How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
If you're in the market for a double stroller there are a variety of options. To help you select the best one for your family, we talked to child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley.
It is recommended to choose a stroller which is easy to fold and push to carry. You should consider a stroller that can accommodate two infant car seat or a toddler that has a riderboard.
Safety
Find a double-stroller that comes with all-terrain tires and a brake that can be operated by hand if you want to ensure your children are safe when walking. These wheels and brakes will assist you in navigating trails as well as sidewalks, gravel, and other paths without your children falling or slipping away. The best double strollers come with plenty of storage space to store equipment and essentials for kids like snacks and toys.
The first step to choosing the best double stroller is to know the age of your children and how far apart they are. A majority of double strollers are designed to can accommodate one child's seat, however, those are available in various configurations so that you can choose the seat that best suits your kids 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 seat over the other, or even attach an additional riderboard for older siblings. Newborns can be snuggled into a bassinet attached to the frame, or as an independent attachment that allows you to have the chance to peek at your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a twin stroller is the way to go.
For more adventurous families opt for double strollers that can handle off-road terrain or even hike. Many of these strollers were designed with active parents in mind and come with features that let you take your kids on any adventure, regardless of how rough the terrain or how high the climbs may be.
The top double strollers are equipped with thoughtful features to help you navigate through difficult terrain and in bad weather. This jogging stoller for instance, features wrist loops so that you can ensure your child's safety when running at higher speeds or in adverse weather conditions. It also has an all-over canopy that has ventilation to ensure your children stay comfortable in the summer heat.
If you're looking for a light compact double stroller, check out this model from Joovy. It weighs just over 23 pounds, making it lighter than most single strollers, and ideal to take on air travel or for storing in trunks or overhead compartments. It also comes with a large storage basket and a parking brake that is linked in one step that is simple to use.
Seating
Double strollers today are sleeker and can be set up in many ways to suit your family. Some of them function as traditional side-byside strollers while others - like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double Stroller - function as a base that car seats, toddler seats or bassinets can be plugged into. They are available in a variety of sizes and weight limits to accommodate children from birth to kindergarten.
A quality double stroller should be easy to fold and maneuver, as well as allowing you to adjust your handlebar height to ensure you are at ease on all your excursions. A good handlebar is easy to hold and should inspire you to walk in a logical manner (ask for advice from other parents). It should also provide a variety of storage options that can accommodate all the essentials you'll need for your children.
If your twins are similar age, a tandem stroller may be the best choice for your family. The seats of these models are positioned side by side, enabling you to engage with them both and keep an eye on them at the same time. They also recline independently, so that one child can sleep while the other is awake and ready to go.
The disadvantage of twin strollers is that it's larger than a single-occupant model which makes it difficult to navigate walkways, aisles for shopping and narrow doors. For some families, however the benefits are worth the extra effort and size.
If you're looking for an ultra-compact double stroller, the UPPAbaby Vista Double is a great option. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double is a great choice for city living thanks to its shock absorption capabilities, elegant design, and ability 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 option is a wagon-style double stroller, like the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller. This model is bare bones however it has plenty of storage and seating space. It also has heavy-duty wheels that can tackle any terrain. It also has a canopy with a 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and do not recline completely flat, making it hard for small children to reach their snacks or get comfortable.
Easy of Use
A double stroller can be an investment of a large amount and one that you hope to use for a long time. When you are shopping for a double stroller, be sure it is easy to use and clean. double pushchair are designed to be easy-to-use and come with many convenient features.
All the strollers we tested can be folded quickly and compactly in one hand. They're also light, which makes them ideal for traveling. A lot of them can be checked for gate entry on airplanes and fit in the majority of trunks. Many of our test subjects found that their strollers could be folded down much smaller than single-seat versions. Some even had a carry strap.
The Valco Snap Duo trend is a double stroller with a lot of versatility that will 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 until preschool age. Each seat is equipped with a five-point harness and a large canopy that gives ample protection from the sun.
The Joovy Twin Roo is another option that is highly praised. The stroller is light and extremely compact, weighing just 22 lbs and 26 inches in width when folded. The front seat reclines to almost an entire flat position, and the back seat has an adjustable recline for every child. There's a huge storage basket and a simple, one-step linked parking brake which makes this stroller easy to maneuver and use.
The only negatives of the Joovy Twin Roo were minor and specific to this particular model. Kerry notes that the packaging was fun and clever, however it also came in five boxes which can be a bit of a hassle to lug around. She also found that the Genuis magnetic buckle was a little clunky and took some time to master. In the end, however, she was very happy with this stroller and would definitely recommend it.
Storage
Strollers are available in various sizes and designs and styles, including tandems (single-file seating) and side-by-side doubles and some that let you modify the layout using an automobile seat or bassinet attachment. Some have rider boards that can be added to accommodate older children. There are many different types of rider boards. Some are lightweight and easy to use while others are heavy, bulky and difficult to fold.
If you are looking for a lightweight stroller that can fit two children The Joovy Caboose Graphite is a great choice. It was the lightest option during our tests. It weighs close to 23 lbs and is also easy to fold, but it has all the features parents require to enjoy a great time with two children.
The Vista v2 Double from UPPAbaby is another model that our testers adored, especially for its sleek design and ease of use. It can accommodate two infant car seats, a toddler 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 huge basket for storage, and it can be upgraded with a parent organizer and all-terrain tires, as well as side storage bags.
Billingsley says that the most suitable double stroller to use for a toddler is one that has multiple customization options. This includes a seat or bassinet that can be removed. Toddlers can be limited in their endurance and strollers that have an integrated bassinet can give them a safe space for them to sleep. She says that a double stroller must also have a great harness and recline position as well as plenty of storage space for toys and snacks.
The ZOE Twin+ is a popular choice among parents due to its light weight and versatility. It's easy to check at airport gates it can be accessed through all doors (without having to remove the front wheels), and can expand into a quad or triple stroller with an added tandem seat. Its near-flat independently reclining seats, extra-long sun canopies and adjustable footrests are additional highlights, while its large underseat storage area and the inclusion of parent and child cup holders complete the impressive set of features. Taylor states that the only disadvantage is that it has a the largest profile when folded, and it can be difficult for parents to store.