How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
If you're in the market for a double stroller , there are a lot of options. To help you choose the most suitable one for your family, we consulted experts in child development as well as mom Katie Billingsley.
Choose a stroller reasonably easy to push, fold and carry. And 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 can be operated by hand if you want to keep the kids safe while walking. These brakes and wheels will help you navigate trails and gravel without your children slipping or rolling. The best double strollers also have plenty of storage space for gear and kid-sized necessities like snacks and toys.
The first step in choosing the best double stroller is to figure out how old your children are and how far apart they are. Many double strollers only can accommodate one child's seat, but those that do come in a variety of configurations so you can choose the seating option that best suits your kids and your lifestyle.
Side-by-side doubles are an iconic option, and are great for kids of similar ages who want to play with one another. Double-decker designs permit you to place one seat above the other, or add an additional riderboard for older siblings. Babies can be sat in a bassinet that is attached to the frame or with an attachment that lets you look at your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a dedicated twin stroller is the way to go.
For more adventurous families, look for a double stroller that is able to take on off-road terrains or even hike. A lot of these strollers have been designed with active parents in mind and come with features that let you take your kids to any adventure, regardless of how rough the path or how steep the climb might be.
In addition to all-terrain tires the top double strollers come with clever features that make traversing difficult terrain and weather a lot easier. For instance, this jogging stroller includes a wrist loop for your child so you'll be able to ensure they're secure when running downhill or at speeds that are higher. It also comes with a canopy with full coverage that is ventilated to keep your kids cool during summer heat.
This model is a compact and compact double stroller from Joovy. It weighs just over 23 pounds, which makes it lighter than other single strollers, and ideal for air travel or storage in overhead compartments or trunks. Additionally, it comes with an enormous storage basket as well as a parking brake that is linked in one step that's easy to use.
Seating
In contrast to the massive strollers of the past these double strollers are sleek and can accommodate an array of configurations that can be adapted to families. Some of them function as traditional side-byside strollers, while others -- like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double Stroller--function as a base to which car seats, toddler seats, or bassinets snap into. They are available in a range of widths and weights to accommodate children from newborns through kindergarten.
A quality double stroller should be simple to fold and maneuver and allows you to adjust the height of your handlebar to ensure that you feel comfortable on all of your excursions. A great handlebar should be comfortable to grip, and it should invite you to walk with proper form (ask other parents for tips on this). It should have a range of storage options to fit all the necessities your children will need.
If your twins are similar in age, you could find a tandem stroller works best for your family. These strollers have seats that are side-byside, which means you can interact with them both while keeping an eye on each of them simultaneously. They also recline independently, so that one child can nap while the other is awake and ready to go.
The downside to a twin stroller is that it's wider than a single-occupant model and can make it difficult to navigate walkways, aisles for shopping and narrow doorways. However, for some families, the advantages are worth the extra space and effort.
If you're looking for a compact double-stroller then the UPPAbaby V2 Double is an excellent alternative. Its shock absorbers, streamlined design, and capacity for two infant car seats - plus an optional running board for more mobile children -- make it a great choice for city living.
A wagon-style double stroller like the Delta Children LX Stroller Side-by-Side is another option. This model is bare-bones and offers a lot of seating space and storage, as well as robust wheels that can handle any terrain. It also has a canopy that has 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. But some parents say the seats are a little too low and don't recline to a fully flat position, making it difficult for children of smaller sizes to get comfortable or reach their snack tray.
Easy of Use
Double strollers are usually an investment that will use for many years. When you are shopping for a double stroller, make sure it is easy to use and clean. The top double strollers have been designed to be easy-to-use and come with many convenient features.
To start, all the strollers we tested folded easily and compactly (with only one hand!). They are also light and perfect for travel. Many of them fit in the majority of trunks and are gate-checked on airplanes. In addition, the majority of our testers reported that their strollers folded down to smaller dimensions than the single seat models, and some even had a carry strap for convenient carrying.
If you're looking for a versatile double stroller that can adapt to your family's needs take a look at the Valco Snap Duo Trend. This side-by-side stroller works with infant car seats, bassinets, and other accessories, which means you can use it from birth to the age of preschool. Each seat comes with five points of harness with a large canopy, as well as ample sun protection.
Another highly-regarded option is the Joovy Twin Roo. The stroller is light and extremely compact, measuring just 22 lbs and 26 inches wide when folded. The front seat reclines to a flat position and the back seat can be adjusted to fit each child. The stroller is simple to use and maneuver thanks to its large storage basket, simple one-step parking brake and large storage basket.
The only negatives of the Joovy Twin Roo were minor and specific to this particular model. Kerry says that the packaging is clever and enjoyable, however, it comes in five boxes, which could be a bit cumbersome to carry around. She also found the Genuis magnetic clasp somewhat awkward, and it took a while before she could master it. However, in the end, she was very happy with this stroller and would highly recommend it.
Storage
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 personalize your stroller with a bassinet or car seat attachment. Some have rider boards that can be added for older children. There are many different types of rider boards. Some are light and easy to use, whereas others are heavy, bulky and difficult to fold.
If you're seeking a stroller with a light weight that can hold two kids The Joovy Caboose Graphite is a great choice. It was the lightest stroller in our tests, weighing just under 23 lbs. 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 another model that our test subjects loved. They especially liked its sleek design and user-friendly. It can accommodate two infant car seats, a toddler seat and a bassinet, with no adapters required. The rear seat can be removed to make it triple or quad stroller. It has a large storage basket and can be upgraded to include a parent organizer with wheels for all-terrain and side storage bags.
Billingsley says that the most suitable double stroller for a toddler is one that has numerous options for customization. This includes a seat or a bassinet that can be removed. Toddlers are typically restricted in their endurance, so strollers with a bassinet attached will give them a safe space for them to nap. She suggests that a double stroller must also include a harness system that is reliable and recline positions, as well as plenty of storage space for snacks and toys.
The ZOE Twin+ is a popular choice among parents because of its light weight and the versatility. It is gate-check-friendly for airlines it can be accessed through all doors (without removing the wheels on the front) and can be expanded into a quad or triple stroller by adding an extra tandem. Its near-flat independently reclining seats, extra-long sun canopy and adjustable footrests are additional highlights, while its large underseat storage basket as well as the inclusion of parent and kid cup holders complete the impressive set of features. The only disadvantage, according to Taylor the manufacturer, is that it doesn't have a a small profile when folded, and could be difficult to carry.