How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
There are a lot of options when it comes to double strollers. To help you select the most suitable one for your family, we consulted the expert in child development and mom Katie Billingsley.
Look for a stroller that's relatively easy to fold, push and carry. You should consider a stroller that can hold two infant car seats or a toddler with a riderboard.
Safety
If you want to keep your children safe on your walks opt for a double stroller that has features such as all-terrain tires and an electronic brake that can be operated by hand. These brakes and wheels help you navigate paths and dirt without worrying about your children falling or rolling. The best double strollers offer plenty of storage space for gear and kid-sized necessities like snacks and toys.
Selecting the best double stroller for your family starts by determining how old and far apart in terms of age your children are. A majority of double strollers can only accommodate one child seat. However, the ones that do have a variety configurations that allow you to pick the seating that is best for your family.
Side-by-side doubles are a classic option, and they're great for kids of similar ages that like to play with one another. Some double-decker designs allow the user to place one seat over the other, or add an additional riderboard for older siblings. Newborns can be placed in a bassinet that is attached to the frame, or with an attachment that allows you to peek-a-boo at your baby. If double buggy have twins or are expecting twins, a specially designed twin stroller is the best option to go.
Choose a stroller with two wheels that can handle off-road terrain and even hiking. Many strollers were created with active parents and their children in mind. They come with features that will allow you to take them on any adventure, no regardless of how difficult or steep the climbs are.
In addition to all-terrain tires the top double strollers feature clever features that make traversing difficult terrain and weather more enjoyable. For example, this jogging stroller includes a wrist loop for your child, so you'll be able to ensure they're secure when running downhill or at faster speeds. It also has a canopy that covers the entire area and has ventilation so your kids stay comfy during the summer heat.
This model is a compact and compact double stroller from Joovy. It weighs just over 23 pounds, which makes it lighter than most single strollers and perfect to take on air travel or for storing in trunks or overhead compartments. It also has a large storage basket as well as an easy-to-use one-step parking brake.
Seating
Unlike the behemoth strollers of the past these double strollers are sleek and offer a variety of configurations that can be adapted to families. Some work as traditional side-by-side strollers, while others -- like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double Stroller--work as a base for car seats, toddler seats or bassinets snap into. They come in various widths and weight limits, allowing children from birth through kindergarten.
Get the facts should be easy to maneuver and fold, while permitting you to alter the handlebar height so you're in a comfortable position throughout your trips. A great handlebar should be comfortable to grip, and it should invite you to walk with proper posture (ask other parents for tips on this). It should come with a variety of storage options that can accommodate everything your children need.
If your twins have a similar age and are in the same age group, a tandem stroller might be the ideal option for your family. These models come with seats that are side-by-side, which means you can interact with them each other and keep an eye on both of them at the same time. They can also recline independently so that one child can sleep while the other is ready to go.
The disadvantage of a twin stroller can be that it's wider than one designed for a single-occupant. This can make it more difficult to navigate narrow doorways, store aisles, or sidewalks. For some families, the advantages are worth the extra size and effort.
If you're in the market for an ultra-compact double stroller, the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double is a great option. The UPPAbaby Vista Double is a great option for city living thanks to its shock absorption capabilities, 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.
A wagon-style double stroller such as the Delta Children LX Stroller Side-by-Side is another alternative. This model is bare bones, but it offers plenty of storage space and seating. It also has heavy-duty wheels that can take on any terrain. It also has a 50+ SPF canopy and adjustable handlebars. Some parents complain that the seats are a little too low and can't recline to a fully flat position, which makes it difficult for small children to be comfortable or reach their snack trays.
User-Friendliness
A double stroller is often an investment of a large amount and one that you hope to use for many years. If you are looking for a double stroller, be sure it is easy to use and clean. The best double strollers have been designed to be user-friendly and have many useful features.
For starters, all the strollers we tested fold up easily and compactly (with just one hand!). They're also light, making them ideal for travel. They can fit in the majority of trunks and are gate-checked on airplanes. In addition, the majority of our testers reported that their strollers folded to smaller sizes than the single seat models, and some even had a carry strap for convenient carrying.
The Valco Snap Duo trend is double stroller with many options that can adapt to the needs of your family. This side-byside stroller is compatible with infant car seats, bassinets, and other accessories, meaning you can use it from birth to preschool age. Each seat has a 5-point harness with a large canopy, as well as ample sun protection.
Another popular option is the Joovy Twin Roo. It is light and extremely compact, measuring just 22 pounds and 26 inches wide when it's folded. The front seat reclines 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 parking brake that is one step and a large storage basket.
The only downsides to the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to the model. Kerry says that the packaging is smart and enjoyable, however, it comes in five boxes that could be a bit cumbersome to carry around. She also felt that the Genuis magnetic buckle was a little clunky and took some time to master. She was pleased with the stroller at the end and would highly recommend it.
Stores
Strollers come in all shapes and sizes, from tandem doubles that are side-by-side to (single-file seating) styles, plus many allow you to customize your setup with a bassinet or car seat attachment. Some come with rider boards which can be added for older siblings. They're not created equal. Some are lightweight and easy to use, while others are heavy, bulky and difficult to fold.
If you are seeking a stroller with a light weight that can fit two children and two children, the Joovy Caboose Graphite is a great option. It was the lightest choice in our tests at close to 23 pounds. It is also easy to fold, but it has all the features parents need to enjoy a great time with two children.
UPPAbaby's Vista v2 double is another model our testers loved. They particularly liked its sleek design and easy-to-use. It can accommodate two infant car seats, a toddler's seat, and a bassinet with no adapters needed. The rear seat can also be removed to make it triple or quad stroller. It comes with a huge basket for storage, and it can be upgraded with an organizer for parents as well as all-terrain tires, as well with side storage bags.
Billingsley says that the best double stroller for a two-year-old is one that offers various options for customization, such as a removable seat or bassinet. This is because toddlers typically have limited endurance, and having a stroller that has a bassinet attachment will provide them with a safe spot to nap. She says a double stroller should come with a sturdy harness system and recline positions, and plenty of storage space for snacks and toys.
The ZOE Twin+ is popular among parents due to its lightweight and flexibility. It's easy to check at airport gates it can be accessed through all doors (without having to remove 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 canopies and adjustable footrests are additional highlights, while its spacious underseat storage basket and inclusion of parent and child cup holders round out the impressive feature set. The one disadvantage according to Taylor, is that it doesn't have the smallest profile when folded and can be difficult to carry.