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, has helped us choose the right one for you.
Look for a stroller that's reasonably easy to fold, push and carry. Consider a model that is able to accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler and an adult rider board.
Safety
Choose a double-stroller which has all-terrain wheels and a brake that is operated by hand if want to keep your kids safe when walking. These wheels and brakes aid you in traversing trails, gravel, and sidewalks without your kids slipping or rolling off. The best double strollers 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 by understanding how old and far apart in terms of age your children are. A majority of double strollers are designed to can accommodate one child's seat, however, those that do come in different configurations, so you can select the seating option that best fits your kids and your lifestyle.
Side-by-side doubles are a classic option, and are great for kids of similar ages who like to be social with one another. Double-decker designs permit you to place one seat above the other, or attach an additional riderboard for older siblings. Babies can be sat in a bassinet that is attached to the frame, or in an attachment that lets you play peek-a-boo with your baby. If you are expecting twins or have twins then a twin stroller is the best choice.
Look for a double-wheeled stroller that can handle off-road terrain as well as hiking. A lot of these strollers are designed with active parents in mind, and have features that let you take your children on any adventure, regardless of how rough the path or how steep the climb could be.
In addition to all-terrain tires the top double strollers feature thoughtful features that make navigating difficult terrain and weather a lot easier. For example this jogging stroller comes with a wrist loop for your child so you can be sure that they're safe when you run downhill or at speeds that are higher. It also comes with a full-coverage canopy with airflow to keep your kids comfy in the summer heat.
If you're looking to purchase a light compact double stroller, check out this model from Joovy. It weighs less than 23lbs. This makes it perfect for air travel and storage in overhead compartments or trunks. It also has a large storage basket as well as an easy-to-use one-step parking brake.
Seating
Double strollers of today are sleeker and can be configured in many ways to fit your family. Some double stroller s 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, toddlers ' seats and bassinets. They come in various widths and weight limits to accommodate children from birth through kindergarten.
A quality double stroller should be easy to fold and move and allows you to adjust the height of your handlebar to ensure that you're comfortable on all of your outings. A good handlebar is comfortable to hold and will encourage you to walk in a safe manner (ask for advice from other parents). It should also offer a variety of storage options that will accommodate everything you need for your children.
If your twins are close in age, you may discover that a tandem stroller is best for your family. The seats on these models are placed in a row, allowing you to engage with them both and keep an eye on them at the same time. They also recline independently, so one child can rest while the other is ready to go.
The downside of a twin stroller may be that it's wider than one designed for a single-occupant. This can make it more difficult to navigate narrow doorways, store aisles or the sidewalks. For some families, the advantages are worth the extra size and effort.
If you're looking for a compact double stroller, the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double is a great choice. The UPPAbaby Vista Double is a great choice for city dwellers due to its shock absorption capabilities, sleek design, and capacity to accommodate two infant car seats. It also comes with an optional running board that can be used by older children who are mobile.
Another alternative is a wagon-style double stroller, like the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller. This bare-bones model offers a lot of seating space and storage, as well as sturdy wheels that can handle any terrain. It also has 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 little children to reach their snack trays or to relax.
Simple to Use
A double stroller is usually a significant investment and one that you hope to use for years. If you are in the market for a double stroller, be sure it's easy to use and clean. Fortunately, the best double strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as possible and come with a wide array of features that are convenient for parents.
All strollers we tested could be folded easily and compactly with just one hand. They are light and ideal for traveling. A majority of them are checked for gate entry on airplanes and fit into most trunks. Many of our test subjects found that their strollers could fold down to a smaller size than the single seat equivalents. Some even came with a carrying strap.
The Valco Snap Duo trend is a double stroller that has many options that can adapt to the needs of your family. This side-byside stroller works with infant car seats and other accessories. It can be used from birth up to the age of preschool. Each seat is equipped with a five-point harness and a large canopy that provides ample protection from the sun.
The Joovy Twin Roo is another option that is highly praised. The stroller is light and compact, weighing only 22 pounds when folded. The front seat reclines to a flat position and the back seat can be adjusted to fit every child. There's a large storage basket and an easy, one-step connected parking brake that makes this stroller user-friendly and easy to maneuver.
The only negatives of the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to the model. Kerry states that the packaging was fun and clever, but that it came in five boxes which can be trouble to carry around. She also found the Genuis magnetic clasp somewhat difficult to use and it took her some time before she was able to master it. She was happy with the stroller at the end and would highly recommend it.
Stores
Strollers come in all sizes and shapes, ranging from side-by-side doubles to tandem (single-file seating) styles, plus many allow you to personalize your stroller by adding a bassinet or a car seat attachment. Some come with rider boards which can be added for older children. They're not created equal. Some are light and easy to use, whereas others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold.
If you're looking to purchase a light double stroller, look into the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest stroller in our tests, with a weight of less than 23 pounds. It folds easily and has all the features parents would want to enjoy a day out with two children.
The Vista v2 Double from UPPAbaby is a different model that our testers adored particularly for its sleek design and user-friendly. It can accommodate two infant car seats, a toddler's seat and a bassinet, with no adapters required. The rear seat can also be removed to create a triple or quad stroller. It comes with a large basket for storage, and can be upgraded with an organizer for parents and all-terrain tires, as well as storage bags for the sides.
Billingsley says that the most suitable double stroller to use for toddlers is one that has multiple customization options. This includes a seat or a bassinet that can be removed. Toddlers are often weak in endurance, and a stroller that has an attached bassinet will give them a safe space for them to nap. She says a double stroller should come with a sturdy harness system and recline positions, and 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 airline gate-check-friendly and fits through most doors (without removing the front wheels) and expands into a triple or quad stroller with an added tandem seat. Its nearly flat, independently reclined seats, extra-long sun canopy and adjustable footrests are additional highlights, while its large underseat storage basket and inclusion of parent and kid cup holders round out the impressive feature set. Taylor says that the only downside is that it has the largest profile when folded, and is difficult for parents to stow.