How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
If you're looking for a double stroller, there are a lot of options. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert and mother, helped us choose the right one for you.
It is recommended to choose a stroller which is easy to fold and push to carry. Also, consider a stroller that's versatile enough to accommodate two car seats for infants or a toddler and an adult rider board.
Safety
If you want to ensure your children are safe while walking make sure you choose double strollers that have features such as all-terrain tires and an electronic brake that can be operated by hand. These wheels and brakes will aid you in traversing trails, gravel, and sidewalks without the risk of your children sliding or rolling off. The best double strollers also offer plenty of storage space for gear and essentials for kids, such as snacks and toys.
Selecting the best double stroller for your family begins with understanding how old and far apart in age your kids are. A majority of double strollers can only accommodate one child seat. However, some offer a variety of configurations that let you choose the seating that's best for your family.
Side-byside doubles are a popular option, and they're great for children of similar ages who like to play with one another. Double-decker designs permit you to place one of the seats over the other, or add a riderboard to older siblings. Newborns can be snuggled into a bassinet, which is attached to the frame or in an independent attachment that gives you an unobstructed view of your baby. If you are expecting twins or already have twins then a twin stroller is the best choice.
For more adventurous families consider double strollers that can handle off-road terrain or even hiking. Many of these strollers were designed with active parents and their children in mind. They come with features that will allow you to take them on any adventure, no matter how rough or high the climbs may be.
The best double strollers come with clever features that aid in navigation in a difficult terrain or bad weather. For instance, this jogging stroller includes a wrist loop for your child, so you can be sure that they're safe while running downhill or at higher speeds. It also comes with a canopy that covers the entire area and has ventilation to ensure your children stay comfortable during the summer heat.
If you're looking for a lightweight compact double stroller take a look at this model by Joovy. It weighs less than 23 lbs. This makes it perfect for air travel and storage in overhead compartments or trunks. It also comes with a large storage basket and a simple one-step parking brake.
Seating
Contrary to the giant strollers of old, today's double strollers are sleek and offer various configurations to fit families. 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 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 must be easy to maneuver and fold, while permitting you to alter the handlebar height so you're comfortable throughout your outings. A well-designed handlebar should be easy to grip, and it should invite you to walk in a proper form (ask other parents for advice on this). It should also provide a variety of storage options that will accommodate everything you need for your children.
If your twins are similar age, a tandem stroller may be the ideal option for your family. These strollers have seats that are side-by-side, so you can interact with them each other 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 that is designed for a single occupant. This makes it difficult to navigate narrow aisles in store aisles, doors or sidewalks. For certain families, however the benefits are worth the extra effort and size.
If you're looking for a small double-stroller, then the UPPAbaby V2 Double is a good option. Its shock absorbers, streamlined design and the capacity to accommodate two infant car seats--plus an optional running board for mobile older children--make it an ideal option for urban living.
Another option is a wagon-style double stroller, like the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller. This model is bare-bones and offers lots of space for seating and storage, as well as robust wheels that can handle any terrain. It also has a 50+ SPF canopy and a handlebar that can be adjusted. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and cannot recline fully flat, which makes it hard for small children to reach their food trays or get comfortable.
Ease of Use
Double strollers are usually an investment that will use for many years. When you are shopping for one you must make sure it will be simple to operate and clean. The best double strollers are designed to be user-friendly and include many useful features.
For starters, all the strollers we tested fold easily and compactly (with one hand!). They're also light, which makes them ideal for travel. A lot of them fit into the majority of trunks and can be checked for gate-checking on planes. Our testers discovered that their strollers can be folded down to a smaller size than their single-seat equivalents. Some even had a carrying strap.
The Valco Snap Duo trend is double stroller with many options that can adapt to the needs of your family. This side-by-side stroller works with infant car seats, a bassinet and other accessories, meaning you can use it from birth until the age of preschool. Each seat is equipped with a five-point harness and a large canopy that gives ample shade from the sun.
The Joovy Twin Roo is another option that's highly regarded. It is light compact and weighs only 22 pounds when folded. The front seat reclines to a flat stance, and the back seat can be adjusted to fit every child. The stroller is simple to operate and maneuver due to its large storage basket, simple one-step parking brake, and large storage basket.
The only downsides to the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to the model. Kerry says that the packaging was fun and clever, but that it also came in five boxes which could be an inconvenience to carry around. She also found the Genuis magnetic clasp to be somewhat awkward, and it took her some time before she could master it. She was pleased with the stroller at the end and would highly recommend it.
Stores
Strollers are available in a variety of sizes and designs, including tandems (single-file seating), side-by-side doubles, and many that allow you to modify the layout using the use of a bassinet or car seat attachment. Some have rider boards that can be added for older siblings. They're not all created equal. tandem double buggy are light and easy to use while others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold.
If you're looking for a lightweight double stroller, look into the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest stroller in our tests, with a weight of just under 23 lbs. It folds easily and comes with all the features parents need for a fun day out with two kids.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double is a different model that our testers loved particularly for its sleek design and ease of use. It can accommodate 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 turn it into a quad or triple stroller. It comes with a large basket for storage and can be upgraded with an organizer for parents and all-terrain tires, as as side storage bags.
Billingsley says that the ideal double stroller for a two-year-old is one that supports different options for customization, including an adjustable seat or bassinet. Toddlers are often weak in endurance, and a stroller that has an integrated bassinet can offer a safe spot for them to rest. She suggests that a double stroller must also have a comfortable recline position and harness system, as well as ample storage space for toys and snacks.
The ZOE Twin+ is popular among parents due to its light weight and versatility. It is airline gate-check friendly it can be accessed through all doors (without removing the wheels on the front) and can be converted into a quad or triple stroller by adding an add-on tandem. The near-flat, independently reclining seats and the extra-long sun canopy that can be adjusted are just a few of the highlights. A spacious underseat basket, as well as parent and child cup holders make up the impressive features. Taylor says the one disadvantage is that it has a the largest profile when folded, and is difficult for parents to carry.