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 talked to child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley.
You should choose a stroller that is easy to fold and push to carry. And consider a model that is able to accommodate two car seats for infants or a toddler as well as a rider board.
Safety
Find a double-stroller that has all-terrain wheels and a brake that can be operated by hand if want to keep your kids safe while walking. These wheels and brakes assist you in navigating trails as well as sidewalks, gravel, and other paths without your kids slipping or rolling away. The best double strollers have plenty of storage space for items for your kids, including snacks and toys.
Selecting the best double stroller for your family begins by determining the age and distance in age. 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 best for your family.
Side-by-side doubles are a classic option, and are great for kids of similar ages that like to be social with one another. Some double-decker designs allow the user to place one seat over the other, or attach an additional riderboard for older siblings. Newborns can be placed in a bassinet that is attached to the frame or in 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 families that are more adventurous, look for a double stroller that can handle off-road terrain, or even hiking. A majority of these strollers have been designed with active parents in mind and come with features that let you take your kids to any adventure, regardless of how rough the terrain or how steep the climb could be.
The best double strollers have thoughtful features to aid in navigation through difficult terrain and in bad weather. For instance, this jogging stroller includes a wrist loop for your child so you're sure they're secure when running downhill or at higher speeds. It also features a full-coverage canopy with airflow to keep your kids comfortable in the summer heat.
If you're looking for a light compact double stroller take a look at this model by Joovy. It weighs in at just over 23 lbs, making it lighter than some single strollers. It's ideal for air travel or storing in trunks and overhead compartments. Plus, it has an enormous storage basket as well as a parking brake that is linked in one step that is easy to use.
Seating
Double strollers today are sleeker and can be set up in various ways to suit your family. read page are used as traditional side-by-side 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 variety of widths and weight limits to accommodate children from birth through kindergarten.
A good double stroller must be a breeze to move and fold, while also permitting you to alter the height of the handlebar to ensure you're in a comfortable position throughout your trips. A well-designed handlebar is easy to grip and should encourage you to walk in a proper manner (ask for advice from other parents). It should offer a variety of storage options to accommodate all the necessities your children will require.
If your twins are of a similar age, a tandem stroller may be the best option for your family. These models come with seats that are side-byside, which means you can interact with them both and keep an eye on each of them at the same time. They also recline independently so that one child can sleep while the other is awake and ready to go.
The drawback of a twin stroller could be that it is larger than one designed for a single-occupant. This could make it more difficult to navigate narrow doorways, store aisles, or sidewalks. However, for certain families, the benefits are worth the extra size and effort.
If you are looking for a small double-stroller, then the UPPAbaby V2 Double is a good option. Its shock absorbers, streamlined design and capacity for two infant car seats - plus an optional running board for mobile older children -- make it a great option for urban living.
Another option is a wagon-style double stroller, like the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller. This model is bare-bones and offers plenty of seating space and storage space, along with sturdy wheels that can handle any terrain. It also comes with a 50+ SPF canopy and adjustable handlebars. However, some parents feel that the seats are too low and don't recline to a completely flat position, making it difficult for children of smaller sizes to sit comfortably or reach their snack tray.
Easy of Use
A double stroller can be a significant investment and one that you hope to use for a long time. When you are shopping for one, you want to make sure it will be easy to operate and clean. Luckily, the most effective double strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as possible and come with plenty of convenient features for parents.
All strollers we tested could be folded quickly and compactly in one hand. They are light and perfect for travel. They can fit in most trunks and can be checked at the gate on planes. Additionally, the majority of our testers found that their strollers folded down to smaller dimensions than their single-seat counterparts and some even came with a carry strap for convenient carrying.
If you're looking for a versatile double stroller that will adapt to your family's needs, look no further than the Valco Snap Duo Trend. This side-byside stroller works with infant car seats as well as other accessories. It can be used from birth up to preschool age. Each seat comes with a 5-point harness and an enormous canopy that offers ample shade from the sun.
Another popular option is the Joovy Twin Roo. This stroller is lightweight, compact and only 22 lbs when folded. The front seat reclines to almost a full flat position and the back seat features an adjustable recline for each child. There's a large storage basket and a simple, one-step linked parking brake that makes this stroller easy to maneuver and use.
The only downsides to the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to this model. Kerry says that the packaging is smart and fun, but it comes in five boxes which could be a bit cumbersome to carry around. She also found the Genuis magnetic clasp to be somewhat difficult to use, and it took her some time before she could master it. In the end, though she was very pleased with her stroller and would definitely recommend it.
Storage
Strollers are available in a variety of sizes and designs that include tandems (single-file seating) as well as side-by-side doubles and many that let you customize the setup with a car seat or bassinet attachment. Some have rider boards which can be added for older children. However, not all of them are created equal. Some are elegant and simple to use, whereas others are heavy, bulky and difficult to fold and 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 stroller in our tests, with a weight of less than 23 pounds. It's also easy to fold and has all the features parents want for a fun day out with two kids.
The Vista v2 double from UPPAbaby is another model that our test subjects loved. They especially liked its sleek design and easy-to-use. It can accommodate two infant car seats, a toddler seat, and a bassinet with no adapters required. The rear seat can be removed to make it a triple or quad stroller. It has a huge storage basket and can be upgraded to include a parent organizer, all-terrain wheels, and side storage bags.
Billingsley says that the best double stroller to use for toddlers is one that offers various options for customization. This includes a seat or bassinet that can be removed. Toddlers are often limited in their endurance and a stroller that has an attached bassinet will provide a safe place for them to sleep. A double stroller should also have a good harness system and recline positions, and plenty of storage space for toys and snacks.
The ZOE Twin+ is popular among parents due to its light weight and versatility. It's gate-check-friendly on airlines it can be accessed through all doors (without removing the wheels on the front) and can be expanded into a quad or triple stroller by adding an add-on tandem. Its nearly-flat, independently reclining seats, extra-long sun canopies and adjustable footrests are additional highlights, while its spacious underseat storage basket and inclusion of parent and kid cup holders complete the impressive feature set. Taylor says the one drawback is that it has the largest size when folded and can be difficult for parents to store.