How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
If you're looking for a double stroller there are a variety of options. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert and mother, has helped us choose the right model for you.
Look for a stroller that's fairly easy to push, fold and carry. And consider a model that can accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler as well as a rider board.
Safety
Look for a double-stroller that has all-terrain wheels and a brake that is operated by hand if want to keep the kids safe when walking. These wheels and brakes allow you to navigate paths and dirt without worrying about your children slipping or rolling. The best double strollers come with plenty of storage space to store gear and kid-sized essentials like snacks and toys.
Selecting the best double stroller for your family starts by understanding the age and distance in terms of age your children are. Most double strollers can only can accommodate one child's seat, but the ones are available in a variety of configurations so you can choose the seat that is most suitable for your children and your lifestyle.
The classic doubles are ideal for children of similar ages that want to play. Certain models feature a double-decker design, allowing the user to place one seat above the other or even attach a rider board for older siblings. Babies can be sat in a bassinet that is connected to the frame or in an attachment that allows you to peek-a-boo at your baby. If you are expecting twins or already have twins and want to have a twin stroller, it is the best choice.
For families who are more adventurous opt for a double stroller that is able to take on off-road terrains or even hike. A lot of these strollers were developed with active parents and their children in mind. They come with features that allow you to take them on any trip, no regardless of how difficult or steep the climbs might be.
The best double strollers are equipped with clever features that help you navigate in difficult terrain and bad weather. This jogging stoller, for instance, features a wrist loop, so you can ensure your child's safety while running downhill at higher speeds or in adverse weather conditions. It also features a full-coverage canopy that is ventilated to keep your children cool in the summer heat.
If you're looking for a light compact double stroller, check out this model from Joovy. It weighs just over 23 pounds, making it lighter than other single strollers, and ideal for air travel or storage in trunks or overhead compartments. It also comes with a large storage basket and a simple one-step parking brake.
Seating
Double strollers are now more sleek and can be arranged in various ways to suit your family. Some double strollers are designed to be used as side-by-side models, while others, such as the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Dual Stroller can be used as an alternative to car seats, toddler seats, and bassinets. They are available in a variety of widths and weight limits to accommodate infants and children up to kindergarten.
A quality double stroller should be easy to fold and move and will allow you to adjust the height of your handlebar to ensure you are comfortable on all of your outings. A good handlebar is one that is easy to hold and should encourage you to walk in a proper form (ask parents for advice on this). It should have a range of storage options to fit everything your children will need.
If your twins have a similar age and are in the same age group, a tandem stroller might be the ideal option for your family. The seats of these models sit in a row, allowing you to interact with them both and keep an eye on both of them at the same time. They can also recline separately so that one child can nap while the other is awake and ready to go.
The drawback of twin strollers is that it's larger than a single-occupant model and can make it difficult to navigate walkways, aisles for shopping and narrow doors. For some families, however the benefits are well worth the extra effort and size.
If you're looking for a compact double-stroller, then the UPPAbaby V2 Double is an excellent alternative. The UPPAbaby Vista Double is a great choice for urban living due to its shock absorption, elegant design, and ability to accommodate two infant car seats. It also comes with an optional running board that can be used by older children who are mobile.
A wagon-style double stroller like the Delta Children LX Stroller Side-by-Side is another alternative. This model is bare bones, but it offers plenty of space for storage and seating. It also has sturdy wheels to tackle any terrain. It also comes with a canopy with 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and do not recline fully flat, which makes it difficult for little children to reach their food trays or to relax.
Simple to use
A double stroller can be a significant investment and one that you hope to use for many years. When you are shopping for one you need to ensure that it's simple to operate 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.
To start, all the strollers we tested folded easily and compactly (with only one hand!). These strollers are lightweight and perfect for travel. A lot of them can be checked at the gate on planes and fit in the majority of trunks. Our testers discovered that their strollers can be folded down to a smaller size than single-seat versions. Some even had a carrying strap.
The Valco Snap Duo trend is double stroller with many options that can grow with your family. This side-byside stroller is compatible with infant car seats and other accessories. It can be used from birth up to preschool age. Each seat features five-point harnesses with a large canopy, as well as plenty of sun protection.
Another popular option is the Joovy Twin Roo. The stroller is light, compact and only 22 lbs when folded. The front seat reclines to nearly a full flat position and the back seat has an adjustable recline that can be adjusted for each child. The stroller is simple to operate and maneuver due to its large storage basket, easy one-step parking brake, and large storage basket.
The only drawbacks of the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to this model. Kerry says that the packaging is smart and enjoyable, however, it comes in five boxes, which can be a bit heavy to carry around. double push chair felt that Genuis's magnetic buckle was a bit clunky and took some time to master. In the end, however she was extremely pleased with this stroller and would definitely recommend it.
Storage
Strollers come in all sizes and shapes, from tandem doubles that are side-by-side to (single-file seating) designs, and many allow you to customize your stroller with a bassinet, or car seat attachment. Some have rider boards which can be added for older siblings. They're not all created equal. Some are lightweight and easy to use, while others are heavy, bulky and difficult to fold.
If you're looking for a light double stroller, take a look at the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest choice in our tests, weighing around 23 pounds and is also easy to fold, yet it still has all of the features parents require to have a great time out with two kids.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double is another model that our testers loved, especially for its sleek design and easy to use. 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 large storage basket that can be upgraded to include an organizer for parents wheel, all-terrain wheels, as well as side storage bags.
Billingsley says that the most suitable double stroller to use for toddlers is one that has various options for customization. This includes a seat or a bassinet that can be removed. This is because toddlers typically have little endurance, so the stroller with the bassinet attachment can provide them with a safe spot to rest for a nap. She says that a double stroller should also have a comfortable recline position and harness system as well as plenty of storage space for toys and snacks.
The ZOE Twin+ is popular among parents due to its light weight and flexibility. It's easy to check at airport gates and fits through most doors (without having to remove the front wheels) and can be expanded into a triple or quad stroller that has an additional tandem seat. Its near-flat independently reclining seats, sun canopy with extra-long lengths and adjustable footrests are further highlights, while its large underseat storage area and the inclusion of parent and child cup holders complete the impressive feature set. Taylor states that the only drawback is that it has the largest size when folded and is difficult for parents to carry.