How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
There are a lot of options when it comes to double strollers. To help you choose the most suitable one for your family, we consulted the expert in child development and mom Katie Billingsley.
It is recommended to choose a stroller which is easy to fold, push and carry. Also, consider a stroller that is able to accommodate two car seats for infants or a toddler as well as a rider board.
Safety
If you want to keep your kids safe while walking, look for a double stroller with features like all-terrain tires and a brake operated by hand. These wheels and brakes help you navigate trails or sidewalks without your kids slipping or rolling off. The best double strollers come with plenty of storage space for equipment and essentials for kids like snacks and toys.
The first step in choosing the right double stroller is to know the age of your children and how far apart they are. Many double strollers can only accommodate one child seat. However, those that do have a variety configurations that allow you to select the seating option that is ideal for your family.
The classic doubles are ideal for children of similar age who want to play. Double-decker designs permit you to place one seat above the other, or attach a riderboard for older siblings. Babies can be placed in an infant bassinet that is attached to the frame, or as an independent attachment that allows you to have an unobstructed view of your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a twin stroller is the best way to go.
Choose a stroller with two wheels that is capable of handling off-road terrain as well as hiking. A lot strollers were created with active parents and their children in mind. They come with features that allow you to take them on any adventure no regardless of how challenging or difficult the climbs are.
In addition to all-terrain tires the best double strollers have thoughtful features that make navigating difficult terrain and weather more enjoyable. This jogging stroller, for instance, comes with a wrist loop so that you can ensure your child's safety when running at higher speeds or in extreme weather conditions. It also comes with a full-coverage canopy that is ventilated to keep your children cool in the summer heat.
This model is a compact and compact double stroller from Joovy. It weighs just 23 lbs, making it lighter than some single strollers. It's ideal to take on air travel or for storing in overhead compartments or trunks. 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 old, today's double strollers are sleek and can accommodate a variety of designs to accommodate families. Some work as traditional side-by-side strollers while others - like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double Stroller - function as a base that car seats, toddler seats, or bassinets can be plugged into. They are available in a variety of widths and weight limits, allowing infants and children up to kindergarten.
A good double stroller should be easy to fold and move, as well as allowing you to adjust your handlebar height to ensure you are comfortable on all of your excursions. A well-designed handlebar is easy to grip and should encourage you to walk in a logical manner (ask for tips from other parents). It should also provide a variety of storage options that will accommodate all the necessities you'll require for your children.
If your twins are close in age, you might consider a tandem stroller that works best for your family. The seats on these models are positioned together, allowing you to be able to interact with them both and keep an eye on them at the same time. They can also recline separately so that one child can sleep while the other is awake and ready to go.
The disadvantage of twin strollers is that it can be larger than a single-occupant model and can make it difficult to maneuver around sidewalks, shop aisles and narrow doorways. For some families the benefits are worth the extra effort and size.
If you're looking for a small double-stroller, then the UPPAbaby V2 Double is a good alternative. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double is a great choice for city dwellers due to its shock absorption capabilities, elegant design, and ability to accommodate two infant car seats. It also has an optional running board that can be used by older children who are mobile.
A wagon-style double stroller such as the Delta Children LX Stroller Side-by-Side is another alternative. This bare-bones model offers lots of space for seating and storage, plus heavy-duty wheels that manage any terrain. It also features a 50+ SPF canopy and a handlebar that can be adjusted. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and don't recline fully flat, making it difficult for little children to reach their snacks or get comfortable.
Easy of Use
Double strollers are typically an investment of a significant amount that you will use for many years. If you are looking for a double stroller, be sure that it is easy to use and clean. Luckily, the most effective double strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as they can and come with plenty of features that are convenient for parents.
All the strollers we tested could be folded quickly and compactly in one hand. They are light and perfect for travel. Many of them fit in the majority of trunks and are checked at the gate on planes. Most of our testers also discovered 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 versatile double stroller that will expand with your family, look no further than the Valco Snap Duo Trend. This side-byside stroller is compatible with infant car seats as well as other accessories. It can be used from birth up to the age of preschool. Each seat comes with a 5-point harness and a large canopy that gives ample protection from the sun.
Another popular option is the Joovy Twin Roo. The stroller is light and extremely compact, measuring just 22 pounds and 26 inches wide when folded. The front seat reclines to almost a full flat position and the back seat features an adjustable recline that can be adjusted for each child. There's a large storage bin and an easy, one-step connected parking brake which makes this stroller user-friendly and easy to maneuver.
The only drawbacks to 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, which could be a bit cumbersome to carry around. She also found the Genuis magnetic clasp a bit clunky, and it took her a while before she could get it to work. She was pleased with the stroller in the end and would recommend it.
Storage
Strollers come in all shapes and sizes, from tandem doubles that are side-by-side to (single-file seating) designs, and many allow you to customize your setup by adding a bassinet or a car seat attachment. Some have rider boards that can be added for older children. However, not all of them are created equal -- some are sleek and easy to use, whereas others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold and store.
If you are seeking a stroller with a light weight that can accommodate two children and two children, the Joovy Caboose Graphite is a great option. It was the lightest stroller in our tests, with a weight of just under 23 lbs. It folds easily and comes with all the features parents need for a fun day out with two kids.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double is a different model that our testers adored, especially for its sleek design and ease of use. It can accommodate two infant car seats, a toddler's seat and a bassinet. There are no adapters needed. The rear seat can be removed to make it triple or quad stroller. It has 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 that the best double stroller for toddlers is one with numerous options for customization. This includes a seat or bassinet that can be removed. This is because toddlers typically have limitations in endurance, and having a stroller that has a bassinet attachment will provide them with a safe space to nap. She says that a double stroller should also have a comfortable recline position and harness system, as well as ample storage space for toys and snacks.
The ZOE Twin+ is popular among parents due to its lightness and flexibility. It's gate-check-friendly for airlines it can be accessed through all doors (without removing the front wheels), and can expand into a quad or triple stroller with an added tandem seat. Its near-flat independently reclining seats, extra-long sun canopies and adjustable footrests are further highlights, while its spacious underseat storage area and the inclusion of kid and parent cup holders round out the impressive feature set. Taylor states that the only drawback is that it has the largest profile when folded, and it can be difficult for parents to carry.