How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
There are a lot of options when it comes to double strollers. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert and mother, helped us select the best one for you.
You should look for a stroller that is easy to fold, push and carry. Consider a model that is able to accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler along with an adult rider board.
Safety
Find a double-stroller that has all-terrain wheels and a brake that is operated with a hand if you want to ensure your children are safe when walking. These brakes and wheels will allow you to navigate paths and dirt without worrying about your children slipping 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 starts by determining how old and distant in terms of age your children are. Most double strollers can only can accommodate one child's seat, however, those are available in various configurations so that you can pick the seating option that best fits your kids and your lifestyle.
The classic doubles are great for children of similar age who like to interact. Double-decker designs permit the user to place one of the seats over the other, or attach an additional riderboard for older siblings. Babies can be placed in a bassinet attached to the frame, or as an individual attachment that offers the chance to peek at your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a twin stroller is the best way to go.
For families that are more adventurous, look for double strollers that can handle off-road terrain or even hike. A lot strollers were created with active parents and their children in mind. They have features that will allow you to take them on any trip, no matter how rough or high the climbs may be.
In addition to all-terrain tires, the top double strollers feature thoughtful features that make navigating difficult terrain and weather more enjoyable. For instance this jogging stroller comes with a wrist loop for your child so you're sure that they're safe while running downhill or at speeds that are higher. It also comes with an all-over canopy that's ventilated to keep your children cool during summer heat.
This model is a lightweight and compact double stroller from Joovy. It weighs less than 23 lbs., making it ideal for air travel and storage in trunks or overhead compartments. Additionally, it comes with a large storage basket and an integrated parking brake that is easy to use.
Seating
Double strollers of today are sleeker and can be set up in various ways to fit your family. Some double strollers can be used as side-by-side models, while others, like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Dual Stroller can be used as an alternative to car seats, toddler seats and bassinets. They are available in a variety of widths and weight limits to fit children from birth to kindergarten.
A quality double stroller should be easy to maneuver and fold, as well as permitting you to alter the handlebar's height to make sure you're in a comfortable position throughout your trips. A good handlebar is comfortable to hold and should inspire you to walk in a safe manner (ask for tips from other parents). It should also provide a variety of storage options that accommodate all the essentials you'll need for your kids.
If your twins are near in age, you may find a tandem stroller works best for your family. These models come with seats that are side-by-side so you can talk to them each other and keep an eye on each of them at the same. They also recline independently which means that one child can nap and the other is ready to go.
The downside of a twin stroller could be that it is wider than a model for a single-occupant. This can make it difficult to maneuver narrow doorways, store aisles, or sidewalks. For some families, however the benefits are worth the extra effort and size.
If you're looking for a compact double-stroller then the UPPAbaby V2 Double is a great option. The UPPAbaby Vista Double is a great option for city dwellers due 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.
Another option is a wagon-style double stroller, such as the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller. This bare-bones model offers a lot of seating space and storage space, along with heavy-duty wheels that manage any terrain. It also has a 50+ SPF canopy and adjustable handlebars. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and cannot recline fully flat, making it hard for small children to reach their snack trays or to relax.
Easy of Use
A double stroller is often an investment you're likely to use for a long time. When shopping for one, you want to ensure that it's easy to use and clean. The top double strollers are designed to be user-friendly and have numerous features that are convenient.
For starters, all the strollers we tested fold up easily and compactly (with one hand!). They're also lightweight, making them ideal for travel. A majority of them are gate checked on airplanes and fit in the majority of trunks. Our testers discovered that their strollers can be folded down much smaller than the single seat equivalents. Some even had a carrying strap.
If you're in search of a multi-purpose double stroller that will expand with your family, look no further than the Valco Snap Duo Trend. This side-by-side stroller works with infant car seats, a bassinet, and other accessories, which means you can use it from birth until preschool age. Each seat has five-point harnesses, a large canopy and plenty of sun protection.
The Joovy Twin Roo is another option that's highly praised. The stroller is light, compact and only weighs 22 pounds when folded. The front seat reclines almost to a full flat position and the back seat comes with an adjustable recline for each child. There's a huge storage basket and an easy, one-step linked parking brake which makes this stroller simple to move and use.
The only negatives of the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to this model. Kerry says that the packaging is innovative and enjoyable, however, it comes in five boxes that can be a bit heavy to carry around. She also found the Genuis magnetic clasp somewhat difficult to use and took her a while before she was able to master it. She was happy with the stroller at the end and would recommend it.
Stores
Strollers are available in a variety of sizes and designs, including tandems (single-file seating), side-by-side doubles, and many that let you modify the layout using the use of a bassinet or car seat attachment. Some even have add-on rider boards for older children. There are many different types of rider boards. Some are lightweight and easy to use, whereas others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold.
If you're looking for a light double stroller, look into the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest choice in our tests, weighing around 23 pounds and is also easy to fold, but it still has all of the features parents need to have a great time out with two kids.
The Vista v2 double from UPPAbaby is another model that our testers loved. They especially liked its sleek design and user-friendly. It can accommodate two infant car seats, a toddler's seat and a bassinet. There are no adapters needed. The rear seat can also be removed to make it a quad or triple stroller. It has a huge storage basket that can be upgraded to include an organizer for parents with wheels for all-terrain and side storage bags.
Billingsley says that the most suitable double stroller for a toddler is one that offers multiple customization options. This includes a seat or bassinet that can be removed. Toddlers are often weak in endurance, and a stroller that has a bassinet attached will provide a safe place for them to sleep. She suggests that a double stroller must also have a good recline position and harness system, as well as ample storage space for toys and snacks.
The ZOE Twin+ is popular among parents due to its lightweight and flexibility. It's gate-check-friendly for airlines, fits through most doors (without removing the front wheels) and expands into a triple or quad stroller with an added tandem seat. Its near-flat independently reclining seats, sun canopy with extra-long lengths and footrests that can be adjusted are other highlights, while its large underseat storage area and the inclusion of kid and parent cup holders complete the impressive set of features. The only disadvantage according to Taylor the manufacturer, is that it doesn't have a a small profile when folded, and could be difficult to store.