How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
If you're in the market for a double stroller there are plenty of options. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert and mother, was able to help us select the best one for you.
You should look for a stroller that is 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
Choose a double-stroller which comes with all-terrain tires and a brake that can be operated by hand if want to keep your kids safe when walking. These wheels and brakes will help you navigate trails as well as sidewalks, gravel, and other paths without your children falling or rolling away. The best double strollers also have 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 by understanding how old and far apart in age. A majority of double strollers are designed to allow one child seat, however, those are available in different configurations, so you can pick the type of seating that best fits your kids and your lifestyle.
The classic doubles are perfect for children of similar ages who like to interact. Some double-decker designs allow you to put one of the seats over the other, or attach a riderboard to older siblings. Babies can be sat in a bassinet that is attached to the frame, or with an attachment that lets you play peek-a-boo with your baby. If you are expecting twins or already have twins then a twin stroller will be the best option.
For families who are more adventurous opt for double strollers that can take on off-road terrains or even hike. Many of these strollers were developed 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 might be.
In addition to all-terrain tires the top double strollers come with thoughtful features that make getting around difficult terrain and weather more enjoyable. This 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 extreme weather conditions. It also comes with a full-coverage canopy with ventilation to ensure your children stay comfortable in the summer heat.
If you're looking for a light compact double stroller, check out this model from Joovy. It weighs less than 23 pounds. This makes it perfect for air travel and 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 sleeker and can be configured in various ways to fit your family. 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, toddler seats, and bassinets. They are available in a range of widths and weights that can accommodate children from newborns through kindergarten.
A good double stroller should be simple to fold and maneuver and will allow you to adjust your handlebar height to ensure that you're at ease on all your excursions. A good handlebar should be easy to hold, and it should encourage you to walk in a proper posture (ask other parents for advice on this). It should have a range of storage options to accommodate everything your children will need.
If your twins are near in age, you may discover that a tandem stroller is best for your family. These strollers have seats that are side-byside, which means you can interact with them each other and keep an eye on each of them simultaneously. They also recline independently so that one child can rest while the other is ready to go.
The disadvantage of a twin stroller is that it's larger than a single-occupant model, which can make it difficult to navigate the aisles of shops, sidewalks and narrow doors. For some families the benefits are well worth the extra effort and size.
If you're looking for a small double-stroller, then the UPPAbaby V2 Double is a great option. twin pushchair pushchairsandprams.uk is a great option for city dwellers due to its shock absorption, sleek design, and capacity to accommodate two infant car seats. It also comes with 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. This bare-bones model offers lots of space for seating and storage, as well as heavy-duty wheels that manage any terrain. It also comes with a canopy that has 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. However, some parents feel that the seats are too low and they don't recline completely to a flat position, making it difficult for small children to get comfortable or reach their snack tray.
Simple to Use
A double stroller is usually an investment that you hope to use for many years. If you are in the market for a double stroller, make sure that it is easy to use and clean. Luckily, the most effective double strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as is possible and come with plenty of useful features for parents.
For starters, all the strollers we tested fold easily and compactly (with just one hand!). They are also light and ideal for traveling. A lot of them fit into the majority of trunks and are checked at the gate on planes. Many of our test subjects found that their strollers can be folded down smaller than their single-seat equivalents. Some even had a carry strap.
The Valco Snap Duo trend is a double stroller that has a lot of versatility that can adapt to the needs of your family. This side-by-side stroller can be used with infant car seats, a bassinet and other accessories, which means you can use it from birth until preschool age. Each seat features a 5-point harness and a large canopy. It also offers plenty of sun protection.
Another option that is highly regarded is the Joovy Twin Roo. The stroller is light and compact, weighing only 22 pounds when folded. The front seat reclines almost to an entire flat position, and the back seat features an adjustable recline for every 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 that model. Kerry states that the packaging was fun and clever, however it also came in five boxes that can be an inconvenience to carry around. She also felt that the Genuis magnetic buckle was awkward and took a while to master. In the end, however she was extremely pleased with the stroller and would highly recommend it.
Stores
Strollers come in all sizes and shapes, from tandem doubles that are side-by-side to (single-file seating) styles, plus many allow you to modify your stroller with a bassinet or car seat attachment. Some have rider boards which can be added for older siblings. They're not created equal. Some are light and easy to use while others are heavy, bulky and difficult to fold.
If you are looking for a lightweight stroller that can hold two kids, the Joovy Caboose Graphite is a great choice. It was the lightest stroller in our tests, weighing less than 23 pounds. It is also easy-to-fold and comes with all the features parents need for a great day out with two children.
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 or a toddler bassinet and seat without adapters. The rear seat can be removed to make it into a quad or triple stroller. It has a large storage basket and can be upgraded to include an organizer for parents, all-terrain wheels, and side storage bags.
Billingsley says the best double stroller for toddlers is one that supports various options for customization, such as a removable seat or bassinet. That's because toddlers often have little endurance, so the stroller with the bassinet attachment can provide them with a safe spot to rest for a nap. She suggests that a double stroller should include a harness system that is reliable and recline positions, and plenty of storage room for toys and snacks.
The ZOE Twin+ is a popular choice among parents because of its light weight and flexibility. It's easy to check at airport gates it can be accessed through all doors (without having to remove the front wheels), and can expand into a quad or triple stroller with an add-on tandem seat. Its near-flat independently reclining seats, extra-long sun canopies and adjustable footrests are additional highlights, while its spacious underseat storage basket and inclusion of parent and kid cup holders complete the impressive set of features. Taylor says the one downside is that it has an enormous profile when folded, and can be difficult for parents to stow.