How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
There are a variety of options when it comes to double strollers. To help you choose the most suitable one for your family, we consulted child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley.
You should choose a stroller which is easy to fold and push, as well as carry. You should consider a stroller that can accommodate two infant car seat or a toddler that has a riderboard.
Safety
If you want to keep your kids safe while walking opt for a double stroller with features such as all-terrain tires and a brake operated by hand. These wheels and brakes will assist you in navigating trails or sidewalks without your children falling or rolling away. The best double strollers have ample storage space to store equipment and essentials for kids like snacks and toys.
The best double stroller for your family starts by determining how old and distant in age. Many double strollers can only accommodate one child seat. However, some do come with a variety of configurations that allow you to choose the seating that's best for your family.
Side-byside doubles are a popular option, and are great for children of similar ages who like to interact with each other. Some double-decker designs allow you to put one seat above the other, or attach a riderboard for older siblings. Babies can be sat in a bassinet that is attached to the frame or with an attachment that lets you peek-a-boo at your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a twin stroller is the best option to go.
For families that are more adventurous opt for a double stroller that is able to handle off-road terrain, or even hiking. A lot of these strollers were designed with active parents in mind, and come with features that let you take your kids on any adventure, regardless of how rough the path or how steep the climb might be.
The top double strollers are equipped with intelligent features that aid in navigation through difficult terrain and in bad weather. For instance, this jogging stroller includes a wrist loop for your child so you're sure that they're safe when you run downhill or at higher speeds. It also features a canopy with full coverage that is ventilated to keep your children cool during the summer heat.
This model is a compact and compact double stroller from Joovy. It weighs less than 23 lbs. It's perfect for air travel and storage in trunks or overhead compartments. Plus, it has an enormous storage basket as well as a parking brake that is linked in one step that's easy to use.
Seating
Double strollers of today are more sleek and can be arranged in many ways to meet the needs of your family. Some of them function as traditional side-byside strollers, while others -- like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double Stroller--work as a base to which car seats, toddler seats or bassinets click into. They are available in a variety of widths and weights that can accommodate children from newborns through kindergarten.
A quality double stroller should be easy to fold and move, as well as allowing you to adjust your handlebar height to ensure that you feel comfortable throughout your outings. A great handlebar should be easy to grip, and it should encourage you to walk with proper form (ask parents for advice on this). It should also offer various storage options that will accommodate everything you need for your kids.
If your twins are similar age, a tandem stroller may be the best choice for your family. These strollers have seats that are side-by-side which means you can interact with them each other and keep an eye on both of them simultaneously. They also recline independently so that one child can nap while the other is awake and ready to go.
The disadvantage of a twin stroller is that it can be wider than a single-occupant model which makes it difficult to navigate the aisles of shops, sidewalks and narrow doorways. For certain families, however the benefits are worth the extra effort and size.
If you're looking for a compact double stroller the UPPAbaby Vista Double is a great option. Its shock absorbers, streamlined design and the capacity to accommodate two infant car seats - plus an optional running board for more mobile children--make it an ideal option for urban living.
Another option is a wagon-style stroller, such as the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller. This bare-bones model offers a lot of seating space and storage, as well as robust wheels that can handle any terrain. It also has a canopy that has 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and do not recline fully flat, making it hard for small children to reach their food trays or to relax.
Easy of Use
A double stroller is usually a significant investment and one you're likely to use for a long time. When shopping for one, you want to ensure that it is easy to operate and clean. Fortunately, the best double strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as possible and come with a wide array of useful features for parents.
All the strollers we tested fold easily and compactly using just one hand. These strollers are lightweight and ideal for traveling. They can fit in most trunks and can be checked for gate-checking on planes. Many of our test subjects found that their strollers could be folded down to a smaller size than the single seat equivalents. Some even had a carrying strap.
The Valco Snap Duo trend is a double stroller that has many options that can adapt to the needs of your family. This side-byside stroller is compatible with infant car seats, a bassinet, and other accessories, which means you can use it from birth to 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. This stroller is lightweight, compact and only 22 lbs when folded. The front seat reclines almost to a flat position and the back seat can be adjusted to fit each child. There's a large storage bin and an easy, one-step linked parking brake that makes this stroller easy to maneuver and use.
The only negatives of the Joovy Twin Roo were minor and specific to this particular model. Kerry notes that the packaging was enjoyable and clever, but that it was also packaged in five boxes that could be a hassle to lug around. She also felt that the Genuis magnetic buckle was a bit clunky and took some time to master. She was pleased with the stroller at the end and would recommend it.
Storage
Strollers are available in various sizes and styles, including tandems (single-file seating) as well as side-by-side doubles and some that let you customize the setup with a car seat or bassinet attachment. Some have rider boards that can be added for older children. There are many different types of rider boards. Some are light and easy to use while others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold.
If you're seeking a stroller with a light weight that can fit two children The Joovy Caboose Graphite is a great option. It was the lightest stroller in our tests, with a weight of just under 23 lbs. It is also easy-to-fold and comes with all the features parents would want to enjoy a day out with two kids.
The Vista v2 double from UPPAbaby is another model that our testers loved. They particularly liked its sleek design and user-friendly. It can accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler's bassinet and seat without the need for adapters. The rear seat can be removed to turn it into a triple or quad stroller. It comes with a large storage basket that can be upgraded to include an organizer for parents with wheels for all-terrain and side storage bags.
double tandem pushchair says that the ideal double stroller for a toddler is one that offers various options for customization, such as a removable seat or bassinet. This is due to toddlers having limitations in endurance, and the stroller with the bassinet attachment can provide them with a safe space to nap. She says a double stroller must also have a good harness system and recline positions, as well as plenty of storage space for toys and snacks.
The ZOE Twin+ is a popular choice among parents due to its light weight and the versatility. It is airline gate-check friendly, fits through most doorways (without taking off the wheels at the front), and can be expanded into a quad or triple stroller by adding an add-on tandem. Its nearly flat, independently reclined seats, sun canopy with extra-long lengths and footrests that can be adjusted are other highlights, while its spacious underseat storage area and the inclusion of parent and kid cup holders round out the impressive feature set. Taylor states that the only disadvantage is that it has a a large profile when folded, and it can be difficult for parents to carry.