How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
If you're in the market for a double stroller, there are a lot of options. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert and mother, was able to help us choose the right one for you.
You should look for a stroller that is simple to fold, push and carry. Look for a model that can fit two infant car seat or a toddler who has a riderboard.
Safety
Look for a double-stroller that comes with all-terrain tires and a brake that is operated by hand if you want to keep the kids safe while walking. These wheels and brakes will assist you in navigating trails, gravel, and sidewalks without your children falling or rolling off. The best double strollers come with plenty of storage space for items for your kids, including snacks and toys.
Selecting the best double stroller for your family starts by determining how old and far apart in age. Many double strollers only allow one child seat, however, those that do come in different configurations, so you can choose the seating option that best fits your kids and your lifestyle.
Side-by-side doubles are a classic option, and they're great for kids of similar ages who want to interact with each other. Some models have a double-decker design, allowing you to put one seat above the other or attach a rider board to older siblings. Babies can be sat in a bassinet that is connected to the frame or in an attachment that lets you play peek-a-boo with your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a dedicated twin stroller is the way to go.
For families that are more adventurous, look for double strollers that can handle off-road terrain, or even hiking. A lot of these strollers were developed with active parents and their children in mind. They have features that will allow you to take them on any adventure no regardless of how challenging or difficult the climbs might be.
The top double strollers have intelligent features that aid in navigation in difficult terrain and bad weather. For example, this jogging stroller includes a wrist loop for your child, so you're sure that they're safe when you run downhill or at higher speeds. It also has a canopy with full coverage that is ventilated to keep your kids cool during the summer heat.
This model is a lightweight and compact double stroller from Joovy. It weighs less than 23 pounds. It's perfect for air travel and storage in trunks or overhead compartments. Additionally, it comes with a large storage basket and a one-step linked parking brake that's easy to use.
Seating
Double strollers today are sleeker and can be set up in many ways to meet the needs of your family. Some double strollers are designed to be used as side-by-side 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 weight limits to accommodate children from birth through kindergarten.
A quality double stroller should be easy to maneuver and fold, while allowing you to adjust the handlebar's height to make sure you're in a comfortable position throughout your trips. A good handlebar should be comfortable to hold and should encourage you to walk with proper form (ask other parents for tips on this). It should also have a variety of storage options that will accommodate all the necessities you'll require for your kids.
If your twins are similar in age, you might consider a tandem stroller that works best for your family. The seats of these models are placed together, allowing you to interact with 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 a twin stroller could be that it is larger than a stroller designed for a single-occupant. This makes it difficult to navigate narrow doorways, store aisles or the sidewalks. For certain families, however the benefits are well 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 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, such as the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller. This bare-bones model offers a lot of seating space and storage, as well as heavy-duty wheels that manage any terrain. It also has an SPF canopy that is 50+ and adjustable handlebars. However, some parents feel that the seats are a little too low and don't recline completely to a flat position, which makes it difficult for smaller children to get comfortable or reach their snack trays.
Simple to use
A double stroller is usually a significant investment and one you're likely to use for years. When shopping for one you must ensure that it is easy to operate and clean. Luckily, the top double strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as is possible and include a variety of features that are convenient for parents.
For starters, all the strollers we tested fold up easily and compactly (with only one hand!). They're also light, which makes them ideal for traveling. Many of them can be checked for gate entry on airplanes and fit in the majority of trunks. Furthermore, the majority our testers found that their strollers folded down to smaller dimensions than their single-seat counterparts and some even had an adjustable carry strap for easy carrying.
The Valco Snap Duo trend is double stroller with a lot of versatility that can grow with your family. This side-byside stroller is compatible with infant car seats, a bassinet, and other accessories, which means you can use it from birth until the age of preschool. Each seat comes with a 5-point harness and an enormous canopy that offers plenty of shade from the sun.
double pram and pushchair is the Joovy Twin Roo. The stroller is light and incredibly compact, measuring just 22 lbs and 26 inches wide when folded. The front seat reclines to a flat stance, and the back seat can be adjusted for every child. There's a large storage bin and an easy, one-step linked parking brake that 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 notes that the packaging was enjoyable and innovative, but it also came in five boxes that could be a hassle to lug around. She also found that the Genuis magnetic buckle was difficult to master. In the end, however she was very pleased with this stroller and would definitely 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 modify the layout using a car seat or bassinet attachment. Some have rider boards that can be added to accommodate older children. However, not all of them are created equal -- some are elegant and simple to use, whereas others are heavy, bulky and difficult to fold or stow.
If you're looking for a stroller that is light that can fit two children, the Joovy Caboose Graphite is a great choice. It was the lightest stroller in our tests, with a weight of less than 23 pounds. It's also easy to fold and comes with all the features parents want for a fun day out with two children.
The Vista v2 double from UPPAbaby is another model our testers loved. They were particularly impressed by its sleek design and easy-to-use. It can accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler bassinet and seat without adapters. The rear seat can be removed to transform it into a triple or quad stroller. It has a huge storage basket and can be upgraded to include a parent organizer wheel, all-terrain wheels, as well as side storage bags.
Billingsley says that the most suitable double stroller for a toddler is one with various options for customization. This includes a bassinet or seat that can be removed. This is because toddlers typically have limited endurance, and a stroller with the bassinet attachment can provide them with a safe space to nap. She suggests that a double stroller should also include a harness system that is reliable and recline positions, as well as 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 is gate-check-friendly for airlines, fits through most doorways (without taking off the wheels on the front), and can be made into a quad or triple stroller by adding an additional tandem. Its near-flat independently reclining seats, extra-long sun canopy and adjustable footrests are further highlights, while its spacious underseat storage basket and inclusion of parent and child cup holders round out the impressive list of features. The only downside according to Taylor, is that it doesn't have a an elongated footprint when folded and can be difficult to carry.