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.
Find a stroller that's fairly easy to push, fold and carry. You should consider a stroller that can accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler with a riderboard.
Safety
Look for a double-stroller that includes all-terrain wheels as well as a brake that can be 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 children falling or slipping away. The best double strollers come with ample storage space to store gear and kid-sized essentials like snacks and toys.
Selecting the best double stroller for your family starts by understanding the age and distance in terms of age your children are. Most double strollers only accommodate one child seat. However, the ones that offer a variety of configurations that allow you to choose the seating that's best for your family.
Side-by-side doubles are an iconic option, and are great for kids of similar ages who like to be social with one another. Some models have a double-decker design, allowing the user to place one of the seats above the other or even attach a rider board for older siblings. Newborns can be snuggled into an infant bassinet that is attached to the frame or as a standalone attachment that offers a peek-a-boo view of your baby. If you are expecting twins or have twins then a twin stroller will be the best option.
Choose a stroller with two wheels that is capable of handling off-road terrain and even hiking. Many of these strollers have been designed with active parents in mind and have features that let you take your kids on any adventure, regardless of how rough the terrain or how high the climbs may be.
The best double strollers have intelligent features that aid in navigation in difficult terrain and bad weather. This jogging stoller, for instance, features a wrist loop so that you can ensure your child's safety while running at higher speeds or in adverse weather conditions. It also comes with a full-coverage canopy with ventilation to ensure your children stay comfy in the summer heat.
This model is a lightweight and compact double stroller from Joovy. It weighs less than 23 lbs. This makes it perfect for air travel and storage in overhead compartments or trunks. Additionally, it comes with an enormous storage basket as well as a parking brake that is linked in one step that's easy to use.
Seating
Contrary to the giant strollers of old the modern double strollers are sleek and support various configurations to fit families. Some double strollers are designed to be used as side-by-side models while others, such as the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Dual Stroller, can be used as an alternative to car seats, toddlers seats as well as bassinets. They are available in a range of sizes and weights to accommodate children from newborns up to kindergarten.
A good double stroller must be easy to maneuver and fold, while also permitting you to alter the handlebar height so you're able to walk comfortably throughout your excursions. double push chair -designed handlebar is one that is easy to hold and should invite you to walk with proper posture (ask parents for advice on this). It should come with a variety of storage options to accommodate all the essentials your children will need.
If your twins are close in age, you may find a tandem stroller works best for your family. The seats on these models are positioned together, allowing you to interact with both of them and keep an eye on them simultaneously. They can also recline separately so that one child can sleep while the other is awake and ready to go.
The drawback of twin strollers is that it's larger than a single-occupant model and can make it difficult to maneuver around walkways, aisles for shopping and narrow doorways. For some families, however, the benefits are worth the extra effort and size.
If you are looking for a compact double-stroller then the UPPAbaby V2 Double is a good alternative. Its shock absorbers, streamlined design, and capacity for two infant car seats--plus an optional running board for 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 basic model comes with lots of space for seating and storage, plus heavy-duty wheels that manage any terrain. It also features an SPF canopy that is 50+ and a handlebar that can be adjusted. However, some parents feel that the seats are a little too low and can't recline to a completely flat position, which makes it difficult for children of smaller sizes to be comfortable or reach their snack tray.
Ease of Use
Double strollers are often an investment that will use for many years. If you are looking for a double stroller, be sure that it is easy to use and clean. The best double strollers have been designed to be easy-to-use and come with many convenient features.
To start, all the strollers we tested folded easily and compactly (with only one hand!). They are also light and ideal for traveling. Many of them fit in most trunks and can be checked for gate-checking on planes. Most of our testers also found that their strollers could be folded down smaller than single-seat versions. Some even came with a carrying strap.
If you're looking for a versatile double stroller that will grow with your family take a look at the Valco Snap Duo Trend. This side-byside stroller is compatible with infant car seats and other accessories. It can be used from birth to preschool age. Each seat has five points of harness with a large canopy, as well as ample sun protection.
Another popular option is the Joovy Twin Roo. The stroller is light compact and weighs only weighs 22 pounds when folded. The front seat reclines almost to a flat position and the back seat can be adjusted to suit each child. The stroller is simple to maneuver and use thanks to its large storage basket, easy one-step parking brake, and large storage basket.
The only drawbacks of the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to that model. Kerry says that the packaging is clever and enjoyable, however, it comes in five boxes, which could be a bit cumbersome to carry around. She also found the Genuis magnetic clasp a bit clunky and it took her some time before she was able to master it. In the end, though she was very pleased with her stroller and would highly recommend it.
Stores
Strollers are available in various 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 have rider boards that can be added for older siblings. However, they're not all created equal. Some are sleek and easy to use, while others are heavy, bulky and difficult to fold or store.
If you are looking for a lightweight stroller that can hold two kids The Joovy Caboose Graphite is a great choice. It was the lightest option in our tests, weighing close to 23 lbs and is also simple to fold, but it still has all of the features parents need to have a great time out with two kids.
UPPAbaby's Vista v2 double is another model our testers loved. They were particularly impressed by its sleek design and easy-to-use. It can accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler bassinet and seat without the need for adapters. The rear seat can be removed to make it into 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 ideal double stroller for a two-year-old is one that has multiple customization options, like the ability to remove a seat or a bassinet. That's because toddlers often have limitations in endurance, and having a stroller that has the bassinet attachment can provide them with a safe space to take a nap. She says a double stroller should also have a good harness system and recline positions, and plenty of storage room for toys and snacks.
The ZOE Twin+ is a popular choice among parents due to its light weight and flexibility. It is airline gate-check friendly it can be accessed through all doors (without taking off the wheels at the front) and can be expanded into a quad or triple stroller by adding an extra tandem. The near-flat, independently reclining seats as well as the extra-long sun canopies that are adjustable are among the other features. A spacious underseat basket as well as cup holders for the child and parent complete the impressive features. One downside according to Taylor the manufacturer, is that it lacks a an elongated footprint when folded and can be difficult to carry.