How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
There are a lot of options in the field of double strollers. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert and mother, was able to help us choose the right model for you.
You should look for a stroller that is easy to fold and push, as well as carry. And consider a model that can accommodate two car seats for infants or a toddler as well as a rider board.
Safety
If you want to keep your children secure on your walks, look for a double stroller with features like all-terrain tires as well as a hand-operated brake. These wheels and brakes assist you in navigating trails and sand without children slipping or rolling. The best double strollers offer ample storage space to store gear and kid-sized essentials like snacks and toys.
The first step to choosing the best double stroller is to figure out how old your children are and how far apart they are. Most double strollers can only can accommodate one child's seat, however, those do come with different configurations, so you can pick the seat that is most suitable for your children and your lifestyle.
Side-byside doubles are a popular option, and are great for children of similar ages that like to interact with each other. Some options have a more double-decker design, which allows the user to place one seat above the other or attach an extra rider board for older siblings. Babies can be sat in a bassinet that is attached to the frame or with an attachment that allows you to look at your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a twin stroller is the way to go.
For more adventurous families, look for a double stroller that is able to handle off-road terrain or even hiking. A lot of these strollers were developed 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 challenging or difficult the climbs may be.
The top double strollers have intelligent features that aid in navigation in a difficult terrain or bad weather. For example this jogging stroller comes with a wrist loop for your child so you can be sure that they're safe when you run downhill or at higher speeds. It also comes with a canopy that covers the entire area and has ventilation to ensure your children stay cool in the summer heat.
This model is a compact 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 and overhead compartments. Plus, it has a large storage basket and an integrated parking brake that is simple to use.
Seating
In contrast to the massive strollers of the past, today's double strollers are sleek and can accommodate a variety of configurations to fit families. Some of them function as traditional side-byside strollers while others - like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double Stroller - function as a base for car seats, toddler seats, or bassinets can be plugged into. They are available in a range of widths and weights that can accommodate children from newborns to kindergarten.
A quality double stroller should be easy to maneuver and fold, while also permitting you to adjust the handlebar height so you're comfortable throughout your outings. A well-designed handlebar is easy to hold and should inspire you to walk in a safe manner (ask for tips from other parents). It should also provide various storage options that can accommodate all the necessities you'll require for your children.
If your twins are similar in age, you could find a tandem stroller works best for your family. These models have seats that are side-by-side, so you can interact with them each other and keep an eye on both of them at the same. They can also recline separately so that one child can nap while the other is awake and ready to go.
The disadvantage of a twin stroller can be that it is larger than one designed for a single-occupant. This makes it more difficult to navigate narrow aisles in store aisles, doors, or the sidewalks. For certain families, the advantages are worth the extra size and effort.
If you're in the market for an ultra-compact double stroller, the UPPAbaby Vista Double is a great option. Its shock absorption, streamlined design and capacity for two infant car seats, plus an optional running board for mobile 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 option. This bare-bones model offers lots of space for seating and storage, plus sturdy wheels that can handle any terrain. It also comes with a 50+ SPF canopy and adjustable handlebars. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and do not recline completely flat, making it difficult for children to reach their snacks or relax.
Ease of Use
Double strollers are often an investment of a significant amount that you will use for many years. If you are looking for a double stroller, make sure it is easy to use and clean. Luckily, the most effective double strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as is possible and come with a wide array of features that are convenient for parents.
For starters, all of the strollers we tested fold up easily and compactly (with just one hand!). They're also lightweight, making them ideal for travel. A majority of them are gate checked on airplanes and fit into most trunks. Additionally, the majority of our testers found that their strollers folded to smaller dimensions than their single-seat counterparts, and some even came with the option of carrying a strap for carrying.
If you're in search of a multi-purpose double stroller that will grow with your family, look no further than the Valco Snap Duo Trend. This side-byside stroller is compatible with infant car seats as well as other accessories. It can be used from birth up to the age of preschool. Each seat features five-point harnesses, a large canopy and plenty of sun protection.
The Joovy Twin Roo is another option that's highly praised. The stroller is light and extremely compact, measuring just 22 pounds and 26 inches wide when folded. The front seat reclines to a flat position and the back seat can be adjusted to suit every child. There's a huge storage basket and an easy, one-step connected parking brake that makes this stroller user-friendly and easy to maneuver.
The only downsides to the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to this model. Kerry says that the packaging is clever and fun, however it comes in five boxes which could be a bit cumbersome to carry around. She also felt that Genuis's magnetic buckle was awkward and took a while to master. She was satisfied with the stroller at the end and would highly recommend it.
Stores
Strollers come with a variety of sizes and shapes, from tandems with side-by-side doubles to tandem (single-file seating) designs, and many allow you to modify your stroller with a bassinet, or car seat attachment. Some have rider boards that can be added to accommodate older siblings. They're not created equal. Some are light and easy to use, while others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold.
If cheap double pushchair looking to purchase a light double stroller, take a look at the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest choice in our tests at around 23 pounds and is also easy to fold, but it still has all of the features parents require to have a great time out with two children.
The Vista v2 double by UPPAbaby is another model that our testers loved. They especially liked its sleek design and easy-to-use. It can accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler's bassinet and seat without the need for adapters. Its rear seat can be removed to make it into a quad or triple stroller. It comes with a large basket for storage, and it can be upgraded by adding an organizer for parents as well as all-terrain tires, as well as side storage bags.
Billingsley states that the best double stroller to use for toddlers is one with various options for customization. This includes a seat or bassinet that can be removed. This is due to toddlers having little endurance, so having a stroller that has a bassinet attachment will give them a safe place to take a nap. A double stroller must also come with a sturdy harness system and recline positions, as well as plenty of storage space for toys and snacks.
The ZOE Twin+ is popular with parents due to its lightweight and flexibility. It's gate-check-friendly for airlines it can be accessed through all doors (without taking off the front wheels) and can be expanded into a quad or triple stroller with an added tandem seat. The nearly flat, independently reclined seats and extra-long sun canopy that can be adjusted are among the other features. A spacious underseat basket as well as cup holders for both parents and children complete the impressive set of features. The one disadvantage according to Taylor, is that it lacks a the smallest profile when folded and can be difficult to stow.