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, was able to help us choose the right model for you.
You should choose a stroller which is easy to fold and push to carry. Consider a model 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, look for a double stroller with features such as all-terrain tires and a brake operated by hand. These brakes and wheels will assist you in navigating paths and dirt without worrying about your children slipping or rolling. The best double strollers come with plenty of storage space for gear and kid-sized necessities like snacks and toys.
The first step to choosing the best double stroller is to determine the age of your children and how far apart they are. Many double strollers can only accommodate one child seat. However, those that do have a variety configurations that allow you to select the seating option that is ideal for your family.
Side-byside doubles are a popular choice, and they're perfect for children of similar ages who like to be social with one another. Some models have a double-decker design, which allows the user to place one seat above the other or add a rider board for older siblings. Babies can be sat in a bassinet that is attached to the frame or in an attachment that lets you look at your baby. If you are expecting twins or have twins and want to have a twin stroller, it is the best choice.
Choose a stroller with two wheels that is capable of handling off-road terrain and even hiking. A majority of these strollers are designed with active parents in mind and include features that allow you to take your children on any adventure, no matter how rough the terrain or how high the climbs may be.
The best double strollers come with clever features that aid in navigation in difficult terrain and bad weather. This jogging stoller for example, has wrist loops so that you can ensure your child's safety while running at higher speeds or in harsh weather conditions. It also has a full-coverage canopy that is ventilated to keep your children cool during summer heat.
If you're looking to purchase a light compact double stroller check out this model from Joovy. It weighs in at just over 23 pounds, which makes it lighter than most single strollers and perfect for air travel or storing in overhead compartments or trunks. It also comes with a huge storage basket as well as an easy-to-use one-step parking brake.
Seating
Contrary to the giant strollers of old these double strollers are sleek and can accommodate an array of configurations to fit families. Some work as traditional side-by-side strollers, while others -- like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double Stroller--function as a base for car seats, toddler seats or bassinets click into. They are available in a variety of widths and weight limits to fit infants and children up to kindergarten.
A quality double stroller should be easy to fold and move, as well as allowing you to adjust the height of your handlebar to ensure you are comfortable on all of your outings. A good handlebar is easy to hold and will encourage you to walk in a safe manner (ask for tips from other parents). It should also offer a variety of storage options that will accommodate all the necessities you'll require for your kids.
If your twins are similar in age, you might consider a tandem stroller that works best for your family. These strollers have seats that are side-byside, so you can talk to them each other and keep an eye on both of them simultaneously. They also recline independently so that one child can nap while the other is awake and ready to go.
The drawback of a twin stroller can be that it's wider than a model for a single-occupant. This makes it difficult to navigate narrow aisles in store aisles, doors or even walkways. For most compact double stroller , however, the benefits are worth the extra effort and size.
If you're in the market for an ultra-compact double stroller, the UPPAbaby Vista Double is a great option. The UPPAbaby Vista Double is a great option for urban living due to its shock absorption capabilities, sleek design, and ability to accommodate two infant car seats. It also has an optional running board that can be used by older children who are mobile.
Another option is a wagon-style stroller, such as the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller. This bare-bones model offers plenty of seating space and storage, plus heavy-duty wheels that manage any terrain. It also comes with an umbrella with 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. But some parents say the seats are a little too low and can't recline completely to a flat position, making it difficult for small children to sit comfortably or reach their snack tray.
Simple to Use
A double stroller can be an investment of a large amount and one that you hope to use for a long time. If you are looking for a double stroller, make sure it is easy to use and clean. Fortunately, the best double strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as is possible and come with a wide array of convenient features for parents.
All strollers we tested fold quickly and compactly in one hand. They are also light and ideal for traveling. They can fit in the majority of trunks and can be checked at the gate on planes. Furthermore, the majority our test subjects found that their strollers folded to a smaller size than their single-seat counterparts, and some even included a carry strap for convenient carrying.
The Valco Snap Duo trend is double stroller with a lot of versatility that will grow with your family. This side-by-side stroller can be used with infant car seats, bassinets, and other accessories, so you can use it from birth until preschool age. Each seat comes with a 5-point harness and an enormous canopy that offers plenty of shade from the sun.
Another option that is highly regarded is the Joovy Twin Roo. The stroller is light compact and weighs only weighs 22 pounds when folded. The front seat reclines to nearly the full flat position and the back seat has an adjustable recline for 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.
double wagon stroller of the Joovy Twin Roo were minor and specific to the model in question. Kerry says that the packaging was enjoyable and clever, however it came in five boxes, which can be a bit of an inconvenience to carry around. She also felt that Genuis's magnetic buckle was a little clunky and took some time to master. However, in the end, she was very happy with her stroller and would highly recommend it.
Stores
Strollers come with a variety of shapes and sizes, from tandem doubles that are side-by-side to (single-file seating) styles, plus many allow you to modify your stroller by adding a bassinet or a car seat attachment. Some have even added rider boards designed for older kids. There are many different types of rider boards. 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 we tested in our tests, weighing just under 23 lbs. It folds easily and comes with all the features parents would want to enjoy a day out with two kids.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double is another model that our testers loved particularly for its sleek design and easy to use. It can fit two infant car seats or a toddler bassinet as well as a seat without adapters. Its rear seat can be removed to transform it into a quad or triple stroller. It has a large storage basket and can be upgraded to include an organizer for parents wheel, all-terrain wheels, as well as side storage bags.
Billingsley says that the most suitable double stroller to use for toddlers is one that has numerous options for customization. This includes a seat or bassinet that can be removed. This is due to toddlers having limitations in endurance, and having a stroller that has the bassinet attachment can give them a safe place to take a nap. The expert says that a double stroller should also have a good recline position and harness system, as well as ample storage space for toys and snacks.
The ZOE Twin+ is a popular choice among parents due to its light weight and the versatility. It's gate-check-friendly for airlines and fits through most doors (without taking off the front wheels) and can be expanded into a quad or triple stroller with an add-on tandem seat. Its nearly flat, independently reclined seats, extra-long sun canopy and adjustable footrests are additional highlights, while its spacious underseat storage area and the inclusion of parent and child cup holders round out the impressive feature set. Taylor says that the only drawback is that it has an enormous size when folded and is difficult for parents to stow.