How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
There are many options available in the field of double strollers. To help you select the most suitable one for your family, we talked to the expert in child development and mom Katie Billingsley.
You should choose a stroller that is easy to fold, push and carry. Consider a model that can accommodate two infant car seats or a toddler and an adult rider board.
Safety
Find a double-stroller that comes with all-terrain tires and a brake that can be operated by hand if you want to keep the kids safe while walking. These wheels and brake help you navigate trails or sidewalks without your kids slipping or rolling away. The best double strollers have plenty of storage space for gear as well as kid-sized necessities like snacks and toys.
Choosing the right double stroller for your family starts by understanding how old and far apart in terms of age your children are. Most double strollers only accommodate one child seat. However, the ones that offer a variety of configurations that allow you to choose the seating that's best for your family.
Side-by-side doubles are a classic option, and they're great for children of similar ages who want to play with one another. Certain models feature a double-decker design, allowing you to put one of the seats above the other or attach an extra rider board for older siblings. Newborns can be tucked into an infant bassinet that is attached to the frame or in an independent attachment that gives you a peek-a-boo view of your baby. If you are expecting twins or have twins and want to have a twin stroller, it will be the best option.
Choose a stroller with two wheels that is capable of handling off-road terrain, and even hiking. A lot of these strollers were developed with active parents and their children in mind. They have features that will allow you to 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 feature thoughtful features that make navigating difficult terrain and weather more enjoyable. For instance, this jogging stroller includes a wrist loop for your child, so you're sure they're secure when running downhill or at speeds that are higher. It also comes with a full-coverage canopy that is ventilated to keep your children cool during summer heat.
This model is a compact and compact double stroller from Joovy. It weighs less than 23 pounds., making it ideal for air travel and storage in trunks or overhead compartments. It also has 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-byside models, while others, such as the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Dual Stroller can be used as a base for car seats, toddlers seats as well as bassinets. They are available in a variety of sizes and weights to accommodate children from newborns to kindergarten.
A quality double stroller should be a breeze to move and fold, while permitting you to adjust the handlebar's height to make sure you're able to walk comfortably throughout your excursions. A great handlebar is one that is easy to hold and should allow you to walk in a proper form (ask other parents for advice on this). It should also have a variety of storage options that accommodate all the essentials you'll need for your children.
If your twins are similar age, a tandem stroller could be the best choice for your family. These models have seats that are side-byside, which means you can interact with them both 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 drawback of a twin stroller is that it can be larger than a single-occupant model which makes it difficult to navigate walkways, aisles for shopping and narrow doors. But for certain families, the advantages are worth the extra size and effort.
If you're looking for an ultra-compact double stroller, the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double is a great choice. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double is an excellent choice for city dwellers due to its shock absorption capabilities, sleek 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.
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 robust wheels that can handle any terrain. It also has a canopy with 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. However, some parents feel that the seats are a little too low and can't recline to a completely flat position, which makes it difficult for small children to sit comfortably or reach their snack tray.
Simple to use
A double stroller can be a significant investment and one you're hoping to use for a long time. When you are shopping for one you need to make sure it will be easy to operate and clean. Fortunately, the best double strollers are designed to be as user-friendly as possible and come with plenty of features that are convenient for parents.
For starters, all the strollers we tested folded easily and compactly (with only one hand!). They are light and are ideal for traveling. A lot of them fit into most trunks and can be checked at the gate on planes. Furthermore, the majority our testers reported that their strollers folded to a smaller size than the single seat models, and some even came with the option of carrying a strap for carrying.
The Valco Snap Duo trend is a double stroller with lots of options that can grow with 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 until the age of preschool. Each seat comes with five-point harnesses with a large canopy, as well as ample sun protection.
The Joovy Twin Roo is another option that is highly regarded. The stroller is light and incredibly compact, measuring just 22 pounds and 26 inches wide when it's folded. The front seat reclines almost to a full flat position and the back seat comes with an adjustable recline for every child. The stroller is simple to use and maneuver thanks to its large storage basket, easy one-step parking brake, and large storage basket.
The only negatives of the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to the 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. She also found the Genuis magnetic clasp to be a bit clunky and it took her some time before she could get it to work. She was pleased with the stroller in the end and would recommend it.
Stores
Strollers come with a variety of sizes and shapes, from tandem doubles that are side-by-side to (single-file seating) styles, and a lot allow you to customize your setup by adding a bassinet or a car seat attachment. Some have rider boards which can be added for older siblings. They're not all created equal. Some are light and easy to use, while others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold.
If you are looking for a lightweight stroller that can hold two kids, the Joovy Caboose Graphite is a great option. It was the lightest option during our tests. It weighs close to 23 pounds. It is also easy to fold, but it still has all of the features parents require for a fun outing with two children.
The Vista v2 double by UPPAbaby is another model that our test subjects loved. They especially liked its sleek design and user-friendly. It can fit two infant car seats or a toddler's bassinet as well as a seat without the need for adapters. Its rear seat can be removed to turn it into a quad or triple stroller. It comes with a large storage basket that can be upgraded to include a parent organizer wheel, all-terrain wheels, as well as side storage bags.
Billingsley says that the most suitable double stroller for a toddler is one that has various options for customization. This includes a seat or a bassinet that can be removed. Toddlers can be limited in their endurance and a stroller that has a bassinet attached will provide a safe place for them to nap. She suggests that a double stroller should come with a sturdy harness system and recline positions, and plenty of storage space for toys and snacks.
The ZOE Twin+ is a popular choice among parents because of its light weight and the versatility. It's airline gate-check-friendly, fits through most doors (without removing the front wheels) and expands into a quad or triple stroller with an add-on tandem seat. The nearly flat, independently reclined seats and the extra-long, adjustable sun canopies are just a few of the highlights. A large underseat basket as well as cup holders for the child and parent complete the impressive set of features. Taylor says that the only drawback is that it has the largest footprint when folded, and it can be difficult for parents to store.