01
.Introduction
We review nine double strollers, priced $299 to $1098.
We found one double stroller to recommend and another worth considering. The rest failed safety tests. We've assessed each double stroller for:
- safety
- durability, and
- ease of use.
On this page:
If you have twins, or a baby and toddler close in age, a two-seater stroller could be just what you need for getting the kids from A to B. There are a range of options: side-by-side, tandem (with front and rear seats), and single-seaters with a toddler seat added.
You might also try an additional platform (either standing only or with a seat built-in) clipped to the back of the stroller.
We tested two tandems, six side-by-sides and one single seater with toddler seat added, checking their safety, durability and ease of use.
Video: How we test strollers
See how we put our strollers through their paces. Not all of them make it out alive.
See how we put our strollers through their paces. Not all of them make it out alive.
Australian safety standards
As with our latest tests of single-seat strollers, this test uses the 2009 version of the Australian standard AS/NZS 2088, the most current version, though many manufacturers still refer to the previous version from 2000. For this reason these results aren't directly comparable with our previous double stroller test (online in 2010,) which was based on the 2000 version.
However, you don't need to stop using strollers that we've previously recommended based on the older standard. While mandatory requirements are still based on the 2000 version we believe the new 2009 standard improves on safety. We hope that by basing our recommendations on this version, we'll encourage the industry to do likewise.
For more information on Kids travel, see Babies and kids.
Brands and models tested
Side-by-side:
- Chicco Echo Twin
- Lovencare Twingo Bp 9760
- Mothercare Vesta Twin
- Mountain Buggy Duet
- Steelcraft Agile Twin
- Valco Baby Evo 2 For Two
Tandem:
- Childcare Two Up Tandem
- Mothers Choice Deux Diamond
Single seat stroller with toddler seat:
Previously tested models:
Side-by-side strollers:
- Baby Jogger City Mini Double
- Babylove Twin Odyssey
- Childcare Twin Rover
- Maclaren Twin Techno
- Mother’s Choice Twin Le Xross
- Mountain Buggy Duo
- Peg Perego Aria Twin
- Valco Double Delight
Tandem strollers:
- Bootiq Ruby Duo
- Marco Sky L
- Zuzu Evolution
Single seat strollers with toddler seat:
- Love N Care Europa
- Phil & Teds Sport Buggy and Inline Double Kit
- Steelcraft Strider Plus
Strollers with extra built-in platform/seat at rear:
Platforms:
- Kid-Sit 151003
- Lascal Buggy Board Basic
- Valco Hitch Hiker
How we test
Safety Our test is based on the Australian standard for strollers, AS/NZS 2088:2009. Our testers, Antonio Bonacruz and Matthew Tung, check various aspects, including: harness straps that are adjustable and of adequate length; that the child is securely restrained; that folding mechanisms are safe and secure; and that there are no sharp edges or possible entrapment points for fingers or limbs. They also test the stability of the stroller and that the brakes work well.
Durability They put the strollers on our “rolling road” rig for 64 hours at a speed of 5km/h, as per the Australian standard. All the strollers are also attached to a machine that continuously simulates the action of mounting a kerb. These tests show whether anything breaks, falls off or stops working properly after regular use.
Ease of use They check adjustments, such as reclining functions and the safety harness, and various activities such as loading and unloading the basket, using the brakes and locking the front wheel. They fold and unfold the strollers, push them over rough terrain, up and down stairs and through doorways, and test how easily they fit into the boot of a family car.