How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
If you're looking for a double stroller, there are a lot of options. To help you pick the right one for your family, we spoke with child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley.
It is recommended to choose a stroller which is easy to fold, push and carry. Also, consider a stroller that's versatile enough to accommodate two car seats for infants or a toddler as well as an adult rider board.
Safety
If you want to ensure your children are secure on your walks, look for double strollers that have features like all-terrain tires and a hand-operated brake. These brakes and wheels assist you in navigating trails and sand without children falling or rolling. The best double strollers also have plenty of storage space for gear and kids-sized items like snacks and toys.
The first step in selecting the best double stroller is to know how old your children are and how far apart they are. A majority of double strollers are designed to accommodate one child seat, however, those that do come in different configurations, so you can pick the type of seating that best fits your kids and your lifestyle.
The classic doubles are great for children of similar age who want to play. Double-decker designs permit the user to place one seat above the other, or attach a riderboard to older siblings. Newborns can be snuggled into a bassinet, which is attached to the frame, or as a standalone attachment that gives you a peek-a-boo view of your baby. If you are expecting twins or have twins then a twin stroller will be the best option.
For families that are more adventurous opt for double strollers that can take on off-road terrains or even hiking. A lot of these strollers have been designed with active parents in mind, and come with features that allow you to take your children to any adventure, no matter how rough the path or how high the climbs might be.
In addition to all-terrain tires the top double strollers feature clever features that make traversing tough terrain and weather easier. For example this jogging stroller comes with a wrist loop for your child, so you're sure they're secure when running downhill or at speeds that are higher. It also features an all-over canopy that's ventilated to keep your kids cool during the summer heat.
This model is a compact and compact double stroller from Joovy. It weighs just 23 pounds, making it lighter than most single strollers, and ideal for air travel or storing in trunks and overhead compartments. It also has a large storage basket as well as an easy-to-use one-step parking brake.
Seating
Unlike the behemoth strollers of old the modern double strollers are sleek and support an array of configurations that can be adapted to families. Some are used as traditional side-by-side strollers while others--such as the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double Stroller--work as a base that car seats, toddler seats or bassinets snap into. They are available in a variety of widths and weight limits, allowing children from birth to kindergarten.
A good double stroller will be easy to fold and maneuver and allows you to adjust the height of your handlebar to ensure that you're comfortable throughout your excursions. A good handlebar is comfortable to hold and will encourage you to walk in a safe manner (ask for tips from other parents). It should offer a variety of storage options to accommodate everything your children need.
If your twins are of a similar age and are in the same age group, a tandem stroller might be the best choice for your family. The seats of these models are positioned in a row, allowing you to engage with them both and keep an eye on them simultaneously. They also recline independently so that one child can sleep while the other is awake and ready to go.
The downside of a twin stroller may be that it is larger than one designed that is designed for a single occupant. This could make it difficult to maneuver narrow aisles for stores, doors or sidewalks. But for certain families, the benefits are worth the extra space and effort.
If you are looking for a compact double-stroller, then the UPPAbaby V2 Double is a good option. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double is a great option for urban living due to its shock absorption, sleek design, and capacity to accommodate two infant car seats. It also has an optional running board that can be used by older children who are mobile.
A wagon-style double stroller, such as the Delta Children LX Stroller Side-by-Side is another alternative. This bare-bones model offers plenty of seating space and storage, as well as sturdy wheels that can handle any terrain. It also has an umbrella with 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and cannot recline fully flat, making it difficult for little children to reach their snack trays or to relax.
Ease of Use
A double stroller can be an investment that you hope to use for years. If you are looking for a double stroller, make sure it is easy to use and clean. The top double strollers have been developed to be user-friendly and have numerous features that are convenient.
All the strollers that we tested can be folded easily and compactly using just one hand. They're also lightweight, making them ideal for traveling. A lot of them can be checked at the gate on planes and fit in most trunks. In addition, the majority of our testers reported that their strollers folded to a smaller size than the single seat models, and some even included an adjustable carry strap for easy carrying.
If you're looking for a versatile double stroller that will expand with your family take a look at the Valco Snap Duo Trend. This side-by-side stroller can be used with infant car seats, bassinets, and other accessories, which means you can use it from birth to preschool age. Each seat comes with a 5-point harness and a large canopy that provides ample shade from the sun.
Another highly-regarded option is the Joovy Twin Roo. This stroller is lightweight, compact and only 22 pounds when folded. The front seat reclines almost to a flat position, and the back seat can be adjusted to suit every child. This stroller is easy to use and maneuver thanks to its large storage basket, easy one-step parking brake, and large storage basket.
The only drawbacks to the Joovy Twin Roo were minor and specific to this particular model. Kerry says that the packaging is clever and fun, but it comes in five boxes that can be a bit heavy to carry around. She also noticed that Genuis's magnetic buckle was difficult to master. In the end, though, she was very happy with this stroller and would definitely recommend it.
Stores
Strollers come in all sizes and shapes, from tandem doubles that are side-by-side to (single-file seating) designs, and many allow you to modify your stroller with a bassinet or car seat attachment. Some have rider boards that can be added for older siblings. However, they're not all created equal. Some are sleek and easy to use, while others are heavy, bulky and difficult to fold or store.
If you're looking to purchase a light double stroller, check out the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest stroller in our tests, weighing less than 23 pounds. It folds easily and has all the features parents want to enjoy a day out with two children.
lightest double stroller from UPPAbaby is a different model that our test subjects loved especially for its sleek design and user-friendly. It can accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler bassinet as well as a seat without adapters. The rear seat can be removed to make it into a triple or quad stroller. It comes with a large storage basket and can be upgraded to include a parent organizer, all-terrain wheels, and side storage bags.
Billingsley states that the best double stroller for a toddler is one with multiple customization options. This includes a seat or a bassinet that can be removed. Toddlers can be weak in endurance, and a stroller that has an attached bassinet will give them a safe space for them to sleep. A double stroller should also have a good harness system and recline positions, and plenty of storage space for toys and snacks.
The ZOE Twin+ is popular with parents due to its lightweight and flexibility. It's airline gate-check-friendly and fits through most doors (without taking off the front wheels) and can be expanded into a triple or quad stroller with an added tandem seat. The nearly flat, independently reclined seats and the extra-long sun canopy that can be adjusted are among the other features. A large underseat basket, as well as cup holders for both parents and children complete the impressive features. One disadvantage according to Taylor the manufacturer, is that it lacks a a small profile when folded, and could be difficult to carry.