How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
There are many options available in the field of double strollers. To help you select the most suitable one for your family, we talked to child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley.
It is recommended to choose a stroller that is simple to fold, push and carry. Also, consider a stroller that is able to accommodate two car seats for infants or a toddler and a rider board.
Safety
If you want to keep your children safe while walking make sure you choose a double stroller that has features such as all-terrain tires and an electronic brake that can be operated by hand. These wheels and brakes assist you in navigating paths and dirt without worrying about your children falling or rolling. The best double strollers come with ample storage space to store gear and kid-sized essentials like snacks and toys.
Selecting the best double stroller for your family begins by determining how old and far apart in age your kids 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 ideal for your family.
Side-byside doubles are a popular option, and are great for kids of similar ages who want to be social with one another. Double-decker designs permit you to place one seat above the other, or even attach a riderboard to older siblings. Newborns can be placed in a bassinet connected to the frame or with an attachment that allows you to peek-a-boo 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 opt for a double stroller that is able to handle off-road terrain or even hike. A lot of these strollers were designed with active parents and their children in mind. They come with features that will let you take them on any adventure no regardless of how difficult or steep the climbs are.
The best double strollers are equipped with thoughtful features to help you navigate in a difficult terrain or bad weather. This jogging stoller for example, has a wrist loop, so you can make sure your child is safe when running at higher speeds or in harsh weather conditions. It also features a canopy with full coverage that is ventilated to keep your children cool during the summer heat.
If you're looking for a light compact double stroller look at this model from Joovy. It weighs in at just over 23 pounds, which makes it lighter than most single strollers and perfect for air travel or storage in overhead compartments or trunks. Additionally, it comes with a huge storage basket and a one-step linked parking brake that is simple to use.
Seating
Double strollers today are more sleek and can be arranged in a variety of ways to suit your family. Some double strollers can 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, toddlers seats, and bassinets. They are available in a variety of widths and weights that can accommodate children from newborns through kindergarten.
A good double stroller must be a breeze to move and fold, while also permitting you to alter 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 hold and should encourage you to walk in a proper form (ask other parents for advice on this). It should have a range of storage options that can accommodate all the essentials your children will need.
If your twins are of a similar age, a tandem stroller may be the best option for your family. These models come with seats that are side-byside, so you can talk to them each other and keep an eye on each of them at the same. They can also recline separately so that one child can sleep while the other is awake and ready to go.
The downside to a twin stroller is that it's more spacious than a model with a single occupant which makes it difficult to maneuver around sidewalks, shop aisles and narrow doors. For some families, the benefits are worth the extra effort and size.
If you're looking for a compact double-stroller, then the UPPAbaby V2 Double is a good alternative. Its shock absorption, sleek design, and capacity for two infant car seats, plus an optional running board for more mobile children make it a perfect option for city-living.
Another alternative is a wagon-style double stroller, like the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller. This basic model comes with a lot of seating space and storage space, along with sturdy wheels that can handle any terrain. It also features a 50+ SPF canopy and adjustable handlebars. But some parents say the seats are a little too low and don't recline completely to a flat position, making it difficult for smaller children to sit comfortably or reach their snack trays.
Easy of Use
A double stroller can be a significant investment and one you're hoping to 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 designed to be user-friendly and include many useful features.
For starters, all of the strollers we tested fold easily and compactly (with one hand!). They're also light, which makes them ideal for traveling. A majority of them are checked for gate entry on airplanes and fit in most trunks. Most of our testers also discovered that their strollers could fold down smaller than their single-seat equivalents. Some even had a carry strap.
If you're in search of a multi-purpose double stroller that can adapt to your family's needs Look no further than the Valco Snap Duo Trend. stokke double stroller -byside stroller is compatible with infant car seats and other accessories. It can be used from birth to preschool age. Each seat comes with a 5-point harness, a large canopy and plenty of sun protection.
Another highly-regarded option is the Joovy Twin Roo. It is light, compact and only 22 pounds when folded. The front seat reclines almost to a full flat position and the back seat features an adjustable recline for each child. There's a large storage bin and an easy, one-step linked parking brake that makes this stroller simple to move and use.
The only downsides to the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to this model. Kerry notes that the packaging was enjoyable and innovative, but it came in five boxes, which can be a bit of trouble to carry around. She also noticed that Genuis's magnetic buckle was a bit awkward and took a while to master. She was satisfied with the stroller, however, and would highly recommend it.
Storage
Strollers are available in various sizes and designs and styles, including tandems (single-file seating) and side-by-side doubles and many that let you customize the setup with the use of a bassinet or car seat attachment. Some have even added rider boards designed for older kids. However, they're not all created equal. Some are sleek and easy to use, while others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold and store.
If you are looking for a stroller that is light that can accommodate two children, the Joovy Caboose Graphite is a great choice. It was the lightest stroller in our tests, weighing less than 23 pounds. It folds easily and comes with all the features parents want to enjoy a day out with two children.
The Vista v2 Double from UPPAbaby is a second model that our testers loved particularly for its sleek design and user-friendly. It can accommodate two infant car seats, a toddler's seat and a bassinet, with no adapters needed. The rear seat can be removed to create a quad or triple stroller. It comes with a huge basket for storage, and can be upgraded with an organizer for parents as well as all-terrain tires, as with side storage bags.
Billingsley states that the best double stroller to use for toddlers is one that has various options for customization. double tandem pushchair includes a seat or a bassinet that can be removed. This is due to toddlers having little endurance, so the stroller with an attachment for a bassinet will provide them with a safe spot to nap. The expert says that a double stroller should also have a good recline position and harness system and plenty of storage space for snacks and toys.
The ZOE Twin+ is popular among parents due to its light weight and versatility. It's airline gate-check-friendly, fits through most doors (without removing the front wheels) and expands into a quad or triple stroller with an added tandem seat. Its near-flat independently reclining seats, sun canopy with extra-long lengths and adjustable footrests are further highlights, while its spacious underseat storage basket and inclusion of kid and parent cup holders round out the impressive feature set. Taylor says that the only disadvantage is that it has a the largest footprint when folded, and it can be difficult for parents to store.