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, was able to help us select the best one for you.
You should look for a stroller that is simple to fold, push and carry. And consider a model 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 while walking make sure you choose 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 slipping or rolling. The best double strollers offer plenty of storage space for gear and kid-sized necessities like snacks and toys.
The best double stroller for your family begins by determining how old and distant in age. Many double strollers can only accommodate one child seat. However, the ones that do come with a variety of configurations that let you select the seating option that's best for your family.
The classic doubles are ideal for children of similar ages that are keen to interact. Some models have a double-decker design, which allows you to put one of the seats above the other or add a rider board for older siblings. Babies can be placed in a bassinet attached to the frame or in an individual attachment that gives you a peek-a-boo view of your baby. If you are expecting twins or already have twins, then a twin stroller is the best choice.
Look for a double-wheeled stroller that can handle off-road terrain as well as hiking. Many strollers were created with active parents and their children in mind. They have features that let you take them on any adventure no matter how rough or high the climbs are.
The top double strollers come with intelligent features that help you navigate in a difficult terrain or bad weather. For example, this jogging stroller includes 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 has a full-coverage canopy with ventilation to ensure your children stay comfortable in the summer heat.
If you're looking for a lightweight compact double stroller look at this model from Joovy. It weighs less than 23lbs. This makes it perfect for air travel and storage in trunks or overhead compartments. It also has a large storage basket and a simple one-step parking brake.
Seating
Double strollers are now sleeker and can be configured in various ways to meet the needs of your family. Some work as traditional side-by-side strollers while others - like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double Stroller--function as a base for car seats, toddler seats, or bassinets snap into. They are available in a range of sizes and weights to accommodate children from newborns up to kindergarten.
A quality double stroller should be easy to fold and move, as well as allowing you to adjust your handlebar height to ensure that you feel at ease on all your outings. A well-designed handlebar is one that is easy to hold, and it should encourage you to walk with proper posture (ask other parents for tips on this). It should also provide various storage options that will accommodate all the essentials you'll need for your kids.
If your twins have a similar age, a tandem stroller may be the best option for your family. These models come with seats that are side-by-side so you can talk to them both while keeping an eye on each of them at the same time. They also recline independently, so one child can rest while the other is ready to go.
The downside of a twin stroller can be that it is larger than a model for a single-occupant. This can make it more difficult to navigate narrow aisles for stores, doors or even the sidewalks. For certain families, however the benefits are well worth the extra effort and size.
If you're looking for an ultra-compact double stroller, the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double is a fantastic choice. 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 option for urban living.
Another alternative is a wagon-style double stroller, such as the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller. This model is bare-bones and offers plenty of seating space and storage, as well as robust wheels that can handle any terrain. It also has a canopy with a 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and do not recline fully flat, making it difficult for little children to reach their food trays or to relax.
Easy of Use
A double stroller can be an investment of a large amount and one you're likely to use for a long time. If you are looking for a double stroller, make sure it is easy to use and clean. Luckily, the top double strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as they can and come with a wide array of features that are convenient for parents.
For starters, all the strollers we tested folded easily and compactly (with only one hand!). They're also light, making them ideal for traveling. A lot of them fit into the majority of trunks and can be gate-checked on airplanes. Our testers found that their strollers can be folded down much smaller than the single seat equivalents. Some even came with a carrying strap.
The Valco Snap Duo trend is a double stroller with a lot of versatility that will grow with your family. This side-byside stroller is compatible with infant car seats as well as other accessories. It can be used from birth to the age of preschool. Each seat has a 5-point harness and a large canopy that gives ample shade from the sun.
strollers double strollers is another option that is highly regarded. This stroller is lightweight compact and weighs only 22 lbs when folded. The front seat reclines to a flat position, and the back seat can be adjusted to suit every child. This stroller is easy to maneuver and use thanks to its large storage basket, easy parking brake that is one step and a large storage basket.
The only drawbacks to the Joovy Twin Roo were minor and specific to this particular model. Kerry notes that the packaging was enjoyable and clever, but that it came in five boxes which can be trouble to carry around. She also found the Genuis magnetic clasp somewhat difficult to use, and it took a while before she could get it to work. In the end, however she was very pleased with this stroller and would highly recommend it.
Storage
Strollers are available in various sizes and designs that include tandems (single-file seating) as well as side-by-side doubles and some that let you customize the configuration using the use of a bassinet or car seat attachment. Some even have add-on rider boards for older siblings. But, they're not all made equal. Some are sleek and easy to use, while others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold or stow.
If you're looking for a light double stroller, look into the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest option in our tests at around 23 pounds and is also easy to fold, yet it still has all of the features parents need to enjoy a great time with two children.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double is a different model that our testers adored, especially for its sleek design and user-friendly. It can accommodate two infant car seats, a toddler's seat and a bassinet, with no adapters required. The rear seat can be removed to create 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 to use for toddlers is one that has various options for customization. This includes a seat or bassinet that can be removed. Toddlers are often restricted in their endurance, so strollers with an integrated bassinet can provide a safe place for them to sleep. The expert says that a double stroller should also have a great harness and recline position, as well as ample storage space for snacks and toys.
The ZOE Twin+ is popular with parents due to 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 that has an additional tandem seat. Its nearly-flat, independently reclining seats, sun canopy with extra-long lengths and footrests that can be adjusted are other highlights, while its spacious underseat storage basket and inclusion of parent and child cup holders round out the impressive set of features. One downside, according to Taylor the manufacturer, is that it doesn't have a a small profile when folded and can be difficult to carry.