How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
There are a variety of options when it comes to double strollers. To help you select the most suitable one for your family, we spoke with experts in child development as well as mom Katie Billingsley.
It is recommended to choose a stroller which is easy to fold, push and carry. You should consider a stroller that can accommodate two infant car seat or a toddler that has a riderboard.
Safety
Look for a double-stroller that has all-terrain wheels and a brake that is operated by hand if you want to keep the kids safe while walking. These wheels and brakes assist you in navigating trails, gravel, and sidewalks without your kids slipping or rolling off. The best double strollers also come with plenty of storage space for gear and kid-sized necessities like snacks and toys.
The first step in selecting the best double stroller is to know the age of your children and how far apart they are. Most double strollers can only can accommodate one child's seat, but the ones do come with different configurations, so you can select the seating option that is most suitable for your children and your lifestyle.
tandem double stroller are ideal for children of similar age who are keen to interact. Some options have a more double-decker design, allowing the user to place one seat above the other or even attach a rider board to older siblings. Newborns can be placed 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 dedicated twin stroller is the way to go.
Find a double-wheeled stroller that can handle off-road terrain, and even hiking. A majority of these strollers were designed with active parents in mind, and come with features that let you take your kids on any adventure, no matter how rough the road or how steep the climbs may be.
In addition to all-terrain tires, the best double strollers have clever features that make traversing difficult terrain and weather more enjoyable. For instance 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 features a canopy with full coverage that is ventilated to keep your children cool during the summer heat.
This model is a lightweight and compact double stroller from Joovy. It weighs less than 23 pounds., making it ideal for air travel and storage in overhead compartments or trunks. Plus, it has an enormous storage basket as well as a one-step linked parking brake that is easy to use.
Seating
In contrast to the massive strollers of the past these double strollers are sleek and support various designs to accommodate families. Some work 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 click into. They come in a variety of sizes and weight limits to accommodate children from birth through kindergarten.
A good double stroller should be a breeze to move and fold, while also permitting you to alter the handlebar height so you're able to walk comfortably throughout your excursions. A good handlebar is comfortable to hold and will encourage you to walk in a safe manner (ask for advice from other parents). It should offer a variety of storage options that can accommodate all the necessities your children will require.
If your twins are of a similar age and are in the same age group, a tandem stroller might be the ideal option for your family. These strollers have seats that are side-by-side so you can interact with them each other and keep an eye on each of them at the same. They also recline independently which means that one child can sleep while the other is ready to go.
The disadvantage of a twin stroller may be that it is larger than a model for a single person. This can make it difficult to maneuver narrow doorways, store aisles or even sidewalks. However, for certain families, the benefits are worth the extra space and effort.
If you're in the market for an ultra-compact double stroller, the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double is a fantastic choice. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double is an excellent choice for city living thanks to its shock absorption, sleek design, and ability 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 such as the Delta Children LX Stroller Side-by-Side is another option. This model is bare-bones and offers lots of space for seating and storage, plus heavy-duty wheels that manage any terrain. It also comes with an umbrella with 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and cannot recline completely flat, making it difficult for little children to reach their snacks or to relax.
Easy of Use
A double stroller is usually a significant investment and one you're hoping to use for many years. When you are shopping for a double stroller, be sure it is easy to use and clean. Luckily, the top double strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as they can and come with plenty of features that are convenient for parents.
For starters, all of the strollers we tested fold easily and compactly (with only one hand!). They're also light, which makes them ideal for travel. A lot of them can be gate checked on airplanes and fit in most trunks. In addition, the majority of our testers found 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 flexible double stroller that can adapt to your family's needs 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 the age of preschool. Each seat comes with five-point harnesses with a large canopy, as well as plenty of sun protection.
The Joovy Twin Roo is another option that is highly regarded. This stroller is lightweight compact and weighs only 22 pounds when folded. The front seat reclines almost to a flat position, and the back seat can be adjusted to suit each 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 negatives of the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to this model. Kerry notes that the packaging was enjoyable and clever, however it also came in five boxes which could be an inconvenience to carry around. She also found the Genuis magnetic clasp to be somewhat difficult to use and it took her a while before she could master it. However, in the end she was very pleased with her stroller and would definitely recommend it.
Stores
Strollers are available in a variety of sizes and designs, including tandems (single-file seating) and side-by-side doubles and many that let you modify the layout using the use of a bassinet or car seat attachment. Some have rider boards that can be added to accommodate older children. However, not all of them are created equal. Some are sleek and easy to use, while others are heavy, bulky and difficult to fold or stow.
If you're looking for a light double stroller, look into the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest stroller we tested in our tests, with a weight of just under 23 lbs. It folds easily and comes with all the features parents want for a great day out with two kids.
The Vista v2 Double from UPPAbaby is a different model that our test subjects loved, especially for its sleek design and user-friendly. It can accommodate two infant car seats, a toddler's seat and a bassinet. There are no adapters required. The rear seat can also be removed to create a triple or quad stroller. It comes with a large basket for storage, and can be upgraded with an organizer for parents and all-terrain tires as well as side storage bags.
Billingsley says that the ideal double stroller for a two-year-old is one that offers multiple customization options, like the ability to remove a seat or a bassinet. That's because toddlers often have little endurance, so a stroller with a bassinet attachment will give them a safe place to take a nap. A double stroller should also come with a sturdy harness system and recline positions, and plenty of storage room for toys and snacks.
The ZOE Twin+ is a popular choice for parents due to its light weight and flexibility. It's easy to check at airport gates and fits through most doors (without having to remove the front wheels) and expands into a triple or quad stroller with an added tandem seat. Its nearly-flat, independently reclining seats, extra-long sun canopy and adjustable footrests are further highlights, while its spacious underseat storage area and the inclusion of kid and parent cup holders round out the impressive set of features. Taylor says the one downside is that it has the largest profile when folded, and it can be difficult for parents to stow.