Choosing a 3 Wheel Double Stroller
It's among the top side by side strollers we tested, offering an easy ride on rough terrain, and effortless turning in tight spaces. It's also a great jogger and folds up easily with the self-standing option.
However, it comes with double-action brakes which require the depression of two pedals and doesn't accept infant car seats. This could be a major issue for some parents.
Safety Features
If you plan to take a stroll or jogs, double strollers with three wheels offer greater stability than four-wheel models. This is because they have two wheels in the ground all the time, whereas some four-wheel strollers allow just one wheel to rise off of the ground when navigating curbs or other obstacles. The downside is that three-wheelers are heavier, which could be a concern if weight is a factor.
Some 3-wheel strollers come with pneumatic (air-filled tire) tires. They are ideal for people who want to run, and want a more comfortable ride than the hard plastic wheels of certain models. However, they do require regular maintenance and checks of air pressure (as well as a pump and tire repair kit) because they are more prone to lose air than their traditional tires. You can find the recommended pressures in the manual of your stroller or on the manufacturer's website.
Strollers that have adjustable handlebars can ease the stress on the arms, neck and back of the person pushing them. The ideal posture for your arms is near your belly button with your elbows slightly bowed and your hands relaxed. A front swivel lockable wheel can be helpful on bumpy or uneven surfaces.
Always test the parking brake on your stroller to make sure it is working quickly and easily. Also consider whether the stroller features an open window or an adjustable seat. Both of these features can be helpful for parents with toddlers or infants who need to nap while out and about.
The better jogging double strollers come with an adjustable tracking, which helps keep the front wheel running straight throughout jogs. It prevents veering that is constant and reduces the requirement for constant manual correction while running, which can cause fatigue.
With the large size and weight of most double strollers, it is important to make sure the dimensions of their folded versions will fit in your trunk or in your home storage space before buying. It is also important to check the stroller's weight and the cost of shipping and handling since they can increase quickly. Finally, consider any extras you might require or want to avoid, such as snacks trays or built-in speakers, which make the stroller heavier and less aerodynamic and can pose a danger of tripping for children in the early years.
Maneuverability
One of the most important things to take into consideration when selecting a stroller is how easy it is to move around. Due to their size, weight and additional passengers double strollers are more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces. This can be a problem when trying to navigate busy streets or shopping malls while carrying your child.
While some of our top strollers -- such as the Thule Urban Glide 2 Double and Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double -- are incredibly easy to push, others struggle due to their flexing frames or wide-set wheels. They're also often heavier than many other double strollers, making them harder to carry and lift when not in use.
There are a variety of strollers that provide great maneuverability, without breaking the budget. We love the phil&teds dot and double kit which lets you transform your jogging stroller into a double buggy that is compatible with infant car seats. This is a great choice for growing families or those who have little space.
The Baby Jogger City Mini Quad and Graco SnugRide 30 Double Stroller are great options for sidewalks that are narrow. The latter even has built-in cargo baskets that will help keep you organized on your walks.
Another stroller that can be maneuvered is the Jeep Destination Double Side x Side Ultralight. It is a lightweight stroller that's one of the easiest to fold and set up. 3 wheeler pushchairs love that it's compact when folded and comes with storage bags. Plus, it's compatible with a variety of infant car seats, including the fav Graco SnugRide 40 Elite Double with the purchase of an adapter (sold separately).
Check out the UPPAbaby vista double v2 if need of an infant stroller that grows with your family. This unique product was designed to function as a double stroller and a bike trailer, allowing you to enjoy outdoor adventures with two kids at once. It also works with a variety of infant car seats such as the Nuna or Maxi-Cosi. However the adapter for this must be purchased separately.
Comfort
If you are walking for hours with your kids, you want an item that is comfortable for you and your children. A great double stroller should offer an easy ride, and support both seats with adjustable five-point safety harnesses, and provide ample storage space for toys and snacks.
A cushioned handle can make pushing easier. A swivel wheel on the front can be helpful particularly for joggers to navigate around curbs or tight spaces. Also, the capability to lock the front swivel wheel for an easier ride is ideal to take your family on a long stroll or run.
A double stroller should come with a simple folding system that can be done using just one hand. The UPPAbaby Vista double v2, Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon and Joovy Zoom X2 Double all have the best folding systems we have tested.
During the process of testing we searched for a variety of seating configurations that could accommodate the different needs of families. The Vista Double model from UPPAbaby was our top choice for this feature, as it can accommodate twins in separate infant car seats, as well as a third rider by incorporating a riding board. It is also the fastest and most simple to put together of the ones we tested, taking just 15 minutes.
The storage capacity of the majority of double strollers we tested is adequate, however some are easier to reach than others. The UPPAbaby Vista Double and Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite come with large, easy-to-access baskets that can hold up to 30 lbs. The Evenflo Pivot Xplore has a large storage bin, and the Joovy Caboose Ultralight comes with smaller storage bins that may be difficult to access since it is under the sliding rear seat.
A double stroller with three wheels is a great choice for parents who enjoy taking their children on hikes or jogs. These strollers come with locking and swivel wheels on the front to improve mobility. They also come with an adjustable reclining chair and the canopy shade that can be adjusted to ensure that your children are comfortable. They also come with convenient tray for parents that has cup holders as well as an easy-to-access storage basket to stash necessities for your trips.
Stores
A good double stroller will have ample storage space for you, your children's drinks and snacks, as well as all other things you might need. However, the amount of storage varies widely across models. Some, such as the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite (the most lightweight stroller in our test group) and the new Summer Infant 3D Pac CS+ Double Stroller, only have hanging storage bags that hang on the backs of each seat and two parent cupholders. Other strollers, like the UPPAbaby Vista Double and Joovy ScooterX2 have large baskets that are easy to access.
The best double strollers also come with additional features, like reclined seats and canopies that extend which allow you to alter your child's stroll according to the weather or mood. And many of them offer car seat compatibility so that you can use them right from the beginning and then add a child's seat or glider board at the time to grow your family.
Compact 4-wheel strollers have been designed to be light, easy to fold, store and maneuver. They are perfect for parents who use their stroller to run through their daily chores, or make short trips to parks. They tend to be less expensive than jogging walkers, but they may lack certain features and space you require for longer outdoor activities with your children.
The Baby Jogger City Select Double Stroller, which comes in a variety of colors, is one of most popular compact double strollers. It starts small and folds easily so it can be stored away and pulled out at a moments need. It's available in a variety of colors and can be customized using a variety of add-ons including a pram attachment for babies that weigh up to 25 lbs. It also is able to meet Disney's size requirements and you can take it on vacation!