How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
There are many options available when it comes to double strollers. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert and mother, was able to help us choose the right model for you.
Find a stroller that's reasonably easy to fold, push and carry. You should consider a stroller that can hold two infant car seat or a toddler that has a riderboard.
Safety
If you want to ensure your children are safe while walking make sure you choose a double stroller that has features like all-terrain tires and an electronic brake that can be operated by hand. These wheels and brake aid you in traversing trails or sidewalks without your kids slipping or slipping away. The best double strollers also offer plenty of storage space for gear as well as kids-sized items like snacks and toys.
Choosing the right double stroller for your family starts with understanding the age and distance in age your kids are. Many double strollers only allow one child seat, but those are available in different configurations, so you can pick the seating option that best fits your kids and your lifestyle.
The classic doubles are great for children of similar ages that like to interact. Some options have a more double-decker design, which allows you to put one of the seats above the other or add an extra rider board for older siblings. Babies can be sat in a bassinet attached to the frame, or with an attachment that allows you to play peek-a-boo with your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a dedicated twin stroller is the way to go.
Find a double-wheeled stroller that is capable of handling off-road terrain and even hiking. A lot strollers were created with active parents and their children in mind. They come with features that allow you to take them on any adventure, no regardless of how difficult or steep the climbs might be.
The best double strollers have intelligent features that help you navigate in difficult terrain and bad weather. For example this stroller for jogging has a wrist loop for your child, so you'll be able to ensure that they're safe when you run downhill or at higher speeds. It also has a canopy that covers the entire area and has ventilation so your kids stay cool during the summer heat.
This model is a lightweight and compact double stroller from Joovy. It weighs less than 23 pounds., making it ideal for air travel and storage in trunks or overhead compartments. Plus, it has a huge storage basket and a parking brake that is linked in one step that's easy to use.
Seating
Unlike the behemoth strollers of old these double strollers are sleek and offer various configurations to fit 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 a base for car seats, toddlers ' seats as well as bassinets. They are available in a variety of widths and weights to accommodate children from newborns to kindergarten.
A good double stroller will be simple to fold and maneuver and will allow you to adjust your handlebar height to ensure you are at ease on all your excursions. A well-designed handlebar should be easy to grip, and it should allow you to walk with proper posture (ask other parents for tips on this). It should also have a variety of storage options that accommodate everything you need for your children.
If your twins are close in age, you might consider a tandem stroller that works best for your family. These models have seats that are side-by-side so you can talk to them both while keeping an eye on both of them at the same. They also recline independently so that one child can lie down while the other is awake and ready to go.
The drawback of twin strollers is that it's wider than a single-occupant model and can make it difficult to navigate sidewalks, shop aisles and narrow doorways. For some families, however the benefits are worth the extra effort and size.
If you're looking for a compact double stroller the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double is a great option. Its shock absorption, streamlined design and the capacity to accommodate two infant car seats, plus an optional running board for more mobile children make it a perfect choice for city living.
A wagon-style double stroller, such as the Delta Children LX Stroller Side-by-Side is another option. The model is basic however it has plenty of space for storage and seating. It also has heavy-duty wheels to tackle any terrain. It also features a 50+ SPF canopy and a handlebar that can be adjusted. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and do not recline completely flat, making it difficult for little children to reach their food trays or get comfortable.
User-Friendliness
Double strollers are often an investment of a significant amount that you will use for many years. When shopping for one, you want to ensure that it's easy to use and clean. Fortunately, the best double strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as they can and include a variety of useful features for parents.
All the strollers we tested could be folded easily and compactly with just one hand. They are also light and are ideal for traveling. Many of them fit in most trunks and can be gate-checked on airplanes. Many of our test subjects found that their strollers could fold down smaller than the single seat equivalents. Some even came with a carrying strap.
If you're looking for a versatile double stroller that can adapt to your family's needs take a look at the Valco Snap Duo Trend. This side-byside stroller works with infant car seats and other accessories. It can be used from birth up to the age of preschool. Each seat comes with a 5-point harness and a large canopy that provides ample protection from the sun.
Another highly-regarded option is the Joovy Twin Roo. It is light and compact, weighing only weighs 22 pounds when folded. The front seat reclines to nearly an entire flat position, and the back seat has an adjustable recline that can be adjusted for each child. This stroller is easy to maneuver and use thanks to its large storage basket, easy parking brake that is one step and a large storage basket.
The only negatives of the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to this model. Kerry says that the packaging is innovative and fun, however it comes in five boxes, which can be a bit heavy to carry around. She also found the Genuis magnetic clasp to be somewhat difficult to use and took her a while before she was able to master it. She was pleased with the stroller, however, and would recommend it.
Stores
Strollers come in all shapes and sizes, from side-by-side doubles to tandem (single-file seating) designs, and many allow you to customize your layout with a bassinet or car seat attachment. Some have even added rider boards for older children. However, not all of them are created equal -- some are elegant and simple to use, while others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold or stow.
If second hand double buggy looking for a stroller that is light that can fit 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 still has all of the features parents require to enjoy a great time with two children.
The Vista v2 double from UPPAbaby is another model that our test subjects loved. They especially liked its sleek design and ease-of-use. It can accommodate two infant car seats, a toddler's seat and a bassinet. There are no adapters needed. The rear seat can also be removed to create a triple or quad stroller. It has a large storage basket that can be upgraded to include a parent organizer, all-terrain wheels, and side storage bags.
Billingsley states that the best double stroller for a toddler is one that has different options for customization, including the ability to remove a seat or a bassinet. This is because toddlers typically have limited endurance, and a stroller with the bassinet attachment can provide them with a safe space to rest for a nap. She suggests that a double stroller should also include a harness system that is reliable and recline positions, as well as plenty of storage space for snacks and toys.
The ZOE Twin+ is popular with parents due to its light weight and versatility. It's gate-check-friendly for airlines and fits through most doors (without removing the front wheels) and can be expanded into a triple or quad 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 area and the inclusion of kid and parent cup holders round out the impressive list of features. Taylor states that the only drawback is that it has an enormous footprint when folded, and it can be difficult for parents to store.