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

The right double stroller will allow you to move around whether you're walking with your toddler or jogging together with your twins. However, finding one that is easy to push and fold is a must.

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

Seating

Seating options are crucial when choosing a double-stroller. You may want to think about a tandem stroller that lets one child stand while the other sits or a side by side option that allows your children to sit together.

The seating arrangement can affect your comfort when you're walking on busy sidewalks and streets. Consider looking for a stroller with reclining seats, reclined footrests and generous canopies that provide shade for both of the passengers. Beware of hanging bags on the handlebars because they could alter the stroller's centre of gravity and encourage tipping.

Double strollers of high-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 items in a convenient place. The organizer bags and consoles for parents attached to the handles are also useful to keep things within reach when you go for walks or outings.

A side-by-side pram is the best option for parents with children of the same age. They're generally more stable than stacking models, and they offer better sightlines for both passengers. Some options also accept two infant car seats which allows you to move your sleeping children from the car to the stroller without waking them.

Parents who have older kids who aren't afraid to sit separately or who enjoy a some independence may like the sit-and-stand option that allows the bigger child to sit on the front of the stroller and ride along. This type of double stroller usually isn't compatible with newborns and may require more maintenance as years pass by, but it's an excellent option for families with active children who need the versatility of a single stroller that converts to a double-kid version.

The best double strollers will be robust and easy to maneuver, even in rough terrain or tight spaces. They're also light and fold for compact stowing in your trunk or garage making them easy to transport and manage while traveling. They also have solid construction to ensure longevity and safety of your children, and they are compliant with the American Academy of Pediatricians' (AAP) guidelines for safety.

Canopy

A canopy protects both passengers from direct sunlight and some models even have a a visor that shields 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. They both offer plenty of coverage and cover children from head to knee while inline models tend to cut corners on the shade or offer only a single canopy that covers one seat, which is difficult for siblings who need different levels of protection.

A good canopy should also be able to slide easily onto the stroller, and a lot of our top-rated models can do that. Check the dimensions of the canopy prior to purchasing, as some might require extra space to expand completely and avoid hitting the handles.

Some parents like double strollers that come with an infant bassinet and car seat adapters to provide them with more options in the future. For example the UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double features an infant seat as well as an added RumbleSeat, making it an ideal choice for families with twins or young children who may require transporting more than two children at a time. This stroller is a versatile model that offers the unique sit and stand configuration for older children who prefer riding on their own.

The organizer bags and consoles for parents can also help your stroller be more efficient. They keep your essentials in your reach. These bags are particularly useful when you want to store toys and snacks out of sight. Some of these accessories are connected via a strap or snap, making it easy 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 opt for a double stroller that is compatible with infant car seats. It can also grow into a toddler stroller that has the option of a bench seat or a glider board. The Graco RoomFor2 Travel System and UPPAbaby Vista v2 Duallie both have a car seat-compatible bassinet, toddler seat and RumbleSeat. Both are able to be expanded to a triple stroller by the addition of a running board which is perfect for families with an active child who likes to be in motion.

Wheels

The type of wheels that a stroller newborn has makes an impact on how easy it is to push. In general, larger wheels are more maneuverable and can handle more terrain. The material that the wheels are made of also determines how hard or easy they are to push. Rubber wheels are more durable than plastic wheels and are able to handle rougher surfaces.

Stroller wheels come in a variety styles sizes, shapes and materials to accommodate a wide range of needs and conditions. Wheels that swivel, for instance can help to navigate tight corners and spaces. Fixed wheels are more stable and suitable for smooth surfaces. If you are planning to take your stroller off the road or over rough terrain, you should consider purchasing air-filled tires instead of regular 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 larger than tandem strollers, and they can be difficult to fit through narrow doors or store aisles. They provide your children with the same amount of space to sit down and stretch their legs. They are also typically easier to maneuver than tandem strollers.

If you plan to use your stroller for a bike or run, choose a double jogger that comes with special all-terrain wheels or jogging tires. These tires are bigger and thicker, and come with sealed ball bearings to provide a smoother ride on uneven surfaces. Certain models, such as 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 strollers that are all-terrain and jogging, such as the Valco Baby Tri Mode Duo X allow an additional child in the front, but they are too bulky to qualify as umbrella doubles. Also, in our testing the restraint buckles on this model were among the most difficult 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-rated single to tandem model, but it comes with top-quality materials and an affordable resale value.

Stores

A quality double stroller will provide enough storage space for the children as well as the parents. A lack of storage could make it difficult for parents to run around and carry everything they need on a family day out. In our Lab tests, the UPPAbaby double scored very well in this metric. It comes with a big accessible, easy-to-access basket that can accommodate up to 30 pounds.

Strollers that have pockets and compartments that are multiple can help families organize small things like wallets, keys and phones. Additionally, a parent console or organizer bag attached to the handlebars could be a handy space for dads and moms to keep their personal belongings during outings with their children.

The UPPAbaby Vista has a large basket and is able to carry two infant car seats. (Not both bassinets, though.) It also features a telescoping bar and easy-to use brakes. It also has one of the biggest max allowable weight ratings for seats in our collection, and a simple fold that fits through the majority of door frames.

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

The biggest challenge for any stroller is the ability to fold it down and return it to shape after use, particularly when you're carrying an infant and a toddler in the stroller. It's essential to pick one that folds quickly and smoothly. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 and Evenflo Pivot Xpand both feature a simple, single-handed mechanism that allows parents to quickly and easily fold their strollers regardless of the configuration they're in.

Double strollers can be an investment that is costly however, parents who intend to use it for a number of years will pay more than single strollers. It's also worth looking into whether a stroller can be disassembled into smaller pieces for storage and transport this is a vital factor if you're in a tight living or vehicle space.