How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
There are a lot of options when it comes to double strollers. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert and mother, helped us choose the right model for you.
You should look for a stroller that is simple to fold and push to carry. Look for a model that can hold two infant car seat or a toddler with a riderboard.
Safety
If you want to ensure your children are secure on your walks make sure you choose double strollers that have features like all-terrain tires as well as an electronic brake that can be operated by hand. These brakes and wheels will assist you in navigating trails and sand without children slipping or rolling. The best double strollers offer ample storage space to store gear and kid-sized essentials like snacks and toys.
The best double stroller for your family begins by determining how old and distant in age. Most double strollers can only accommodate one child seat, but the ones that do come in a variety of configurations so you can select the seat that best suits your kids and your lifestyle.
Side-byside doubles are a popular option, and they're great for kids of similar ages who like to interact with each other. Some double-decker designs allow the user to place one seat over the other, or even attach a riderboard for older siblings. Babies can be placed in a bassinet, which is attached to the frame, or as an individual attachment that allows you to have an unobstructed view of your baby. If you are expecting twins or already have twins then a twin stroller will be the best option.
Choose a stroller with two wheels that can handle off-road terrain, and even hiking. A lot of these strollers were designed with active parents and their children in mind. They come with features that will allow you to take them on any trip, no regardless of how difficult or steep the climbs may be.
In addition to all-terrain tires the top double strollers come with thoughtful features that make getting around tough terrain and weather easier. For instance this stroller for jogging has a wrist loop for your child so you'll be able to ensure that they're safe when you run downhill or at speeds that are higher. It also features an all-over canopy that has airflow to keep your kids comfortable in the summer heat.
If you're looking for a light compact double stroller, check out this model from Joovy. It weighs just over 23 pounds, making it lighter than some single strollers and perfect for air travel or storage in overhead compartments or trunks. It also has a large storage basket and an easy-to-use one-step parking brake.
Seating
In contrast to the massive strollers of old the modern double strollers are sleek and support a variety of configurations to fit families. Some work as traditional side-by-side strollers, while others -- like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double Stroller--work as a base to which car seats, toddler seats, or bassinets can be plugged into. They come in a variety of widths and weight limits, allowing infants and children up to kindergarten.
A quality double stroller should be easy to maneuver and fold, while also allowing you to adjust the handlebar's height to make sure you're able to walk comfortably throughout your excursions. A well-designed handlebar should be easy to grip, and it should allow you to walk in a proper posture (ask other parents for advice on this). It should also provide a variety of storage options that will accommodate all the essentials you'll need for your kids.
If your twins are of a similar age and are in the same age group, a tandem stroller might be the best option for your family. The seats on these models sit together, allowing you to be able to interact with both of them and keep an eye on them simultaneously. They can also recline independently so that one child can sleep while the other is ready to go.
The drawback of a twin stroller could be that it is larger than one designed for a single-occupant. This can make it more difficult to navigate narrow doorways, store aisles or walkways. But for certain families, the advantages are worth the extra space and effort.
If you're in the market for a compact double stroller the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double is a great choice. Its shock absorption, streamlined design, and capacity for two infant car seats - plus an optional running board for more mobile children--make it an ideal option for urban living.
Another alternative is a wagon-style double stroller, like the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller. This bare-bones model offers lots of space for seating and storage, plus heavy-duty wheels that manage any terrain. single to double pushchair comes with a 50+ SPF canopy and a handlebar that can be adjusted. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and do not recline completely flat, making it difficult for children to reach their food trays or get comfortable.
Easy of Use
A double stroller can be a significant investment and one you're likely to use for years. If you are in the market for a double stroller, be sure it's easy to use and clean. The best double strollers have been designed to be user-friendly and include many convenient features.
All the strollers that we tested could be folded easily and compactly using just one hand. These strollers are lightweight and perfect for travel. Many of them fit in the majority of trunks and can be checked for gate-checking on planes. Many of our test subjects discovered that their strollers could be folded down much smaller than single-seat versions. Some even had a carrying strap.
The Valco Snap Duo trend is a double stroller that has lots of options that will grow with your family. This side-byside stroller is compatible with infant car seats, bassinets, and other accessories, meaning you can use it from birth to preschool age. Each seat has a 5-point harness and a large canopy that provides plenty of shade from the sun.
The Joovy Twin Roo is another option that's highly praised. It is light compact and weighs only weighs 22 pounds when folded. The front seat reclines to a flat position, and the back seat can be adjusted for each child. There's a huge storage basket and an easy, one-step linked parking brake which makes this stroller user-friendly and easy to maneuver.
The only negatives of the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to the model. Kerry states that the packaging was fun and clever, but that it came in five boxes that can be an inconvenience to carry around. She also noticed that the Genuis magnetic buckle was a bit difficult to master. In the end, though she was very pleased with the stroller and would highly recommend it.
Stores
Strollers are available in a variety of sizes and designs, including tandems (single-file seating) and side-by-side doubles and many that let you customize the setup with an automobile seat or bassinet attachment. Some have rider boards that can be added to accommodate older children. But, they're not all created equal. Some are elegant and simple to use, while others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold and store.
If you're looking for a light double stroller, look into the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest choice in our tests, weighing close to 23 lbs and is also easy to fold, yet it still has all of the features parents need to have a great time out with two children.
The Vista v2 double from UPPAbaby is another model that our test subjects loved. They particularly liked its sleek design and user-friendly. It can accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler's bassinet and seat without the need for adapters. The rear seat can be removed to make it into a triple or quad stroller. It has a huge storage basket that can be upgraded to include a parent organizer, all-terrain wheels, and side storage bags.
Billingsley states that the best double stroller for toddlers is one with various options for customization. This includes a seat or bassinet that can be removed. Toddlers can be weak in endurance, and strollers with an attached bassinet will offer a safe spot for them to nap. The expert says that a double stroller must also have a good recline position and harness system, as well as ample storage space for toys and snacks.
The ZOE Twin+ is popular among parents due to its lightweight and flexibility. It's gate-check-friendly on airlines it can be accessed through all doors (without taking off the wheels at the front), and can be expanded to a triple or quad stroller by adding an extra tandem. The near-flat, independently reclined seats and extra-long sun canopies that are adjustable are other highlights. A spacious underseat basket and the inclusion of cup holders for both parents and children make up the impressive features. Taylor says that the only downside is that it has an enormous footprint when folded, and it can be difficult for parents to carry.