How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
If you're looking for a double stroller there are a variety of options. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert and mother, has helped us choose the right one for you.
You should look for a stroller which is easy to fold, push and carry. And consider a model that can accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler along with a rider board.
Safety
If you want to ensure your children are safe while walking make sure you choose a double stroller with features like all-terrain tires and a hand-operated brake. These wheels and brakes will help you navigate trails as well as sidewalks, gravel, and other paths without your children falling or slipping away. The best double strollers offer plenty of storage space for gear as well as kid-sized necessities like snacks and toys.
The first step in choosing the right double stroller is to know the age of your children and how far apart they are. Most double strollers can only allow one child seat, but the ones are available in a variety of configurations so you can pick the seat that best fits your kids and your lifestyle.
Side-by-side doubles are an iconic option, and are great for children of similar ages who like to be social with one another. Some options have a more double-decker style, allowing the user to place one seat above the other or even attach a rider board for older siblings. Newborns can be tucked into an infant bassinet that is attached to the frame, or as a standalone attachment that gives you an unobstructed view of your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a twin stroller is the best option to go.
For more adventurous families opt for a double stroller that is able to handle off-road terrain, or even hiking. A lot of these strollers were designed with active parents in mind, and have features that allow you to take your kids to any adventure, no matter how rough the path or how steep the climbs could be.
The top double strollers have clever features that help you navigate through difficult terrain and in bad weather. For instance this stroller for jogging has a wrist loop for your child, so you'll be able to ensure they're secure when running downhill or at higher speeds. It also has a canopy with full coverage that is ventilated to keep your children cool in the summer heat.
This model is a light and compact double stroller from Joovy. It weighs in at just over 23 pounds, which makes it lighter than some single strollers, and ideal for air travel or storing in trunks and overhead compartments. It also comes with a huge storage basket as well as an easy-to-use one-step parking brake.
Seating
Double strollers are now sleeker and can be configured in many ways to suit your family. Some double strollers are designed to be used as side-byside models, while others, like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Dual Stroller can be used as an alternative to car seats, toddlers seats and bassinets. They are available in a variety of sizes and weights to accommodate children from newborns to kindergarten.
A good double stroller should be easy to maneuver and fold, as well as permitting you to adjust the handlebar's height to make sure you're in a comfortable position throughout your trips. A great handlebar should be comfortable to grip, and it should allow you to walk in a proper form (ask parents for advice on this). It should also have various storage options that accommodate everything you need for your children.
If your twins are similar age, a tandem stroller could be the ideal option for your family. These models have seats that are side-byside, so you can talk to them each other and keep an eye on each of them simultaneously. They also recline independently so that one child can sleep while the other is ready to go.
The drawback of twin strollers is that it's larger than a single-occupant model which makes it difficult to maneuver around sidewalks, shop aisles and narrow doorways. But for certain families, the benefits are worth the extra size and effort.
If you're looking for a small double-stroller, then the UPPAbaby V2 Double is an excellent option. Its shock absorbers, streamlined design and capacity for two infant car seats--plus an optional running board for mobile older children make it a perfect choice for city living.
A wagon-style double stroller like the Delta Children LX Stroller Side-by-Side is another option. This basic model comes with lots of space for seating and storage space, along with heavy-duty wheels that manage any terrain. It also comes with a canopy with 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. Some parents complain that the seats are a little too low and don't recline to a completely flat position, making it difficult for children of smaller sizes to get comfortable or reach their snack trays.
Simple to use
Double strollers are typically a large investment that you will use for many years. When shopping for one you need to ensure that it is easy to use and clean. Fortunately, the best double strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as they can and include a variety of features that are convenient for parents.
For starters, all of the strollers we tested folded easily and compactly (with just one hand!). They are also light and are ideal for traveling. A lot of them can be checked for gate entry on airplanes and fit in most trunks. Our testers discovered that their strollers could be folded down much smaller than single-seat versions. Some even had a carry strap.
If you're in search of a multi-purpose double stroller that will expand with your family take a look at the Valco Snap Duo Trend. This side-by-side stroller works with infant car seats, a bassinet, and other accessories, meaning you can use it from birth to preschool age. Each seat comes with a 5-point harness, a large canopy and plenty of sun protection.
Another highly-regarded option is the Joovy Twin Roo. This stroller is lightweight and compact, weighing only weighs 22 pounds when folded. The front seat reclines almost to an entire flat position, and the back seat comes with an adjustable recline that can be adjusted for each child. There's a large storage bin and an easy, one-step linked 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 says that the packaging is clever and fun, however it comes in five boxes, which could be a bit cumbersome to carry around. She also found the Genuis magnetic clasp to be somewhat difficult to use and it took her a while before she was able to master it. She was pleased with the stroller in the end and would highly recommend it.
Stores
Strollers come with a variety of sizes and shapes, ranging from tandem doubles that are side-by-side to (single-file seating) styles, and a lot allow you to customize your setup with a bassinet or car seat attachment. Some have rider boards that can be added to accommodate older siblings. However, they're not all created equal -- some are elegant and simple to use, while others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold or store.
If you're looking for a lightweight stroller that can accommodate two children and two children, the Joovy Caboose Graphite is a great option. It was the lightest choice in our tests, weighing around 23 pounds and is also simple to fold, but it has all the features parents require to have a great time out with two children.
The Vista v2 double by UPPAbaby is another model our testers loved. They were particularly impressed by its sleek design and user-friendly. It can accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler bassinet as well as a seat without adapters. Its rear seat can be removed to make it into a triple or quad stroller. It has a huge storage basket that can be upgraded to include a parent organizer with wheels for all-terrain and side storage bags.
Billingsley says that the best double stroller for a toddler is one that offers multiple customization options, like an adjustable seat or bassinet. Toddlers are often restricted in their endurance, so strollers with an attached bassinet will provide a safe place for them to sleep. She suggests that a double stroller must also include a harness system that is reliable and recline positions, and plenty of storage room for toys and snacks.
The ZOE Twin+ is a popular choice for parents due to its light weight and flexibility. It's airline gate-check-friendly, fits through most doors (without taking off the front wheels), and can expand into a triple or quad stroller with an add-on tandem seat. best travel double stroller , independently reclined seats, extra-long sun canopies and adjustable footrests are further highlights, while its large underseat storage basket as well as the inclusion of parent and child cup holders round out the impressive list of features. The one drawback according to Taylor the manufacturer, is that it doesn't have a an elongated profile when folded and can be difficult to carry.