How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
There are a lot of options in the field of double strollers. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert and mother, was able to help us choose the right one for you.
It is recommended to choose a stroller that is simple to fold, push and carry. Consider a model that can accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler and a rider board.
Safety
Find a double-stroller that comes with all-terrain tires and a brake that can be operated with a hand if you want to keep your kids safe while walking. These wheels and brakes will assist you in navigating trails as well as sidewalks, gravel, and other paths without your children falling or rolling off. The best double strollers come with plenty of storage space for 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. Most double strollers can only can accommodate one child's seat, but the ones that do come in a variety of configurations so you can pick the type of seating that best fits your kids and your lifestyle.
The classic doubles are perfect for children of similar ages that want to play. Some double-decker designs allow the user to place one seat over the other, or attach a riderboard 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 peek-a-boo at your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a dedicated twin stroller is the best option to go.
For families that are more adventurous, look for a double stroller that can handle off-road terrain or even hike. Many of these strollers were developed with active parents and their children in mind. They have features that will let you take them on any adventure, no regardless of how difficult or steep the climbs might be.
The top double strollers have clever features that aid in navigation through difficult terrain and in bad weather. For example this jogging stroller comes with a wrist loop for your child, so you're sure that they're safe while running downhill or at higher speeds. It also comes with an all-over canopy that's ventilated to keep your children cool during the summer heat.
This model is a light and compact double stroller from Joovy. It weighs in at just over 23 lbs, making it lighter than some single strollers, and ideal to take on air travel or for storing in overhead compartments or trunks. It also has a large storage basket and an easy-to-use one-step parking brake.
Seating
Unlike the behemoth strollers of the past the modern double strollers are sleek and can accommodate a variety of designs to accommodate families. Some work as traditional side-by-side strollers while others--such as the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double Stroller - function as a base to which car seats, toddler seats, or bassinets can be plugged into. They are available in a variety of widths and weight limits to accommodate children from birth to kindergarten.
A good double stroller should be easy to fold and maneuver and will allow you to adjust the height of your handlebar to ensure you are comfortable on all of your excursions. A good handlebar is comfortable to hold and should inspire you to walk in a proper manner (ask for tips from other parents). It should come with a variety of storage options to accommodate all the essentials your children will require.
If your twins are similar age, a tandem stroller may be the best choice for your family. The seats on these models are placed in a row, allowing you to interact with them both and keep an eye on them at the same time. They also recline independently, so that one child can lie down while the other is awake and ready to go.
The disadvantage of a twin stroller could be that it is larger than a stroller designed that is designed for a single occupant. This makes it more difficult to navigate narrow doorways, store aisles or even the sidewalks. For some families the benefits are well worth the extra effort and size.
If you are looking for a small double-stroller, then the UPPAbaby V2 Double is a good 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 has an optional running board that can be used by older children who are mobile.
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, plus robust wheels that can handle any terrain. It also features a canopy with a 50+ SPF and a handlebar that can be adjusted. Some parents complain that the seats are a little too low and can't recline to a fully flat position, making it difficult for children of smaller sizes to be comfortable or reach their snack trays.
User-Friendliness
Double strollers are often an investment of a significant amount that you will be using for a long time. If you are in the market for a double stroller, make sure it is easy to use and clean. Luckily, the top double strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as they can and include a variety of convenient features for parents.
All the strollers that we tested fold quickly and compactly in one hand. They are also light and perfect for travel. A majority of them are checked for gate entry on airplanes and fit in most trunks. Most of our testers also discovered that their strollers can be folded down to a smaller size than their single-seat equivalents. Some even had a carrying strap.
If you're in search of a multi-purpose double stroller that can expand with your family Look no further than the Valco Snap Duo Trend. This side-by-side stroller can be used with infant car seats and other accessories. It can be used from birth until preschool age. Each seat features five-point harnesses, a large canopy and plenty of sun protection.
Another highly-regarded option is the Joovy Twin Roo. The stroller is light compact and weighs only weighs 22 pounds when folded. The front seat reclines almost to a full flat position and the back seat features an adjustable recline for every child. This stroller is easy to maneuver and use thanks to its large storage basket, simple one-step parking brake, and large storage basket.
The only drawbacks of the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to that model. Kerry notes that the packaging was enjoyable and clever, but that it also came in five boxes, which could be a hassle to lug around. She also noticed that Genuis's magnetic buckle was a little awkward and took a while to master. She was satisfied with the stroller, however, and would recommend it.
Stores
Strollers are available in various sizes and styles that include tandems (single-file seating) as well as side-by-side doubles and some that let you customize the setup with the use of a bassinet or car seat attachment. Some have even added rider boards for older children. But, they're not all created equal -- some are elegant and simple to use, whereas others are heavy, bulky and difficult to fold or stow.
If you're looking to purchase a light double stroller, look into the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest option in our tests at close to 23 lbs and is also easy to fold, but it still has all of the features parents require for a fun outing with two kids.
The Vista v2 double by UPPAbaby is another model that our testers loved. They particularly liked its sleek design and easy-to-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 large basket for storage and can be upgraded with an organizer for parents as well as all-terrain tires, as as storage bags for the sides.
Billingsley says that the most suitable double stroller for toddlers is one that has multiple customization options. This includes a seat or a bassinet that can be removed. Toddlers can be limited in their endurance and a stroller that has an attached bassinet will give them a safe space for them to sleep. She suggests that a double stroller should also have a comfortable harness and recline position as well as plenty of storage space for snacks and toys.
The ZOE Twin+ is popular among parents due to its lightness and flexibility. It's airline gate-check-friendly, fits through most doors (without removing the front wheels) and expands into a quad or triple stroller with an add-on tandem seat. Its near-flat independently reclining seats, extra-long sun canopy and adjustable footrests are further highlights, while its large underseat storage basket and inclusion of parent and child cup holders round out the impressive list of features. One downside according to Taylor, is that it lacks a a small profile when folded, and could be difficult to store.
