Strollers For Twins and Toddlers
If you're taking your kids to a stroll in the park or hitting the road for a morning run, a good double stroller can help you get where you need to get to. Our top picks are simple to use, come with comfortable harnesses for seated children, and offer some flexibility according to the needs of the day.
Strollers for twins
When twins are added to the mix, it can become a challenge for parents. Finding the perfect stroller for two kids can be a difficult task. There are many options available for twin babies and toddlers. You can choose a tandem stroller or a side-by-side stroller that is suitable for your family's needs. Some strollers can accommodate twin car seats and bassinets.
The most important factor to consider when selecting a stroller for twins is the age of the children. Newborns need seats that fully recline to allow them to lie flat. They should also have a canopy that extends far enough to provide real shade and include a peekaboo window. Some models are also able to support breastfeeding, and have a specially designed reclining chair that allows mothers to feed their twins.
If your twins are near in age, it may be best to select a side-by-side stroller. This will prevent siblings from fighting over who sits in the same seat and will help them feel more close. If they're quite different, whether in age or temperament and temperament, then a tandem stroller could be the best choice.
The majority of twin strollers can be used from birth, however if your babies are younger than 6 months old, you will need to choose an option that can be used with infant car seats or bassinets. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double, for instance, has seating that can attach to a pair infant car seat carriers. It will fit two newborns. This model is quite expensive, so you may think about an alternative stroller that is less expensive for your twins.
A modular stroller is another great option. It has a seat at the front and a platform to support standing children to the rear. They're not as versatile as some other dual-seat options however they are great for older children and can be used over many years. The UPPAbaby Vist V2 Double is a good choice for this, as it can accept two infant car seats and comes with an optional running board that can be used for older kids who are mobile.
Strollers for multiple children
A double stroller is essential for families with two children with similar ages. They tend to be bulkier and heavier, as well as more expensive than single strollers, but are more maneuverable with two children in the stroller. They can be especially helpful if you have one infant and a toddler, since they can be used close to each other instead of facing each other, allowing both to view the world around them.
The ideal stroller depends on many factors, including how far apart in age your children are, and whether they are able to sit up on their own without help. If you have twins, an tandem stroller is the best option and can also be a good option for siblings who are not yet old enough to get out of a car seat. If you have a large age gap, it's best to choose a convertible stroller. It will grow with your children and accept infant car seats (not all of them do).
It's important to take into consideration the amount of space you have in your home and/or vehicle for double strollers. When folded they can be heavy and bulky. They are also difficult to fit in small spaces or in the trunk of your car.
Consider your location Also, consider your location. City dwellers are often faced with narrow sidewalks, small apartments, and tight doorways, hallways and other living spaces. Side-by-side strollers that are narrow and inline doubles are the best options for these situations. If you reside in the suburbs, on the other hand, you'll want a spacious comfortable stroller with plenty of storage space and an extra-wide base for rough terrain.
The quality of the wheels and suspension will determine how well it can glide on uneven surfaces, carpeting grass and other obstacles. A double stroller that has swivel-lock front wheels and smooth suspension will likely provide the best stability.
If you're looking for a low-cost option then the G-Link 2 is an excellent lightweight double stroller that comes with upscale features that make it much easier to get up and down the stairs than you'd think. At just under 22 lbs this stroller is even more impressive considering that it has two large child seats and plenty of storage for both.
Strollers for older children
The bulky strollers from the 1980s that some parents may remember are no longer in use. These modern double strollers are sleek and come with many options for customization to help families get through numerous family outings. They can accommodate children from birth, when used in conjunction with a bassinet or an infant car seat. They are also available in tandem and side-by-side options.
They are smaller and easier to navigate than tandem strollers, particularly in stores with crowded aisles and at tight sidewalk corners. They tend to be less expensive than convertible strollers. Tandem strollers are bigger, have more confined spaces for the two seats and might require more space in the garage for a park. They can be used by children from birth until age 4 or 5. The best tandem strollers feature an incline seating design that places the child in front higher so that both children can see. Some of these seats also recline or are in standing positions for older children.
Consider how long you'll be able to use the stroller. The strollers we tested are designed to last for a long time. However, you should be aware of the size of your family and budget. If you intend to use it for a long period of time, you'll need to take into account the cost of replacing the stroller's tires, and perhaps accessories like the child's tray for snacks or canopy as your children get older.
Before making a final decision, ensure that the stroller has been certified by the Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association (JPMA), has lockable swivels and easy-to-use breaks, as well as being free of recent recalls. Alli Cavasino is a certified child security technician for passengers. She advises users of strollers to choose a handlebar that is adjustable, and the ability to move seats up and down easily with frame clips. This is particularly crucial for parents who do not fall in the typical height range. Any stroller that's worth its weight should fold nearly seamlessly. And, of course, it's important to practice proper posture while pushing the stroller so you don't risk back injuries or other health issues.
Strollers for Joggers
If you're a parent that prefers to stroller-jog instead, then a double stroller equipped with a quality suspension system will provide your children with a smooth ride. Find a stroller that has adjustable seat heights, reclining seats, and spacious cargo areas that are able to store all your gear and kiddos' essentials. You should also consider a stroller that has a reliable brake system and a canopy that blocks out the sun and wind for your child's safety and security.
If you have children of various age groups, a stroller which is versatile will allow both an infant to lie flat and a toddler to sit upright and enjoy the view. The Vista V2 stroller from UPPAbaby provides a seating configuration that lets you pair the included Toddler Seat with an add-on RumbleSeat for a maximum of two children. You'll also appreciate the ample storage, handy plastic trays that can be used for the drinks for kids and adults and the large UPF 50+ canopy that has windows that peek out.
For parents who need to travel with their double stroller, you'll need a unit that folds easily and compactly, so it can fit in small trunks or overhead compartments for planes, trains and automobiles. The Thule Caboose Ultralight Graphite is one of our favorite models. It folds with just one hand and can be pushed along like rolling luggage. The seats recline to a variety of positions, and the harnesses come with buckles that are easy to fasten with an easy adjustment that doesn't require rethreading the shoulder straps.
A double stroller of high quality is an investment you will frequently use regardless of whether you are jogging in your neighborhood or through the busy city. Look for a durable frame with strong suspension and wheels. Choose a model that allows smooth navigation on different surfaces and is easy to move around. We also recommend considering strollers with swivel wheels that can lock, making them easier to move around when parking or turning in narrow aisles.
