How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
If you're in the market for a double stroller there are plenty of options. To help you choose the best one for your family, we talked to child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley.
You should look for a stroller which is easy to fold and push, as well as carry. Also, consider a stroller that's versatile enough to accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler and an adult rider board.
Safety
Look for a double-stroller that has all-terrain wheels and a brake that is operated by hand if want to keep your kids safe when walking. These brakes and wheels will help you navigate trails and sand without children falling or rolling. The best double strollers come with ample storage space to store equipment and essentials for kids like 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, those that offer a variety of configurations that let you select the seating option that is best for your family.
Side-byside doubles are a popular option, and are great for kids of similar ages who like to play with one another. Some options have a more double-decker style, allowing the user to place one seat above the other or attach a rider board to older siblings. Newborns can either be snuggled in a bassinet that is attached to the frame or in an attachment that lets you 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.
Choose a stroller with two wheels that can handle off-road terrain, and even hiking. A majority of these strollers have been designed with active parents in mind, and have features that allow you to take your kids on any adventure, regardless of how rough the road or how steep the climb could be.
The top double strollers have intelligent features that make it easier to navigate in difficult terrain and bad weather. double buggy from birth jogging stoller for instance, features a wrist loop, so you can ensure your child's safety while going downhill at a higher speed or in harsh weather conditions. It also has a full-coverage canopy that is ventilated to keep your children cool during summer heat.
This model is a compact and compact double stroller from Joovy. It weighs just over 23 pounds, making it lighter than some single strollers and perfect for air travel or storage in trunks or overhead compartments. It also has a large storage basket and an easy-to-use one-step parking brake.
Seating
Contrary to the giant strollers of the past these double strollers are sleek and support a variety of configurations that can be adapted to families. Some double strollers are designed to be used as side-by-side models, while others, like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Dual Stroller, can be used as an alternative to car seats, toddler seats and bassinets. They are available in a variety of widths and weight limits to fit infants and children up to kindergarten.
double travel buggy must be easy to maneuver and fold, while allowing you to adjust the handlebar's height to make sure you're able to walk comfortably throughout your excursions. A good handlebar is one that is easy to grip, and it should invite you to walk with proper posture (ask other parents for advice on this). It should offer a variety of storage options that can accommodate all the necessities your children will require.
If your twins are close in age, you may consider a tandem stroller that works best for your family. These strollers have seats that are side-by-side so you can interact with them both and keep an eye on both of them simultaneously. They also recline independently so that one child can lie down while the other is awake and ready to go.
The drawback of a twin stroller can be that it is wider than a model for a single-occupant. This could make it difficult to navigate narrow doorways, store aisles, or sidewalks. But for certain families, the advantages are worth the extra size and effort.
If you're looking for a compact double stroller the UPPAbaby Vista Double is a fantastic choice. Its shock absorbers, streamlined design and the capacity to accommodate two infant car seats - plus an optional running board for older children -- make it a great option for urban living.
Another option is a wagon-style double stroller, such as the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller. This basic model comes with lots of space for seating and storage, as well as sturdy 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 a little too low and can't recline to a completely flat position, making it difficult for smaller children to be comfortable or reach their snack trays.
User-Friendliness
Double strollers are typically an investment that will use for many years. If you are looking for a double stroller, be sure it's easy to use and clean. The top double strollers have been developed to be easy-to-use and come with many convenient features.
For starters, all of the strollers we tested fold easily and compactly (with just one hand!). These strollers are lightweight and ideal for traveling. Many of them can be gate checked on airplanes and fit into most trunks. In addition, the majority of our test subjects found that their strollers folded down to a smaller size than the single seat models, and some even included a carry strap for convenient carrying.
If you're in search of a multi-purpose double stroller that can expand with your family, look no further than the Valco Snap Duo Trend. This side-byside stroller is compatible with infant car seats and other accessories. It can be used from birth until preschool age. Each seat has a 5-point harness and an enormous canopy that offers ample protection from the sun.
Another highly-regarded option is the Joovy Twin Roo. The stroller is light and incredibly compact, measuring just 22 pounds and 26 inches wide when folded. The front seat reclines to a flat position, and the back seat can be adjusted to suit each child. There's a large storage bin and an easy, one-step connected parking brake that makes this stroller simple to move and use.
The only downsides to the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to that model. Kerry notes that the packaging was fun and clever, but that it also came in five boxes, which can be an inconvenience to carry around. She also found that the Genuis magnetic buckle was a little clunky and took some time to master. She was pleased with the stroller in the end and would recommend it.
Stores
Strollers come in all sizes and shapes, ranging from tandems with side-by-side doubles to tandem (single-file seating) designs, and many allow you to modify your layout with a bassinet, or car seat attachment. Some have even added rider boards for older siblings. However, they're not all made equal. Some are elegant and simple to use, whereas others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold or store.
If you're looking for a lightweight double stroller, take a look at the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest option during our tests. It weighs close to 23 pounds. It is also simple to fold, but it has all the features parents require to enjoy a great time with two kids.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double is another model that our testers loved, especially for its sleek design and easy to use. It can accommodate two infant car seats, or a toddler's seat and a bassinet without adapters. Its rear seat can be removed to turn it into a triple or quad stroller. It comes with a large basket for storage and can be upgraded with an organizer for parents as well as all-terrain tires, as as storage bags for the sides.
Billingsley says that the best double stroller for toddlers is one that supports various options for customization, such as the ability to remove a seat or a bassinet. Toddlers can be limited in their endurance and strollers that have a bassinet attached will offer a safe spot for them to rest. She says a double stroller should have a good harness system and recline positions, and plenty of storage space for toys and snacks.
The ZOE Twin+ is a popular choice among parents because of its light weight and flexibility. It is airline gate-check friendly it can be accessed through all doors (without taking off the wheels at the front), and can be expanded into a quad or triple stroller by adding an add-on tandem. The nearly flat, independently reclined seats as well as the extra-long, adjustable sun canopies are just a few of the highlights. A spacious underseat basket, as well as cup holders for both parents and children round out this impressive feature set. The one downside according to Taylor, is that it doesn't have a small profile when folded and can be difficult to carry.