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 select the best one for you.
You should look for a stroller which is easy to fold and push to carry. And consider a model that's versatile enough to accommodate two car seats for infants or a toddler as well as an adult rider board.
Safety
Look for a double-stroller that has all-terrain wheels and a brake that can be operated with a hand if you want to ensure your children are safe while walking. These wheels and brake assist you in navigating trails, gravel, and sidewalks without your children falling or slipping away. The best double strollers come with plenty of storage space to store items for your kids, including snacks and toys.
The first step in choosing the right double stroller is to know how old your children are and how far apart they are. A majority of double strollers can only accommodate one child seat. However, those that do come with a variety of options that let you select the seating option that is ideal for your family.
The classic doubles are perfect for children of similar ages that want to play. Double-decker designs permit you to place one seat over the other, or even attach a riderboard to older siblings. Newborns can be tucked into a bassinet, which is attached to the frame, or as an independent attachment that allows you to have the chance to peek at your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a dedicated twin stroller is the way to go.
For families who are more adventurous consider a double stroller that can handle off-road terrain, or even hiking. A majority of these strollers are designed with active parents in mind, and come with features that allow you to take your children on any adventure, regardless of how rough the road or how steep the climbs might be.
In addition to all-terrain tires, the best double strollers have thoughtful features that make getting around difficult terrain and weather more enjoyable. For instance this jogging stroller comes with a wrist loop for your child, so you can be sure they're secure when running downhill or at higher speeds. It also has an all-over canopy that's ventilated to keep your kids cool in the summer heat.
This model is a lightweight and compact double stroller from Joovy. It weighs less than 23 lbs. This makes it perfect for air travel and storage in trunks or overhead compartments. It also comes with a large storage basket as well as an easy-to-use one-step parking brake.
Seating
Contrary to the giant strollers of the past the modern double strollers are sleek and offer a variety of configurations to fit families. Some of them function as traditional side-byside strollers while others - like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double Stroller--work as a base to which car seats, toddler seats, or bassinets can be plugged into. They are available in various widths and weight limits to accommodate infants and children up to kindergarten.
A good double stroller will be easy to fold and move, as well as allowing you to adjust your handlebar height to ensure that you feel at ease on all your excursions. A good handlebar is comfortable to hold and should inspire you to walk in a logical manner (ask for advice from other parents). It should offer a variety of storage options to accommodate everything your children will need.
If your twins are close in age, you might consider a tandem stroller that works best for your family. The seats of these models are positioned in a row, allowing you to be able to interact with both of them 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 awake and ready to go.
The disadvantage of a twin stroller is that it's larger than a single-occupant model, which can make it difficult to maneuver around sidewalks, shop aisles and narrow doorways. For some 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 good option. Its shock absorbers, streamlined design, and capacity for two infant car seats--plus an optional running board for more mobile children -- make it a great choice for city living.
Another option is a wagon-style stroller, such as the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller. The model is basic, but it offers plenty of storage and seating space. It also has heavy-duty wheels to take on any terrain. It also comes with an SPF canopy that is 50+ and a handlebar that can be adjusted. But some parents say the seats are a little too low and don't recline completely to a flat position, which makes it difficult for children of smaller sizes to be comfortable or reach their snack tray.
Simple to use
A double stroller is often an investment of a large amount and one you're likely to use for years. If you are in the market for a double stroller, make sure it is easy to use and clean. Fortunately, the best 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 one hand!). They're also lightweight, making them ideal for traveling. Many of them can be gate checked on airplanes and fit into most trunks. In addition, the majority of our testers found that their strollers folded to a smaller size than their single-seat counterparts, and some even included a carry strap for convenient carrying.
The Valco Snap Duo trend is a double stroller with lots of options that can adapt to the needs of your family. This side-by-side stroller can be used with infant car seats, a bassinet, and other accessories, so you can use it from birth until preschool age. Each seat has five points of harness, a large canopy and ample sun protection.
The Joovy Twin Roo is another option that is highly praised. twin pushchairs is lightweight and extremely 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 to suit every child. There's a huge storage basket and a simple, one-step linked parking brake that makes this stroller extremely easy to maneuver and use.
The only negatives of the Joovy Twin Roo were minor and specific to this particular model. Kerry says that the packaging is clever and enjoyable, however, it comes in five boxes that can be a bit heavy to carry around. She also found the Genuis magnetic clasp a bit clunky, and it took her a while before she was able to master it. She was satisfied with the stroller at the end and would highly recommend it.
Storage
Strollers are available in various sizes and styles, including tandems (single-file seating) and side-by-side doubles and many that let you customize the setup with an automobile seat or bassinet attachment. Some have even added rider boards designed for older kids. But, they're not all made 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 lightweight stroller that can accommodate two children The Joovy Caboose Graphite is a great choice. It was the lightest choice during our tests. It weighs around 23 pounds and is also easy to fold, yet it still has all of the features parents require to have a great time out with two kids.
The Vista v2 double by UPPAbaby is another model our testers loved. They were particularly impressed by its sleek design and user-friendly. It can accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler's bassinet as well as a seat without the need for adapters. The rear seat can be removed to make it into a triple or quad stroller. It has a huge storage basket and can be upgraded to include a parent organizer with wheels for all-terrain and side storage bags.
Billingsley states that the best double stroller to use for toddlers is one that has multiple customization options. This includes a bassinet or seat that can be removed. This is due to toddlers having little endurance, so the stroller with a bassinet attachment will provide them with a safe space to take a nap. She suggests that a double stroller should 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 among parents because of its light weight and the versatility. It's airline gate-check-friendly, fits through most doors (without having to remove the front wheels), and can expand into a triple or quad stroller with an added tandem seat. The near-flat, independently reclining seats and extra-long sun canopies that are adjustable are other highlights. A large underseat basket, as well as parent and child cup holders complete this impressive feature set. The only disadvantage, according to Taylor the manufacturer, is that it doesn't have a small footprint when folded and can be difficult to stow.