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

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

Our Lab experts recommend side by side models with equal reclining, plenty of storage and car seat adapters to fit infants.

Seating

The seating options you choose are important when you are shopping for a double stroller. Based on your kids' age and stage, you may want to consider a side-byside option that allows both children to sit together or a tandem style that allows one child to stand while the other is sitting.

The seating arrangement can affect your comfort while walking through busy streets and sidewalks. You should consider strollers with reclined seats, footrests that recline and ample canopy options that provide shade for both of the passengers. Beware of hanging bags on the handlebars as they could alter the stroller's centre of gravity, causing it to tip.

Double strollers that are of good quality will also come with convenient storage compartments for your essentials. Check for compartments in the seat backs or beneath the seats to keep toys, snacks and other items in a convenient place. You can also make use of organizer bags and consoles for parents affixed to the handles of the car to keep essentials in your hand on walks or outings.

If you have children who are getting older, a side-by-side stroller might be the best option. They are generally more stable than stacking types, and they offer better visibility for both passengers. Some models can also accommodate two car seats for infants, allowing you to move your sleeping children from the car to the stroller without disturbing them.

Sit-and-stand models are a good option for parents with older children who don't mind their kids sitting in separate places and want some freedom. They can also allow an older child to ride along on the front. This type of double-stroller is not compatible with newborns and could require more maintenance over the course of time. However, it could be an excellent option for active families that want the versatility of one stroller that can be converted into an adult-only model.

The best double strollers are sturdy and easy to maneuver even on rugged terrain or in tight spaces. They are also light, foldable and compact for easy storage in your garage or trunk. This makes them easy to transport on trips. They're made to last and meet the safety guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP).

Canopy

A canopy can shield both the passenger and the sun's rays, and some models even offer a visor to further shield kids' faces. Our top-scoring canopy options included the BOB Revolution Flex v3.0 Duallie, and the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Dual. Both have huge shades. Both offer ample coverage and cover children from head to knee, whereas inline options tend to cut corners on shade or have one canopy that only covers one seat, which is problematic for siblings who want different levels of protection.

A good canopy should be able to slide easily onto the stroller, and many of our top-rated models accomplish that. However, make sure you check the dimensions of the model before you purchase, as certain canopy may require extra space in the basket to allow for full extension, and to prevent hitting the handles when they're folded.

Some parents prefer a double stroller that comes with a bassinet and car seat adapters, as well as other add-ons to give them more options later on. The UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double, Babiie pram for instance, has an infant seat as well as an additional RumbleSeat. This makes it an ideal choice for families who have twins or young children and require transport simultaneously. This versatile stroller offers a unique sit and stand arrangement for older children who prefer to ride by themselves.

Other accessories that can make your stroller more practical include parent consoles and bags that organize, which allow you to keep your essentials in reach. These bags are particularly useful when you want to store toys and snacks out of sight. Some of these accessories are secured with a snap or strap which makes it easy to remove them when ready for the stroller to be used again.

If you're thinking of investing in a long-term plan opt for a double stroller compatible with infant car seats and can grow into a toddler stroller with a bench seat or glider board. Both the Graco Travel System RoomFor2 and UPPAbaby's Vista v2 Duallie come with a bassinet that is compatible with car seats, a toddler's seat as well as a RumbleSeat. Both are able to be expanded into a triple stroller (Ongoing) with the addition of a running board which is perfect for families with an active child who is in motion.

Wheels

The kind of wheels a stroller comes with makes a difference in how it is easy to push. In general, bigger wheels are easier for twin stroller you to maneuver and will be able to tackle an array of terrain. The material the wheels are made from also plays a role in how easy or hard they are to push. Rubber wheels are more durable than plastic wheels and are able to withstand rougher surfaces.

Stroller wheels are available in a variety styles, sizes and materials that can meet the needs of a variety of people and environments. For instance, swivel wheels aid in maneuvering narrow spaces and tight turns. Fixed wheels offer greater stability and are better for smooth surfaces. If you are planning to use your stroller on uneven terrain or off-road air-filled tires are a better option over standard rubber tires. These tires are similar to bicycle tires, which absorb shocks for a more comfortable ride.

Side-by-side double strollers are larger than tandem strollers and can be difficult to squeeze through narrow entrances or aisles of stores. They give your children the same amount of room to sit down and stretch their legs. They are also usually more maneuverable than tandem strollers.

If you intend to use your stroller for running or biking consider double joggers that have all-terrain or jogging tires. They are larger, more robust and come with sealed ball bearings that provide smoother rides on uneven surfaces. Certain models, like the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double Stroller are compatible with a car seat which allows you to jog while your children are strapped into their car seats.

Other strollers that are all-terrain and jogging like the Valco Baby Tri Mode Duo X accept a second child in the front, but are too heavy to qualify as umbrella doubles. We found that the buckles on this stroller were the most difficult to secure. This can be a problem if are trying to fit two children into the stroller simultaneously. The stroller is costly with a price that is hundreds higher than our top single-to tandem pick, but it offers high-quality materials and good return value.

Stores

A good double stroller will have enough storage space for the children as well as the parents. Lack of storage makes it hard for a parent to run errands or bring all the necessary equipment for an outing with two kids. In our Lab tests, the UPPAbaby Vista v2 double pram did well in this metric with a spacious and easy-to-access basket that can hold up to 30lbs.

Strollers that have multiple compartments and pockets can help families organize small items like wallets, keys and phones. A parent console or organizer bag that can be attached to the handlebars of the stroller could be a great way for parents to store their personal belongings while outing with the children.

The UPPAbaby vista has an enormous basket that can carry two car seats for infants. (Not both bassinets, though.) It also comes with a telescoping bar and easy-to use brakes. It also has one of the largest max allowable weight ratings for seats in our collection, and it folds easily through most standard door frames.

Our testers also found that the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite wagon features a remarkably adjustable bar, which is ideal for parents with different heights. The wagon has two UV screens that fold up for full sun protection, and its cup holders and snack tray can be used to hold various bottles for kids and snacks.

A major challenge for anyone using a stroller is the ability to fold it and get it back into shape after usage, especially if you're dealing with a toddler and an infant in the stroller. This is why it's crucial to choose a model with a smooth and easy fold. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 and Evenflo Pivot Xpand both come with a simple, single-handed mechanism that allows parents to quickly and efficiently fold their strollers regardless of the configuration they are in.

Double strollers might seem like an investment that's expensive however, parents who intend to use it for several years will be paying more than they would for single strollers. It is also important to determine if the stroller can be disassembled for storage and transportation. This is essential when you have a limited space in your vehicle or home.