How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
If you're in the market for a double stroller, there are a lot of options. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert and mother, was able to help us select the best one for you.
You should look for a stroller which is easy to fold, push and carry. You should consider a stroller that can hold two infant car seat or a toddler with a riderboard.
Safety
If you want to ensure your children are safe while walking opt for a double stroller with features like all-terrain tires as well as a hand-operated brake. These brakes and wheels assist you in navigating trails and sand without children falling or rolling. The best double strollers offer plenty of storage space for gear and kid-sized essentials like snacks and toys.
Choosing the right double stroller for your family starts with understanding how old and distant in age your kids are. Most double strollers can only allow one child seat, but those are available in different configurations, so you can select the seat that is most suitable for your children and your lifestyle.
The classic doubles are great for children of similar ages who want to play. Some double-decker designs allow you to place one of the seats over the other, or even attach a riderboard for older siblings. Newborns can be tucked into a bassinet, which is attached to the frame, or as a standalone attachment that gives you the chance to peek at your baby. If you are expecting twins or already have twins and want to have a twin stroller, it is the best choice.
For more adventurous families opt for a double stroller that is able to handle off-road terrain, or even hike. Many of these strollers were designed with active parents and their children in mind. They have features that will allow you to take them on any adventure, no matter how rough or high the climbs might be.
In addition to all-terrain tires, the best double strollers have thoughtful features that make getting around difficult terrain and weather more enjoyable. For instance this stroller for jogging has a wrist loop for your child, so you're sure they're secure when running downhill or at speeds that are higher. It also features a full-coverage canopy that is ventilated to keep your children cool during summer heat.
This model is a compact and compact double stroller from Joovy. It weighs less than 23 pounds., making it ideal for air travel and storage in trunks or overhead compartments. It also comes with a huge storage basket and an easy-to-use one-step parking brake.
Seating
In contrast to the massive strollers of the past the modern double strollers are sleek and offer an array of configurations to fit families. Some double strollers can be used as side-byside 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 widths and weights that can accommodate children from newborns through kindergarten.
A quality double stroller should be a breeze to move and fold, while also permitting you to alter the height of the handlebar to ensure you're in a comfortable position throughout your trips. A well-designed handlebar is easy to grip and should encourage you to walk in a logical manner (ask for tips from other parents). It should also have various storage options that accommodate all the essentials you'll need for your children.
If your twins have a similar age, a tandem stroller may be the ideal option for your family. These models have seats that are side-by-side which means you can interact with them both while keeping an eye on both of them at the same. They can also recline separately so that one child can sleep while the other is awake and ready to go.
The disadvantage of a twin stroller may be that it's wider than one designed for a single person. This makes it difficult to maneuver narrow aisles in store aisles, doors or even sidewalks. For certain families, however the benefits are worth the extra effort and size.
If you're looking for a compact double-stroller, then the UPPAbaby V2 Double is a good alternative. Its shock absorption, streamlined design, and capacity for two infant car seats--plus an optional running board for mobile older children make it a perfect option for city-living.
Another option is a wagon-style double stroller, such as the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller. It's a basic model but it comes with plenty of storage space and seating. It also has sturdy wheels that can tackle any terrain. It also features a canopy with a 50+ SPF and a handlebar that can be adjusted. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and don't recline fully flat, making it difficult for little children to reach their snacks or to relax.
Simple to use
Double strollers are usually an investment of a significant amount that you will use for many years. If you are looking for a double stroller, make sure it's easy to use and clean. The top double strollers have been designed to be user-friendly and include many convenient features.
For starters, all of the strollers we tested fold easily and compactly (with only one hand!). They are also light and perfect for travel. Many of them can be checked at the gate on planes and fit in most trunks. In addition, the majority of our testers found that their strollers folded to a smaller size than the single seat models, and some even came with a carry strap for convenient carrying.
The Valco Snap Duo trend is a double stroller that has many options that can grow with your family. This side-byside stroller is compatible with infant car seats as well as other accessories. It can be used from birth to the age of preschool. Each seat is equipped with a five-point harness and an enormous canopy that offers ample shade from the sun.
The Joovy Twin Roo is another option that's highly regarded. This stroller is lightweight compact and weighs only 22 lbs when folded. The front seat reclines to a flat position, and the back seat can be adjusted to suit every child. There's a large storage bin and an easy, one-step connected parking brake that makes this stroller simple to move and use.
The only negatives of the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to this model. Kerry says that the packaging is smart and enjoyable, however, it comes in five boxes that can be a bit heavy to carry around. She also noticed that Genuis's magnetic buckle was awkward and took a while to master. She was satisfied with the stroller, however, and would recommend it.
Stores
Strollers are available in a variety of sizes and styles and styles, including tandems (single-file seating) as well as side-by-side doubles and many that allow you to customize the setup with an automobile seat or bassinet attachment. Some come with rider boards that can be added for older children. However, they're not all made equal. Some are elegant and simple to use, whereas others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold or stow.
If you're looking for a lightweight double stroller, look into 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 has all the features parents require for a fun outing with two children.
The Vista v2 Double from UPPAbaby is another model that our testers adored especially for its sleek design and easy to use. It can fit two infant car seats or a toddler's seat and a bassinet without adapters, and its rear seat can be removed to turn it into a quad or triple stroller. It comes with a large basket for storage, and it can be upgraded with an organizer for parents as well as all-terrain tires, as as side storage bags.
Billingsley says the best double stroller for a toddler is one that offers multiple customization options, like an adjustable seat or bassinet. This is due to toddlers having limitations in endurance, and having a stroller that has an attachment for a bassinet will give them a safe place to rest for a nap. She suggests that a double stroller should include a harness system that is reliable and recline positions, and plenty of storage space for snacks and toys.
The ZOE Twin+ is popular among parents due to its lightness and flexibility. It's easy to check at airport gates, fits through most doors (without removing the front wheels) and can be expanded into a triple or quad stroller that has an additional tandem seat. The near-flat, independently reclined seats as well as the extra-long sun canopy that can be adjusted are other highlights. A large underseat basket, as well as parent and child cup holders make up this impressive feature set. The only downside according to Taylor, is that it lacks a an elongated profile when folded and can be difficult to carry.