How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
There are a variety of options in the field of double strollers. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert and mother, helped us select the best one for you.
It is recommended to choose a stroller that is easy to fold and push to carry. Look for a model that can hold two infant car seats or a toddler with a riderboard.
Safety
Choose a double-stroller which has all-terrain wheels and a brake that can be operated by hand if want to ensure your children are safe when walking. These wheels and brakes assist you in navigating trails or sidewalks without your kids slipping or slipping away. The best double strollers come with plenty of storage space for items for your kids, including snacks and toys.
The first step to choosing the best double stroller is to determine the age of your children and how far apart they are. Many double strollers can only accommodate one child seat. However, those that offer a variety of options that let you select the seating option that is ideal for your family.
Side-by-side doubles are an iconic choice, and they're perfect for kids of similar ages who like to play with one another. Some models have a double-decker style, allowing you to place one of the seats above the other or add a rider board to older siblings. Newborns can be tucked into a bassinet attached to the frame or in a standalone attachment that allows you to have a peek-a-boo view of your baby. If you are expecting twins or already have twins, then a twin stroller is the best choice.
For families that are more adventurous opt for double strollers that can handle off-road terrain or even hike. A lot of these strollers were designed with active parents in mind, and come with features that let you take your children to any adventure, regardless of how rough the terrain or how steep the climbs might be.
The best double strollers have thoughtful features to aid in navigation through difficult terrain and in bad weather. This jogging stroller, for instance, features wrist loops so that you can make sure your child is safe when running at higher speeds or in extreme weather conditions. It also features a canopy that covers the entire area and has ventilation so your kids stay cool in the summer heat.
This model is a compact and compact double stroller from Joovy. It weighs just 23 lbs, making it lighter than other single strollers, and ideal for air travel or storage in trunks or overhead compartments. Additionally, it comes with an enormous storage basket as well as a parking brake that is linked in one step that is easy to use.
Seating
Double strollers of today are sleeker and can be set up in a variety of ways to suit 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 for car seats, toddler seats, or bassinets snap into. They are available in various sizes and weight limits to accommodate children from birth through kindergarten.
A quality double stroller should be a breeze to move and fold, while also permitting you to alter the handlebar height so you're comfortable throughout your outings. A well-designed handlebar is easy to hold and will encourage you to walk in a proper manner (ask for advice from other parents). It should offer a variety of storage options to fit all the necessities your children will need.
If your twins have a similar age, a tandem stroller may be the best choice for your family. These strollers have seats that are side-byside, which means you can interact with them both while keeping an eye on both of them at the same time. They can also recline separately so that one child can lie down while the other is awake and ready to go.
The downside of a twin stroller could be that it's wider than one designed for a single-occupant. This makes it more difficult to navigate narrow aisles in store aisles, doors or even the sidewalks. For some families, however, 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 option. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double is a great option for urban living due to its shock absorption capabilities, sleek design, and ability to accommodate two infant car seats. It also has an optional running board that can be used by older children who are mobile.
Another option is a wagon-style stroller, like the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller. It's a basic model, but it offers plenty of space for storage and seating. It also comes with heavy-duty wheels to handle any terrain. It also has a canopy with a 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and don't recline completely flat, making it hard for small children to reach their food trays or relax.
Ease of Use
A double stroller is usually a significant investment and one you're likely to use for years. When choosing a stroller, you want to ensure that it is easy to operate and clean. Luckily, the most effective double strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as possible and come with plenty of useful features for parents.
For starters, all of the strollers we tested fold easily and compactly (with only one hand!). They are also light and are ideal for traveling. A lot of them can be checked for gate entry on airplanes and fit in the majority of trunks. Additionally, the majority of our testers found that their strollers folded down to a smaller size than their single-seat counterparts, and some even had an adjustable carry strap for easy carrying.
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 is compatible with infant car seats, bassinets, and other accessories, meaning you can use it from birth until the age of preschool. Each seat comes with a 5-point harness and a large canopy that provides ample protection from the sun.
The Joovy Twin Roo is another option that is highly regarded. The stroller is light, compact and only 22 pounds when folded. The front seat reclines to nearly the full flat position and the back seat features an adjustable recline for every child. There's a huge storage basket and a simple, one-step linked parking brake that makes this stroller simple to move and use.
The only drawbacks to the Joovy Twin Roo were minor and specific to this particular model. Kerry says that the packaging was enjoyable and innovative, but it also came in five boxes which could be trouble to carry around. She also found the Genuis magnetic clasp to be somewhat awkward, and it took a while before she could get it to work. She was pleased with the stroller in the end and would highly recommend it.
Stores
Strollers come with a variety of sizes and shapes, 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 come with rider boards that can be added to accommodate older siblings. They're not created equal. Some are light and easy to use, whereas others are heavy, bulky and difficult to fold.
If you're looking for a lightweight double stroller, look into the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest stroller we tested in our tests, with a weight of just under 23 lbs. It's also easy to fold and has all the features parents need for a great day out with two kids.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double is a different 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 quad or triple stroller. It has a huge storage basket that can be upgraded to include a parent organizer wheel, all-terrain wheels, as well as side storage bags.
Billingsley states that the best double stroller to use for toddlers is one that offers numerous options for customization. tandem double stroller includes a bassinet or seat that can be removed. Toddlers are often limited in their endurance and a stroller that has an attached bassinet will provide a safe place for them to rest. She says a double stroller should also come with a sturdy harness system and recline positions, as well as plenty of storage room for toys and snacks.
The ZOE Twin+ is a popular choice among parents due to its light weight and versatility. It's gate-check-friendly for airlines and fits through most doors (without having to remove the front wheels) and expands into a triple or quad stroller with an added tandem seat. The near-flat, independently reclining seats as well as the extra-long sun canopies that are adjustable are other highlights. A large underseat basket as well as parent and child cup holders complete the impressive set of features. The one drawback according to Taylor the manufacturer, is that it doesn't have an elongated footprint when folded and can be difficult to stow.