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, has helped us select the best one for you.
Find a stroller that's fairly easy to push, fold and carry. Also, consider a stroller that is able to accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler along with a rider board.
Safety
If you want to keep your children safe on your walks opt for a double stroller with features like all-terrain tires and a hand-operated brake. These brakes and wheels assist you in navigating paths and dirt without worrying about your children slipping or rolling. The best double strollers also offer plenty of storage space for gear and essentials for kids, such as snacks and toys.
The first step in choosing the best double stroller is to know the age of your children and how far apart they are. A majority of double strollers are designed to can accommodate one child's seat, but those that do come in various configurations so that you can choose the seating option that best suits your kids and your lifestyle.
Side-byside doubles are a popular option, and are great for children of similar ages who like to be social with one another. Some models have a double-decker design, allowing the user to place one seat above the other or add an extra rider board for older siblings. Babies can be placed in an infant bassinet that is attached to the frame or in an individual attachment that gives you a peek-a-boo view of 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 consider a double stroller that can take on off-road terrains or even hiking. A majority of these strollers were designed with active parents in mind and include features that let you take your children on any adventure, no matter how rough the terrain or how steep the climbs may be.
The top double strollers come with clever features that aid in navigation in difficult terrain and bad weather. For example, this jogging stroller includes a wrist loop for your child so you'll be able to ensure they're secure when running downhill or at faster speeds. It also comes with a canopy that covers the entire area and has airflow to keep your kids cool during the summer heat.
This model is a lightweight and compact double stroller from Joovy. It weighs less than 23 pounds. This makes it perfect for air travel and storage in overhead compartments or trunks. It also comes with a huge storage basket and an easy-to-use one-step parking brake.
Seating
In contrast to the massive strollers of old the modern double strollers are sleek and offer various configurations to fit families. Some double strollers are designed to be used as side-by-side models, and others, like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Dual Stroller, can be used as an alternative to car seats, toddlers seats and bassinets. They are available in various widths and weight limits to fit children from birth to kindergarten.
A good double stroller should be easy to fold and maneuver, as well as allowing you to adjust your handlebar height to ensure that you feel at ease on all your excursions. A great handlebar is one that is easy to grip, and it should allow you to walk with proper form (ask other parents for advice on this). It should also have a variety of storage options that can accommodate all the essentials you'll need for your children.
If your twins are close in age, you might consider a tandem stroller that works best for your family. The seats of these models are placed in a row, allowing you to be able to interact with both of them and keep an eye on them at the same time. They also recline separately which means that one child can sleep while the other is ready to go.
The drawback of twin strollers is that it can be wider than a single-occupant model and can make it difficult to maneuver around walkways, aisles for shopping and narrow doorways. For certain families, however the benefits are worth the extra effort and size.
If you are looking for a small double-stroller, then the UPPAbaby V2 Double is a good option. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double is an excellent choice for city dwellers due to its shock absorption, sleek design, and capacity to accommodate two infant car seats. It also has 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 basic model comes with lots of space for seating and storage, as well as heavy-duty wheels that manage any terrain. It also comes with a canopy with a 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and don't recline fully flat, which makes it difficult for little children to reach their food trays or relax.
Ease of Use
Double strollers are typically a large investment that you will use for many years. If you are looking for a double stroller, make sure that it is easy to use and clean. The top double strollers are designed to be user-friendly and include numerous features that are convenient.
For starters, all the strollers we tested folded easily and compactly (with one hand!). These strollers are lightweight and perfect for travel. A lot of them fit into most trunks and can be checked at the gate on planes. Most of our testers also discovered that their strollers could be folded down much smaller than single-seat versions. Some even had a carry strap.
The Valco Snap Duo trend is double stroller with many options that can adapt to the needs of your family. This side-by-side stroller can be used with infant car seats, bassinets, and other accessories, meaning you can use it from birth to preschool age. Each seat has a 5-point harness and a large canopy that gives ample shade from the sun.
The Joovy Twin Roo is another option that is highly regarded. It is light and extremely compact, measuring just 22 lbs and 26 inches in width when folded. The front seat reclines to a flat position and the back seat can be adjusted to suit every child. There's a large storage basket and a simple, one-step linked parking brake which makes this stroller simple to move and use.
The only negatives of the Joovy Twin Roo were minor and specific to this particular model. Kerry says that the packaging was enjoyable and clever, but that it came in five boxes which could be an inconvenience to carry around. She also felt that the Genuis magnetic buckle was a bit clunky and took some time to master. She was happy with the stroller at the end and would recommend it.
double buggy newborn come with a variety of sizes and shapes, from tandems with side-by-side doubles to tandem (single-file seating) styles, plus many allow you to customize your stroller with a bassinet, or car seat attachment. Some come with rider boards that can be added to accommodate older siblings. There are many different types of rider boards. Some are lightweight and easy to use, whereas others are heavy, bulky and difficult to fold.
If you're looking for a light double stroller, check out the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. 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 would want for a great day out with two children.
The Vista v2 Double from UPPAbaby is another model that our testers loved especially for its sleek design and ease of use. It can accommodate two infant car seats, a toddler seat and a bassinet. There are no adapters needed. The rear seat can also be removed to create a triple or quad stroller. It comes with a huge basket for storage and can be upgraded by adding an organizer for parents as well as all-terrain tires, as as storage bags for the sides.
Billingsley says that the most suitable double stroller to use for a toddler is one that offers numerous options for customization. This includes a seat or a bassinet that can be removed. Toddlers are often weak in endurance, and strollers that have a bassinet attached will provide a safe place for them to rest. The expert says that a double stroller must also have a comfortable harness and recline position, as well as ample storage space for snacks and toys.
The ZOE Twin+ is a popular choice for parents because of its light weight and the versatility. It's gate-check-friendly for airlines 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 added tandem seat. The nearly flat, independently reclined seats as well as the extra-long, adjustable sun canopies are other highlights. A spacious underseat basket and the inclusion of cup holders for both parents and children complete the impressive set of features. One downside, according to Taylor, is that it doesn't have an elongated footprint when folded and can be difficult to carry.