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, has helped us choose the right one for you.
Choose a stroller fairly easy to push, fold and carry. Also, consider a stroller that can accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler along with an adult rider board.
Safety
If you want to ensure your children are safe on your walks, look for a double stroller that has features like all-terrain tires as well as a hand-operated brake. These brakes and wheels assist you in navigating paths and dirt without worrying about your children slipping or rolling. The best double strollers also offer plenty of storage space for gear as well as kids-sized items like snacks and toys.
Choosing the right double stroller for your family begins by understanding the age and distance in age your kids are. Most double strollers can only accommodate one child seat, however, those are available in various configurations so that you can select the seating option that best fits your kids and your lifestyle.
Side-byside doubles are a popular option, and are great for kids of similar ages who want to interact with each other. Certain models feature a double-decker design, allowing the user to place one of the seats above the other or even attach an extra rider board for older siblings. Babies can be sat in a bassinet that is attached to the frame or in an attachment that lets you peek-a-boo at your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a specially designed twin stroller is the best option to go.
For more adventurous families opt for double strollers that can handle off-road terrain, or even hiking. A majority of these strollers were designed with active parents in mind, and have features that let you take your kids on any adventure, regardless of how rough the terrain or how steep the climb could be.
In addition to all-terrain tires, the top double strollers come with clever features that make traversing tough terrain and weather easier. For example this jogging stroller comes with a wrist loop for your child so you'll be able to ensure that they're safe when you run downhill or at speeds that are higher. It also comes with a full-coverage canopy that is ventilated to keep your kids cool during summer heat.
If you're looking for a light, compact double stroller, take a look at this model by Joovy. It weighs in at just over 23 lbs, making it lighter than most single strollers. It's ideal for air travel or storing in trunks or overhead compartments. It also comes with a huge storage basket and an integrated parking brake that is easy to use.
Seating
In contrast to the massive strollers of old these double strollers are sleek and can accommodate a variety of configurations to fit families. Some of them function as traditional side-byside strollers while others--such as the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double Stroller--work as a base that car seats, toddler seats, or bassinets snap into. They come in a variety of sizes and weight limits, allowing children from birth through kindergarten.
A good double stroller should be easy to fold and move and will allow you to adjust your handlebar height to ensure that you feel comfortable throughout your excursions. A good handlebar is easy to hold and should inspire you to walk in a logical manner (ask for advice from other parents). 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 might discover that a tandem stroller is best for your family. These models have seats that are side-by-side, so you can interact with them each other and keep an eye on each of them at the same time. They can also recline independently so that one child can sleep while the other is ready to go.
The disadvantage of a twin stroller may be that it's wider 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 worth the extra effort and size.
If you're looking for a compact double-stroller, then the UPPAbaby V2 Double is a great alternative. Its shock absorption, streamlined design and the capacity to accommodate two infant car seats - plus an optional running board for mobile older children -- make it a great choice for city living.
A wagon-style double stroller like the Delta Children LX Stroller Side-by-Side is another alternative. It's a basic model, but it offers plenty of storage and seating space. It also has heavy-duty wheels that can handle any terrain. It also comes with an SPF canopy that is 50+ and a handlebar that can be adjusted. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and don't recline fully flat, which makes it difficult for little children to reach their snacks or to relax.
Easy of Use
Double strollers are usually an investment that will use for many years. If you are in the market for a double stroller, make sure that it is easy to use and clean. The best double strollers have been developed to be easy-to-use and come with many convenient features.
For starters, all of the strollers we tested fold up easily and compactly (with just one hand!). These strollers are lightweight and ideal for traveling. Many of them fit in the majority of trunks and are checked for gate-checking on planes. Many of our test subjects found that their strollers can be folded down much smaller than the single seat equivalents. Some even had a carry strap.
The Valco Snap Duo trend is a double stroller with a lot of versatility that can adapt to the needs of your family. This side-by-side stroller works with infant car seats, a bassinet and other accessories, meaning you can use it from birth to preschool age. Each seat comes with five-point harnesses and a large canopy. It also offers ample sun protection.
Another option that is highly regarded is the Joovy Twin Roo. This stroller is lightweight, compact and only 22 lbs when folded. The front seat reclines to nearly an entire flat position, and the back seat has an adjustable recline for every child. The stroller is simple to maneuver and use thanks to its large storage basket, easy one-step parking brake and large storage basket.
The only drawbacks of the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to this model. Kerry notes that the packaging was fun and clever, but that it came in five boxes, which can be a bit of a hassle to lug around. She also noticed that the Genuis magnetic buckle was difficult to master. She was pleased with the stroller in the end 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 many that allow you to customize the setup with a car seat or bassinet attachment. Some have rider boards which can be added for older siblings. There are many different types of rider boards. Some are light and easy to use, while others are heavy, bulky and difficult to fold.
If you're looking for a lightweight double stroller, check out the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest stroller we tested in our tests, weighing less than 23 pounds. It is also easy-to-fold and comes with all the features parents want for a fun day out with two children.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double is a second model that our testers loved particularly for its sleek design and user-friendly. It can fit two infant car seats, or a toddler's seat and a bassinet without adapters. The rear seat can be removed to turn it into a triple or quad stroller. It has a huge storage basket that can be upgraded to include an organizer for parents wheel, all-terrain wheels, as well as side storage bags.
double buggy from birth says that the best double stroller for toddlers is one that offers numerous options for customization. This includes a seat or a bassinet that can be removed. That's because toddlers often have limited endurance, and having a stroller that has a bassinet attachment will provide them with a safe space to rest for a nap. She suggests that a double stroller must 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 among parents due to its light weight and the versatility. It's easy to check at airport gates, fits through most doors (without removing the front wheels) and can be expanded into a triple or quad stroller with an added tandem seat. Its near-flat independently reclining seats, extra-long sun canopy and adjustable footrests are further highlights, while its spacious underseat storage basket as well as the inclusion of kid and parent cup holders complete the impressive feature set. Taylor says that the only drawback is that it has a large footprint when folded, and is difficult for parents to stow.