked and simple-to-use breaks, in addition to being free of recent recalls. Alli Cavasino, a certified child passenger safety technician recommends stroller pushers to look for adjustable handlebars as well as the ability to move the seats up and down the frame easily with simple frame clips, especially for parents who fall outside of the average height range. A near-seamless fold is another essential feature for any stroller that is worth its value in gold. Of course, it's important to practice good posture when pushing the stroller so you don't risk back discomfort or other health issues.
Strollers for joggers
If you're a parent who likes to stroller-jog, then a double stroller with a quality suspension system will provide your children with an enjoyable ride. You should look for a stroller that has adjustable seat heights and reclining seats, as well as a huge storage area that can hold all your gear and the essentials of your children. You should look for an infant stroller with a sturdy brake system as well as an adjustable canopy that can block out the wind and sun. This will ensure your child's safety and security.
If you have children of different ages, a stroller that is versatile will allow both an infant to lie flat and an adult to sit upright and enjoy the view. The Vista V2 stroller from UPPAbaby offers seating configuration versatility that lets you combine the included Toddler Seat with an add-on RumbleSeat to accommodate a maximum of two children. You'll also appreciate the ample storage capacity, practical plastic trays for the kiddo's and adult drinks, and the extra-large UPF 50+ canopy with windows that peek out.
If you need to travel with a double stroller, select a model that can fold quickly and compactly. This will allow it to fit into the overhead compartments of planes, trains and cars. The Thule Caboose Ultralight Graphite is one of our favorites. It folds in one hand and can even be pulled along like rolling luggage. Its seats can recline to various positions, and its harnesses are fastened with a a simple adjustment that doesn't require the rethreading of shoulder straps.
If you're strolling around the neighborhood or through a bustling city, a good-quality double stroller is a purchase you'll be using frequently. Choose a sturdy frame with strong wheels and suspension systems. Choose a model with smooth movement on a variety of surfaces and is easy to maneuver. We also recommend considering strollers with swivel wheels that lock making them easier to move around when parking or turning in narrow aisles.