A Double Car Seat Stroller Is a Must-Have For Twins Or Two Young Kids
A double car seat stroller is an essential item for twins or two young kids. The Joovy TwinRoo+ allows infant car seats facing either way, and also has a sit-and stand configuration for older children.
Another alternative is a baby jogger, which is perfect for parents who wish to take their children for a run. What stroller is the best for you?
Easy to Fold
The best double strollers are easy to fold, whether you're trying to stow them in your car or fit them into the doorway. Most models have an option to push a lever that flips the seat forward and folds up the base for storage in a compact space. Some models also include a handle on the top of the stroller that allows you to lift and carry the whole thing, while others include a kickstand built into the design that holds the folded stroller upright until you're ready to take it out again.
A double stroller that can accommodate two infant car seats as well as an add-on riding board is an excellent option if you're a parent of twins or plan to have more than one child in the future. A popular option is the Baby Trend Double Snap-N-Go, that can take any brand of infant car seats. It also has seating in a stadium so that both children are able to see the sights. This model does not "snap in" the car seats. Instead you use a strap net to anchor the seats. The edge of the seat is set against the frame.
If you want to shop or walk along a sidewalk in the city take a look at a stroller with front and rear wheels that lock to allow for better steering over uneven terrain. A three-position handle that is cushioned provides comfort and control and the tray for the parent comes with two cup holders and an enclosed storage compartment. Some models come with bigger baskets that can fit more gear.
For those who enjoy outdoor activities, a jogging stroller may be a better option than a standard stroller, however, it can be difficult to lift and carry around with no handle. Some jogging strollers come with hooks for attaching an infant car seat to give parents an additional eight months of walking time, but this can be dangerous for babies less than six months old and should be discussed with your pediatrician prior to making the decision to use. The BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 Duallie and Thule Urban Glide 2 Double are lightweight and come with one-hand standing folds. The Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite is also a great option for outdoor activities and can seat one child in the main seat, or two toddler seats that convert into bassinet-style seating.
Sturdy
A double stroller is an essential tool for families on moving. It must be robust enough to travel over all surfaces including suburban sidewalks and park trails, and also comfortable for infants who might require a flat seat to toddlers who want to sit up and explore. It should accommodate multiple seating arrangements for children of different age groups and fit comfortably in the trunk of your car.
This multi-functional tandem stroller from CYBEX can be used on different terrains. It comes with a reclining seat for toddlers and is compatible with an infant car seat. The adjustable leg and footrests ensure that children are comfortable. Its UPF 50+ canopy with peekaboo windows as well as the adjustable leg rests provide ample sun protection for both seats. Children can take a ride in either of the seats or stand on the baby bouncer board. The no-rethread harness buckles are among the easiest we've tested making it easy to get them in and out.
Despite being a double stroller, it is lightweight and compact. It also has plenty of storage, including a large cargo net beneath the seats, and a large basket on the top. The cushioned handlebars are popular with parents, however the seat backs don't completely collapse into a flat position.
Another barebones, lightweight tandem stroller is this model from Kolcraft, which weighs less than 23 lbs and can accommodate children as heavy as 40 pounds per seat (80 lbs total). It has nice-sized pop-out canopies that offer shade. It also has windows that peek out, a self-standing fold with a carrying strap for easy walking and 7-inch swivel lock front wheels and 10-inch back wheels with suspension for a smooth ride.
This budget-friendly double stroller is the lightest frame we've have tested, and is a great option for families with two kids with similar ages. It's not compatible with infant car seats, but can fit two of the top convertible seats and features an ideal cup holder for each rider. The seats feature safety harnesses that don't need to be rethread, which is easy and quick to secure. They also have plenty of storage underneath the seat without causing disturbance to passengers.
Convenient Storage
The amount of storage that a stroller has is crucial especially when you're carrying around two kids as well as their belongings. Some of our favorites come with plenty of storage. They include an extra-large basket which can hold both food and adult items. The UPPAbaby's one-hand folding is easy and doesn't strain your back.
Other models, such as the Joovy TwinRoo+ Car Seat Frame Double Stroller, have smaller spaces, but offer good versatility for a low price. This model is compatible with 23 different infant carseats and can be used to cradle every seat. It's a major advantage over other twin frames which simply fix the car into place. They're not built to last for as long.
Many parents of twins opt for a tandem model that can carry both infant car seats at the same time, but these strollers often cost more than single strollers and come with shorter life spans as children become older. For a less expensive option that can still function as your twins grow and develop, consider a wagon that's designed to carry both car seats for children and has two canopy options as well as a convenient parent tray with cup holders.
While it's crucial to ensure your stroller is capable of handling all the weight and motion that you'll be putting on it, you'll also want to make sure your children are able to sit comfortably. Our testers searched for padding, a good shoulder height strap adjustment and buckles that don't require two hands to operate. Certain models, like the UPPAbaby Vista V2 and Evenflo Pivot Xpand, have reclining seats that let children snooze comfortably while others such as the Joovy Caboose Ultralight graphite and Graco Duet, have seats with limited recline options.
The number and location of the sunshades are also important. Certain models, such as the UPPAbaby Vista v2 and Evenflo Pivot have two canopy options that cover both seats, while others, such as the Joovy Caboose and Graco Duet are equipped with one canopy that has an opening window for the rear passenger. This can be helpful in the event that your children tend to sleep in the same position but it's important to remember that they'll only get limited coverage when the window is open.
Comfortable
The most important thing about a stroller to think about is its comfort. Find an upholstered, sturdy seat that's big enough for both kids and includes reclining positions. The canopy should be big enough to provide some shade, and there should be a parent tray with two cup holders. Other features that are useful include lockable front wheels and a parent organizer with diaper bags and snacks.
The best double strollers for cars also come with safety features that will make your child feel secure. Choose a model that has a 5-point safety harness that secures your child's shoulders as well as hips, which are the most rigid parts of their body. This type of restraint is safer than a lap belt as it shifts the extreme forces from an accident away and into the seat.
It's important to think about how the stroller can fit into your home. Many parents have a limited amount of storage space, so ensure that the stroller will fit into your trunk or closet before you purchase it. Also, you should measure any doorways you will have to cross while the stroller is open. The standard doorways are 30 to 36 inches wide, but some are wider.
Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double is a budget-friendly option. It offers two infant car seats and two toddler seats that can be set either forward or backward. This model is comparable to some of the higher-end double strollers. However, it's cheaper for families that are growing. Its one-hand-activated fold and a front foot break make it easy to maneuver with a padded three-position handle accommodates mom or dad. A handy compartment with a zipper is situated underneath the large cargo bin for larger items. The front and rear swivels come with suspensions to ensure smooth riding in all terrains. The no-rethread belt makes it easy to secure your child's seatbelts. It's machine washable and simple to spot clean, too.