How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
If you're in the market for a double stroller there are a variety of options. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert and mother, has helped us choose the right one for you.
Find a stroller that's fairly easy to fold, push and 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 children safe on your walks, look for double strollers that have features like all-terrain tires and a hand-operated brake. These wheels and brake help you navigate trails as well as sidewalks, gravel, and other paths without your kids slipping or slipping away. The best double strollers have ample storage space to store equipment and essentials for kids like snacks and toys.
The best double stroller for your family starts with understanding how old and far apart in terms of age your children are. Many double strollers only can accommodate one child's seat, but the ones do come with different configurations, so you can pick the seat that best fits your kids and your lifestyle.
Side-byside doubles are a popular option, and are great for children of similar ages that like to play with one another. Double-decker designs permit you to put one of the seats over the other, or attach a riderboard to older siblings. Babies can be placed in a bassinet attached to the frame, or as an independent 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 way to go.
For families who are more adventurous, look for a double stroller that can handle off-road terrain, or even hike. A lot of these strollers were developed with active parents and their children in mind. They have features that let you take them on any trip, no matter how rough or high the climbs are.
In addition to all-terrain tires the top double strollers come with thoughtful features that make navigating difficult terrain and weather more enjoyable. For instance this stroller for jogging has a wrist loop for your child, so you'll be able to ensure that they're safe while running downhill or at faster speeds. It also features a canopy with full coverage that is ventilated to keep your kids cool in the summer heat.
If you're looking to purchase a light compact double stroller, check out this model from Joovy. It weighs just 23 pounds, making it lighter than some single strollers and perfect for air travel or storing in trunks or overhead compartments. Additionally, it comes with a large storage basket and a one-step linked parking brake that is easy to use.
Seating
Double strollers are now sleeker and can be configured in many ways to meet the needs of your family. Some of them function as traditional side-byside strollers, while others -- like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double Stroller - function as a base that car seats, toddler seats, or bassinets click into. They are available in a variety of widths and weights to accommodate children from newborns through kindergarten.
A good double stroller will be simple to fold and maneuver, as well as allowing you to adjust the height of your handlebar to ensure that you feel at ease on all your outings. A well-designed handlebar is easy to grip and should encourage you to walk in a proper manner (ask for advice from other parents). It should also have various storage options that will accommodate all the essentials you'll need for your kids.
If your twins are similar age, a tandem stroller may be the best option for your family. The seats of these models sit together, allowing you to be able to interact with both of them and keep an eye on them at the same time. They also recline independently, so one child can rest while the other is ready to go.
The disadvantage of a twin stroller is that it can be larger than a single-occupant model and can make it difficult to maneuver around the aisles of shops, sidewalks, and narrow doorways. For certain families, the benefits are worth the extra space 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 V2 Double is a great choice 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 like the Delta Children LX Stroller Side-by-Side is another alternative. It's a basic model, but it offers plenty of space for storage and seating. It also comes with heavy-duty wheels that can handle any terrain. It also features a canopy with a 50+ SPF and a handlebar that can be adjusted. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and do not recline fully flat, which makes it difficult for little children to reach their food trays or relax.
Easy of Use
A double stroller is usually a significant investment and one you're hoping to use for a long time. When shopping for one you need to ensure that it's easy to operate and clean. Luckily, the most effective double strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as they can and include a variety of useful features for parents.
For starters, all of the strollers we tested fold up easily and compactly (with just one hand!). They're also lightweight, making them ideal for travel. Many of them can be checked for gate entry on airplanes and fit in most trunks. Additionally, the majority of our testers reported that their strollers folded down 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 versatile double stroller that will expand with your family, look no further than the Valco Snap Duo Trend. This side-byside stroller works with infant car seats and other accessories. It can be used from birth until the age of preschool. Each seat has a 5-point harness and a large canopy that gives plenty of shade from the sun.
Another highly-regarded option is the Joovy Twin Roo. This stroller is lightweight compact and weighs only 22 pounds when folded. The front seat reclines almost to an entire flat position, and the back seat features an adjustable recline that can be adjusted for each child. The stroller is simple to use and maneuver thanks to its large storage basket, simple one-step parking brake, and large storage basket.
The only downsides of the Joovy Twin Roo were minor and specific to this particular model. Kerry says that the packaging is innovative and fun, however it comes in five boxes, which can be a little cumbersome to carry around. She also noticed that the Genuis magnetic buckle was a little clunky and took some time to master. She was happy with the stroller at the end and would highly recommend it.
Storage
Strollers come with a variety of sizes and shapes, ranging from side-by-side doubles to tandem (single-file seating) styles, and a lot allow you to modify your stroller with a bassinet or car seat attachment. Some come with rider boards that can be added for older children. However, they're not all created equal. Some are elegant and simple to use, whereas others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold or store.
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, weighing less than 23 pounds. It folds easily and comes with all the features parents need to enjoy a day out with two children.
The Vista v2 Double from UPPAbaby is another model that our test subjects loved especially 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 create a triple or quad stroller. It comes with a large storage basket that can be upgraded to include a parent organizer with wheels for all-terrain and side storage bags.
Billingsley says the best double stroller for a two-year-old is one that has multiple customization options, like a removable seat or bassinet. Toddlers are typically weak in endurance, and a stroller that has an integrated bassinet can give them a safe space for them to sleep. She suggests that a double stroller should also have a great harness and recline position, as well as ample storage space for toys and snacks.
double pram and pushchair is popular among parents due to its light weight and flexibility. double pushchair to check at airport gates and fits through most doors (without having to remove the front wheels), and can expand into a quad or triple stroller with an add-on tandem seat. Its nearly-flat, independently reclining seats, extra-long sun canopy and footrests that can be adjusted are other highlights, while its spacious underseat storage basket and inclusion of parent and child cup holders round out the impressive list of features. The only drawback according to Taylor, is that it doesn't have a a small footprint when folded and can be difficult to stow.