How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
If you're in the market for a double stroller there are plenty of options. To help you choose the most suitable one for your family, we talked to the expert in child development and mom Katie Billingsley.
It is recommended to choose a stroller that is simple to fold and push, as well as carry. Also, consider a stroller 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 secure on your walks opt for double strollers that have features such as all-terrain tires and an electronic brake that can be operated by hand. These brakes and wheels assist you in navigating trails and gravel without your children falling or rolling. The best double strollers offer ample storage space to store gear and kid-sized essentials like snacks and toys.
Choosing the right double stroller for your family starts with understanding the age and distance in age your kids are. Most double strollers can only can accommodate one child's seat, but those that do come in a variety of configurations so you can choose the type of seating that best fits your kids and your lifestyle.
The classic doubles are great for children of similar age who are keen to interact. Some options have a more double-decker design, which allows you to put one seat higher than the other or attach an extra rider board for older siblings. Babies can be sat in a bassinet that is connected 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 twin stroller is the way to go.
Look for a double-wheeled stroller that is capable of handling off-road terrain as well as hiking. Many of these strollers were designed with active parents and their children in mind. They come with features that let you take them on any adventure, no matter how rough or high the climbs might be.
In addition to all-terrain tires the best double strollers have thoughtful features that make getting around difficult terrain and weather more enjoyable. This jogging stoller for example, has a wrist loop, so you can make sure your child is safe when running at higher speeds or in adverse weather conditions. It also features an all-over canopy that's ventilated to keep your children cool during the summer heat.
This model is a compact and compact double stroller from Joovy. It weighs less than 23 pounds. This makes it perfect for air travel and storage in overhead compartments or trunks. It also comes with a large storage basket and a one-step linked parking brake that is easy to use.
Seating
Double strollers today are sleeker and can be configured in various ways to suit your family. Some are used as traditional side-by-side strollers while others - like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double Stroller - function as a base to which car seats, toddler seats or bassinets snap into. They are available in a range of widths and weights that can accommodate children from newborns up to kindergarten.
A good double stroller will be easy to fold and move, as well as allowing you to adjust your handlebar height to ensure you are comfortable on all of your excursions. A great handlebar is one that is easy to hold and should allow you to walk with proper posture (ask other parents for advice on this). It should offer a variety of storage options that can accommodate all the essentials your children need.
If your twins are near in age, you might discover that a tandem stroller is best for your family. These models come with seats that are side-by-side, so you can talk to them both while keeping an eye on each of them at the same. They also recline independently which means that one child can rest while the other is ready to go.
The downside of a twin stroller could be that it is larger than a model for a single person. This makes it more difficult to navigate narrow aisles for stores, doors or even sidewalks. But for some families, the advantages are worth the extra space and effort.
If you're in the market for a compact double stroller, the UPPAbaby Vista Double is a great option. Its shock absorption, sleek design and capacity for two infant car seats - plus an optional running board for more mobile children--make it an ideal option for city-living.
Another alternative is a wagon-style double stroller, like the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller. The model is basic however it has plenty of storage space and seating. It also comes with heavy-duty wheels to take on 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 fully flat, making it difficult for little children to reach their food trays or to relax.
User-Friendliness
Double strollers are typically an investment of a significant amount that you will be using for a long time. If you are in the market for a double stroller, make sure it's easy to use and clean. The top double strollers are designed to be user-friendly and include numerous features that are convenient.
All strollers we tested can be folded easily and compactly using just one hand. They're also light, making them ideal for traveling. Many of them can be checked at the gate on planes and fit in the majority of trunks. Furthermore, the majority our test subjects found that their strollers folded down to smaller sizes than their single-seat counterparts and some even had the option of carrying a strap for carrying.
If you're in search of a multi-purpose double stroller that can adapt to your family's needs, look no further than the Valco Snap Duo Trend. This side-by-side stroller can be used with infant car seats, a bassinet and other accessories, meaning you can use it from birth until preschool age. Each seat has five points of harness, a large canopy and ample sun protection.
Another highly-regarded option is the Joovy Twin Roo. The stroller is light and extremely compact, measuring just 22 pounds and 26 inches in width when folded. The front seat reclines almost to the full flat position and the back seat has an adjustable recline for every child. The stroller is simple to use and maneuver thanks to its large storage basket, easy one-step parking brake and large storage basket.
The only downsides of the Joovy Twin Roo were minor and specific to the model in question. Kerry says that the packaging is innovative and fun, but it comes in five boxes that can be a bit heavy to carry around. She also found the Genuis magnetic clasp to be somewhat awkward, and it took a while before she could get it to work. In the end, however, she was very happy with this stroller and would definitely recommend it.
Stores
Strollers are available in a variety of sizes and designs, including tandems (single-file seating) as well as side-by-side doubles and many that allow you to customize the setup with a car seat or bassinet attachment. Some have rider boards which can be added for older siblings. They're not created equal. Some are lightweight and easy to use, whereas others are heavy, bulky and difficult to fold.
If you're looking for a lightweight stroller that can hold two kids and two children, the Joovy Caboose Graphite is a great option. It was the lightest choice in our tests, weighing close to 23 pounds. sit n stand double stroller is also easy to fold, yet it has all the features parents need to enjoy a great time with two kids.
The Vista v2 double from UPPAbaby is another model that our test subjects loved. They particularly liked its sleek design and easy-to-use. It can fit two infant car seats, or a toddler's bassinet and seat without the need for adapters. Its rear seat can be removed to make it into a quad or triple stroller. It comes with a large basket for storage, and can be upgraded with a parent organizer and all-terrain tires, as with side storage bags.
Billingsley says that the ideal double stroller for a toddler is one that supports multiple customization options, like a removable seat or bassinet. That's because toddlers often have limitations in endurance, and a stroller with the bassinet attachment can provide them with a safe spot to rest for a nap. She suggests that a double stroller should have a good harness system and recline positions, as well as plenty of storage space for snacks and toys.
The ZOE Twin+ is popular among parents due to its light weight 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 nearly flat, independently reclined seats and the extra-long, adjustable sun canopies are among the other features. A large underseat storage basket as well as parent and child cup holders round out this impressive feature set. The only downside, according to Taylor, is that it doesn't have a small footprint when folded and can be difficult to stow.