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 talked to experts in child development as well as mom Katie Billingsley.
It is recommended to choose a stroller which is easy to fold, push and carry. Consider a model that can accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler that has a riderboard.
Safety
If you want to keep your kids safe while walking, look for a double stroller with features like all-terrain tires as well as a hand-operated brake. These wheels and brakes will help you navigate trails, gravel, and sidewalks without the risk of your children sliding or rolling away. The best double strollers also come with plenty of storage space for gear and essentials for kids, such as snacks and toys.
Choosing the right double stroller for your family starts by understanding how old and far apart in terms of age your children are. Most double strollers can only allow one child seat, but the ones are available in various configurations so that you can choose the seating option that best suits your kids and your lifestyle.
Side-by-side doubles are an iconic option, and are great for kids of similar ages who like to play with one another. Certain models feature a double-decker design, which allows you to place one seat above the other or attach an extra rider board for older siblings. Newborns can be tucked into a bassinet, which is attached to the frame, or as a standalone attachment that allows you to have the chance to peek at your baby. If you are expecting twins or have twins then a twin stroller is the best choice.
For families that are more adventurous, look for a double stroller that can take on off-road terrains or even hike. Many strollers were created with active parents and their children in mind. They have features that allow you to take them on any trip, no regardless of how difficult or steep the climbs are.
In addition to all-terrain tires the top double strollers feature thoughtful features that make navigating difficult terrain and weather more enjoyable. This jogging stroller, for instance, features a wrist loop so that you can ensure your child's safety when running downhill at higher speeds or in extreme weather conditions. It also has a full-coverage canopy that is ventilated to keep your children cool in the summer heat.
If you're looking for a light, compact double stroller, take a look at this model by Joovy. It weighs in at just over 23 lbs, making it lighter than other single strollers, and ideal to take on air travel or for storing in overhead compartments or trunks. It also has a large storage basket and a simple one-step parking brake.
Seating
Double strollers of today are more sleek and can be arranged in many ways to meet the needs of your family. Some double strollers can be used as side-by-side models while others, such as the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Dual Stroller can be used as an alternative to car seats, toddler seats, and bassinets. They are available in a variety of widths and weights that can accommodate children from newborns through kindergarten.
A good double stroller should be simple to fold and maneuver, as well as allowing you to adjust the height of your handlebar to ensure that you feel comfortable on all of your excursions. A good handlebar is comfortable to grip and should encourage you to walk in a safe manner (ask for advice from other parents). It should also have a variety of storage options that accommodate everything you need for your children.
If your twins are near in age, you might consider a tandem stroller that works best for your family. These strollers have seats that are side-by-side which means you can interact with them both and keep an eye on both of them at the same time. They also recline independently, so that one child can lie down while the other is awake and ready to go.
The disadvantage of twin strollers is that it's larger than a single-occupant model and can make it difficult to navigate the aisles of shops, sidewalks and narrow doorways. For some families, the benefits are worth the extra effort and size.
If you're looking for a compact double-stroller, then the UPPAbaby V2 Double is an excellent alternative. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double is a great choice for urban living due to its shock absorption, elegant design, and ability to accommodate two infant car seats. It also has an optional running board that can be used by older children who are mobile.
Another option is a wagon-style double stroller, like the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller. The model is basic but it comes with plenty of storage space and seating. It also has sturdy wheels that can tackle any terrain. It also has a canopy with 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and can't recline to a completely flat position, making it difficult for small children to get comfortable or reach their snack trays.
User-Friendliness
A double stroller can be an investment of a large amount and one you're likely to use for many years. When shopping for one you must make sure it will be easy to operate and clean. Luckily, the most effective double strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as they can and include a variety of features that are convenient for parents.
For starters, all of the strollers we tested fold up easily and compactly (with one hand!). They're also light, which makes them ideal for travel. A lot of them can be checked for gate entry on airplanes and fit in most trunks. Many of our test subjects found that their strollers could fold down much smaller than the single seat equivalents. Some even came with a carrying strap.
If you're looking for a versatile double stroller that can grow with your family, look no further than the Valco Snap Duo Trend. This side-by-side stroller can be used with infant car seats and other accessories. It can be used 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. It is light and extremely compact, weighing just 22 pounds and 26 inches wide when folded. The front seat reclines almost to a flat position, and the back seat can be adjusted to suit every child. There's a large storage basket and a simple, one-step linked parking brake that makes this stroller easy to maneuver and use.
The only drawbacks to the Joovy Twin Roo were minor and specific to the model in question. Kerry says that the packaging was fun and innovative, but it also came in five boxes, which can be a bit of a hassle to lug around. She also found that Genuis's magnetic buckle was awkward and took a while to master. However, in the end she was extremely pleased with this stroller and would definitely recommend it.
Storage
Strollers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from tandems with side-by-side doubles to tandem (single-file seating) styles, and a lot allow you to personalize your stroller by adding a bassinet or a car seat attachment. Some come with rider boards for older siblings. There are many different types of rider boards. Some are light and easy to use, while others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold.
If you are looking for a lightweight stroller that can hold two kids, the Joovy Caboose Graphite is a great choice. It was the lightest stroller in our tests, with a weight of just under 23 lbs. It is also easy-to-fold and comes with all the features parents need for a great day out with two children.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double is a second model that our test subjects loved, especially for its sleek design and ease of use. It can accommodate two infant car seats, a toddler seat, and a bassinet with no adapters required. The rear seat can be removed to create a triple or quad stroller. It comes with a large basket for storage, and it can be upgraded by adding an organizer for parents as well as all-terrain tires, as as side storage bags.
Billingsley states that the best double stroller for a toddler is one that supports multiple customization options, like a removable seat or bassinet. This is because toddlers typically have limited endurance, and having a stroller that has the bassinet attachment can give them a safe place to take a nap. She says a double stroller must also include a harness system that is reliable and recline positions, as well as plenty of storage space for snacks and toys.
The ZOE Twin+ is a popular choice among parents due to its light weight and flexibility. It's airline gate-check-friendly, fits through most doors (without having to remove the front wheels) and expands into a triple or quad stroller with an add-on tandem seat. double pram pushchair -flat, independently reclining seats as well as the extra-long sun canopies that are adjustable are among the other features. A large underseat storage basket, as well as parent and child cup holders make up this impressive feature set. Taylor says the one disadvantage is that it has a the largest footprint when folded, and can be difficult for parents to stow.