Choosing a 3 Wheel Double Stroller
It's one of the top side-by-side strollers in our testing that offers a smooth ride over rough terrain and easy turns in tight spaces. It's a great jogger and folds easily thanks to the self-standing feature.
It has double-action breaks that require two pedals to be depressed. Additionally it is not compatible with infant car seats. This could be a major issue for some parents.
Safety Features
For those planning to go for strolls and jogs, strollers with 3 wheels offer more stability than four-wheel options. The reason for this is that they always have two wheels on the floor, while some four-wheelers can lift one wheel off the ground to navigate the obstacles like curbs and other obstructions. The disadvantage is that three-wheelers tend to be heavier, which may be a problem if weight is an issue.
Some 3-wheel strollers feature pneumatic (air-filled tire) tires. They are ideal for those who wish to jog, and prefer a more comfortable ride than the hard plastic wheels of certain models. However, they require routine maintenance and checks of air pressure (as well as a tire pump and repair kit) because they are more likely to lose air than their solid-tire counterparts. You can find the recommended pressures in your stroller's manual or on the website of the manufacturer.
Strollers with adjustable handlebars can reduce the stress on the neck, arms and back of the person 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 wheel can be useful for bumpy or uneven surfaces.
A good brake is essential and you must test your stroller's parking brake regularly to ensure that it is engaged quickly and effortlessly. Take note of whether the stroller comes with an open window or recliner. These features are great for toddlers or infants who is prone to napping while you're out and about.
The better jogging double strollers have a feature called adjustable tracking. This feature helps keep the front wheel running straight throughout jogs. It eliminates chronic veering and helps reduce the need for manual correction while running, which can increase overall fatigue.
Given the size and weight of most double strollers, you need to ensure their folded dimensions can be accommodated in your trunk or storage space prior to making a purchase. You should also check the stroller's weight and shipping and handling costs which can increase quickly. Consider any extras that you may need or should stay clear of, like snack trays and speakers built in that can make the stroller heavier, less aerodynamic, and could pose a danger to children.
Maneuverability
One of the most important things to consider when choosing a stroller is how easy it is to move around. Unfortunately, most double strollers have a difficult time turning and moving through tight spaces than single-seat strollers because of their weight, size and the additional passengers. This can be a problem when you're trying to navigate busy sidewalks or supermarket stores with little ones in tow.
While some of our top strollers -- such as the Thule Urban Glide 2 Double and the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double -- are extremely easy to push, others are difficult because of their flexing frames and wide-set wheels. Double strollers are typically heavier than other double strollers. This makes them more difficult to transport and move when not in use.
There are many strollers that offer great maneuverability, without breaking the bank. The double kit of phil&teds lets you convert your jogging buggy into an inline double stroller that works with a car seat for infants. This is a great option for growing families or those with little space.
The Baby Jogger City Mini Quad and the Graco SnugRide 30 Double Stroller are also great models for sidewalks that are narrow. The latter has an integrated cargo basket which will aid in keeping your clothes organized on your walks.
Jeep Destination Double Side by Side Ultralight is another good stroller that can be maneuvered. This is a lightweight everyday stroller that is easy to fold and set up. We love that it's compact when folded and comes with storage bags. 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, take a look at the Vista Double v2 of the UPPAbaby. This unique stroller is designed to function as both a double stroller and a bike trailer which allows you to enjoy outdoor adventures with two kids at the same time. It's also compatible with several infant car seats, including the Nuna and Maxi-Cosi, but it requires an adapter that must be purchased separately.
Comfort
When strolling for hours with your kids you need a stroller that is comfortable for you and your children. A quality double stroller will offer a smooth ride, support both seats with adjustable safety harnesses with five points and provide ample storage space for snacks and toys.
A comfortable handle is vital for comfortable pushing. A swivel front wheel can be also helpful, particularly on a jogger, to maneuver around narrow spaces and curbs. The ability to lock the front wheel swiveling for a smoother journey is also ideal for taking the whole family out for a long walk or run.
A double stroller must come with a simple folding system that can be accomplished with one hand. In our tests, the UPPAbaby Vista double V2, Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon and Joovy Zoom X2 Double had the most effective folding systems.
During the testing process we were looking for flexible seating configurations to satisfy the needs of various families. The UPPAbaby Vista Double clinched our top spot in this model, since it can fit twins in two separate infant car seats or accommodate a third child by adding a riding board. This model also provides the quickest and easiest assemble in our test group, taking only 15 minutes from start to the end.
The storage capacity of the majority of double strollers we tested is adequate, however some are more accessible than others. The Joovy Caboose ultralight and UPPAbaby graphite both have large, easily accessible baskets that can support up to 30 lbs. The Evenflo Pivot Xplore has a spacious storage bin, while the Joovy Caboose Ultralight features smaller storage bins which isn't easy to access since it is located under the rear seat that slides.
3 wheeled pushchairs is the ideal option for parents who want to take their children on jogs or hikes. These strollers come with locking and swivel wheels on the front to enhance maneuverability. They also come with recliner chairs and a ratcheting canopy shade to keep your kids comfortable. These models also come with tray for parents, cup holders, and a storage basket for essentials.
Stores
A good double stroller will provide ample storage space for you, your children's drinks and snacks, and all the other supplies you may require. The amount of storage available varies greatly between models. Certain models, like the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite, the lightest stroller we've tested, and the new Summer Infant 3D Pac CSwith double stroller, come with only two cup holders for parents, along with hanging bags of storage on the back of each seat. Some, like the UPPAbaby Vista Double or Joovy ScooterX2 have large baskets with easy access.
Some of the top double strollers also come with additional features, such as extendable canopies and reclining seats that let you alter your child's stroll according to weather conditions or their mood. A lot of them are car seat compatible, so you can start using them immediately and then add an incline board or a child seat if your family grows.
Compact 4-wheel strollers have been designed to be lightweight, easy to fold, store and maneuver. They are perfect for parents who wish to use their strollers to run around town, or for short trips to parks. They generally cost less than jogging strollers however they might lack the additional features and space that you'll need if intend to engage in more prolonged outdoor activities with your kids.
The Baby Jogger City Select Double Stroller is one of the most popular double strollers that are compact on the market due to its ability to start out small and folds easily to fit into trunks and closets, making it easy to store and remove at any time. It is available in a variety of colors and is able to be customized to fit babies up to 25 pounds. It even exceeds Disney's requirements for size, so you can bring it along on your next vacation!