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, the right double stroller makes it easier for everyone to move around. It's important to find one that's easy to fold and push chairs and prams is a must.

Our Lab experts recommend side by side models with equal recline, ample storage space and car seat adapters that can fit infants.

Seating

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

The seating arrangement can affect your comfort as you navigate through busy streets and sidewalks. Look for strollers with reclined chairs with footrests that recline, as well as large canopies to provide shade for two passengers. Beware of hanging bags from handlebars as they could alter the stroller's centre of gravity and cause it to tip over.

Double strollers of good quality will also have convenient storage compartments for your essentials. Check for compartments in the seat backs or underneath the seats to keep snacks, toys and other essentials in one place. You can also use organizer bags and consoles for parents attached to the handles of the car to keep things close at hand during walks or outings.

A side-byside pram is the ideal choice for parents who have children of similar ages. They are generally more stable than the stacking type, and they offer better sightlines for both passengers. Some options can accommodate two infant car seats, which allows you to transfer your sleeping 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 kids sitting separately and who like a little independence. They also allow a larger child to ride in the front. This kind of double stroller generally isn't suitable for newborns and could require more maintenance as the years go by, however it can be a great alternative for families who need the versatility of a single stroller that converts into a two-kid model.

The most effective double strollers are durable and easy to maneuver even on rugged terrain or in tight spaces. They're also lightweight and fold for compact stowing in your garage or trunk, making them easy to transport and manage when traveling. They are made to last and comply with the safety standards of the American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP).

Canopy

A canopy shields both passengers from the sun and, in some models, a an apron that protects children's faces. Our top-scoring models for canopy options included the BOB Revolution Flex v3.0 Duallie, and the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Dual. Both have giant shades. Both models offer ample coverage and cover children from head to toe while inline models often lack shade or provide a single canopy that only covers one seat. This can be problematic for siblings that want different levels protection.

Many of our top-rated canopys fit onto strollers with ease. Be sure to verify the dimensions of the canopy before buying, as some models may require additional space to extend fully and avoid hitting the handles.

Some parents prefer a double stroller that includes a bassinet and car seat adapters as well as other accessories that give them more options in the future. For instance, the UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double features a toddler seat and an add-on RumbleSeat, making it an ideal choice for families with twins or young children who require transporting more than two children at once. This versatile stroller offers a unique sit and stand configuration for older children who prefer to travel by themselves.

Parent consoles and organizer bags can also make your stroller more practical. They keep essentials close in your reach. These bags are especially useful when you need to store snacks and toys away from view. Some of these accessories can be secured by straps or snaps, which makes it easy to take them off when you're ready to put them on the stroller again.

If you're thinking of investing in a long-term plan, look for a double stroller that's compatible with infant car seats and will be converted into a toddler stroller with the option of a bench seat or a glider board. The Graco RoomFor2 pushchairs travel systems System and the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Duallie both come with a bassinet that is compatible with car seats, toddler seat and RumbleSeat. Both can be converted to a triple stroller by the addition of a running board, which is ideal for families with an active child who likes to be in motion.

Wheels

The kind of wheels a stroller is equipped with can make an impact on how easy it is to push. In general, larger wheels are more maneuverable and are able to handle more terrain. The material the wheels are made of determines how easy or hard they are to push. Rubber wheels, for instance, are typically more durable and can stand up to rougher surfaces than plastic wheels.

Stroller wheels are available in a variety styles sizes, dimensions, and materials to meet various needs and environments. Swivel wheels, for example can make it easier to maneuver around tight corners and spaces. Fixed-wheels are more stable and suitable for smooth surfaces. If you are planning to use your stroller off-road or on a rough terrain, think about getting air-filled tires instead rubber tires. These tires are similar to bicycle tires, and absorb shocks to provide better comfort on the road.

Side-by-side double strollers are wider than tandem models and can be difficult to fit through narrow entrances or aisles in stores. They give your children the same amount of space and let them stretch out their legs. They are also generally easier to maneuver than tandem strollers.

If you want to use your stroller to run or bike then look for double joggers with all-terrain or jogging tires. These tires are larger and thicker, and come with sealed ball bearings for an easier ride on rough surfaces. Some models, like the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double Stroller, are compatible with car seats, which let you jog with your kids safely to their car seats.

Other all-terrain/jogging strollers, such as the Valco Baby Tri Mode Duo X accept an additional child in front but are 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 problem when trying to get two children in the stroller at the same time. The stroller is more expensive than the top single-to tandem option, but comes with top-quality materials and a good resale price.

Storage

A well-designed double stroller should provide enough storage space for the children as well as the parents. Insufficient storage can make it difficult for parents to complete errands or take all the necessary equipment for a trip with two kids. In our Lab tests, the UPPAbaby v2 double scored well in this measurement. It comes with a big accessible, easy-to-access basket that can support up to 30 lbs.

Strollers with multiple compartments and pockets can help families organize small items like wallets, keys, and phones. A parent console or organizer bag that is attached to the handlebars can make a great space for dads and moms to store their personal belongings when out with their kids.

The UPPAbaby vista comes with a large basket and is able to carry two car seats for infants. (Not both bassinets however.) It also has an adjustable telescoping bar as well as brakes that are easy to use. It also has the biggest maximum weight rating in our lineup, prams pushchairs and it folds to fit the majority of door frames.

On the flip side our test participants discovered that the wagon-style Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite has an adjustable handlebar that is ideal for parents with different heights. The wagon also features two UV screens that fold down to offer full sun coverage, and its snack tray and cup holders can hold a variety of bottles and snacks for kids.

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

Double strollers might seem like an investment that's expensive, but parents who plan to use it for a number of years will pay more than single strollers. Also, you should consider whether the stroller is able to be disassembled for storage and transportation. This is essential in the event that you only have a small amount of space in your home or vehicle.