How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
If you're looking 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 that is simple to fold and push, as well as carry. Consider a model that can accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler along with a rider board.
Safety
Choose a double-stroller which comes with all-terrain tires and a brake that is operated with a hand if you want to ensure your children are safe when walking. These wheels and brakes assist you in navigating trails as well as sidewalks, gravel, and other paths without the risk of your children sliding or rolling off. The best double strollers also come with plenty of storage space for gear as well as kid-sized necessities like snacks and toys.
Choosing the right double stroller for your family begins by understanding the age and distance in age your kids are. A majority of double strollers can only accommodate one child seat. However, the ones that do come with a variety of options that let you choose the seating that is ideal for your family.
Side-byside doubles are a popular option, and they're great for children of similar ages who like to play with one another. Some double-decker designs allow you to put one seat above the other, or even attach a riderboard to older siblings. Newborns can be snuggled into a bassinet attached to the frame or in an independent attachment that offers the chance to peek at your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a twin stroller is the best option to go.
For families that are more adventurous opt for a double stroller that can handle off-road terrain, or even hiking. A lot strollers were created with active parents and their children in mind. They come with features that will let you take them on any trip, no regardless of how challenging or difficult the climbs might be.
The best double strollers have clever features that make it easier to navigate through difficult terrain and in bad weather. For example this jogging stroller comes with 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 features a full-coverage canopy that is ventilated to keep your kids cool during summer heat.
This model is a lightweight and compact double stroller from Joovy. It weighs less than 23 pounds., making it ideal 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 sleeker and can be set up in many ways to fit your family. Some double strollers are designed to be used as side-by-side models, and others, like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Dual Stroller can be used as an alternative to car seats, toddlers seats as well as bassinets. They are available in a variety of widths and weights to accommodate children from newborns up to kindergarten.
A good double stroller should be easy to fold and maneuver, as well as allowing you to adjust the height of your handlebar to ensure that you're comfortable throughout your excursions. A good handlebar is one that is easy to hold and should encourage you to walk with proper posture (ask other parents for tips on this). It should come with a variety of storage options to accommodate all the essentials your children need.
If your twins are close in age, you could find a tandem stroller works best for your family. These models come with seats that are side-byside, so you can talk to them each other and keep an eye on each of them simultaneously. They can also recline independently so that one child can rest while the other is ready to go.
The downside of a twin stroller can be that it is larger than a model for a single-occupant. This makes it difficult to navigate narrow doorways, store aisles or the sidewalks. However, for some families, the advantages are worth the extra space and effort.
If you're looking for a compact double-stroller then the UPPAbaby V2 Double is a great option. Its shock absorbers, streamlined design and the capacity to accommodate two infant car seats - plus an optional running board for older children -- make it a great option for urban living.
Another option is a wagon-style double stroller, such as the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller. It's a basic model however it has plenty of space for storage and seating. It also comes with heavy-duty wheels to take on any terrain. It also comes with a canopy with 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and don't recline fully flat, making it hard for small children to reach their snack trays or to relax.
Simple to use
A double stroller is often an investment that you hope to use for a long time. When you are shopping for one, you want to ensure that it's easy to operate and clean. Fortunately, the best double strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as is possible and come with plenty of useful features for parents.
All the strollers that we tested fold easily and compactly using just one hand. They are also light and ideal for traveling. Many of them can be checked at the gate on planes and fit into most trunks. Most of our testers also found that their strollers could be folded down much smaller than the single seat equivalents. Some even had a carrying strap.
If you're looking for a flexible double stroller that can grow with your family take a look at 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 to preschool age. Each seat comes with a 5-point harness and a large canopy that gives ample shade from the sun.
The Joovy Twin Roo is another option that's highly regarded. This stroller is lightweight and compact, weighing only 22 lbs when folded. The front seat reclines almost to a flat stance, and the back seat can be adjusted for each child. There's a large storage bin and an easy, one-step linked parking brake that makes this stroller easy to maneuver and use.
strollers double of the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to that model. Kerry says that the packaging is smart and fun, however it comes in five boxes, which can be a little cumbersome to carry around. She also found that Genuis's magnetic buckle was a little clunky and took some time to master. She was satisfied with the stroller, however, and would highly recommend it.
Storage
Strollers are available in various sizes and designs and styles, including tandems (single-file seating), side-by-side doubles, and some that let you modify the layout using the use of a bassinet or car seat attachment. Some come with rider boards designed for older kids. But, they're not all created equal -- some are sleek and easy to use, whereas others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold or stow.
If you're looking for a lightweight double stroller, check out the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest choice during our tests. It weighs around 23 pounds and is also easy to fold, but it still has all of the features parents need for a fun outing with two children.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double is a different model that our test subjects loved especially for its sleek design and user-friendly. It can accommodate 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 a parent organizer wheel, all-terrain wheels, as well as side storage bags.
Billingsley says the ideal double stroller for a toddler is one that supports different options for customization, including an adjustable seat or bassinet. Toddlers can be limited in their endurance and strollers with an integrated bassinet can give them a safe space for them to nap. The expert says that a double stroller must also have a great recline position and harness system, as well as ample storage space for snacks and toys.
The ZOE Twin+ is a popular choice among parents because of its light weight and versatility. It's airline gate-check-friendly, fits through most doors (without removing the front wheels) and can be expanded into a triple or quad stroller with an add-on tandem seat. Its near-flat independently reclining seats, sun canopy with extra-long lengths and adjustable footrests are additional highlights, while its spacious underseat storage basket and inclusion of parent and kid cup holders complete the impressive feature set. One disadvantage, according to Taylor, is that it doesn't have a an elongated footprint when folded and can be difficult to store.