How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
There are many options available when it comes to double strollers. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert and mother, helped us choose the right model for you.
It is recommended to choose a stroller that is simple to fold and push, as well as carry. You should consider a stroller that can hold two infant car seat or a toddler that has a riderboard.
Safety
If you want to ensure your children are safe while walking opt for a double stroller that has features like all-terrain tires and a brake operated by hand. These brakes and wheels allow you to navigate trails and sand without children slipping or rolling. The best double strollers offer plenty of storage space for gear and kid-sized necessities like snacks and toys.
Selecting the best double stroller for your family begins with understanding how old and far apart in terms of age your children are. A majority of double strollers can only accommodate one child seat. However, the ones that do come with a variety of configurations that let you pick the seating that is best for your family.
Side-by-side doubles are a classic option, and they're great for kids of similar ages who like to interact with each other. Certain models feature a double-decker design, allowing the user to place one seat above the other or even attach a rider board for older siblings. Babies can be placed in a bassinet, which is attached to the frame, or as an independent attachment that allows you to have a peek-a-boo view of your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a twin stroller is the way to go.
Look for a double-wheeled stroller that can handle off-road terrain and even hiking. A majority of these strollers were designed with active parents in mind, and include features that let you take your children to any adventure, regardless of how rough the terrain or how steep the climb could be.
In addition to all-terrain tires the top double strollers feature thoughtful features that make getting around difficult terrain and weather more enjoyable. This jogging stoller, for instance, comes with a wrist loop, so you can make sure your child is safe when running downhill at higher speeds or in harsh weather conditions. It also has an all-over canopy that has ventilation to ensure your children stay comfy in the summer heat.
This model is a lightweight and compact double stroller from Joovy. It weighs just over 23 pounds, which makes it lighter than other single strollers and perfect to take on air travel or for storing in trunks or overhead compartments. It also has a large storage basket and a simple one-step parking brake.
Seating
Double strollers are now sleeker and can be set up in many ways to suit your family. Some double strollers are designed to be used as side-by-side models, while others, such as the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Dual Stroller can be used as a base for car seats, toddler seats and bassinets. They are available in a range of sizes and weights to accommodate children from newborns to kindergarten.
A quality double stroller should be easy to maneuver and fold, while allowing you to adjust the handlebar's height to make sure you're able to walk comfortably throughout your excursions. A good handlebar is easy to grip and should encourage you to walk in a proper manner (ask for tips from other parents). It should offer a variety of storage options that can accommodate all the necessities your children will need.
If your twins are similar age and are in the same age group, a tandem stroller might be the best option for your family. The seats of these models sit in a row, allowing you to be able to interact with them both and keep an eye on both of them at the same time. They can also recline independently, so one child can sleep while the other is ready to go.
The drawback of a twin stroller is that it's larger than a single-occupant model which makes it difficult to navigate walkways, aisles for shopping, and narrow doorways. But for some families, the advantages are worth the extra space and effort.
If you are looking for a compact double-stroller then the UPPAbaby V2 Double is an excellent option. Its shock absorption, streamlined design and capacity for two infant car seats--plus an optional running board for more mobile children -- make it a great option for city-living.
A wagon-style double stroller, such as the Delta Children LX Stroller Side-by-Side is another alternative. It's a basic model but it comes with plenty of space for storage and seating. It also has heavy-duty wheels to take on any terrain. It also has an SPF canopy that is 50+ and a handlebar that can be adjusted. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and don't recline fully flat, which makes it difficult for little children to reach their snack trays or get comfortable.
User-Friendliness
A double stroller is often a significant investment and one you're hoping to use for years. When choosing a stroller, you want to ensure that it is easy to use and clean. The top double strollers have been designed to be user-friendly and include many useful features.
All strollers we tested could be folded easily and compactly with just one hand. They're also light, making them ideal for travel. Many of them can be checked at the gate on planes and fit in most trunks. Furthermore, the majority our testers found that their strollers folded down to smaller sizes than their single-seat counterparts and some even came with a carry strap for convenient carrying.
If you're in search of a multi-purpose double stroller that will adapt to your family's needs, look no further than the Valco Snap Duo Trend. This side-byside stroller is compatible with infant car seats and other accessories. It can be used from birth up to preschool age. Each seat is equipped with a five-point harness and a large canopy that provides plenty of shade from the sun.
Another option that is highly regarded is the Joovy Twin Roo. This stroller is lightweight and compact, weighing only 22 lbs 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 that makes this stroller extremely easy to maneuver and use.
The only downsides to the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to that model. Kerry notes that the packaging was enjoyable and clever, however it was also packaged in five boxes that can be a hassle to lug around. She also found the Genuis magnetic clasp to be somewhat awkward, and it took a while before she could master it. In the end, however, she was very happy with the stroller and would definitely recommend it.
Stores
Strollers come in all shapes and sizes, from side-by-side doubles to tandem (single-file seating) styles, and a lot allow you to modify your setup with a bassinet, or car seat attachment. Some come with rider boards that can be added to accommodate older siblings. However, not all of them are created equal. Some are elegant and simple to use, while others are heavy, bulky and difficult to fold and store.
If you're looking for a lightweight double stroller, check out the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest option in our tests at around 23 pounds and is also simple to fold, but it still has all of the features parents need for a fun outing with two kids.
UPPAbaby's Vista v2 double 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 as well as a seat without the need for adapters. Its rear seat can be removed to make it into a triple or quad stroller. It has a huge storage basket and can be upgraded to include an organizer for parents, all-terrain wheels, and side storage bags.
Billingsley says that the best double stroller for a toddler is one that has different options for customization, including a removable seat or bassinet. Toddlers are often restricted in their endurance, so a stroller that has a bassinet attached will give them a safe space for them to sleep. She says that a double stroller should also have a comfortable recline position and harness system as well as plenty of storage space for toys and snacks.
The ZOE Twin+ is a popular choice among parents because of its light weight and the versatility. It's easy to check at airport gates it can be accessed through all doors (without having to remove the front wheels), and can expand into a triple or quad stroller with an add-on tandem seat. The nearly flat, independently reclined seats and extra-long, adjustable sun canopies are just a few of the highlights. A large underseat basket as well as cup holders for the child and parent round out this impressive feature set. Taylor states that the only downside is that it has a large size when folded and can be difficult for parents to stow.