How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
There are a variety of options when it comes to double strollers. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert and mother, was able to help us choose the right model for you.
Find a stroller that's relatively easy to fold, push and carry. Look for a model that can accommodate two infant car seat or a toddler who has a riderboard.
Safety
If you want to keep your children secure on your walks opt for a double stroller with features like all-terrain tires as well as a brake operated by hand. These brakes and wheels help you navigate trails and sand without children slipping or rolling. The best double strollers also come with plenty of storage space for gear as well as essentials for kids, such as snacks and toys.
The best double stroller for your family starts by determining how old and distant in terms of age your children are. Most double strollers only accommodate one child seat. However, the ones that do have a variety options that let you choose the seating that is best for your family.
Side-by-side doubles are a classic option, and they're great for children of similar ages who like to interact with each other. Double-decker designs permit the user to place one of the seats over the other, or add a riderboard for older siblings. Newborns can either be snuggled in a bassinet that is attached to the frame or in an attachment that lets you play peek-a-boo with your baby. If you are expecting twins or already have twins then a twin stroller will be the best option.
Find a double-wheeled stroller that is capable of handling off-road terrain, and even hiking. A lot of these strollers have been designed with active parents in mind, and have features that let you take your kids on any adventure, no matter how rough the terrain or how steep the climb might be.
In addition to all-terrain tires, the top double strollers feature thoughtful features that make getting around difficult terrain and weather a lot easier. For instance, this jogging stroller includes a wrist loop for your child so you can be sure that they're safe when you run downhill or at higher speeds. double travel stroller has a full-coverage canopy with ventilation so your kids stay cool during the summer heat.
If you're looking to purchase a light compact double stroller, check out this model from Joovy. It weighs just over 23 lbs, making it lighter than some single strollers. It's ideal for air travel or storing in trunks or overhead compartments. It also comes with a large storage basket and a one-step linked parking brake that is easy to use.
Seating
Contrary to the giant strollers of old the modern double strollers are sleek and can accommodate various configurations that can be adapted to families. Some work as traditional side-by-side strollers, while others -- like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double Stroller--function as a base to which car seats, toddler seats, or bassinets can be plugged into. They are available in a range of widths and weights to accommodate children from newborns up to kindergarten.
A good double stroller should be easy to fold and move, as well as allowing you to adjust the height of your handlebar to ensure you are at ease on all your outings. A well-designed handlebar is easy to hold and should inspire you to walk in a logical manner (ask for tips from other parents). It should come with a variety of storage options to accommodate all the essentials your children will require.
If your twins have a similar age and are in the same age group, a tandem stroller might be the ideal option for your family. These models have seats that are side-by-side so you can interact with them both and keep an eye on each of them at the same. They also recline independently so that one child can sleep while the other is awake and ready to go.
The drawback of a twin stroller can be that it is larger than one designed for a single person. This can make it difficult to navigate narrow aisles for stores, doors or even sidewalks. But for certain families, the benefits are worth the extra size and effort.
If you're in the market for a compact double stroller the UPPAbaby Vista Double is a great option. Its shock absorbers, streamlined design and capacity for two infant car seats--plus an optional running board for mobile older children--make it an ideal choice for city living.
A wagon-style double stroller, such as the Delta Children LX Stroller Side-by-Side is another option. It's a basic model but it comes with plenty of space for storage and seating. It also comes with heavy-duty wheels that can take on any terrain. It also comes with an umbrella with 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. Some parents complain that the seats are a little too low and they don't recline to a fully flat position, which makes it difficult for children of smaller sizes to get comfortable or reach their snack trays.
Easy of Use
A double stroller can be an investment that you hope to use for a long time. When shopping for one, you want to make sure it will be simple to operate and clean. Luckily, the most effective double strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as possible and come with a wide array of features that are convenient for parents.
All the strollers that we tested fold easily and compactly with just one hand. They're also light, which makes them ideal for traveling. A lot of them can be gate checked on airplanes and fit in most trunks. Many of our test subjects found that their strollers could fold down to a smaller size than the single seat equivalents. Some even had a carrying strap.
If you're looking for a versatile double stroller that will expand with your family, look no further than the Valco Snap Duo Trend. lightweight double stroller -by-side stroller can be used with infant car seats and other accessories. It can be used from birth up to preschool age. Each seat comes with five-point harnesses with a large canopy, as well as plenty of sun protection.
The Joovy Twin Roo is another option that's highly regarded. This stroller is lightweight and extremely compact, measuring just 22 lbs and 26 inches in width when folded. The front seat reclines almost to an entire flat position, and the back seat comes with an adjustable recline that can be adjusted for each child. There's a huge storage basket and an easy, one-step connected parking brake that makes this stroller extremely simple to move and use.
The only downsides of the Joovy Twin Roo were minor and specific to the model in question. Kerry says that the packaging is clever and enjoyable, however, it comes in five boxes which can be a bit heavy to carry around. She also found the Genuis magnetic clasp to be somewhat awkward and took her some time before she could master it. In the end, though, she was very happy with the stroller and would highly recommend it.
Stores
Strollers come in all sizes and shapes, ranging from side-by-side doubles to tandem (single-file seating) styles, and a lot allow you to personalize your setup by adding a bassinet or a car seat attachment. Some come with rider boards for older children. However, not all of them are made equal. Some are elegant and simple to use, while others are heavy, bulky and difficult to fold and store.
If you're seeking a stroller with a light weight that can hold two kids and two children, the Joovy Caboose Graphite is a great option. It was the lightest option during our tests. It weighs around 23 pounds and is also easy to fold, yet it still has all of the features parents require to enjoy a great time with two kids.
The Vista v2 double by UPPAbaby is another model that our testers loved. They especially liked its sleek design and easy-to-use. It can fit two infant car seats, or a toddler's bassinet and seat without adapters. Its rear seat can be removed to turn it into a quad or triple stroller. It comes with a huge basket for storage, and it can be upgraded with an organizer for parents as well as all-terrain tires, as well as storage bags for the sides.
Billingsley states that the ideal double stroller for a two-year-old is one that has various options for customization, such as an adjustable seat or bassinet. Toddlers are often weak in endurance, and a stroller that has an attached bassinet will provide a safe place for them to rest. She suggests that a double stroller should come with a sturdy harness system and recline positions, as well as plenty of storage space for toys and snacks.
The ZOE Twin+ is popular with parents due to its lightness and versatility. It's easy to check at airport gates, fits through most doors (without having to remove the front wheels), and can expand into a triple or quad stroller that has an additional tandem seat. The nearly flat, independently reclined seats and extra-long, adjustable sun canopies are other highlights. A large underseat basket and the inclusion of cup holders for the child and parent make up this impressive feature set. Taylor says that the only disadvantage is that it has a an enormous size when folded and it can be difficult for parents to store.