How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
If you're in the market for a double stroller there are plenty of options. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert and mother, has helped us choose the right model for you.
Find a stroller that's reasonably easy to fold, push and carry. You should consider a stroller that can hold two infant car seat or a toddler that has a riderboard.
Safety
If you want to keep your children safe on your walks make sure you choose a double stroller with features like all-terrain tires as well as an electronic brake that can be operated by hand. These wheels and brakes assist you in navigating trails and sand without children slipping or rolling. The best double strollers come with plenty of storage space for gear and kids-sized items like snacks and toys.
The best double stroller for your family begins by understanding how old and distant in terms of age your children are. Most double strollers can only allow one child seat, but the ones do come with various configurations so that you can choose the seat that is most suitable for your children and your lifestyle.
Side-by-side doubles are an iconic choice, and they're perfect for children of similar ages that like to interact with each other. Certain models feature a double-decker style, allowing you to put one seat above the other or add a rider board to older siblings. Newborns can be placed in a bassinet that is attached to the frame, or in an attachment that allows you to play peek-a-boo with your baby. If you are expecting twins or already have twins then a twin stroller is the best choice.
For more adventurous families, look for a double stroller that is able to take on off-road terrains or even hike. A lot strollers were created with active parents and their children in mind. They come with features that will allow you to take them on any adventure no matter how rough or high the climbs might be.
The top double strollers come with intelligent features that aid in navigation in a difficult terrain or bad weather. This jogging stoller, for example, has a wrist loop, so you can ensure your child's safety when going downhill at a higher speed or in harsh weather conditions. It also has a canopy with full coverage that is ventilated to keep your children cool during the summer heat.
This model is a light and compact double stroller from Joovy. It weighs just 23 lbs, making it lighter than some single strollers. It's ideal for air travel or storage in trunks or overhead compartments. It also has a large storage basket and a simple one-step parking brake.
Seating
In contrast to the massive strollers of old the modern double strollers are sleek and support a variety of configurations that can be adapted to families. Some double strollers are designed to 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 various widths and weight limits to fit children from birth to kindergarten.
tandem double stroller will be simple to fold and maneuver, as well as allowing you to adjust the height of your handlebar to ensure you are at ease on all your excursions. A good handlebar is comfortable to grip and should encourage you to walk in a logical manner (ask for advice from other parents). It should come with a variety of storage options to fit all the necessities your children will need.
If your twins are of a similar age, a tandem stroller could be the best choice for your family. These models come with seats that are side-by-side, which means you can interact with them both while keeping an eye on each of them at the same. They also recline separately which means that one child can rest while the other is ready to go.
The disadvantage of a twin stroller is that it's wider than a single-occupant model and can make it difficult to maneuver around sidewalks, shop aisles and narrow doors. For certain families, however the benefits are well worth the extra effort and size.
If you're in the market for a compact double stroller the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double is a great option. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double is a great option for urban living due to its shock absorption capabilities, sleek design, and capacity to accommodate two infant car seats. It also comes with an optional running board that can be used by older children who are mobile.
Another option is a wagon-style double stroller, such as the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller. This model is bare-bones and offers lots of space for seating and storage, plus sturdy wheels that can handle any terrain. It also has an SPF canopy that is 50+ and a handlebar that can be adjusted. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and do not recline fully flat, which makes it difficult for children to reach their snack trays or relax.
Ease of Use
A double stroller is often an investment of a large amount and one you're hoping to use for years. When choosing a stroller, you want to ensure that it's easy to use and clean. Luckily, the top double strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as is possible and include a variety of useful features for parents.
To start, all the strollers we tested fold up easily and compactly (with one hand!). They are also light and perfect for travel. They can fit in most trunks and can be checked at the gate on planes. Most of our testers also discovered that their strollers could be folded down much smaller than their single-seat equivalents. Some even came with a carrying strap.
If you're in search of a multi-purpose double stroller that will adapt to your family's needs take a look at the Valco Snap Duo Trend. This side-by-side stroller can be used with infant car seats and other accessories. It can be used from birth up to the age of preschool. Each seat is equipped with a five-point harness and a large canopy that gives ample shade from the sun.
Another popular option is the Joovy Twin Roo. This stroller is lightweight and incredibly compact, measuring just 22 lbs and 26 inches in width when folded. The front seat reclines to almost the full flat position and the back seat comes with an adjustable recline that can be adjusted for each child. The stroller is simple to use and maneuver thanks to its large storage basket, simple one-step parking brake and large storage basket.
The only downsides of the Joovy Twin Roo were minor and specific to this particular model. Kerry states that the packaging was fun and innovative, but it was also packaged in five boxes which can be a hassle to lug around. She also found the Genuis magnetic clasp a bit clunky, and it took her a while before she could get it to work. However, in the end, she was very happy with the stroller and would definitely recommend it.
Storage
Strollers are available in various sizes and designs, including tandems (single-file seating), side-by-side doubles, and many that allow you to customize the setup with an automobile seat or bassinet attachment. Some have even added rider boards for older siblings. However, not all of them are created equal -- some are elegant and simple to use, while others are heavy, bulky and difficult to fold or store.
If you are looking for a stroller that is light that can accommodate two children, the Joovy Caboose Graphite is a great choice. It was the lightest stroller in our tests, with a weight of less than 23 pounds. It folds easily and comes with all the features parents would want to enjoy a day out with two kids.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double is another model that our testers loved, especially for its sleek design and user-friendly. It can accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler's bassinet as well as a seat without the need for adapters, and its rear seat can be removed to make it into a quad or triple stroller. It comes with a large basket for storage and can be upgraded by adding an organizer for parents and all-terrain tires, as well as storage bags for the sides.
Billingsley states that the best double stroller to use for a toddler is one that offers various options for customization. This includes a bassinet or seat that can be removed. This is due to toddlers having limited endurance, and the stroller with an attachment for a bassinet will give them a safe place to take a nap. She says that a double stroller should also have a great recline position and harness system and plenty of storage space for toys and snacks.
The ZOE Twin+ is a popular choice for parents due to its light weight and the versatility. It is gate-check-friendly for airlines and fits through the majority of doorways (without taking off the wheels on the front) and can be expanded to a triple or quad stroller by adding an add-on tandem. Its near-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 kid cup holders complete the impressive list of features. The one drawback, according to Taylor, is that it doesn't have an elongated profile when folded, and could be difficult to stow.