How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
If you're in the market for a double stroller there are plenty of options. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert and mother, has helped us choose the right one for you.
It is recommended to choose a stroller which is easy to fold and push to carry. Consider a model that's versatile enough to accommodate two car seats for infants or a toddler and an adult rider board.
Safety
If you want to keep your children secure on your walks opt for double strollers that have features like all-terrain tires and an electronic brake that can be operated by hand. These wheels and brake assist you in navigating trails or sidewalks without your children falling or slipping away. The best double strollers also come with plenty of storage space for gear as well as essentials for kids, such as snacks and toys.
The first step in selecting the best double stroller is to determine how old your children are and how far apart they are. Most double strollers can only can accommodate one child's seat, however, those do come with different configurations, so you can select the seat that best fits your kids and your lifestyle.
The classic doubles are perfect for children of similar age who like to interact. Double-decker designs permit you to put one of the seats over the other, or even attach a riderboard for older siblings. Newborns can be snuggled into a bassinet attached to the frame or as a standalone attachment that offers a peek-a-boo view of your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a dedicated twin stroller is the way to go.
Look for a double-wheeled stroller that is capable of handling off-road terrain and even hiking. A majority of these strollers were designed with active parents in mind and have features that allow you to take your children on any adventure, regardless of how rough the path or how high the climbs might be.
In addition to all-terrain tires the top double strollers come with thoughtful features that make navigating difficult terrain and weather a lot easier. This jogging stoller, for instance, comes with a wrist loop so that you can ensure your child's safety when running at higher speeds or in adverse weather conditions. It also features a canopy with full coverage that is ventilated to keep your kids cool during summer heat.
If you're looking for a lightweight, compact double stroller, take a look at this model by Joovy. It weighs less than 23lbs. It's perfect for air travel and storage 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
Double strollers of today are more sleek and can be arranged in various ways to meet the needs of your family. Some double strollers can be used as side-by-side models, while others, such as the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Dual Stroller can be used as an alternative to car seats, toddler seats and bassinets. They are available in a variety of sizes and weights to accommodate children from newborns through kindergarten.
A good double stroller should be simple to fold and maneuver and allows you to adjust your handlebar height to ensure that you feel at ease on all your outings. A well-designed handlebar is easy to hold and should inspire you to walk in a safe manner (ask for advice from other parents). It should also provide a variety of storage options that will accommodate all the essentials you'll need for your kids.
If your twins are close in age, you might discover that a tandem stroller is best for your family. These models come with seats that are side-by-side so you can talk to them both and keep an eye on both of them at the same time. They also recline independently so that one child can sleep while the other is ready to go.
The disadvantage of twin strollers is that it can be larger than a single-occupant model, which can make it difficult to maneuver around the aisles of shops, sidewalks and narrow doorways. For some families the benefits are well worth the extra effort and size.
If you're looking for a 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, 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.
A wagon-style double stroller such as 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, plus heavy-duty wheels that manage any terrain. It also comes with a canopy with 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 small children to sit comfortably or reach their snack trays.
Easy of Use
A double stroller is often an investment of a large amount and one you're likely to use for a long time. If you are in the market for a double stroller, make sure that it is easy to use and clean. The best double strollers are designed to be user-friendly and have numerous features that are convenient.
For starters, all the strollers we tested fold up easily and compactly (with one hand!). These strollers are lightweight and ideal for traveling. A majority of them are checked for gate entry on airplanes and fit in the majority of trunks. Many of our test subjects discovered that their strollers could be folded down smaller than the single seat equivalents. Some even came with a carrying strap.
If you're looking for a versatile double stroller that can expand with your family take a look at the Valco Snap Duo Trend. This side-by-side stroller can be used with infant car seats, a bassinet and other accessories, meaning you can use it from birth to preschool age. Each seat features five-point harnesses and a large canopy. It also offers plenty of sun protection.
Another highly-regarded option is the Joovy Twin Roo. It is light and compact, weighing only 22 lbs when folded. The front seat reclines almost to a flat position, and the back seat can be adjusted for every child. This stroller is easy to operate and maneuver due to its large storage basket, simple parking brake that is one step and a large storage basket.
The only drawbacks to the Joovy Twin Roo were minor and specific to the model in question. Kerry says that the packaging is clever and fun, but it comes in five boxes which could be a bit cumbersome to carry around. She also found the Genuis magnetic clasp somewhat difficult to use and it took her some time before she could master it. She was satisfied with the stroller in the end and would recommend it.
Storage
Strollers are available in various sizes and styles and styles, including tandems (single-file seating), side-by-side doubles, and many that let you customize the configuration using an automobile seat or bassinet attachment. Some even have add-on rider boards for older children. They're not all created equal. Some are light and easy to use, while others are heavy, bulky and difficult to fold.
If you're looking to purchase a light double stroller, check out the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest stroller in our tests, weighing less than 23 pounds. It folds easily and comes with all the features parents would want to enjoy a day out with two children.
UPPAbaby's Vista v2 double is another model that our test subjects loved. They particularly liked its sleek design and ease-of-use. It can fit two infant car seats or a toddler's bassinet and seat without the need for adapters. The rear seat can be removed to make it into a triple or quad stroller. It comes with a huge basket for storage, and it can be upgraded with an organizer for parents and all-terrain tires, as well as storage bags for the sides.
Billingsley says that the most suitable double stroller to use for a toddler is one with numerous options for customization. This includes a bassinet or seat that can be removed. This is because toddlers typically have little endurance, so having a stroller that has an attachment for a bassinet will give them a safe place to rest for a nap. She says that a double stroller should also have a great recline position and harness system, as well as ample storage space for toys and snacks.
The ZOE Twin+ is a popular choice for parents because of its light weight and versatility. double pushchair is gate-check-friendly for airlines, fits through most doorways (without taking off the wheels on the front), and can be expanded to a triple or quad stroller by adding an extra tandem. Its near-flat independently reclining seats, extra-long sun canopies and adjustable footrests are further highlights, while its large underseat storage area and the inclusion of parent and child cup holders round out the impressive set of features. Taylor says that the only drawback is that it has the largest profile when folded, and is difficult for parents to stow.