How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
There are a variety of options when it comes to double strollers. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert and mother, helped us choose the right model for you.
Find a stroller that's fairly easy to fold, push and carry. And consider a model that can accommodate two car seats for infants or a toddler as well as a rider board.
Safety
Look for a double-stroller that includes all-terrain wheels as well as a brake that is operated by hand if want to ensure your children are safe when walking. These brakes and wheels allow you to navigate paths and dirt without worrying about your children slipping or rolling. The best double strollers offer plenty of storage space for gear as well as kid-sized necessities like snacks and toys.
The first step in choosing the best double stroller is to determine how old your children are and how far apart they are. A majority of double strollers can only accommodate one child seat. However, the ones that do come with a variety of configurations that let you choose the seating that is best for your family.
The classic doubles are ideal for children of similar ages who are keen to interact. Some options have a more double-decker style, allowing the user to place one seat higher than the other or add a rider board to older siblings. Newborns can be snuggled into a bassinet, which is attached to the frame, or as an individual attachment that gives you the chance to peek at your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a specially designed twin stroller is the best option to go.
Find a double-wheeled stroller that is capable of handling off-road terrain and even hiking. A lot of these strollers have been designed with active parents in mind and include features that let you take your children to any adventure, regardless of how rough the road or how steep the climb may be.
The best double strollers come with clever features that aid in navigation through difficult terrain and in bad weather. For instance this stroller for jogging has 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 has a canopy with full coverage that is ventilated to keep your kids cool in the summer heat.
This model is a compact 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. Plus, it has a huge storage basket and a one-step linked parking brake that is simple to use.
Seating
Unlike the behemoth strollers of old these double strollers are sleek and can accommodate an array of designs to accommodate families. Some double strollers are designed to be used as side-by-side models and others, like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Dual Stroller, can be used as a base for car seats, toddlers seats as well as bassinets. They are available in various widths and weight limits, allowing children from birth through kindergarten.
A good double stroller will be easy to fold and maneuver and will allow you to adjust the height of your handlebar to ensure you are comfortable throughout your excursions. A good handlebar is comfortable to grip and should encourage you to walk in a safe manner (ask for tips from other parents). It should come with a variety of storage options that can accommodate all the essentials your children will need.
If your twins are near in age, you might consider a tandem stroller that works best for your family. The seats on these models are positioned together, allowing you to be able to interact with them both and keep an eye on both of them at the same time. They also recline independently which means that one child can sleep while the other is ready to go.
The downside of a twin stroller can be that it's wider than one designed for a single-occupant. This makes it difficult to navigate narrow aisles for stores, doors or even sidewalks. For some families, the benefits are worth the extra effort and size.
If you are looking for a compact double-stroller, then the UPPAbaby V2 Double is an excellent alternative. Its shock absorption, sleek design and capacity for two infant car seats, plus an optional running board for more mobile children -- make it a great option for city-living.
Another option is a wagon-style stroller, such as the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller. This model is bare bones, but it offers plenty of storage and seating space. It also has sturdy wheels that can handle any terrain. It also comes with a canopy with a 50+ SPF and a handlebar that can be adjusted. But some parents say the seats are a little too low and can't recline to a fully flat position, which makes it difficult for children of smaller sizes to get comfortable or reach their snack tray.
Easy of Use
A double stroller can be an investment you're hoping to use for many years. When you are shopping for one you must ensure that it is easy to use and clean. Luckily, the top double strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as they can and include a variety of convenient features for parents.
All the strollers we tested fold quickly and compactly in one hand. They're also lightweight, making them ideal for traveling. They can fit in most trunks and can be checked for gate-checking on planes. Most of our testers also found that their strollers could fold down to a smaller size than the single seat equivalents. Some even came with a carrying strap.
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 to the age of preschool. Each seat features five-point harnesses and a large canopy. It also offers ample sun protection.
Another popular option is the Joovy Twin Roo. This stroller is lightweight and incredibly compact, measuring just 22 lbs and 26 inches in width when folded. The front seat reclines to a flat position, and the back seat can be adjusted for each child. This stroller is easy to maneuver and use thanks to its large storage basket, simple one-step parking brake and large storage basket.
The only downsides to the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to that model. Kerry says that the packaging is smart and fun, but it comes in five boxes that could be a bit cumbersome to carry around. She also found that the Genuis magnetic buckle was awkward and took a while to master. She was satisfied with the stroller at the end and would recommend it.
Storage
Strollers come with a variety of sizes and shapes, ranging from tandem doubles that are side-by-side to (single-file seating) styles, and a lot allow you to modify your layout by adding a bassinet or a car seat attachment. Some come with rider boards that can be added to accommodate older children. There are many different types of rider boards. Some are light and easy to use, while others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold.
If you're looking for a light double stroller, check out the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest stroller we tested in our tests, weighing just under 23 lbs. It folds easily and comes with all the features parents need for a great day out with two kids.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double is a second model that our testers loved particularly for its sleek design and ease of use. It can accommodate two infant car seats, a toddler seat and a bassinet, with no adapters required. The rear seat can also be removed to make it a triple or quad stroller. It has a large storage basket and can be upgraded to include an organizer for parents, all-terrain wheels, and side storage bags.
Billingsley states that the ideal double stroller for toddlers is one that offers various options for customization, such as the ability to remove a seat or a bassinet. Toddlers are often weak in endurance, and strollers with an attached bassinet will give them a safe space for them to nap. The expert says that a double stroller must also have a great harness and recline position as well as plenty of storage space for toys and snacks.
double pram pushchair is a popular choice for parents because of its light weight and the versatility. It's airline gate-check-friendly, fits through most doors (without having to remove the front wheels) and can be expanded into a quad or triple stroller with an add-on tandem seat. The near-flat, independently reclined seats and the extra-long sun canopies that are adjustable are just a few of the highlights. A spacious underseat basket as well as cup holders for both parents and children complete the impressive set of features. The only drawback, according to Taylor the manufacturer, is that it doesn't have a the smallest profile when folded, and could be difficult to carry.