How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
There are a lot of options when it comes to double strollers. To help you select the right one for your family, we talked to experts in child development as well as mom Katie Billingsley.
Choose a stroller fairly easy to push, fold and carry. Also, consider a stroller that's versatile enough to accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler along with an adult rider board.
Safety
If you want to keep your children safe on your walks, look for double strollers that have features like all-terrain tires and a brake operated by hand. These brakes and wheels help you navigate trails and sand without children slipping or rolling. The best double strollers offer plenty of storage space for gear as well as essentials for kids, such as snacks and toys.
The first step in selecting the best double stroller is to figure out the age of your children and how far apart they are. Many double strollers only accommodate one child seat, however, those are available in a variety of configurations so you can select the seat that best fits your kids and your lifestyle.
The classic doubles are great for children of similar ages that are keen to interact. Some models have a double-decker design, which allows you to put one seat higher than the other or attach a rider board for older siblings. Babies can be placed in an infant bassinet that is attached to the frame, or as a standalone attachment that offers the chance to peek at your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a specially designed twin stroller is the best option 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 allow you to take them on any adventure no regardless of how challenging or difficult the climbs might be.
In addition to all-terrain tires, the best double strollers have clever features that make traversing tough terrain and weather easier. For example, this jogging stroller includes a wrist loop for your child so you'll be able to ensure that they're safe while running downhill or at faster speeds. It also comes with an all-over canopy that's ventilated to keep your children cool in the summer heat.
This model is a compact and compact double stroller from Joovy. It weighs less than 23 lbs. It's perfect for air travel and storage in trunks or overhead compartments. It also has a large storage basket and an easy-to-use one-step parking brake.
Seating
In contrast to the massive strollers of old, today's double strollers are sleek and offer an array of configurations that can be adapted to families. Some work as traditional side-by-side strollers, while others -- like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double Stroller--work as a base for car seats, toddler seats, or bassinets can be plugged into. They are available in a range of sizes and weights to accommodate children from newborns to kindergarten.
A quality double stroller should be a breeze to move and fold, as well as permitting you to alter the handlebar's height to make sure you're comfortable throughout your outings. A well-designed handlebar is easy to hold and will encourage you to walk in a safe manner (ask for tips from other parents). It should also provide a variety of storage options that accommodate everything you need for your kids.
If your twins have a similar age and are in the same age group, a tandem stroller might be the ideal option for your family. The seats of these models are positioned in a row, allowing you to engage with both of them and keep an eye on both of them at the same time. double tandem pushchair can also recline independently, so one child can nap and the other is ready to go.
The downside to twin strollers is that it's wider than a single-occupant model which makes it difficult to maneuver around sidewalks, shop aisles and narrow doors. For certain families, the advantages are worth the extra size and effort.
If you're looking for a compact double stroller, the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double is a great choice. The UPPAbaby Vista Double is a great choice for urban living due to its shock absorption, 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.
A wagon-style double stroller like the Delta Children LX Stroller Side-by-Side is another alternative. This model is bare-bones and offers a lot of seating space and storage space, along with robust wheels that can handle any terrain. It also comes with an umbrella with 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. However, some parents feel that the seats are too low and they don't recline completely to a flat position, which makes it difficult for smaller children to sit comfortably or reach their snack trays.
Simple to Use
Double strollers are often a large investment that you will be using for a long time. When shopping for one you need to ensure that it is easy to use and clean. The top double strollers have been developed to be easy-to-use and come with many convenient features.
All the strollers we tested can be folded quickly and compactly in one hand. They're also lightweight, making them ideal for travel. A lot of them can be checked for gate entry on airplanes and fit in the majority of trunks. Furthermore, the majority our testers reported that their strollers folded to smaller sizes than their single-seat counterparts, and some even came with an adjustable carry strap for easy carrying.
If you're looking for a versatile double stroller that will grow with your family, look no further than the Valco Snap Duo Trend. This side-byside stroller works with infant car seats and other accessories. It can be used from birth up to preschool age. Each seat comes with a 5-point harness and a large canopy that provides ample shade from the sun.
Another popular option is the Joovy Twin Roo. This stroller is lightweight and extremely compact, measuring just 22 pounds and 26 inches wide when folded. The front seat reclines almost to a flat stance, and the back seat can be adjusted to fit every child. This stroller is easy to maneuver and use thanks to its large storage basket, simple one-step parking brake and large storage basket.
The only downsides to the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to the model. Kerry says that the packaging is innovative and fun, however it comes in five boxes, which can be a little cumbersome to carry around. She also found that the Genuis magnetic buckle was a little clunky and took some time to master. In the end, however she was very pleased with her stroller and would definitely recommend it.
Stores
Strollers are available in a variety of sizes and styles that include tandems (single-file seating) and side-by-side doubles and many that allow you to customize the configuration using an automobile seat or bassinet attachment. Some come with rider boards which can be added for older children. However, they're not all created equal. Some are sleek and easy to use, while others are heavy, bulky and difficult to fold or stow.
If you're looking to purchase a light double stroller, check out the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest option during our tests. It weighs close to 23 pounds. It is also simple to fold, but it still has all of the features parents need to enjoy a great time with two kids.
The Vista v2 Double from UPPAbaby is a second model that our test subjects loved especially for its sleek design and ease of use. It can accommodate two infant car seats, a toddler seat and a bassinet. There are no adapters needed. The rear seat can also be removed to create a quad or triple stroller. It has 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 for a two-year-old is one that supports multiple customization options, like an adjustable seat or bassinet. This is because toddlers typically have little endurance, so a stroller with the bassinet attachment can provide them with a safe space to nap. She suggests that a double stroller should also have a comfortable harness and recline position and plenty of storage space for snacks and toys.
The ZOE Twin+ is popular among parents due to its light weight and versatility. It is gate-check-friendly for airlines and fits through the majority of doorways (without removing the wheels on the front), and can be made into a quad or triple stroller by adding an extra tandem. Its nearly flat, independently reclined seats, extra-long sun canopies and adjustable footrests are additional highlights, while its spacious underseat storage basket as well as the inclusion of parent and kid cup holders complete the impressive set of features. The one downside, according to Taylor the manufacturer, is that it doesn't have a a small profile when folded, and could be difficult to carry.