How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
If you're in the market for a double stroller, there are a lot of options. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert and mother, has helped us choose the right one for you.
You should look for a stroller that is simple to fold and push, as well as carry. Look for a model that can hold two infant car seat or a toddler with a riderboard.
Safety
If you want to keep your kids safe while walking opt for a double stroller with features like all-terrain tires as well as a hand-operated brake. These brakes and wheels will help you navigate trails and gravel without your children slipping or rolling. The best double strollers have ample storage space to store items for your kids, including snacks and toys.
The first step in selecting the right double stroller is to figure out how old your children are and how far apart they are. A majority of double strollers are designed to accommodate one child seat, but the ones do come with various configurations so that you can pick the seat that best suits your kids and your lifestyle.
Side-by-side doubles are a classic choice, and they're perfect for children of similar ages who like to play with one another. Certain models feature a double-decker design, which allows you to put one seat above the other or even attach a rider board for older siblings. Babies can be sat in a bassinet that is attached to the frame or in an attachment that allows you to play peek-a-boo with your baby. If you are expecting twins or already have twins and want to have a twin stroller, it is the best choice.
Look for a double-wheeled stroller that can handle off-road terrain, and even hiking. A lot of these strollers are designed with active parents in mind, and include features that let you take your children on any adventure, regardless of how rough the road or how steep the climb might be.
In addition to all-terrain tires the top double strollers come with thoughtful features that make getting around difficult terrain and weather a lot easier. For example this stroller for jogging has a wrist loop for your child so you can be sure that they're safe while running downhill or at faster speeds. It also comes with an all-over canopy that's ventilated to keep your kids cool during 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. It also comes with a huge storage basket and an easy-to-use one-step parking brake.
Seating
Double strollers of today are more sleek and can be arranged in various ways to suit your family. Some of them function as traditional side-byside strollers while others--such as the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double Stroller--work as a base that car seats, toddler seats, or bassinets snap into. They are available in a variety of widths and weight limits to accommodate children from birth through kindergarten.
A good double stroller should be easy to maneuver and fold, as well as permitting you to adjust the handlebar's height to make sure you're able to walk comfortably throughout your excursions. A great handlebar is one that is easy to grip, and it should invite you to walk in a proper posture (ask other parents for tips on this). It should also provide a variety of storage options that will accommodate all the necessities you'll require for your children.
If your twins are similar age, a tandem stroller may be the ideal option for your family. The seats on these models sit side by side, enabling you to engage with both of them and keep an eye on both of them at the same time. They can also recline separately so that one child can sleep while the other is awake and ready to go.
The downside of a twin stroller can be that it is wider than a stroller designed that is designed for a single occupant. This makes it more difficult to navigate narrow doorways, store aisles or even walkways. But for certain families, the benefits are worth the extra space and effort.
If you're looking for a compact double stroller the UPPAbaby Vista Double is a fantastic choice. The UPPAbaby Vista Double is an excellent choice for city dwellers due to its shock absorption capabilities, elegant design, and ability to accommodate two infant car seats. tandem double buggy 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 model is bare-bones and offers lots of space for seating and storage, as well as sturdy wheels that can handle any terrain. It also features a 50+ SPF canopy and a handlebar that can be adjusted. But some parents say the seats are a little too low and can't recline completely to a flat position, making it difficult for smaller children to get comfortable or reach their snack tray.
Simple to Use
A double stroller is usually an investment of a large amount and one you're likely to use for a long time. When shopping for one you need to make sure it will be simple to operate and clean. The best double strollers are designed to be easy-to-use and come with numerous features that are convenient.
To start, all the strollers we tested folded easily and compactly (with one hand!). They're also light, making them ideal for traveling. Many of them can be gate checked on airplanes and fit into most trunks. Our testers discovered that their strollers could be folded down to a smaller size than single-seat versions. Some even had a carrying strap.
If you're looking for a versatile double stroller that will grow with your family take a look at the Valco Snap Duo Trend. This side-byside stroller is compatible with infant car seats, bassinets, and other accessories, so you can use it from birth to the age of preschool. Each seat has a 5-point harness with a large canopy, as well as ample sun protection.
Another highly-regarded option is the Joovy Twin Roo. The stroller is light and extremely compact, weighing just 22 pounds and 26 inches in width when folded. The front seat reclines almost to a flat position and the back seat can be adjusted to suit every child. There's a large storage basket and an easy, one-step connected parking brake that makes this stroller extremely easy to maneuver and use.
The only downsides to the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to this 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 Genuis's magnetic buckle was difficult to master. She was happy with the stroller at the end and would highly recommend it.
Stores
Strollers come in a variety of sizes and shapes, from tandems with side-by-side doubles to tandem (single-file seating) designs, and many allow you to personalize your stroller with a bassinet, or car seat attachment. Some have 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're looking to purchase a light double stroller, look into the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest stroller in our tests, with a weight of just under 23 lbs. It is also easy-to-fold and comes with all the features parents need for a great day out with two kids.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double is another model that our testers loved particularly for its sleek design and user-friendly. It can accommodate two infant car seats, a toddler seat, and a bassinet with no adapters needed. The rear seat can 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 with wheels for all-terrain and side storage bags.
Billingsley says that the most suitable double stroller to use for a toddler is one that offers numerous options for customization. This includes a seat or bassinet that can be removed. That's because toddlers often have little endurance, so a stroller with the bassinet attachment can give them a safe place to rest for a nap. She says a double stroller should include a harness system that is reliable and recline positions, and plenty of storage space for toys and snacks.
The ZOE Twin+ is a popular choice among parents due to its light weight and versatility. It is airline gate-check friendly and fits through the majority of doorways (without taking off the wheels at the front), and can be expanded to a triple or quad stroller by adding an additional tandem. The nearly flat, independently reclined seats and the extra-long, adjustable sun canopies are among the other features. A spacious underseat basket and the inclusion of cup holders for the child and parent complete this impressive feature set. Taylor states that the only drawback is that it has the largest size when folded and it can be difficult for parents to stow.