Choosing a 3 Wheel Double Stroller
It's among the top side-by-side strollers in our testing with an easy ride through rough terrain and effortless turns in tight spaces. It's also a great jogger, and folds up easily with the self-standing option.
However, it has double-action brakes which require the pressing of two pedals. It also doesn't accept infant car seats. That could be a deal-breaker for some parents.
Safety Features
Three-wheel double strollers are more stable than four-wheel models for those who plan to jog and stroll. This is due to the fact that they have two wheels on the ground all the time, whereas some four-wheel strollers allow just one wheel to rise off of the ground when you are navigating the edges of curbs or other obstacles. The trade-off is that three-wheelers are heavier, which can be a concern if weight is a factor.
Some 3-wheel strollers come with pneumatic (air-filled tire) tires. These are great for people who want to jog, and prefer an easier ride than the hard plastic wheels of certain products. However, they require routine maintenance and air pressure checks (as as a tire pump and repair kit) because they are more susceptible to losing air than their solid-tire counterparts. Check the website of the manufacturer or stroller manual for recommended pressures.
Strollers with adjustable handlebars can reduce the strain on the neck, arms and back of the person who is pushing them. The ideal position for your arms is right near your belly button, with your elbows slightly bowed and your hands relaxed. A lockable front swivel can also be helpful for navigating uneven or bumpy surfaces.
A good brake is essential and you should test the brake on your stroller's parking regularly to ensure that it is engaged quickly and effortlessly. Also, consider whether the stroller features an open window or an adjustable seat. Both of these features are beneficial when you have toddlers or infants who require a nap while walking around.
The best jogging strollers come with an adjustable track. It helps to keep the front wheel straight when jogging. It prevents veering that is constant, and reduces the need to adjust your own posture while running.
It's important to check that the folded dimensions of double strollers will fit in your trunk or home before purchasing. You should also check the stroller's weight as well as the cost of shipping and handling since they can increase quickly. Consider any extras that you might need or avoid, such as snacks trays or speakers built in that could make the stroller heavier, less aerodynamic, and pose a risk to children.
Maneuverability
One of the most important factors to consider when selecting a stroller is how easy it is to maneuver. Due to their size, weight and additional passengers, double strollers are more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces. This can be frustrating when trying to navigate busy sidewalks or supermarket stores with children in tow.
Some of our top strollers, such as the Thule City Glide 2 Double and the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double, are easy to push. Others struggle because of their flexing frame or wide-set tires. Double strollers are typically heavier than other double strollers. This makes them more difficult to transport and lift when not in use.
Luckily, there are plenty of strollers available that provide great maneuverability without spending a fortune. The double kit from phil&teds lets you convert your jogging stroller into an inline double stroller that is compatible with infant car seat. This is a great choice for families growing or who have little space.
Other models that are ideal to navigate narrow sidewalks include the Baby Jogger City Mini Quad and Graco SnugRide 30 Elite Double Stroller. The latter comes with a cargo basket included which will help you stay organized while walking.
Another good maneuverable stroller is the Jeep Destination Double Side x Side Ultralight. It is a lightweight stroller that is one of the easiest to set up and fold. It is compact and comes with a storage case. It's also compatible with select infant car seats, including the renowned Graco SnugRide 40 Elite Double -- with the purchase of an adapter (sold separately).
If you're looking for a multi-purpose stroller that can adapt to your family, check out the Vista Double v2 from UPPAbaby. This unique product is designed to be used as both a double stroller as well as a bike trailer which allows you to take on outdoor adventures with two children at the same time. It is also compatible with a variety of infant car seats such as the Nuna or Maxi-Cosi. However it is necessary to purchase an adapter that can be purchased separately.
Comfort
If you are walking for hours with your children it is important to choose a stroller that is comfortable for you and your children. A quality double stroller will offer an easy ride and will help both seats by adjusting five-point safety belts. It should also include plenty of storage space for toys and snacks.
A padded handle will make pushing easier. A front wheel that swivels is also helpful, particularly on the jogger, for maneuvering around curbs and tight spaces. The capability to lock the front swivel wheel for more comfort is perfect for taking your family for a long stroll or jog.
Another feature you should look for in double strollers is a simple folding process that can be accomplished using just one hand. The UPPAbaby Vista Double v2, Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon, and Joovy Zoom X2 Double all have the best folding systems in our tests.
During our testing we looked at various seating configurations that could be used to meet the requirements and desires of families with different needs. The Vista Double from UPPAbaby was our top pick for this feature because it can accommodate twins in separate infant car seats as well as an additional rider by incorporating a riding board. It also has the quickest and easiest assembly in our test group, requiring only 15 minutes from start to end.
The storage capacity in the majority of double strollers we tested is adequate, however some are more accessible than others. The UPPAbaby Vista Double and Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite have large, easy-to-access baskets that can hold up to 30 pounds. Evenflo Pivot Xplore comes with a large storage bin. The Joovy Caboose features a smaller bin that is difficult to reach because it's under the sliding rear seats.
A triple wheel stroller will be a great option for parents who like taking their children on runs or hikes. These models have locking and swivelling front wheels to allow for more mobility and also have a reclining seat and ratcheting shade canopy to ensure your children are comfortable. These models also feature convenient parent trays, cup holders and a basket for storage for the necessities.
Storage
The storage space in a double stroller should be large enough to accommodate both of you, as well as your children's snacks and drinks. But the amount of storage is different greatly between models. Some, like the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite (the lightest stroller we tested in our group) and the brand-new Summer Infant 3D Pac CS+ Double Stroller, only have hanging storage bags that hang on the backs of each seat and two cup holders for the parents. Others, like the UPPAbaby Vista Double and Joovy ScooterX2 have large baskets that are easy to access.
Some of the top double-strollers also have features like extendable canopy and reclining seats that allow you to adjust your child's experience in accordance with weather conditions or mood. And 3 wheeler pushchairs of them offer car seat compatibility so you can use them from the beginning and later add a child seat or glider board when the time is right to grow your family.
The compact 4-wheel strollers are designed to be light, easy to fold, store and move. They are perfect for parents who wish to use their stroller to run through their daily chores, or make quick trips to the parks. They tend to be less expensive than jogging walkers, but they may lack certain features and space you require when you plan to engage in longer outdoor activities with your kids.
The Baby Jogger City Select Double Stroller that is available in several colors, is one of most popular compact double strollers. It's small in the beginning and folds easily so it can be tucked away and removed at a moment's notice. It's available in several colors and can be customized using a variety of add-ons including a pram attachment that can hold infants that weigh up to 25 pounds. It also exceeds Disney's requirements for size and allows you to bring it along on your next vacation!