How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
If you're looking for a double stroller, there are a lot of options. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert and mother, helped us choose the right model for you.
Find a stroller that's relatively easy to push, fold and carry. Consider a model that can fit two infant car seat or a toddler with a riderboard.
Safety
Look for a double-stroller that comes with all-terrain tires and a brake that is operated by hand if want to keep the kids safe while walking. These wheels and brakes will aid you in traversing trails, gravel, and sidewalks without your kids slipping or rolling away. The best double strollers also have plenty of storage space for gear and essentials for kids, such as snacks and toys.
The first step in choosing the best double stroller is to know how old your children are and how far apart they are. Most double strollers only accommodate one child seat. However, some do have a variety configurations that let you choose the seating that is ideal for your family.
The classic doubles are perfect for children of similar ages who want to play. Double-decker designs permit you to put one seat above the other, or attach a riderboard for older siblings. Babies can be sat in a bassinet attached to the frame, or with an attachment that allows you to look at your baby. If you are expecting twins or already have twins, then a twin stroller will be the best option.
Look for a double-wheeled stroller that can handle off-road terrain and even hiking. A lot of these strollers were designed with active parents in mind and include features that let you take your kids on any adventure, regardless of how rough the terrain or how steep the climbs may be.
The best double strollers come with thoughtful features to aid in navigation through difficult terrain and in bad weather. This jogging stoller for instance, comes with a wrist loop, so you can ensure your child's safety while running at higher speeds or in harsh weather conditions. It also features a full-coverage canopy that is ventilated to keep your children cool during the summer heat.
If you're looking for a light, compact double stroller, take a look at this model by Joovy. It weighs just 23 pounds, making it lighter than some single strollers. It's ideal for air travel or storage in trunks and overhead compartments. It also comes with an enormous storage basket as well as a parking brake that is linked in one step that is simple to use.
Seating
Contrary to the giant strollers of old the modern double strollers are sleek and offer various configurations to fit families. double infant stroller of them function as traditional side-byside strollers while others--such as the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double Stroller--work as a base to which car seats, toddler seats or bassinets can be plugged into. They are available in a variety of sizes and weights to accommodate children from newborns up to kindergarten.
A good double stroller should be easy to fold and maneuver, as well as allowing you to adjust your handlebar height to ensure that you feel comfortable on all of your excursions. A well-designed handlebar is easy to hold and should inspire you to walk in a safe manner (ask for advice from other parents). It should offer a variety of storage options to fit all the essentials your children need.
If your twins are of a similar age, a tandem stroller could be the best choice for your family. These models come with seats that are side-byside, so you can interact with them both and keep an eye on both of them at the same time. They can also recline independently, so one child can nap and the other is ready to go.
The downside of a twin stroller may be that it is larger than a model for a single-occupant. This makes it difficult to maneuver narrow aisles for stores, doors or even the sidewalks. For some families, however, the benefits are worth the extra effort and size.
If you are looking for a small double-stroller, then the UPPAbaby V2 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 urban living.
Another option is a wagon-style double stroller, such as 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 handle any terrain. It also comes with a canopy that has 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. However, some parents feel that the seats are a little too low and they don't recline to a fully flat position, making it difficult for smaller children to get comfortable or reach their snack trays.
Simple to use
Double strollers are usually a large investment that you will use for many years. If you are looking for a double stroller, make sure that it is easy to use and clean. The top double strollers have been developed to be easy-to-use and come with many convenient features.
All strollers we tested could be folded easily and compactly with just one hand. They're also lightweight, making them ideal for travel. A lot of them can be checked at the gate on planes and fit in the majority of trunks. In addition, the majority of our testers found that their strollers folded to a smaller size than their single-seat counterparts and some even included the option of carrying a strap for carrying.
If you're looking for a flexible double stroller that will grow 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, meaning you can use it from birth until preschool age. Each seat is equipped with a five-point harness and an enormous canopy that offers plenty of shade from the sun.
The Joovy Twin Roo is another option that's highly regarded. The stroller is light and compact, weighing only 22 pounds when folded. The front seat reclines almost to an entire flat position, and the back seat features an adjustable recline for each child. There's twin pushchair from birth and a simple, one-step linked parking brake that makes this stroller extremely user-friendly and easy to maneuver.
The only downsides to the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to the model. Kerry notes that the packaging was enjoyable and clever, but that it came in five boxes, which can be a bit of trouble to carry around. She also found the Genuis magnetic clasp somewhat difficult to use and it took her some time before she could get it to work. double running buggy was happy with the stroller in the end and would recommend it.
Storage
Strollers come in a variety of sizes and shapes, ranging from side-by-side doubles to tandem (single-file seating) styles, and a lot allow you to customize your layout with a bassinet, or car seat attachment. Some have even added rider boards for older children. However, they're not all made equal. Some are sleek and easy to use, whereas others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold and store.
If you're looking to purchase a light double stroller, take a look at 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 has all the features parents would want to enjoy a day out with two children.
The Vista v2 Double from UPPAbaby is another model that our testers loved particularly for its sleek design and easy to use. It can fit two infant car seats or a toddler's seat and a bassinet without adapters, and its rear seat can be removed to make it into a quad or triple stroller. It comes with a large basket for storage, and it can be upgraded by adding a parent organizer and all-terrain tires, as with side storage bags.
Billingsley says that the most suitable double stroller for a toddler is one that offers numerous options for customization. This includes a bassinet or seat that can be removed. That's because toddlers often have limited endurance, and the stroller with the bassinet attachment can provide them with a safe spot to rest for a nap. A double stroller should have a good harness system and recline positions, as well as plenty of storage space for toys and snacks.
The ZOE Twin+ is popular among parents due to its lightweight and versatility. It's easy to check at airport gates and fits through most doors (without taking off the front wheels) and expands into a quad or triple stroller with an add-on tandem seat. Its near-flat independently reclining seats, extra-long sun canopy and adjustable footrests are further highlights, while its spacious underseat storage basket as well as the inclusion of kid and parent cup holders complete the impressive feature set. The one downside according to Taylor the manufacturer, is that it doesn't have a the smallest footprint when folded and can be difficult to store.