How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
There are a lot of options in the field of double strollers. To help you select the right one for your family, we spoke with child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley.
Choose a stroller fairly easy to push, fold and carry. Consider a model 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 while walking opt for a double stroller that has features like all-terrain tires as well as a brake operated by hand. These wheels and brakes allow you to navigate trails and gravel without your children slipping or rolling. The best double strollers also come with plenty of storage space for gear and essentials for kids, such as snacks and toys.
Selecting the best double stroller for your family starts with understanding how old and distant in terms of age your children are. A majority of double strollers can only accommodate one child seat. However, some do have a variety configurations that allow you to pick the seating that is ideal for your family.
Side-byside doubles are a popular option, and are great for children of similar ages that like to interact with each other. Certain models feature a double-decker style, allowing you to put one of the seats above the other or add a rider board for older siblings. Newborns can either be snuggled in a bassinet that is attached to the frame or in an attachment that allows you to peek-a-boo at your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a specially designed twin stroller is the best way to go.
Look for a double-wheeled stroller that is capable of handling off-road terrain as well as hiking. A lot of these strollers were designed with active parents in mind and include features that let you take your children on any adventure, no matter how rough the road or how steep the climbs may be.
In addition to all-terrain tires the top double strollers feature clever features that make traversing difficult terrain and weather more enjoyable. For example this stroller for jogging has a wrist loop for your child so you'll be able to ensure they're secure when running downhill or at speeds that are higher. It also has a full-coverage canopy with ventilation to ensure your children stay cool during the summer heat.
This model is a lightweight and compact double stroller from Joovy. It weighs in at just over 23 pounds, which makes it lighter than other single strollers and perfect for air travel or storage in trunks or overhead compartments. Plus, it has an enormous storage basket as well as a parking brake that is linked in one step that's easy to use.
Seating
Unlike the behemoth strollers of the past these double strollers are sleek and can accommodate an array of configurations that can be adapted to 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 that car seats, toddler seats or bassinets click into. They are available in a range of widths and weights to accommodate children from newborns through kindergarten.
A quality double stroller should be easy to fold and move and will allow you to adjust the height of your handlebar to ensure that you feel comfortable throughout your excursions. A good handlebar should be easy to hold and should invite you to walk in a proper posture (ask other parents for tips on this). It should also have various storage options that will accommodate everything you need for your kids.
If your twins are of a similar age, a tandem stroller may be the best choice 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 separately so that one child can rest while the other is ready to go.
The disadvantage of a twin stroller may be that it is wider than one designed for a single person. This can make it more difficult to navigate narrow doorways, store aisles or even the sidewalks. For lightweight double buggy pushchairsandpramsuk , however the benefits are worth the extra effort and size.
If you're looking for a small double-stroller, then the UPPAbaby V2 Double is a great option. Its shock absorption, streamlined design and the capacity to accommodate two infant car seats--plus an optional running board for mobile older children make it a perfect option for city-living.
A wagon-style double stroller, such as the Delta Children LX Stroller Side-by-Side is another alternative. This bare-bones model offers a lot of seating space and storage, plus sturdy wheels that can handle any terrain. It also has an umbrella with 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and do not recline completely flat, making it difficult for little children to reach their snacks or relax.
Simple to use
Double strollers are often a large investment 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 possible and come with a wide array of convenient features for parents.
For starters, all the strollers we tested folded easily and compactly (with one hand!). They're also lightweight, making them ideal for traveling. Many of them can be checked for gate entry on airplanes and fit in most trunks. Our testers found that their strollers could be folded down smaller than the single seat equivalents. Some even had a carry strap.
If you're looking for a versatile double stroller that can 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 has five-point harnesses with a large canopy, as well as plenty of sun protection.
Another option that is highly regarded is the Joovy Twin Roo. The stroller is light compact and weighs only 22 pounds when folded. The front seat reclines almost to a flat stance, and the back seat can be adjusted for every child. There's a huge storage basket and an easy, one-step linked parking brake which makes this stroller easy to maneuver and use.
The only negatives of the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to that model. Kerry says that the packaging is smart and fun, but it comes in five boxes which can be a bit heavy to carry around. She also found that the Genuis magnetic buckle was awkward and took a while to master. She was happy with the stroller in the end and would highly recommend it.
Stores
Strollers are available in a variety of sizes and designs, including tandems (single-file seating), side-by-side doubles, and some that let you customize the setup with a car seat or bassinet attachment. Some even have add-on rider boards for older siblings. However, not all of them are created equal -- some are sleek and easy to use, while others are heavy, bulky and difficult to fold and store.
If you're looking for a lightweight double stroller, take a look at the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest option during our tests. It weighs around 23 pounds and is also easy to fold, yet it still has all of the features parents require 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 fit two infant car seats or a toddler bassinet as well as a seat without the need for adapters, and its rear seat can be removed to make it into a triple or quad stroller. It comes with a large storage basket and can be upgraded to include a parent organizer, all-terrain wheels, and side storage bags.
Billingsley says the ideal double stroller for a two-year-old is one that offers various options for customization, such as an adjustable seat or bassinet. This is due to toddlers having limitations in endurance, and a stroller with a bassinet attachment will provide them with a safe space to nap. She says a double stroller must also have a good harness system and recline positions, and plenty of storage space for toys and snacks.
The ZOE Twin+ is a popular choice among parents due to its light weight and flexibility. It's easy to check at airport gates and fits through most doors (without taking off the front wheels) and expands into a quad or triple stroller that has an additional tandem seat. Its nearly flat, independently reclined seats, extra-long sun canopies and adjustable footrests are further highlights, while its spacious underseat storage basket as well as the inclusion of parent and child cup holders round out the impressive set of features. The one drawback according to Taylor the manufacturer, is that it doesn't have a small footprint when folded and can be difficult to store.