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

If you're taking your toddler out for a walk or jogging with your twins, the right double stroller makes it easier for everyone to move around. Choosing a double stroller that can be folded and easy to push is essential.

Our Lab experts recommend side-by-side models that have equal reclining and plenty of storage, plus car seat adapters for infants.

Seating

Seating options are important when choosing a double-stroller. Based on your kids' stages of development You may want to consider a side-byside option that lets both children sit together, or a tandem design that allows one child to stand while the other is sitting.

Seating arrangements can also impact your comfort when you are navigating busy streets and sidewalks. Look for strollers with reclined seats with reclined footrests, large canopy covers to shade the two passengers. Also, avoid hanging bags on the handlebars because they can change the stroller's centre of gravity and cause tipping.

Double strollers that are of good quality will also come with convenient storage compartments for your essentials. Look for storage compartments on the seat backs or underneath the seats to keep snacks, toys and other necessities handy. Parent consoles and organizer bags attached to the handles are also useful to keep essentials in reach during walks or outings.

A side-by-side stroller is the best choice for parents who have children of the same age. They tend to be more stable and provide better visibility for both passengers than strollers that stack. Some models also accommodate two infant car seats that allow you to transfer your sleeping children from the car to the stroller without disturbing them up.

Sit-and-stand models are a good option for parents with older children who don't mind their kids sitting on their own and prefer some freedom. They also allow an older child to ride with the front. This kind of double stroller generally isn't pram newborn-compatible and might require more maintenance as the years progress, but 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 strong and easy to maneuver, even on rugged terrain or in tight spaces. They're also light and fold down for compact storage in your garage or trunk which makes them easy to transport and manage while traveling. They also have sturdy construction to ensure the longevity and safety of your children, and they meet the American Academy of Pediatricians' (AAP) guidelines for safety.

Canopy

A canopy protects both the passengers from direct sun and, in some models, a the option of a visor to protect 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 come with huge shades. Both models offer adequate coverage and cover children from head to toe, while inline options often do not have shade, or provide a single canopy that only covers one seat. This can be a problem for siblings that want different levels of protection.

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

Some parents like double strollers that come with a bassinet or car seat adapters to provide them with more options in the future. The UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double, for example, comes with a toddler seat as well as an add-on RumbleSeat. This makes it an ideal option for families with twins or young kids and require transport at the same time. This stroller can also be used in a unique sit-and-stand configuration for older children who prefer to ride on their own.

Other accessories that can make your stroller more practical include parent facing pushchair consoles and organizer bags, which help keep essentials within reach. These bags are particularly useful when you need to keep snacks and toys away from view. Some of these accessories can be secured by either a strap or snap, which makes it easy to remove them once you're ready to put them on the stroller once more.

If you're looking to make investing in a long-term plan opt for a double stroller that's compatible with infant car seats and will grow into a toddler stroller complete with a bench seat or glider board. Both the Graco Travel System RoomFor2 and UPPAbaby's Vista v2 Duallie feature a bassinet that is compatible with car seats, a toddler seat and a RumbleSeat. Both can be converted into a triple stroller with the addition of a running board, which is ideal for active families with one child who is in motion.

Wheels

The type of wheels a stroller has makes an impact on how easy it is to push. In general, bigger wheels are easier to maneuver and are able to handle more terrain. The material used to make the wheels also determines how easy or difficult they are to push. Rubber wheels, for instance, are typically more durable and can stand up to rougher surfaces than plastic wheels.

Stroller wheels come in a variety of styles sizes, shapes, and materials to meet the needs of a variety of people and environments. Swivel wheels, prams for newborns example, can make it easier to navigate tight corners and narrow spaces. Fixed-wheels are more stable and suitable for smooth surfaces. If you are planning to take your stroller off the road or on a rough terrain, you should consider purchasing air-filled tires instead of regular rubber tires. These tires are similar to bicycle tires, and absorb shocks for a more comfortable ride.

Side-by-side double strollers are wider than tandem models, and they can be difficult to squeeze through narrow doorways or crowded store aisles. They give your children the same amount of room to sit and stretch their legs. They're also generally easier to steer and maneuver than tandem strollers.

If you intend to use your stroller for running or biking, look for double joggers that have all-terrain or jogging tires. These tires are larger, thicker, and feature sealed ball bearings to provide 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 children securely strapped in their car seats.

Other all-terrain/jogging duos, such as the Valco Baby Tri Mode Duo X, accept the addition of a second seat but are generally too heavy to be considered umbrella doubles. In our tests the restraint buckles of this model were among the toughest to secure, which could be a problem when you're trying to fit two kids into the stroller all at once. The stroller is costly and costs a lot more than our main top-rated single-to-tandem option, but it does come with top-quality materials and a good resale value.

Stores

A well-designed double stroller should have enough storage space to accommodate both parents and children. Lack of storage makes it hard for a parent to run errands or bring along all the gear needed to enjoy a day out with two kids. In our Lab tests we found that the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double did well in this metric with a spacious and easy-to-access basket that can hold up to 30 lbs.

Strollers with multiple compartments or pockets can aid families in keeping the track of small things, like keys, phones, and wallets. A parent console or organizer bag that attaches to the stroller's handlebars can be a convenient method for parents to keep their personal belongings when out with their children.

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 the biggest maximum weight rating in our lineup, and it folds to fit most standard door frames.

Our testers also found that the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite wagon has a great adjustable bar, which is ideal for parents with different heights. The wagon also comes with two UV screens that fold up to provide full sun coverage, and its snack tray and cup holders can accommodate a lot of kid snacks and bottles.

The most difficult thing about any stroller is folding it it back in shape after you've used it. This is especially true for those who have a baby or toddler with you. That's why it's important to select a stroller that is easy to fold 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 fold their stroller quickly and efficiently, no matter the configuration they're using.

Double strollers can be an investment that's expensive however, parents who intend to use it for many years will pay more than single strollers. It's also worth determining if the stroller is able to be disassembled into smaller pieces to make it easier to transport and store, which is an important consideration if you have limited space for your vehicle or living space.