How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
There are many options available in the field of double strollers. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert and mother, has helped us select the best one for you.
Find side by side double stroller that's reasonably easy to fold, push and carry. Also, consider a stroller that is able to accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler along with an adult rider board.
Safety
If you want to keep your kids safe on your walks, look for a double stroller with features such as all-terrain tires and a hand-operated brake. These wheels and brakes allow you to navigate paths and dirt without worrying about your children falling or rolling. The best double strollers come with plenty of storage space for items for your kids, including snacks and toys.
The first step in selecting the best double stroller is to know the age of your children and how far apart they are. A majority of double strollers are designed to allow one child seat, but those that do come in a variety of configurations so you can choose the type of seating that best suits your kids and your lifestyle.
The classic doubles are ideal for children of similar age who want to play. Some options have a more double-decker design, which allows you to place one of the seats above the other or add a rider board for older siblings. Newborns can be tucked into a bassinet attached to the frame or in an independent attachment that allows you to have the chance to peek at your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a specially designed twin stroller is the way to go.
Look for a double-wheeled stroller that is capable of handling off-road terrain and even hiking. Many of these strollers were designed with active parents and their children in mind. They come with features that will let you take them on any adventure no regardless of how difficult or steep the climbs might be.
In addition to all-terrain tires, the best double strollers have thoughtful features that make getting around tough terrain and weather easier. This jogging stoller for example, has wrist loops so that you can ensure your child's safety when running downhill at higher speeds or in extreme weather conditions. It also has a full-coverage canopy that is ventilated to keep your kids 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 ideal for air travel or storing in overhead compartments or trunks. It also has a large storage basket as well as an easy-to-use one-step parking brake.
Seating
Double strollers of today are sleeker and can be set up in various ways to fit your family. Some double strollers can be used as side-by-side models while others, like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Dual Stroller, can be used as a base for car seats, toddlers ' seats and bassinets. They come in a variety of sizes and weight limits to fit children from birth through kindergarten.
A good double stroller must be a breeze to move and fold, while also allowing you to adjust the handlebar height so you're able to walk comfortably throughout your excursions. A good handlebar should be easy to grip, and it should encourage you to walk with proper form (ask other parents for advice on this). It should also offer a variety of storage options that accommodate all the necessities you'll require for your kids.
If your twins are similar in age, you could discover that a tandem stroller is best for your family. These models have seats that are side-byside, which means you can interact with them each other and keep an eye on each of them at the same. 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 may be that it is wider than one designed for a single person. This could make it difficult to maneuver narrow doorways, store aisles or even walkways. But for certain families, the benefits are worth the extra space and effort.
If you are looking for a compact double-stroller, then the UPPAbaby V2 Double is a good option. Its shock absorbers, streamlined design and the capacity to accommodate two infant car seats - plus an optional running board for older children--make it an ideal choice for city living.
A wagon-style double stroller like the Delta Children LX Stroller Side-by-Side is another alternative. This model is bare bones however it has plenty of space for storage and seating. It also has heavy-duty wheels to tackle any terrain. It also has a canopy with 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and don't recline completely flat, making it difficult for children to reach their food trays or relax.
Easy of Use
A double stroller is often an investment of a large amount and one you're hoping to use for many years. When you are shopping for a double stroller, make sure it's easy to use and clean. Luckily, the most effective double strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as is possible and include a variety of useful features for parents.
All the strollers we tested fold easily and compactly using just one hand. They are also light and are ideal for traveling. A lot of them fit into the majority of trunks and are checked for gate-checking on planes. Additionally, the majority of our testers found that their strollers folded down to smaller sizes than the single seat models, and some even had a carry strap for convenient carrying.
The Valco Snap Duo trend is double stroller with many options that can adapt to the needs of your family. This side-by-side stroller works with infant car seats, a bassinet, and other accessories, which means you can use it from birth to the age of preschool. Each seat features a 5-point harness with a large canopy, as well as plenty of sun protection.
The Joovy Twin Roo is another option that is highly regarded. This stroller is lightweight compact and weighs only 22 pounds when folded. The front seat reclines almost to an entire flat position, and the back seat features an adjustable recline for every child. There's a large storage basket and a simple, one-step linked parking brake which makes this stroller user-friendly and easy to maneuver.
The only downsides of the Joovy Twin Roo were minor and specific to this particular model. Kerry notes that the packaging was enjoyable and innovative, but it also came in five boxes which can be trouble to carry around. She also found that the Genuis magnetic buckle was awkward and took a while to master. In the end, though she was extremely pleased with her stroller and would highly recommend it.
Storage
Strollers are available in a variety of sizes and designs that include tandems (single-file seating), side-by-side doubles, and many that allow you to customize the setup with the use of a bassinet or car seat attachment. Some come with rider boards for older siblings. They're not created equal. Some are light and easy to use, whereas others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold.
If you are seeking a stroller with a light weight that can fit two children, the Joovy Caboose Graphite is a great option. It was the lightest option in our tests, weighing close to 23 lbs and is also easy to fold, yet it still has all of the features parents require for a fun outing with two kids.
The Vista v2 Double from UPPAbaby is a second model that our testers loved particularly for its sleek design and user-friendly. It can accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler seat and a bassinet without the need for adapters. The rear seat can be removed to turn it into a triple or quad stroller. It comes with a large basket for storage, and can be upgraded with an organizer for parents as well as all-terrain tires, as as storage bags for the sides.
Billingsley says that the best double stroller for toddlers is one that has multiple customization options. This includes a seat or bassinet that can be removed. Toddlers are often weak in endurance, and a stroller that has an integrated bassinet can provide a safe place for them to nap. She suggests that a double stroller should also include a harness system that is reliable and recline positions, and plenty of storage room for toys and snacks.
The ZOE Twin+ is a popular choice for parents because of its light weight and versatility. It's gate-check-friendly for airlines, fits through most doors (without taking off the front wheels) and can be expanded into a triple or quad stroller with an added tandem seat. The nearly flat, independently reclined seats and the extra-long sun canopy that can be adjusted are among the other features. A large underseat basket as well as parent and child cup holders make up the impressive set of features. The one downside, according to Taylor the manufacturer, is that it doesn't have a the smallest profile when folded and can be difficult to stow.