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

Whether you're taking your toddler on the streets or jogging with your twins, having the right double stroller makes it easier for everyone to get around. Finding a double stroller which is easy to fold and push is essential.

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

Seating

When you are looking for a double stroller, seating options are key. Depending on your kids' stages of development it is possible to look for a side-by-side option that allows both children to sit together or a tandem model that lets one child stand while the other is sitting.

Seating arrangements can also affect your comfort while you're walking on busy sidewalks and streets. Look for strollers with reclined seats, reclined footrests and generous canopies that provide shade for both passengers. Beware of hanging bags on the handlebars, as they can alter the stroller's centre of gravity and cause it to tip.

Double strollers of good quality are also equipped with storage compartments to store your essentials. Make sure you have compartments in the seat backs or beneath the seats to keep snacks, toys and other essentials in one place. Parent consoles and organizer bags that are attached to handles are also helpful for keeping essentials within reach when you go for walks or outings.

A side-by-side pram is the ideal choice for parents with children of the same age. They are usually more stable and offer better visibility for both passengers than strollers that stack. Some options accept two infant car seat, allowing you take your sleepy children from the car to the pram and not wake them.

Sit-and-stand strollers are a great option for parents with older children who don't mind their children sitting separately and who like some freedom. They also allow a larger child to ride along on the front. This kind of double stroller generally isn't newborn-compatible and might require more maintenance as the years go by, however it can be a great option for active families that want the versatility of one stroller that can be converted into a two-kid model.

The best double strollers are strong and easy to maneuver, even on rough terrain or in tight spaces. They're also lightweight and fold for compact stowing in your garage or trunk which makes them easy to transport and manage when traveling. They also have robust construction to ensure the durability and safety of your children, and they are compliant with the American Academy of Pediatricians' (AAP) guidelines for safety.

Canopy

A canopy protects both the passengers from direct sun's rays, and some models offer an apron that protects children's faces. Our top-scoring 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 children from head to knee, whereas inline options tend to skimp on shade or provide a single canopy that only covers one seat, which is problematic for siblings who want different levels of protection.

Most of our top-rated canopys fit onto strollers with ease. But be sure to check the dimensions of the model before you purchase, as some canopy might require additional space in the basket for full extension, and to prevent hitting the handles when folded.

Some parents prefer a double stroller that includes a bassinet, car seat adapters or other accessories that give them more options later on. The UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double, for instance, has a toddler seat as well as an added RumbleSeat. This makes it a perfect choice for families who have twins or young kids and need to transport them at the same time. This versatile stroller also offers an unique sit-and-stand option for older kids who prefer to ride on their own.

The organizer bags and consoles for parents can make your stroller more practical. They keep the essentials to hand. These bags are especially useful when you need to store toys and snacks out of sight. Some of these accessories are connected with a snap or strap that makes it simple to take them off when you're ready for the stroller to be used again.

If you're thinking of investing in a long-term plan, look for a double stroller that's compatible with infant car seats. It can also transform into a toddler stroller that has a bench seat or glider board. The Graco RoomFor2 pushchairs travel systems System and UPPAbaby Vista v2 Duallie both feature an auto seat-compatible bassinet with a toddler seat as well as RumbleSeat. Both are able to be expanded into a triple stroller through the addition of a running board, which is perfect for active families with one kid who prefers to stay active.

Wheels

The type of wheels that a stroller is equipped with can make an impact on how it is to push. Generally, larger wheels are easier to maneuver and can take on more terrain. The material the wheels are made from also is a factor in how easy or hard they are to push. Rubber wheels, for instance are usually more durable and are able to withstand rougher surfaces than plastic wheels.

Stroller wheels come in different styles, sizes and materials to suit a variety of requirements and environments. Swivel wheels, for instance can make it easier to maneuver around tight corners and spaces. Fixed wheels offer greater stability and are better for smooth surfaces. If you are planning to use your stroller off-road or on a rough terrain, consider getting air-filled tires instead rubber tires. These tires are similar to bicycle tires that absorb shocks for a more comfortable ride.

Double strollers that are side-by-side are larger than tandem strollers and can be more difficult to navigate through narrow doors or in crowded aisles. They provide your children with the same amount of room to sit down and 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 bike or run it as a double jogger, you need to choose one with all-terrain wheels or jogging tires. These are large, thicker and feature sealed ball bearings to provide a smoother ride over uneven surfaces. Some models, such as the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double Stroller are compatible with car seat, allowing you to jog while your children are safely in their car seats.

Other all-terrain/jogging strollers, such as the Valco Baby Tri Mode Duo X can accommodate two children in the front, but are too bulky to qualify as umbrella doubles. Also, in our testing, the restraint buckles on this model were among the toughest to fasten, which can be a problem when trying to get two children into the stroller all at once. This stroller costs hundreds more than the top single-to tandem option, but comes with top-quality materials and an affordable resale value.

Stores

A great double stroller must have ample storage space for both children and parents. Insufficient storage space could make it difficult for parents to run around and carry all the gear they need to enjoy a day out with the family. In our Lab tests the UPPAbaby V2 double was a good score on this measurement. It comes with a big and easy-to-access storage basket that can support up to 30 lbs.

Strollers with 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 that is attached to the handlebars of the stroller could be a convenient way for parents to store their personal belongings when out with their children.

In addition to a large basket The UPPAbaby Vista also has two infant car seats (though not both bassinets), and it has a telescoping handlebar and brakes that are simple to use. It also comes with one of the highest capacity weight ratings for seats in our collection, and it folds easily through most standard door frames.

On the other hand, our testers discovered that the wagon-style Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite has an excellent handlebar that can be adjusted, ideal for parents of various heights. The wagon also features two UV screens that fold up to provide complete sun coverage and its snack tray and cup holders can accommodate a lot of bottles and snacks for kids.

A major challenge for anyone using a stroller is the ability to fold it up and get it back into shape after use, especially if you're dealing with an infant and a toddler in tow. It's crucial to select one that folds quickly and smoothly. Both the UPPAbaby Vista v2 stroller and Evenflo Pivot Xpand have a single-handed, user-friendly mechanism that allows parents fold their stroller quickly and efficiently, no matter the configuration they're in.

While a double stroller might appear like a costly purchase, parents who intend to utilize the product for several years should keep in mind that they'll generally spend more on this kind of stroller than single strollers. It is also important to determine if the stroller can be disassembled to make it easier for storage and transportation. This is essential if you only have limited space in your home or vehicle.