How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
There are many options available when it comes to double strollers. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert and mother, has helped us choose the right model for you.
You should choose a stroller that is easy to fold and push, as well as carry. Consider a model that is able to accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler as well as a rider board.
Safety
If you want to ensure your children are secure on your walks, look for double strollers that have features like all-terrain tires as well as an electronic brake that can be operated by hand. These brakes and wheels will allow you to navigate trails and sand without children slipping or rolling. The best double strollers also have plenty of storage space for gear and kids-sized items like snacks and toys.
The first step in selecting the right double stroller is to determine how old your children are and how far apart they are. Many double strollers can only accommodate one child seat. However, some do have a variety configurations that let you pick the seating that is best for your family.
Side-byside doubles are a popular option, and are great for kids of similar ages who like to be social with one another. Some models have a double-decker style, allowing the user to place one seat higher than the other or attach a rider board for older siblings. Newborns can be snuggled into a bassinet attached to the frame or in an individual attachment that offers the chance to peek at your baby. If sit and stand double stroller have twins or are expecting twins, a twin stroller is the best way to go.
Find a double-wheeled stroller that can handle off-road terrain and even hiking. A majority of these strollers are designed with active parents in mind and come with features that let you take your kids to any adventure, no matter how rough the road or how high the climbs might be.
The best double strollers come with thoughtful features to aid in navigation through difficult terrain and in bad weather. For example this jogging stroller comes with a wrist loop for your child, so you can be sure they're secure when running downhill or at faster speeds. It also comes with a canopy with full coverage that is ventilated to keep your children cool during the summer heat.
This model is a lightweight and compact double stroller from Joovy. It weighs less than 23 lbs., making it ideal for air travel and storage in trunks or overhead compartments. It also comes with a huge storage basket as well as an easy-to-use one-step parking brake.
Seating
Double strollers today are sleeker and can be configured in many ways to suit your family. Some double strollers can be used as side-by-side models while others, such as the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Dual Stroller, can be used as a base for car seats, toddler seats, and bassinets. They are available in a variety of widths and weight limits to accommodate children from birth through kindergarten.
A good double stroller should be simple to fold and maneuver, as well as allowing you to adjust your handlebar height to ensure you are comfortable throughout your excursions. A good handlebar should be comfortable to hold and should invite you to walk in a proper form (ask other parents for advice on this). It should also provide various storage options that accommodate all the essentials you'll need for your kids.
If your twins are close in age, you could find a tandem stroller works best for your family. The seats of these models are placed together, allowing you to engage with both of them and keep an eye on both of them at the same time. They also recline independently, so that one child can sleep while the other is awake and ready to go.
The drawback of a twin stroller can be that it is wider than a stroller designed for a single person. This makes it difficult to navigate narrow aisles in store aisles, doors, or walkways. For some families the benefits are well worth the extra effort and size.
If you are looking for a compact double-stroller, then the UPPAbaby V2 Double is an excellent option. The UPPAbaby Vista Double is a great option for city dwellers due to its shock absorption capabilities, sleek design, and capacity to accommodate two infant car seats. It also has an optional running board that can be used by older children who are mobile.
Another alternative is a wagon-style double stroller, like the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller. This basic model comes with lots of space for seating and storage, as well as heavy-duty wheels that manage any terrain. It also features a canopy with a 50+ SPF and a handlebar that can be adjusted. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and cannot recline fully flat, making it difficult for little children to reach their food trays or relax.
Easy of Use
Double strollers are often an investment of a significant amount that you will be using for a long time. When shopping for one you must ensure that it is easy to operate and clean. Luckily, the most effective double strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as possible and come with plenty of useful features for parents.
For starters, all of the strollers we tested fold up easily and compactly (with only one hand!). They are light and are ideal for traveling. A lot of them fit into the majority of trunks and can be checked for gate-checking on planes. Most of our testers also discovered that their strollers could fold down smaller than their single-seat equivalents. Some even had a carrying strap.
If you're in search of a multi-purpose double stroller that can adapt to your family's needs take a look at the Valco Snap Duo Trend. This side-byside stroller works with infant car seats and other accessories. It can be used from birth until the age of preschool. Each seat features a 5-point harness, a large canopy and ample sun protection.
The Joovy Twin Roo is another option that's highly praised. The stroller is light and compact, weighing only 22 lbs when folded. The front seat reclines almost to a flat stance, and the back seat can be adjusted to fit each child. The stroller is simple to operate and maneuver due to its large storage basket, easy one-step parking brake, and large storage basket.
The only negatives of the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to the model. Kerry says that the packaging was fun and innovative, but it came in five boxes that can be a hassle to lug around. She also felt that Genuis's magnetic buckle was a little clunky and took some time to master. She was pleased with the stroller, however, and would recommend it.
Storage
Strollers are available in a variety of sizes and styles, including tandems (single-file seating) as well as side-by-side doubles and some that let you customize the setup with an automobile seat or bassinet attachment. Some have rider boards that can be added to accommodate older siblings. However, not all of them are created equal. Some are sleek and easy to use, whereas others are heavy, bulky and difficult to fold or store.
If you're looking for a light double stroller, check out the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest stroller in our tests, with a weight of less than 23 pounds. It folds easily and has all the features parents need to enjoy a day out with two kids.
The Vista v2 double by UPPAbaby is another model that our test subjects loved. They especially liked its sleek design and easy-to-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 create a triple or quad stroller. It comes with a large storage basket and 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 to use for toddlers is one with numerous options for customization. This includes a seat or a bassinet that can be removed. Toddlers are typically weak in endurance, and a stroller that has a bassinet attached will give them a safe space for them to rest. A double stroller should come with a sturdy harness system and recline positions, and plenty of storage space for snacks and toys.
The ZOE Twin+ is a popular choice among parents because of its light weight and flexibility. It is gate-check-friendly for airlines it can be accessed through all doors (without removing the wheels on the front) and can be expanded into a quad or triple stroller by adding an additional tandem. The nearly flat, independently reclined seats and extra-long, adjustable sun canopies are among the other features. A large underseat storage basket and the inclusion of cup holders for the child and parent complete this impressive feature set. The only downside according to Taylor the manufacturer, is that it lacks a an elongated profile when folded, and could be difficult to stow.