How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
If you're in the market for a double stroller there are plenty of options. To help you pick the right one for your family, we talked to the expert in child development and mom Katie Billingsley.
Find a stroller that's reasonably easy to fold, push and carry. You should consider a stroller that can fit two infant car seat or a toddler that has a riderboard.
Safety
If you want to ensure your children are safe on your walks, look for a double stroller with features such as all-terrain tires and an electronic brake that can be operated by hand. These wheels and brakes assist you in navigating trails as well as sidewalks, gravel, and other paths without your children falling or slipping away. The best double strollers also come with plenty of storage space for gear and kids-sized items like snacks and toys.
Choosing the right double stroller for your family starts with understanding the age and distance in terms of age your children are. Many double strollers only accommodate one child seat, however, those do come with different configurations, so you can choose the seat that is most suitable for your children and your lifestyle.
The classic doubles are perfect for children of similar ages that are keen to interact. Some options have a more double-decker design, allowing you to place one seat above the other or even attach a rider board for older siblings. Newborns can be placed in a bassinet that is attached to the frame or with an attachment that lets you look at your baby. If double pushchair have twins or are expecting twins, a dedicated twin stroller is the best option to go.
Look for a double-wheeled stroller that is capable of handling off-road terrain as well as hiking. A majority of these strollers have been designed with active parents in mind, and have features that let you take your children on any adventure, no matter how rough the road or how steep the climb might be.
In addition to all-terrain tires the best double strollers have thoughtful features that make navigating difficult terrain and weather more enjoyable. For instance this stroller for jogging has a wrist loop for your child so you'll be able to ensure that they're safe when you run downhill or at higher speeds. It also features a full-coverage canopy that is ventilated to keep your children cool during summer heat.
This model is a lightweight and compact double stroller from Joovy. It weighs just 23 pounds, which makes it lighter than most single strollers and perfect for air travel or storage in trunks and overhead compartments. Plus, it has an enormous storage basket as well as an integrated parking brake that is easy to use.
Seating
Double strollers of today are sleeker and can be set up in various 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 and bassinets. They are available in various widths and weight limits to fit children from birth 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 you are at ease on all your outings. A good handlebar should be comfortable to hold, and it should invite you to walk in a proper form (ask other parents for advice on this). It should offer a variety of storage options to accommodate all the necessities your children will require.
If your twins have a similar age, a tandem stroller may be the best choice for your family. The seats on these models are positioned in a row, allowing you to engage with both of them and keep an eye on them simultaneously. They also recline independently, so that one child can nap while the other is awake and ready to go.
The disadvantage of twin strollers is that it can be wider than a single-occupant model which makes it difficult to maneuver around walkways, aisles for shopping and narrow doors. For some families, however the benefits are worth the extra effort and size.
If you're in the market for a compact double stroller, the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double is a great option. Its shock absorption, streamlined design, and capacity for two infant car seats--plus an optional running board for mobile older children -- make it a great option for urban living.
A wagon-style double stroller, such as the Delta Children LX Stroller Side-by-Side is another alternative. The model is basic, but it offers plenty of storage space and seating. It also has sturdy wheels that can take on any terrain. It also comes with an SPF canopy that is 50+ and adjustable handlebars. Some parents complain that the seats are a little too low and can't recline to a fully flat position, which makes it difficult for small children to get comfortable or reach their snack trays.
User-Friendliness
A double stroller can be a significant investment and one that you hope to use for years. When shopping for one you need to make sure it will be easy to operate and clean. The top double strollers are designed to be user-friendly and have numerous features that are convenient.
All strollers we tested fold quickly and compactly in one hand. These strollers are lightweight and are ideal for traveling. A lot of them fit into the majority of trunks and are gate-checked on airplanes. Furthermore, the majority our test subjects found that their strollers folded to smaller dimensions than their single-seat counterparts and some even included the option of carrying a strap for carrying.
The Valco Snap Duo trend is a double stroller with a lot of versatility that will grow with your family. This side-by-side stroller works with infant car seats, a bassinet, and other accessories, so you can use it from birth to preschool age. double pushchair -point harnesses, a large canopy and plenty of sun protection.
The Joovy Twin Roo is another option that is highly praised. It is light and compact, weighing only 22 pounds when folded. The front seat reclines to a flat stance, and the back seat can be adjusted to suit each child. There's a large storage basket and an easy, one-step connected parking brake that makes this stroller simple to move and use.
The only negatives of the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to the 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 the Genuis magnetic clasp to be a bit clunky and took her some time before she could master it. In the end, however she was very pleased with the stroller and would definitely recommend it.
Storage
Strollers are available in various sizes and designs and styles, including tandems (single-file seating), side-by-side doubles, and many that let you modify the layout using the use of a bassinet or car seat attachment. Some even have add-on rider boards designed for older kids. But, they're not all created equal. Some are sleek and easy to use, while others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold or store.
If you're looking for a lightweight double stroller, look into the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest stroller in our tests, weighing just under 23 lbs. It's also easy to fold and has all the features parents need to enjoy a 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 ease-of-use. It can accommodate two infant car seats, a toddler's seat and a bassinet, with no adapters needed. The rear seat can also be removed to make it a triple or quad stroller. It comes with a huge basket for storage, and can be upgraded by adding 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 a toddler is one with multiple customization options. This includes a seat or a bassinet that can be removed. This is due to toddlers having little endurance, so a stroller with a bassinet attachment will provide them with a safe spot to nap. A double stroller must also come with a sturdy harness system and recline positions, and plenty of storage space for toys and snacks.
The ZOE Twin+ is popular among parents due to its light weight and versatility. It is airline gate-check friendly and fits through the majority of doorways (without taking off the wheels at the front) and can be made to a triple or quad stroller by adding an extra tandem. The near-flat, independently reclining seats as well as the extra-long, adjustable sun canopies are among the other features. A large underseat basket, as well as cup holders for the child and parent complete the impressive features. Taylor says the one disadvantage is that it has a a large profile when folded, and can be difficult for parents to carry.