How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
If you're in the market for a double stroller there are a variety of options. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert and mother, has helped us select the best one for you.
Look for a stroller that's reasonably easy to fold, push and carry. Consider a model that can fit two infant car seat or a toddler with a riderboard.
Safety
Find a double-stroller that has all-terrain wheels and a brake that is operated by hand if you want to keep your kids safe while walking. These brakes and wheels help you navigate trails and sand without children falling or rolling. The best double strollers also come with plenty of storage space for gear and essentials for kids, such as snacks and toys.
The first step to choosing the right 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 come with a variety of configurations that allow you to pick the seating that is best for your family.
Side-by-side doubles are an iconic choice, and they're perfect for kids of similar ages who want to interact with each other. Some options have a more double-decker design, which allows you to place one seat above the other or add a rider board to older siblings. Newborns can either be snuggled in a bassinet that is attached to the frame, or in an attachment that allows you to look at your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a specially designed twin stroller is the best way to go.
Look for a double-wheeled stroller that is capable of handling off-road terrain and even hiking. Many of these strollers are designed with active parents in mind and include features that allow you to take your children to any adventure, no matter how rough the path or how steep the climb could be.
The best double strollers are equipped with thoughtful features to make it easier to navigate in a difficult terrain or bad weather. For example this jogging stroller comes with a wrist loop for your child, so you'll be able to ensure that they're safe while running downhill or at faster speeds. It also has an all-over canopy that has airflow to keep your kids comfortable during the summer heat.
This model is a light and compact double stroller from Joovy. It weighs less than 23lbs., making it ideal for air travel and storage in trunks or overhead compartments. It also comes with a large storage basket and an easy-to-use one-step parking brake.
Seating
Double strollers today are sleeker and can be set up in various ways to fit your family. Some double strollers can be used as side-by-side models while others, like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Dual Stroller, can be used as a base for car seats, toddlers ' seats as well as bassinets. They are available in various sizes and weight limits to fit children from birth through kindergarten.
A quality double stroller should be a breeze to move and fold, while permitting you to alter the handlebar's height to make sure you're able to walk comfortably throughout your excursions. A great handlebar should be easy to grip, and it should invite you to walk in a proper posture (ask other parents for advice on this). It should offer a variety of storage options to fit everything your children need.
If your twins are similar in age, you might find a tandem stroller works best for your family. These models have seats that are side-by-side so you can talk to them both and keep 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 disadvantage of twin strollers is that it's more spacious than a model with a single occupant, which can make it difficult to maneuver around the aisles of shops, sidewalks, and narrow doorways. For certain families, however, the benefits are worth the extra effort and size.
If you're looking for a compact double-stroller, then the UPPAbaby V2 Double is a great alternative. The UPPAbaby Vista Double is an excellent choice for city dwellers due to its shock absorption, 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 model is bare bones however it has plenty of space for storage and seating. It also comes with heavy-duty wheels to handle any terrain. It also comes with a canopy with a 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and cannot recline completely flat, making it hard for small children to reach their food trays or get comfortable.
Simple to Use
A double stroller is often an investment of a large amount and one you're hoping to use for many years. When you are shopping for a double stroller, be sure it is easy to use and clean. The best double strollers have been designed to be easy-to-use and come with many useful features.
All the strollers that we tested fold easily and compactly with just one hand. These strollers are lightweight and perfect for travel. Many of them can be gate checked on airplanes and fit into most trunks. Furthermore, the majority our testers reported that their strollers folded down to smaller dimensions than their single-seat counterparts and some even had an adjustable carry strap for easy carrying.
If you're in search of a multi-purpose double stroller that will grow with your family, look no further than the Valco Snap Duo Trend. This side-byside stroller works with infant car seats as well as other accessories. It can be used from birth until preschool age. Each seat features five points of harness, a large canopy and plenty of sun protection.
The Joovy Twin Roo is another option that is highly regarded. It is light compact and weighs only 22 lbs when folded. The front seat reclines to almost a full flat position and the back seat features an adjustable recline that can be adjusted for each child. There's a huge storage basket and a simple, one-step linked parking brake which makes this stroller simple to move and use.
The only downsides of the Joovy Twin Roo were minor and specific to the model in question. Kerry says that the packaging is innovative and fun, however it comes in five boxes that can be a little cumbersome to carry around. She also felt that the Genuis magnetic buckle was a little difficult to master. She was happy with the stroller at the end and would recommend it.
Stores
Strollers come with a variety of sizes and shapes, from tandems with side-by-side doubles to tandem (single-file seating) designs, and many allow you to modify your setup by adding a bassinet or a car seat attachment. Some come with rider boards that can be added for older siblings. However, not all of them are created equal. sit n stand double stroller are sleek and easy to use, whereas others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold or stow.
If you're looking for a stroller that is light that can hold two kids The Joovy Caboose Graphite is a great option. It was the lightest choice in our tests at close to 23 pounds. It is also simple to fold, but it has all the features parents require to enjoy a great time with two kids.
The Vista v2 double by UPPAbaby is another model that our test subjects loved. They were particularly impressed by its sleek design and user-friendly. It can fit two infant car seats or a toddler bassinet as well as a seat without adapters. The rear seat can be removed to turn it into a quad or triple stroller. It comes with a large storage basket that can be upgraded to include an organizer for parents with wheels for all-terrain and side storage bags.
Billingsley says the best double stroller for toddlers is one that offers multiple customization options, like an adjustable seat or bassinet. Toddlers are often restricted in their endurance, so a stroller that has an integrated bassinet can offer a safe spot for them to sleep. A double stroller should include a harness system that is reliable and recline positions, and plenty of storage room for toys and snacks.
The ZOE Twin+ is popular with parents due to its lightness and versatility. It's easy to check at airport gates and fits through most doors (without removing the front wheels) and expands into a quad or triple stroller with an added tandem seat. The near-flat, independently reclining seats as well as the extra-long, adjustable sun canopies are among the other features. A large underseat storage basket and the inclusion of parent and child cup holders complete the impressive features. tandem double stroller according to Taylor, is that it lacks a a small footprint when folded and can be difficult to store.