How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
There are a variety of options in the field of double strollers. To help you choose the most suitable one for your family, we consulted the expert in child development and mom Katie Billingsley.
You should look for a stroller that is simple to fold, push and carry. Look for a model that can accommodate two infant car seat or a toddler with a riderboard.
Safety
Choose a double-stroller which includes all-terrain wheels as well as a brake that is operated by hand if you want to keep your kids safe while walking. These wheels and brakes allow you to navigate trails and sand without children slipping or rolling. The best double strollers have plenty of storage space for gear and kid-sized essentials like snacks and toys.
The first step to choosing the right double stroller is to know how old your children are and how far apart they are. Most double strollers only accommodate one child seat. However, some do come with a variety of options that let you choose the seating that is best for your family.
The classic doubles are great for children of similar ages that want to play. Some double-decker designs allow you to put one seat above the other, or even attach a riderboard for older siblings. Newborns can be placed in a bassinet that is connected to the frame or with an attachment that lets you peek-a-boo at your baby. If you are expecting twins or 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 in mind, and come with features that allow you to take your children to any adventure, regardless of how rough the path or how steep the climbs might be.
The top double strollers are equipped with clever features that help you navigate through difficult terrain and in bad weather. For example, this jogging stroller includes a wrist loop for your child, so you'll be able to ensure that they're safe when you run downhill or at higher speeds. It also has a full-coverage canopy with airflow to keep your kids cool during the summer heat.
This model is a light and compact double stroller from Joovy. It weighs just over 23 pounds, which makes it lighter than most single strollers. It's ideal for air travel or storage in trunks or overhead compartments. Additionally, it comes with a huge storage basket and a parking brake that is linked in one step that is easy to use.
Seating
Unlike the behemoth strollers of the past the modern double strollers are sleek and support an array of configurations that can be adapted to families. Some of them function as traditional side-byside 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 are available in a variety of widths and weights that can accommodate children from newborns up to kindergarten.
A good double stroller should be a breeze to move and fold, as well as permitting you to adjust the height of the handlebar to ensure you're able to walk comfortably throughout your excursions. 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 also offer various storage options that can accommodate everything you need for your kids.
If your twins have a similar age, a tandem stroller may be the best option for your family. These models come with seats that are side-by-side so you can interact with them both while keeping an eye on both of them at the same. They also recline independently so that one child can nap and the other is ready to go.
The downside of a twin stroller may be that it's wider than a stroller designed for a single person. This makes it difficult to navigate narrow aisles in store aisles, doors or walkways. For some families, the benefits are worth the extra effort and size.
If you're in the market for a compact double stroller the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double is a fantastic choice. Its shock absorbers, streamlined design and the capacity to accommodate two infant car seats--plus an optional running board for older children make it a perfect option for urban living.
A wagon-style double stroller, such as the Delta Children LX Stroller Side-by-Side is another option. This model is bare-bones and offers plenty of seating space and storage, as well as heavy-duty wheels that manage any terrain. It also features a 50+ SPF canopy and adjustable handlebars. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and don't recline fully flat, which makes it difficult for children to reach their snacks or relax.
User-Friendliness
A double stroller is usually a significant investment and one you're likely to use for years. When you are shopping for a double stroller, be sure it's easy to use and clean. The top double strollers are designed to be user-friendly and include many convenient features.
All strollers we tested can be folded easily and compactly with just one hand. They are light and perfect for travel. A lot of them fit into the majority of trunks and can be checked at the gate on planes. In addition, the majority of our testers found that their strollers folded down to smaller dimensions than their single-seat counterparts and some even came with the option of carrying a strap for carrying.
The Valco Snap Duo trend is a double stroller with many options that can grow with your family. This side-byside stroller is compatible with infant car seats and other accessories. It can be used from birth up to the age of preschool. Each seat has a 5-point harness and an enormous canopy that offers plenty of shade from the sun.
The Joovy Twin Roo is another option that's highly praised. It is light and compact, weighing only 22 pounds when folded. The front seat reclines almost to an entire flat position, and the back seat comes with an adjustable recline for every child. The stroller is simple to maneuver and use thanks to its large storage basket, easy parking brake that is one step and a large storage basket.
The only drawbacks of the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to that model. Kerry notes that the packaging was enjoyable and clever, but that it came in five boxes which can be a hassle to lug around. She also noticed that Genuis's magnetic buckle was clunky and took some time to master. In double buggy , however, she was very happy with the stroller and would highly recommend it.
Storage
Strollers come in all sizes and shapes, from tandem doubles that are side-by-side to (single-file seating) styles, plus many allow you to customize your layout by adding a bassinet or a car seat attachment. Some even have add-on rider boards for older siblings. But, they're not all created equal. Some are elegant and simple to use, whereas others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold or stow.
If you are looking for a lightweight stroller that can fit two children The Joovy Caboose Graphite is a great option. It was the lightest choice during our tests. It weighs close to 23 pounds. It is also simple to fold, but it still has all of the features parents require to have a great time out with two kids.
The Vista v2 double from UPPAbaby is another model that our testers loved. They particularly liked its sleek design and user-friendly. It can fit two infant car seats or a toddler's bassinet and seat without adapters. Its rear seat can be removed to transform it into a quad or triple stroller. It has a huge storage basket and can be upgraded to include an organizer for parents wheel, all-terrain wheels, as well as 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. That's because toddlers often have little endurance, so the stroller with a bassinet attachment will provide them with a safe spot to rest for a nap. The expert says that a double stroller must also have a comfortable harness and recline position and plenty of storage space for snacks and toys.
The ZOE Twin+ is popular with parents due to its lightweight and versatility. It's gate-check-friendly on airlines it can be accessed through all doors (without taking off the wheels on the front), and can be converted into a quad or triple stroller by adding an extra tandem. Its near-flat independently reclining seats, extra-long sun canopy and footrests that can be adjusted are other highlights, while its large underseat storage basket and inclusion of kid and parent cup holders round out the impressive list of features. One downside according to Taylor the manufacturer, is that it lacks a an elongated footprint when folded and can be difficult to stow.