How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
If you're looking for a double stroller, there are a lot of options. To help you choose the right one for your family, we talked to experts in child development as well as mom Katie Billingsley.
You should look for a stroller which is easy to fold and push, as well as carry. And consider a model that's versatile enough to accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler and a rider board.
Safety
Find a double-stroller that includes all-terrain wheels as well as a brake that can be operated by hand if want to ensure your children are safe while walking. These brakes and wheels allow you to navigate trails and sand without children falling or rolling. The best double strollers have ample storage space to store equipment and essentials for kids like snacks and toys.
Selecting the best double stroller for your family begins by determining how old and distant in age your kids are. Most double strollers can only allow one child seat, however, those that do come in various configurations so that you can select the seating option that best suits your kids and your lifestyle.
The classic doubles are perfect for children of similar ages that want to play. Some double-decker designs allow you to place one seat above the other, or attach an additional riderboard for older siblings. Babies can be placed in an infant bassinet that is attached to the frame or as a standalone attachment that allows you to have a peek-a-boo view of your baby. If double buggy with car seat have twins or are expecting twins, a 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. A lot of these strollers were designed 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 are.
The best double strollers come with thoughtful features to make it easier to navigate in a difficult terrain or bad weather. This jogging stroller, for instance, features a wrist loop, so you can ensure your child's safety while running downhill at higher speeds or in adverse weather conditions. It also has an all-over canopy that's ventilated to keep your children cool during the summer heat.
If you're looking to purchase a light compact double stroller take a look at this model by Joovy. It weighs less than 23lbs. It's perfect for air travel and storage in overhead compartments or trunks. It also comes with a large storage basket and an easy-to-use one-step parking brake.
Seating
In contrast to the massive strollers of the past the modern double strollers are sleek and support various designs to accommodate families. Some double strollers can be used as side-byside models, and others, like 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 range of sizes and weights to accommodate children from newborns through kindergarten.
A good double stroller will be easy to fold and maneuver and allows you to adjust your handlebar height to ensure that you feel comfortable throughout your excursions. A well-designed handlebar is one that is easy to hold and should invite you to walk in a proper form (ask other parents for tips on this). It should also offer a variety of storage options that accommodate all the necessities you'll require for your kids.
If your twins are similar age, a tandem stroller could be the best option for your family. These strollers have 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 independently, so one child can rest while the other is ready to go.
The downside of a twin stroller may be that it is wider than a model for a single-occupant. This makes it difficult to navigate narrow doorways, store aisles, or sidewalks. For certain families, the benefits are worth the extra size and effort.
If you're looking for a small double-stroller, then the UPPAbaby V2 Double is an excellent option. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double is an excellent choice for city living thanks to its shock absorption, 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.
A wagon-style double stroller like the Delta Children LX Stroller Side-by-Side is another option. The model is basic, but it offers plenty of storage and seating space. It also has heavy-duty wheels to tackle any terrain. It also has a canopy with 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and don't recline fully flat, which makes it hard for small children to reach their snacks or to relax.
Simple to Use
Double strollers are typically an investment of a significant amount that you will be using for a long time. If you are looking for a double stroller, be sure that it is easy to use and clean. The best double strollers are designed to be easy-to-use and come with many convenient features.
For starters, all the strollers we tested fold up easily and compactly (with just one hand!). They're also lightweight, making them ideal for traveling. They can fit in the majority of trunks and are checked for gate-checking on planes. In addition, the majority of our testers reported that their strollers folded down to smaller dimensions than the single seat models, and some even included a carry strap for convenient carrying.
The Valco Snap Duo trend is a double stroller that has many options that can grow with your family. This side-by-side stroller can be used with infant car seats, a bassinet and other accessories, meaning you can use it from birth to the age of preschool. Each seat is equipped with a five-point harness and an enormous canopy that offers ample protection from the sun.
The Joovy Twin Roo is another option that is highly praised. The stroller is light and compact, weighing only weighs 22 pounds when folded. The front seat reclines to nearly an entire flat position, and the back seat has an adjustable recline for every child. There's a large storage basket and a simple, one-step linked parking brake that makes this stroller extremely user-friendly and easy to maneuver.
The only drawbacks of the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to the model. Kerry says that the packaging is smart and enjoyable, however, it comes in five boxes, which can be a little cumbersome to carry around. She also found the Genuis magnetic clasp to be a bit clunky and it took her a while before she could master it. In the end, though she was extremely pleased with her stroller and would definitely recommend it.
Stores
Strollers are available in various sizes and designs that include tandems (single-file seating) and side-by-side doubles and many that allow you to customize the configuration using the use of a bassinet or car seat attachment. Some even have add-on rider boards designed for older kids. However, they're not all created equal -- some are elegant and simple to use, while others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold or store.
If you're seeking a stroller with a light weight that can accommodate two children The Joovy Caboose Graphite is a great option. It was the lightest option during our tests. It weighs close to 23 lbs and is also easy to fold, yet it has all the features parents need to have a great time out with two kids.
UPPAbaby's Vista v2 double is another model that our test subjects loved. They particularly liked its sleek design and ease-of-use. It can fit two infant car seats, or a toddler's bassinet as well as a seat without adapters. The rear seat can be removed to make it into a triple or quad stroller. It comes with a huge basket for storage, and it can be upgraded by adding a parent organizer and all-terrain tires, as well as side storage bags.
Billingsley says that the ideal double stroller for toddlers is one that has different options for customization, including a removable seat or bassinet. This is because toddlers typically have little endurance, so having a stroller that has a bassinet attachment will provide them with a safe spot to nap. She suggests that a double stroller must also come with a sturdy harness system and recline positions, and plenty of storage room for toys and snacks.
The ZOE Twin+ is popular among parents due to its lightweight and versatility. It's gate-check-friendly for airlines, fits through most doors (without taking off the front wheels) and expands into a triple or quad stroller with an added tandem seat. The near-flat, independently reclining seats and the extra-long, adjustable sun canopies are among the other features. A large underseat storage basket as well as cup holders for the child and parent complete the impressive features. One disadvantage, according to Taylor, is that it doesn't have an elongated profile when folded and can be difficult to stow.